id the Lord of Beauvais, "to
wonder at this extraordinary rencontre."

"The hour presses indeed," cried Vila, "we have yet a long way before
us and we must take advantage of the night."

"Here is the concealed closet still unconsumed," cried the Counsellor
of Parliament, "just as I had supposed." He took a key, opened and held
a light into it, among various articles, which were kept there, he
found the picture in a little casket. He gazed upon it with tears, and
was going to attach it to his person, when Lacoste seized his hand and
said: "Only one moment, for the sake of former acquaintance and
friendship: suffer this face after so many years to blossom once again
in my desolate heart."

The father gave it to him trembling; Lacoste held it close to the light
and gazed fixedly on it with his widely opened grey eyes; a tear
unconsciously escaped him, he imprinted a kiss on the portrait and
returned it to the Counsellor. "See, see," said he to himself, "every
man remains still a fool, let him behave as he will. If they can feel
and imagine as much over their relics, as I at this moment feel, then
the unfortunate ones are not so entirely in error."

"Roland is stationed in the neighbourhood with his troops; a few of us
may conduct your dear father, as far as you wish, so that at least our
party does not harm you."

"Prudently spoken," said Lacoste, "for we are, with permission, very
outrageous people."

The Counsellor of Parliament re-ascended the carriage with his friend,
saying: "We are now indeed so far on our road, that the usual
precaution becomes superfluous. Let us only be careful, that our friend
Vila meets with no misfortune on our account." "Were my son only
reasonable," said the latter, "they might do what they liked with me,
old, half dead and worn out sinner; to die is almost a diversion to be
sought for, to that have the ruling lords pushed affairs."

They drove off, and Edmond and Lacoste followed on horseback, in order
to accompany them to Roland's troop.

CHAPTER V.

When the night was nearly elapsed and that Roland had long with-drawn
with his troop into the distance, the little escorting band of
Camisards was suddenly surprised, out of an ambush, by a considerable
multitude of royalists. It was in the direction of Florac, where Vila
with his friend had intended to seek a place of refuge, which he deemed
safe. The confusion was general, and it seemed, that