plied the provisions for the toilet.

"Lie down there and take a sleep, Jasper, for I have no supper for you,"
said Gabriac; but his voice had a touch of compassionate gentleness in
it which I heard for the first time.

"And you, sir," said I, "have you no bed?"

"I have no need of one. I have occupation that will not admit of sleep,"
said he. "And now, boy, once for all, never question me, nor ask the
reasons of what may seem strange or odd to you. Your own faculties
must explain whatever requires explaining--or else you must remain in
ignorance;" and with these words he passed into an inner chamber, from
which he speedily issued forth to descend the stairs into the street,
leaving me alone to my slumbers. And they were heavy and dreamless ones,
for I was thoroughly wearied and worn out by the road.

I was still asleep, and so soundly that I resisted all efforts to awake
me till a strong shake effectually succeeded, and, on looking up, I saw
Gabriac standing by my side.

"Get up, boy, and dress. These are your clothes," said he, pointing to
a uniform of dark green and black, with a sword-belt of black leather,
from which hung a short, broad-bladed weapon. The dress was without any
richness, still a becoming one, and I put it on without reluctance.

"Am I to be a soldier, then?" asked I, in half shame at disobeying his
injunction of the night before.

"All Paris, all France, is arrayed at one side or the other just now,
Jasper," said he, as he busied himself in the preparation of our coffee.
"The men who have ruled the nation by the guillotine have exhausted
its patience at last. A spirit, if not of resistance, of at least
self-defence, has arisen, and the little that remains of birth and blood
amongst us has associated with the remnant of property to crush the
hell-hounds that live by carnage. One of these bands is called the
battalion of 'La Jeunesse Doree,' and into this I have obtained your
admission. Meanwhile, you will be attached to the staff of General
Danitan, who will employ you in the 'secretariat' of his command.
Remember, boy, your tale is, you are the son of parents that have died
on the scaffold. You are the nephew of Emile de Gabriac, brother of
Jules Louis de Gabriac, your father, whom you cannot remember. Your life
in Switzerland you can speak of with safety. You will not talk of these
matters save to the General, and to him only if questioned about them."

"But is this disguise necessary, sir?