then the head of his comrade rose to the
surface of the river and sank immediately. Farther still he again
perceived a hand, a single hand, which issued from the stream and then
disappear. That was all.

The bargemen who dragged the river did not find the body that day.

Luc set out alone for the barracks, going at a run, his soul filled
with despair. He told of the accident, with tears in his eyes, and a
husky voice, blowing his nose again and again: "He leaned over--he--he
leaned over--so far--so far that his head turned a somersault;
and--and--so he fell--he fell--"

Choked with emotion, he could say no more. If he had only known!

GHOSTS

Just at the time when the Concordat was in its most flourishing
condition, a young man belonging to a wealthy and highly respectable
middle-class family went to the office of the head of the police at
P----, and begged for his help and advice, which was immediately
promised him.

"My father threatens to disinherit me," the young man began, "although
I have never offended against the laws of the State, of morality, or
against his paternal authority, merely because I do not share his blind
reverence for the Catholic Church and her clergy. On that account he
looks upon me, not merely as Latitudinarian but as a perfect Atheist,
and a faithful old manservant of ours, who is much attached to me, and
who accidentally saw my father's will, told me in confidence that he
had left all his property to the Jesuits. I think this is highly
suspicious, and I fear that the priests have been maligning me to my
father. Until less than a year ago, we used to live very quietly and
happily together, but ever since he has had so much to do with the
clergy, our domestic peace and happiness are at an end."

"What you have told me," replied the official, "is as likely as it is
regrettable, but I fail to see how I can interfere in the matter. Your
father is in full possession of all his mental faculties, and can
dispose of all his property exactly as he pleases. I think that your
protest is premature; you must wait until his will can legally take
effect, and then you can invoke the aid of justice. I am sorry to say
that just now I can do nothing for you."

"I think you will be able to," the young man replied; "for I believe
that a very clever piece of deceit is being carried on."

"How? Please explain yourself more clearly."

"When I remonstrated with him, yesterday evening, he referred to my