nd Florian was more appalling still.

"Monsieur le Comte de Cazeneau," said Florian, "I have the honor to
present you with this commission, by which you will see that I am
reappointcd commandant of Louisbourg. I also have the honor to state
that I hold a warrant for your arrest, on certain charges specified
therein, and for sending you back to France for trial in the Vengeur,
on her return voyage."

Cazeneau listened to this with a pallid face.

"Impossible!" he faltered.

"It's quite true," said De Brisset; "I also have orders to the same
effect, which I have already shown to Monsieur le Commandant Florian.
There is no possibility of any mistake, or of any resistance. You
will therefore do well to submit."

Cazeneau had remained seated in the attitude which he had taken up,
when he expected to receive the respectful greeting of his
subordinate. The news was so sudden, and so appalling, that he
remained motionless. He sat staring, like one suddenly petrified. He
turned his eyes from one to another, but in all those faces he saw
nothing to reassure him. All were hostile except Pere Michel, who
alone looked at him without hate. The priest showed the same mild
serenity which had always distinguished him. He seemed like one who
had overcome the world, who had conquered worldly ambition and
worldly passion, and had passed beyond the reach of revenge.

Cazeneau saw this. He rose from his seat, and fell at the feet of
Pere Michel.

"Pardon," he faltered; "Comte de Montresor, do not pursue a fallen
man with your vengeance."

At this unexpected exhibition, all present looked with scorn. They
had known Cazeneau to be cruel and unscrupulous; they had not
suspected that he was cowardly as well. Pere Michel also preserved an
unchanged demeanor.

"You are mistaken, Cazeneau," he said. "I feel no desire for
vengeance. I seek none. Moreover, I have no influence or authority.
You must direct your prayers elsewhere."

Upon this the wretched man turned to Florian.

"Come, come," said Florian, impatiently. "This will never do. Rise,
monsieur. Remember that you are a Frenchman. Bear up like a man. For
my part, I can do nothing for you, and have to obey orders."

Cazeneau's break down was utter, and effectually destroyed all
sympathy. His present weakness was compared with his late
vindictiveness, and he who had just refused mercy to others could
hardly gain pity on himself. He only succeeded in utterly disgracing
himself, w