irst," replied Bayou.

"Do you stay for that purpose, then, and look to our horses. I will
learn what the Governor's orders are, and come here for you presently."
And Papalier was gone.

When Bayou turned to listen again, Odeluc was saying--

"Impossible! incredible! Gallifet's force risen! Not they? They would
be firm if the world were crushed flat. Why, they love me as if I were
their father!"

"Nevertheless, sir, you owe your safety to being my guest," said the
landlord, with a bow as polite as on the most festive occasion. "I am
happy that my roof should--"

"Who brought this report?" cried Odeluc. "Who can give news of
Gallifet's negroes?" And he looked among the black faces which were
clustered behind the landlord. No one spoke thence; but a voice from
the piazza said--

"Gallifet's force has risen. The canes are all on fire."

"I will bring them to their senses," said Odeluc, with sudden quietness.
"I have power over them. The Governor will give me a handful of men
from the town guard, and we shall set things straight before morning.
The poor fellows have been carried away, while I was not there to stand
by them--but making speeches here, like a holiday fool! I will bring
them to their senses presently. Make way, friends--make way."

And Odeluc stepped out among the blacks on the piazza, that being the
shortest way to Government-House.

"I hope he is not too confident," whispered a town deputy to a friend
from the south. "But this is bad news. Gallifet's plantation is the
largest in the plain, and only eight miles off."

A sort of scream, a cry of horror, from one who stood close by, stopped
the deputy.

"Boirien! what is the matter?" cried a deputy, as Boirien hid his face
with his arms upon the table, and a strong shudder shook his whole
frame.

"Do not speak to him! I will tell you," said another. "Oh, this is
horrible! They have murdered his brother-in-law on Flaville's estate,
and carried off his sister and her three daughters into the woods.
Something must be done directly. Boirien, my poor fellow, I am going to
the Governor. Soldiers shall be sent to bring your sister into the
town. We shall have her here before morning; and you must bring her and
her family to my house."

No one could endure to stay and hear more. Some went to learn elsewhere
the fate of those in whom they were interested. Some went to offer
their services to the Governor; some to barricade their ow