their beds; but every fisherman rushed
from his hut upon the shore. Christophe and Placide were galloping to
Pongaudin almost before they had drawn a breath. Every beast stirred in
its lair; and every bird rustled in its roost. Rapid, however, as was
the spread of sound, it was too late to save L'Ouverture.

L'Ouverture himself had but a few moments of uncertainty to endure. In
the midst of earnest conversation, suspicious sounds were heard. The
two Frenchmen rushed to the door of the library, and Monsieur Pascal to
the balcony. Monsieur Pascal re-entered in an instant, saying--

"The house is surrounded--the lawn is crowded. Make no resistance, and
they may spare your life."

"Hark! The bell! There is hope," said Toussaint. "No resistance! but
let us gain time."

The door was burst open, and with General Brunet entered a personage
whom he introduced as Admiral Ferrari, followed by a file of grenadiers.

"What can be your errand at this hour?" asked Toussaint.

"I have orders from the Captain-General to arrest you," replied Admiral
Ferrari. "Your guards are disarmed and bound. Our troops are
everywhere. You are dead if you resist. Deliver up your sword!"

"I shall not resist such a force as you have thought it necessary to
bring against me," replied Toussaint, handing his sword to the admiral.
"Am I to be a prisoner here, in my own house?"

"No, indeed! I have orders to convey you and your family to Cap
Francais. No delay! To the boats this moment! You will find your
family on board the frigate, or on the way to it."

"Do what you will with me; but Madame L'Ouverture is in weak health.
Suffer her and my children to remain at home."

"Lose no more time. General. March! or we must carry you."

Voices of lamentation and of passion were heard in the corridor, which
quickened L'Ouverture's movements more than threats or insults could
have done. He left the library, and found the ladies of the household
in the corridor--Margot weeping and trembling, and Genifrede addressing
Monsieur Coasson in a tone of high anger.

"You here! Monsieur Coasson!" said Toussaint; "and availing yourself
once more of the weakness and woes of women, I perceive."

"I came as guide," replied Monsieur Coasson. "The admiral and his
troops needed some one to show them the way; and, as you are aware, I
was qualified to do so. I have always felt, too, that I had a sort of
appointment to fulfil with this young lady.