hen I tell you
that all I lived for exists to me no longer,--the love I sought refused
me, my dearest ambition thwarted,--you will not think that a selfish
desire for life prompts me now; but a solemn oath to obey the slightest
command of that man,--sworn before my sovereign,--binds me, and I must
not break it."

"Away, away! I hear voices at the gate below," cried the other.

"Adieu! adieu forever," said De Beauvais, as he kissed my cheek, and
sprang through a small doorway in the wainscot which closed after him as
he went.

"Now for our movements," said the large man, unhooking a cloak that hung
against the wall. "You must tie my hands with this cord in such a way
that, although seemingly secure, I can free myself at a moment; place me
on a horse, a fast one too, beside you; and order your troopers to ride
in front and rear of us. When we reach the Bois de Boulogne, leave the
Avenue des Chasseurs and turn towards St. Cloud. _Tonnerre de del_,
they're firing yonder!" An irregular discharge of small arms, followed
by a wild cheer, rang out above the sound of the storm. "Again! did
you hear that? there are the carbines of cavalry; I know their ring.
Accursed dogs, that would not do my bidding!" cried he, stamping with
passion on the ground, while, throwing off his blouse, he stuck his
pistols in a belt around his waist, and prepared for mortal combat.

Meanwhile pistol-shots, mingled with savage shouts and wild hurrahs,
were heard approaching nearer and nearer; and at length a loud knocking
at the front door, with a cry of "They 're here! they 're here!"

The large man, now fully armed, and with his drawn sword in his hand,
unlocked the door. The passage without was full of armed peasants,
silent and watchful for his commands. A few words in the former patois
seemed sufficient to convey them, and their answer was a cheer that made
the walls ring.

The chief moved rapidly from place to place through the crowds, who at
his bidding broke into parties: some of them occupied doorways which
enfiladed the hall; others knelt down to suffer some to fire above their
heads; here were two posted, armed with hatchets, at the very entrance
itself; and six of the most determined-looking were to dispute the
passage with their muskets. Such was the disposition of the force, when
suddenly the light was extinguished, and all left in utter darkness.
The deep breathing of their anxious breasts alone marked their presence;
when without