saw a vast number of people emerging from the various
streets into a broad space called the Place, a short distance below me.
From their movements they appeared highly excited, for loud cries and
shouts reached my ears. The greater number were armed, either with
muskets, pikes, scythes, swords, or other weapons. As I was curious to
know what they were about, I hastened down, and made my way along the
street leading to the Place. I had no fear of going among the people,
for I did not suppose that they would interfere with me. Many of those
I passed were of respectable appearance, and as I got into the Place I
inquired of one of them what they were about to do.

"They have just tried and condemned to death one of our principal
citizens, Monsieur Planterre, who has always proved himself one of their
best friends," was the reply.

"Monsieur Planterre!" I exclaimed. "Where is he?"

My friend was pointed out to me, in the midst of a band of ruffians, who
were dragging him forward, shouting, "_A la lanterne! a la lanterne_!"

Seized with an impulse I could not control, to preserve, if I could, the
life of my kind host, I dashed forward through the crowd. The people
made way for me, until I reached his side.

"Good people of Vernon, what are you about to do?" I exclaimed. "I
hear every one speaking in favour of Monsieur Planterre, and yet you
threaten him with instant death."

My friend, whilst I was speaking, stood pale and trembling; the rope was
round his neck, and the ruffians had hold of the end, as if eager to
strangle him.

"What has he done to outweigh his kind deeds?" I asked.

No answer was vouchsafed, the mob only shouting the louder, "_A la
lanterne! a la lanterne_!"

"Who are you, young stranger? Be off with you, or you shall share his
fate," cried out a big ruffian; and many of them pressing on, shoved me
aside, endeavouring to separate me from their intended victim.

I saw that it was a moment for action,--that should I exhibit the
slightest hesitation the life of a worthy man would be sacrificed; and,
regardless of the danger I myself ran from the fury of the excited
crowd, again dashing forward, I succeeded in reaching Monsieur
Planterre, round whom I threw my arms, and held him fast.

"You shall not injure him. Back, all of you!" I shouted. "I will not
allow you to destroy an honest man. There must be some mistake. You
are not executioners, you are assassins, and are about to commi