ut was raised, which seemed like acclamations
of joy and was reiterated by the crowds surrounding the house. Then all
was still; and after a while a deep voice exclaimed: 'He must come out
the assassin, on this spot he shall be torn to pieces!' 'Merciful God,'
cried the hermit from the ground, where he still lay, 'that is the
terrible Catinat, who knows no compassion!'--after a few words
exchanged among them, the high and almost hoarse voice of the youth was
heard. 'Silence all,' cried he vehemently: nothing more could be
distinguished, for a confused murmur arose. The child glancing from
under her dishevelled fair long tresses, said: 'Observe, my little
David will yet save that great Goliath there.' The crowds without drew
themselves up and marched away, the youth returned again by the
garden-door, much heated and nearly breathless; he approached, the
hermit still lying prostrate, fixed his eyes upon him, then caught him
by the breast and said, 'rise up, God has again spared you to-day, you
are safe, return to the town or to your own house:' He then turned to
the huntsman, whispered something in his ear, whereupon the latter
suddenly fell terrified upon his knees and exclaimed, 'Mercy!' 'Be
silent!' said the young miller hastily. The priest looked as if he
could have embraced the knees of the wonderful youth, who now turned to
the master of the house, and said, in gentle tones: 'my honoured host,
I consider myself fortunate in having been able to protect you; there
were certainly a few Camisards, but the crowd was principally composed
of a number of drunken millers-men from my part of the country, who had
met with some other rough, intoxicated fellows. It was lucky, that I
was known to some of them, in consequence of which, the small number of
Camisards also suffered themselves to be pacified. It seems that they
assembled more for pleasure than for any wicked purpose. Receive my
thanks for your noble hospitality, worthy and honoured man.' He bowed,
the old Lord seemed as if he wished to embrace him, but the opportunity
was lost in irresolution and the stranger was already at the door.

"Farewell David!" exclaimed the child. He looked back once more with a
serious and enquiring expression, raised his hand and eyes as if
invoking a blessing, and then quitted the hall.

Those who remained behind, looked at one another as if they had
witnessed the performance of a miracle. The first light of morning
already dawned, and th