and then nothing but a slight eddy was to be seen on the
surface of the stream.

Almost immediately comrades Dagobert and Varambille, with the help of
the seven hundred disguised Pyrotists, sent Prince des Boscenos head
foremost into a river-laundry in which he was lamentably swallowed up.

Serene night descended over the Place du Palais and shed silence and
peace upon the frightful ruins with which it was strewed. In the mean
time, Colomban, three thousand yards down the stream, cowering beside
a lame old horse on a bridge, was meditating on the ignorance and
injustice of crowds.

"The business," said he to himself, "is even more troublesome than I
believed. I foresee fresh difficulties."

He got up and approached the unhappy animal.

"What have you, poor friend, done to them?" said he. "It is on my
account they have used you so cruelly."

He embraced the unfortunate beast and kissed the white star on his
forehead. Then he took him by the bridle and led him, both of them
limping, trough the sleeping city to his house, where sleep soon allowed
them to forget mankind.

IX. FATHER DOUILLARD

In their infinite gentleness and at the suggestion of the common father
of the faithful, the bishops, canons, vicars, curates, abbots, and
friars of Penguinia resolved to hold a solemn service in the cathedral
of Alca, and to pray that Divine mercy would deign to put an end to the
troubles that distracted one of the noblest countries in Christendom,
and grant to repentant Penguinia pardon for its crimes against God and
the ministers of religion.

The ceremony took place on the fifteenth of June. General Caraguel,
surrounded by his staff, occupied the churchwarden's pew. The
congregation was numerous and brilliant. According to M. Bigourd's
expression it was both crowded and select. In the front rank was to be
seen M. de la Bertheoseille, Chamberlain to his Highness Prince Crucho.
Near the pulpit, which was to be ascended by the Reverend Father
Douillard, of the Order of St. Francis, were gathered, in an attitude of
attention with their hands crossed upon their wands of office, the great
dignitaries of the Anti-Pyrotist association, Viscount Olive, M. de
La Trumelle, Count Clena, the Duke d'Ampoule, and Prince des Boscenos.
Father Agaric was in the apse with the teachers and pupils of St. Mael
College. The right-hand transept and aisle were reserved for officers
and soldiers in uniform, this side being thought the more