raid to go out, lest the steward might
arrive during his absence. At length his guide appeared.

"I have been detained longer than I expected," said Maitre Leroux; "but
monsieur will pardon me. We have still time to see much of the city."

They set out, and during their walk visited many places of interest, of
which the steward gave the history to the young Scotchman.

"Your Paris buildings surpass those of our bonny Edinburgh in size and
number, I must confess," remarked Nigel; "but still we have our
Holyrood, and our castle, and the situation of our city is unrivalled, I
am led to believe, by that of any other in the world."

"As I have not seen your city I am unable to dispute the point,"
answered the steward. "Would you like to visit one of our courts of
justice? Though not open to the public, I may be able to gain
admittance, and I am deeply interested in the case, albeit it would be
wise not to show that, and having a stranger with me will be a
sufficient excuse."

"Under those circumstances I will gladly accompany you," said Nigel.

They soon reached the portals of a large building, through which, after
some hesitation on the part of the guards, the steward and his companion
were admitted. Nigel observed that Maitre Leroux slipped some money
into the hands of two or three people, this silver key evidently having
its usual power of opening doors otherwise closed. Going through a side
door they reached a large hall, crowded with persons. Among those
seated were numerous ecclesiastics, a judge in his robes, and lawyers
and their clerks; while a strong body of men-at-arms were guarding a
party of some fifty or sixty persons, who, from their position and
attitudes, were evidently prisoners. They were men of different ranks;
several, from their costume, being gentlemen, and others citizens and
artisans. There were a few women among them also. All looked deadly
pale, but their countenances exhibited firmness and determination.

"Of what crime have these people been guilty?" asked Nigel.

"Of a fearful one in the eyes of their judges," answered Maitre Leroux.
"They have been worshipping God according to the dictates of their
consciences, and were found assembled together in a house at Meaux,
listening to the gospel of the mild and loving Saviour. They have
already been put to the torture to compel them to recant and betray
their associates, but it has not produced the desired effect. In vain
their adv