in wait to massacre any individual who
might resist the one detached from the band to demand the traveler's money
or his life. These outrages ceased for a short time, but they soon
recommenced, and the robbers remained undiscovered.

One evening, about an hour after sunset, a guest arrived at the chateau.
He was one of Count du Saillant's most intimate friends, and was on his
way home from a neighboring fair. This gentleman appeared to be very
thoughtful, and spoke but little, which surprised every body, inasmuch as
he was usually a merry companion. His gasconades had frequently roused
Mirabeau from his reveries, and of this he was not a little proud. He had
not the reputation of being particularly courageous, however, though he
often told glowing tales about his own exploits; and it must be admitted
that he took the roars of laughter with which they were usually received
very good-humoredly.

Count du Saillant being much surprised at this sudden change in his
friend's manner, took him aside after supper, and begged that he would
accompany him to another room. When they were there alone, he tried in
vain for a long time to obtain a satisfactory answer to his anxious
inquiries as to the cause of his friend's unwonted melancholy and
taciturnity. At length the visitor said--"Nay, nay; you would never believe
it. You would declare that I was telling you one of my fables, as you are
pleased to call them; and perhaps _this_ time we might fall out."

"What do you mean?" cried Count de Saillant; "this seems to be a serious
affair. Am _I_, then, connected with your presentiments?"

"Not exactly _you_; but--"

"What does this _but_ mean? Has it any thing to do with my wife? Explain
yourself."

"Not the least in the world. Madame du Saillant is in nowise concerned in
the matter: but--"

"_But!_--_but!_ you tire me out with your _buts_. Are you resolved still to
worry me with your mysteries? Tell me at once what has occurred--what has
happened to you?"

"Oh, nothing--nothing at all. No doubt I was frightened."

"Frightened!--and at what? By whom? For God's sake, my dear friend, do not
prolong this painful state of uncertainty."

"Do you really wish me to speak out?"

"Not only so, but I demand this of you as an act of friendship."

"Well, I was stopped to-night at about the distance of half a league from
your chateau."

"Stopped! In what way? By whom?"

"Why, stopped as people are stopped by footpads. A gun was lev