instructions had been carefully carried out, gave orders to MM. de
L'Estrade, Barnier, Joseph Martin, Eusebe, the major of the Swiss
regiment, and several other officers, along with ten picked men, to
repair to the house of one Alison, a silk merchant, this house having
been specially pointed out by the prisoner. This they did, but seeing
the door open, they had little hope of finding the chiefs of a conspiracy
in a place so badly guarded; nevertheless, determined to obey their
instructions, they glided softly into the hall. In a few moments, during
which silence and darkness reigned, they heard people speaking rather
loudly in an adjoining room, and by listening intently they caught the
following words: "It is quite sure that in less than three weeks the king
will be no longer master of Dauphine, Vivarais, and Languedoc. I am
being sought for everywhere, and here I am in Nimes, with nothing to
fear."

It was now quite clear to the listeners that close at hand were some at
least of those for whom they were looking. They ran to the door, which
was ajar, and entered the room, sword in hand. They found Ravanel,
Jonquet, and Villas talking together, one sitting on a table, another
standing on the hearth, and the third lolling on a bed.

Jonquet was a young man from Sainte-Chatte, highly thought of among the
Camisards. He had been, it may be remembered, one of Cavalier's
principal officers. Villas was the son of a doctor in Saint-Hippolyte;
he was still young, though he had seen ten years' service, having been
cornet in England in the Galloway regiment. As to Ravanel, he is
sufficiently known to our readers to make any words of introduction
unnecessary.

De l'Estrade threw himself on the nearest of the three, and, without
using his sword, struck him with his fist. Ravanel (for it was he) being
half stunned, fell back a step and asked the reason of this violent
assault; while Barnier exclaimed, "Hold him fast, M. de l'Estrade; it is
Ravanel!" "Well, yes, I am Ravanel," said the Camisard, "but that is no
reason for making so much noise." As he said these words he made an
attempt to reach his weapons, but de l'Estrade and Barnier prevented him
by throwing themselves on him, and succeeded in knocking him down after a
fierce struggle. While, this was going on, his two companions were
secured, and the three were removed to the fort, where their guard never
left them night or day.

The Marquis of Sandricourt immedi