g to listen to me," he remarked, after a few
moment's silence, "we should have remained in the village where the
coach stopped. There we could have awaited a more propitious opportunity
to reach our journey's end."

"I was too eager to reach the city. It seems to me that, in approaching
Paris, I am nearing Philip and Antoinette. If they are still living, we
shall certainly find them in Paris."

"Oh! they are living; I am sure of it; but is it not likely that they
have emigrated? In that case, why should we remain in a city that is so
full of danger for us?"

"We can lead a quiet and retired life there! No one will know us and we
shall have better facilities for obtaining news in Paris than in a
village. My heart tells me that we are not far from our friends."

"God grant it, my child," responded Coursegol; "and if, as I hope,
Bridoul has not forgotten his friend of former days, we shall soon be
safe in his house."

"Are you not sure of his friendship?" inquired Dolores, anxiously.

"Can we place implicit confidence in any one as times are now?" returned
Coursegol. "Bridoul was my comrade in the army. He loved me, and he was
devoted to Monsieur Philip, our captain. But to-day the remembrance of
such a friendship is a crime. It must be forgotten; and fear sometimes
renders the bravest hearts cowardly and timorous. Still, I do not
believe Bridoul has changed. But we shall soon know. Now, let us go on,
my dear daughter, and show no anxiety if they question us at the gate."

"Have no fear, father," replied Dolores, with a smile.

Coursegol picked up his valise, and boldly approached the gate. Dolores
followed him, striving to quiet the throbbings of her heart; she was
more troubled in mind now than she had been during the whole of the long
journey. As they were passing through the gateway, a sentinel stopped
them and made them enter a small house occupied by the detachment of the
National Guard, which was deputized to watch over the safety of Paris
from this point. The post was commanded by a young lieutenant, a mere
boy with a beardless face. On seeing a beautiful girl enter, followed by
an aged man, he rose, and turning to his soldiers:

"What is the meaning of this?" he inquired.

"I wish to enter the city, lieutenant," volunteered Coursegol, without
waiting to be questioned.

"Enter Paris! You have chosen a nice time! There are many people in it
who would be only too glad to make their escape. Who is this cit