athway of Vauquelas just as the latter had
arrived at the conclusion that further speculation in assignats would be
extremely hazardous, and just as he was looking about him for some
reliable man who would join him in enterprises of a different and much
safer nature. In those perilous times it was hard to find a person in
whom one could implicitly confide. Denunciation, that fatal weapon that
lay within the reach of every hand, was frequently made the instrument
of personal vengeance. No one was beyond its reach; and Vauquelas was
not disposed to reveal his plans to a man who would be likely to betray
them or him.

It was about eight o'clock when the two men left the Cafe and the
Palais Egalite, and entered one of the cabriolets that stood before the
theatre, a few steps below.

In about twenty minutes, the carriage stopped not far from the
Folies-Bergeres. When the driver had been paid and dismissed, Vauquelas
and Coursegol traversed the unoccupied ground that lay between the Rue
du Roule and the Champs-Elysees. The place was dark and deserted. A few
houses, surrounded by gardens, skirted the street. Superb residences
have since been erected there and Boulevards have been opened; but at
the time of which we write this Faubourg resembled a street in a quiet
country village. It was here that Vauquelas lived. As the two men were
approaching the house by a path shaded with lindens, pruned into the
same uniformity as those at Versailles, an enormous dog sprang out upon
them, barking ferociously. With a word, Vauquelas quieted him; then,
turning to Coursegol, he said, smiling:

"This is the guardian of my dwelling. If need be, he can hold a band of
robbers at bay."

They reached the house and were admitted by the old servant, who
conducted them to the drawing-room.

"Give me a lantern and then go to bed, my good woman," said Vauquelas.

She disappeared, but soon returned, bearing in one hand a double
candlestick which she placed upon a table, and in the other the lantern
for which her master had called.

"Follow me," said Coursegol's host.

Coursegol obeyed. They left the drawing-room, passed through several
small and shabbily furnished apartments, and at last entered a small
passage. Vauquelas opened a door and Coursegol saw a narrow stairway
winding down into the cellar.

"This is my wine-cellar and it is well stocked," said Vauquelas, with a
smile.

He spoke only the simple truth. Countless casks ranged along