randol and
Citoyen Coursegol, that they were altogether innocent of any crime
whatever against the Republic, and ordered them to be set at liberty
immediately.

A subdued murmur followed the reading of this surprising paper, but,
though the mob was dissatisfied and disappointed, no one dare dispute
the command of the formidable and dreaded Dictator!

Bridoul folded the precious document and placed it in his pocket; then
he turned to the assistant who was supporting Dolores and ordered him to
deliver his charge to Robespierre's clerks; the man at once obeyed.

Bridoul then came down from the platform and went to Coursegol. The
latter began at once to question him.

"Hush!" said he. "Not a word now! I will explain all in time! For the
present the girl and yourself are safe! That must suffice you! Come with
me!"

A carriage was waiting a few paces away. Bridoul led Coursegol to it and
thither also Dolores was borne by the two clerks, who, after placing her
on a seat, bowed respectfully to Bridoul and departed.

"We are going to my house," said Bridoul, as the vehicle started off at
the top of its horses' speed, the crowd leaving it an open passage.

Dolores revived and opened her eyes just as they reached the wine-shop.

CHAPTER XVI.

IN THE CHEVREUSE VALLEY.

The first thing Dolores saw was the kindly face of Cornelia Bridoul, who
was bending over her with tears of joy in her eyes. The good woman had
been waiting at the door of the "Bonnet Rouge" and had sprang into the
carriage the moment it stopped. Dolores was still very faint and utterly
bewildered. She glanced at Cornelia, at Bridoul and then at Coursegol.
Then she swooned again. Taking her in his arms, the wine-shop keeper
carried her to the chamber she had formerly occupied, where he placed
her upon the bed, leaving his wife to bestow such care on her as in her
weak condition she might require. This done, he repaired to the back
shop, where, by his direction, Coursegol had preceded him.

"You want to know what all this means and how it was accomplished," said
he, as he entered the room and carefully closed the door behind him. "I
am now ready to tell you. But first you must have something to
strengthen you, for you have just passed through a trial sufficient to
break down even Hercules himself."

As he spoke he took a flask of brandy from a closet and filled glasses
for his companion and himself. After they had drunk the liquor and
seated the