riest was here, the poultice has taken admirably. The
skin is quite reddened. I am sure she feels it."

"God grant that she does, sister!"

"Oh, I have already been praying! But it is important not to leave her
alone a minute. I have arranged all with the servant. After the doctor
has been, I shall lie down, and she will watch until one in the morning.
I will then take her place and--"

"You shall both go to bed, sister," interrupted Noel, sadly. "It is I,
who could not sleep a wink, who will watch through this night."

CHAPTER XIV.

Old Tabaret did not consider himself defeated, because he had been
repulsed by the investigating magistrate, already irritated by a long
day's examination. You may call it a fault, or an accomplishment; but
the old man was more obstinate than a mule. To the excess of despair to
which he succumbed in the passage outside the magistrate's office, there
soon succeeded that firm resolution which is the enthusiasm called forth
by danger. The feeling of duty got the upper hand. Was it a time to
yield to unworthy despair, when the life of a fellow-man depended on
each minute? Inaction would be unpardonable. He had plunged an innocent
man into the abyss; and he must draw him out, he alone, if no one would
help him. Old Tabaret, as well as the magistrate, was greatly fatigued.
On reaching the open air, he perceived that he, too, was in want of
food. The emotions of the day had prevented him from feeling hungry;
and, since the previous evening, he had not even taken a glass of water.
He entered a restaurant on the Boulevard, and ordered dinner.

While eating, not only his courage, but also his confidence came
insensibly back to him. It was with him, as with the rest of mankind;
who knows how much one's ideas may change, from the beginning to the
end of a repast, be it ever so modest! A philosopher has plainly
demonstrated that heroism is but an affair of the stomach.

The old fellow looked at the situation in a much less sombre light. He
had plenty of time before him! A clever man could accomplish a great
deal in a month! Would his usual penetration fail him now? Certainly
not. His great regret was, his inability to let Albert know that some
one was working for him.

He was entirely another man, as he rose from the table; and it was with
a sprightly step that he walked towards the Rue St. Lazare. Nine o'clock
struck as the concierge opened the door for him. He went at once up to
the fourt