at
least such we guessed to be the little building from whose windows there
gleamed the bright glare of a cheerful fire.

The door lay open into a little hall, from which two doors led
into different chambers. Over one of these was marked in chalk
"quartier-general," in imitation of the title assigned to a general's
quarters, and this the soldiers pronounced must belong to the corporal.
I opened it accordingly and entered. The room was small and neatly
furnished, and with the blazing wood upon the hearth, looked most
comfortable and inviting.

"Yes, we are all right here; I know his helmet,--this is it," said the
dragoon. "So here we must leave you. You'll tell the good father it was
two troopers of the Fourth who carried him hither, won't ye? Ay, and say
Auguste Prevot was one of them; he 'll know the name,--he nursed me in a
fever I had in Italy."

"I wish he were able to give me his blessing again," said the other; "I
had it before that affair at Brescia, and there were four of my comrades
killed about me, and never a shot touched me. But good-night, Comrade;
goodnight." And so saying, having left the father at his length upon a
couch, they made their military salute and departed.

A rude-looking flagon of beer which stood on the table was the only
thing I could discover in the chamber, save a canvas bag of tobacco
and some pipes. I filled a goblet with the liquor and placed it to the
priest's lips. He swallowed a little of it, and then opening his eyes,
slowly looked around him, while he murmured to my question a faint sound
of "Better,--much better." I knew enough of such matters to be aware
that perfect rest and repose were the greatest aids to his recovery;
and so, replenishing the fire, I threw myself down on the large dragoon
cloak which lay on the floor, and prepared to pass my night where I was.

The long-drawn breathings of the sleeping man, the perfect quiet and
stillness of all around,--for though not far distant from the village,
the thick wood of trees intercepted every sound from that quarter,--and
my fatigue combined, soon brought on drowsiness.

I struggled, so long as I was able, against the tendency; but a humming
sound filled my ears, the objects grew fainter before my vision, and I
sank into that half-dreamy state when consciousness remains, but clouded
and indistinct in all its perceptions. Twice the door was opened and
some persons entered; but though they spoke loudly, I heard not their