The lamps were lighted in the
station. The night was cloudy, but far off on the horizon we could see a
gleam of radiance, marking the locality of the great city.

After an hour of very anxious waiting, during which Mrs. Leare was
beside herself with nervous agitation, the locked doors of our prison
were flung open and we were permitted to seat ourselves in a
railway-carriage.

Hermione's tender devotion to her mother, the old servant and the child
was beautiful to witness. Now that Mrs. Leare was helpless on her
daughter's hands, they seemed to have found their natural relations.
Hermione said few words to me, but a glance now and then thanked me for
being with them. The train started. For about three miles all went on
well, although we travelled cautiously, fearing obstructions. Suddenly
the speed of our train was checked, and there was a cry of consternation
as we rounded a sharp curve. The bridge over the Seine at its third bend
was ablaze before us!

All the men upon the train sprang out upon the track as soon as the
carriage-doors were opened, and in a few moments we were surrounded by
ruffians refusing to let us go on.

"Back the train!" cried the railroad official in charge.

No, they were not willing to let us go back to Paris. Conspirators
against the people might be making their escape. They had set fire to
the bridge, they said, to prevent the train from passing over. It must
remain where it was. If we passengers desired to return to Paris, we
must walk there.

"Walk?" I exclaimed: "it is ten miles! Women--delicate
ladies--children!"

My remonstrance was drowned in the confusion. Suddenly the party of
women under my charge stood at my elbow: Mrs. Leare was leaning on
Hermione's arm; Mammy Christine and Claribel cowered close and held her
by her drapery.

"Make no remonstrances," she said in a low voice: "let us not excite
attention. An Englishman never knows when not to complain: an American
accepts his fate more quietly. These people mean to sack the train. We
had better get away as soon as possible."

"But how?" I cried.

"I can walk. We must find some means of transporting mamma, Mammy Chris
and Clary."

As Hermione said this she turned to an official and questioned him upon
the subject. He thought that there was a little cart and horse which
might be hired at a neighboring cottage.

"Let us go and see about it, Mr. Farquhar," said Hermione.

"I will."

"No: I put greater trust in my o