d the
latter, "under the great Apostle chesnut tree."

"We shall soon be there," said Stephen. They already heard a noise in
the distance, talking, singing, and also clattering of iron; and now,
when they had reached the summit of the wooded mountain plain, Edmond
perceived many men in various groups, all brown and burnt by the sun,
the greatest part of them in ragged doublets; some appeared to be
praying, a few were reading, others were reposing on the grass, several
were whetting their jagged swords or cleaning their guns, others were
mending their vestments; many sang psalms. A tall wild-looking man
advanced towards them, he walked up and down agitatedly with his hands
behind his back, huge whiskers descended on either side of his face,
his hair was tightly drawn up to the top of his head; "Good day
brethren," cried he, in a discordant voice, which Edmond immediately
recognised for the same he had heard in the distance on the eventful
night. "The hero Catinat!" exclaimed Favart, shaking the gigantic man
heartily by the hand, "how fares it with you?" "I am accused brother,"
said the former, "and Roland will hold no intercourse with me until all
his officers, Cavalier and the rest, have spoken respecting me."

"Where is Roland?" enquired Edmond, hastily. "It is he yonder, who sits
with his bared neck under the chesnut tree," said Catinat.

Edmond perceived a man of slight figure and middle age, leaning against
the trunk of the tree, who was looking quietly on the ground and
smoking a short clay tobacco pipe; he had taken off a red silk
neckerchief which lay by his side, and had loosened his waistcoat, so
that his whole breast was laid bare, his head was uncovered, his face
was only shaded by large whiskers. He calmly raised his light brown
eyes, as the three presented themselves before him, and Stephen
explained in a few words Edmond's request. "Indeed!" said Roland, still
continuing to smoke and quickly turning his searching glance from
Edmond; "have a little patience, until I give you my answer, we do
nothing without higher counsel, and I have not been thus blessed. Are
any of our prophets here?" asked he in a loud voice, looking round the
circle.

"No, brother Roland," resounded from all sides; "Be patient, some of
them will shortly be here, for I do not know you, but nothing can be
concealed from them."

Edmond felt hurt, his heart was ready to overflow; he related in a few
words his wonderful transformation