nt opened his light-blue eyes still wider, gazed on Edmond with a
feeble, death-like look, then gathered himself up, shook his head
violently, fell down, and while his breast and the lower part of his
body heaved convulsively, a deep, and to him, unusual voice proceeded
from him, resounding loudly: "I tell thee brother, this is a choice
instrument, he will serve the Lord faithfully; his father in his heart
is in our mountains, rejoice all that he is come among us. Amen!"

Roland immediately embraced the youth, then extended his hand to him;
"In the name of God then!" said he solemnly, "My vocation must be
true," answered Edmond, "for you have given a reception such as might
well have frightened back an ordinary enthusiast."

"We cannot do otherwise brother," said Roland, "we are too often put to
the test by spies in various forms; therefore, the Lord, decides among
us, He, who cannot be deceived."

"It is good for me to be among you and to look upon the faces of all
these, honoured men: but where is Cavalier, the hero, whose name
resounds throughout the whole country? my soul burns to know him and to
fold him in my arms."

"Yonder he comes with his troop in wonderful array."

A multitude of Camisards, clad in pillaged uniforms, marched up the
mountain shouting with joy, at their head rode their commander, mounted
on a little horse, one feather in his large hat, a richly embroidered
uniform hung wide and loosely on his little thin body. He sprang from
his horse, and while Edmond was making his way up to him, impressed
with the almost ludicrous appearance of the unbecoming attire, the so
justly renowned Cavalier advanced towards him, and Edmond, in terror
and in deep confusion, stepped back, for the young hero was no other
than that miller-lad, whom he had a short time before in his father's
house treated with so much contempt, nay even with cutting bitterness.

CHAPTER IX.

The young commander first cast a lengthened look of astonishment on
Edmond, then approached nearer and kindly offered him his hand. "You
are one of us," exclaimed he, "the Lord had so ordained, accept the
assurance of my brotherly love."--

Edmond seized the hand of the young man, held it long between his own,
and then said with great emotion: "What have I not to thank you for at
a time, when I neither knew, nor loved you; you it was who saved our
house, myself, my sister and my beloved father! The veil ha