han Salomon already groaned forth; "Follow
my servant Roland, for he is my chosen instrument, you know that the
blood of the innocent is an abomination to me."

The circle now drew closer together, and in the greatest excitement the
pale and swarthy faces were looking over one another's heads, and
between the shoulders of the foremost. Every eye was glowing, and
Ravanel exclaimed: "To me also was given the gift of prophecy, listen
to me, brethren, for perhaps the Spirit may now come over me." "Stop!"
screamed out Abraham Mazel, "I am one of the oldest here, I have a
right to speak before any of you, through me I can boast that this holy
war arose, but here, I think prophecy cannot avail." He had with these
words taken fast hold of the little thing, Ravanel, by the shoulders,
but the latter darted like lightening out of his grasp, threw himself
down by the side of Duplant, who still lay in ecstasy, and cried: "this
is our greatest prophet, for thou hast only two degrees, and him must
we follow."

"Is not Salomon," said Roland earnestly, "as almighty as he? Here the
word of the Lord contradicts itself: how shall we interpret it?"

"Not certainly," interrupted Edmond, who could no longer restrain
himself, "As wild passion demands, where doubt exists, mildness and
compassion are the designs of the Lord." He had not yet finished these
words, when he felt the stroke of a sword between his neck and
shoulders, which the wrathful Ravanel aimed at him. The youth tottered
backwards and Cavalier received him in his arms. "How?" exclaimed
several voices, "one brother against another?" many swords were bared,
a wild shout flew over the mountains and all was confusion. "The spirit
moves me: he is a traitor!" said Ravanel. "stop! peace!" cried Roland's
powerful voice in the midst, "brother Duplant has just now prophesied
that he means us fairly, and that he is inspired with the faith!"

Ravanel turned surlily away and spoke to Duplant, who had in the mean
while awakened.

A tall, slight man, whose clear brown eyes sparkled brightly, had in
the interim been busied with Edmond: he had quickly torn off his
clothes, examined and bound up the wound, which did not appear to be
dangerous, and had supported him nearly fainting from loss of blood,
between his knees. Cavalier with his kindly, childlike eyes was bending
over him, and the youth fancied that he was again in his father's
house, and that the strange guest was come to seek a reco