a defiant sort of way (he was far from sober), he said,

"Hark ye, young man. Now answer for your life. Give us no double
meanings. What is your religion?"

"That which was brought us and taught us by our Lord Jesus Christ."

"Do you believe in St. Peter?"

"Of course."

"And in the Virgin Mother of God?"

"The angel Gabriel called her blessed among women."

"But do you worship her?"

"I reverence her, and worship her Divine Son."

"Do you worship her, I say?" threatening me with the stirrup-leather.

"Son, son," put in my father.

"Silence, old man!" and they hit him on the mouth.

"Do you worship her?"

"I do not."

Then they beat the soles of my feet, till my father in anguish cried,
"Oh, I cannot bear this--" but had to bear it. And so had I. But on
their burning my soles with a red-hot iron, a merciful Providence took
me out of their hands, by bringing me insensibility. How long they
pursued their barbarities after I fainted, I know not; but when I came
to myself, it was in cold and darkness, lying in the open street, where
I suppose they had cast me, thinking me dead. How long a time must have
passed! for the stars were shining above me. Where were my parents, my
brothers and sisters? I tried to raise myself a little and look around,
but was beaten and bruised so that I was in agonies of pain, and sank
back on the ground. The cold made my wounded feet smart indescribably;
but while, with closed eyes, I was inwardly murmuring, "Lord, help thy
poor servant, for I cannot help myself;" something that made me wince
with pain, but the next moment gave exquisite relief, was applied to
the soles of my feet, and the next instant I heard the hushed voices of
those who were dearest to me on earth, my mother and Madeleine "Can it
be that we are too late?" said Madeleine. "No, his pulse yet beats,
though as feebly as possible. Oh, what he must have suffered, and how
I love him for not having given in!"

In pain though I was, a smile of joy broke over my face on this, and
I opened my eyes.

"Praise the Lord, he revives!" said my mother. "How art thou, my son?"

"I shall do well, my mother--," but I could not speak another word.
I closed my eyes, and felt about to faint.

"Jacques, dear Jacques," said Madeleine, whispering energetically and
distinctly, close to my ear, "be of good courage, and God will help
thee. I have found a place of safety in the vaults of Les Arenes,
whither Gabrielle has already take