ay down the street they stopped before a
mean-looking house. Develour rapped twice in quick succession at the door,
and then, after a short interval, once more, and louder than before,
immediately after the third rap, the door was partially and cautiously
opened, and some one asked, in an under tone, "What do you want?"

"To see the man of the red mountain," replied Develour, in the same tone.

"What is your business?"

"To guide the boat."

"Where do you come from?"

"From the rough sea."

"And where do you wish to go to now?"

"To the still waters."

After this strange examination, the door was fully opened, and the
doorkeeper said, "You may enter." But when he saw Filmot about to accompany
Develour, he stopped him, and inquired by what right he expected to gain
admission.

"By my invitation and introduction," said Develour, before Filmot had time
to speak.

"That may not be," replied the doorkeeper. "No one has a right to introduce
another, except those who have the word of the day."

"I have the word," said Develour; and then he whispered to him, "Not
Martin, but Albert." After that he continued aloud, "Now go and announce
me; we will wait here in the vestibule."

As soon as the doorkeeper, after carefully locking the door, had withdrawn
into the interior of the house, Develour turned to his companion and asked
him, "Have you ever come across an account of the Red Man, whom many
believe to have exercised a great influence over the mind of Napoleon?"

"I have read some curious statements concerning an individual designated by
that name; but have always considered them the inventions of an exuberant
imagination," replied Filmot.

"You will soon have an opportunity to form a more correct opinion. I hope
to have the pleasure, in a few minutes, to introduce you to him. As for his
claims to--"

Before Develour had time to finish the sentence, a side door opened close
by him, and a black boy, dressed in oriental costume, entered and bowed,
with his hands crossed over his breast, and then said to Develour, in
broken French, "The master told me to bid you welcome, and to conduct you
into the parlor, where he will join you in a few minutes."

* * * *

CHAPTER II.

Develour and Filmot followed their guide into a room fitted up in Eastern
style. Divans made of cushions piled one upon another were placed all
around the room, with small carpets spread before them. Light stands of
b