the minds of those present.
He now knew that his host was one of the many Protestants existing in
the country who ventured thus in secret to worship God according to
their consciences, even though running the risk of being condemned to
death as heretics.

After the guests had retired, the family spent some time in singing
Marot's hymns.

"Ah!" said the host, "it is only in praising God and reading His blessed
words that we can take any pleasure. It is our consolation and delight,
and enables us without complaining to endure the sad condition to which
bigotry and tyranny have reduced our unhappy country. The only prospect
now before us is exile, or imprisonment and death."

Nigel answered without hesitation that he felt much satisfaction in
again having the opportunity of worshipping, as he had been accustomed
to do at home, according to his conscience, and hearing the Bible read
and faithfully explained.

His host wishing him and his companion a friendly farewell, and
expressing a hope that he should see him again, they took their
departure at an early hour the next morning.

They had proceeded some distance when they entered a forest, through the
centre of which the high road passed. They had been pushing on rather
faster than usual, Maitre Leroux being anxious to get through it as soon
as possible, when they saw before them a body of soldiers. As they got
nearer they found that they were escorting a number of prisoners seated
in rough country carts, into which they were fastened with heavy chains.

"Who are these unhappy people?" inquired Nigel.

"The same we saw condemned in Paris," answered Maitre Leroux with a
sigh. "If we do not wish to share their fate we must exhibit no
sympathy for them, as the wretches who have them in charge would rejoice
to add to their number. As it will be impossible to pass them at
present, we will drop slowly behind."

"Would that I had a band of Protestant Scots with me, we would soon set
them at liberty!" exclaimed Nigel.

"Hush, hush! my friend," whispered the steward; "it becomes us not to
fight with carnal weapons; such is Dr Calvin's advice."

Just at that moment a voice exclaimed, "Brethren, remember Him who is in
heaven above!"

Some of the rear-guard immediately turned round, and with drawn swords
dashed furiously towards Nigel and Maitre Leroux, believing, evidently,
that one of them had uttered the exclamation they had heard. They both
drew up, for flight