a shrug of the shoulders;
"the times are evil. These miserable heretics disturb the whole country
with their senseless brawls. But the mischief will be stamped out before
long."

"How?" I said. "Has not the king granted them the privilege of
worshipping in their own way?"

"Ah, monsieur, that was meant but for a time. The Queen-Mother will make
a clean sweep of their rights as soon as she has power enough. And it is
said," here he lowered his voice to a confidential whisper, "that a
royal army is already marching from Paris. But monsieur is hungry?"

"Hungry and thirsty both," I replied. "What is that?" for the sounds of
angry voices came from the outside.

"It is nothing, monsieur; some one has drawn a knife, perhaps, and there
is a little fighting, but that is all. One does not regard these
things," and he hurried off to prepare my meal.

After leaving Poictiers, I avoided the towns as much as possible, though
travelling in the country districts was nearly as hazardous. The
peasants having no work, and being without food, had formed themselves
into robber bands, and more than once I owed my safety to the fleetness
of my horse.

However, on the evening of the second day, I reached Rochelle, just as
the gates were being closed. The streets were filled with citizens and
Huguenot soldiers, and it was apparent that the illustrious fugitives
had arrived safely at their stronghold.

Being a stranger to the city I rode slowly along the street, noting the
houses, and scanning the people closely, on the chance of discovering a
familiar face. In all my solitary wanderings I had not felt as lonely as
I did now, amidst a seething crowd of my fellow-creatures.

The first thing, of course, was to find my father, but on coming to the
_Hotel Coligny_, I resolved to dismount and to seek out Felix Bellievre.
Fortunately, he was within, and I received a hearty welcome, which
caused me to feel once more as if I belonged to the world of human
beings.

"Faith, Edmond," he cried cheerily, "the grass has not grown under your
feet! I did not expect you until to-morrow, at the earliest."

"One does not care to linger around an empty nest," I replied moodily.

"Empty only for a short time, I hope. Do not look so astonished. I have
seen your father. More than that, I have been presented to your sister.
Already I am a friend of the family! I will conduct you to the house, if
you wish. Come, I have plenty of leisure, and you will serv