, gold
has become a curiosity, and the mills stand idle on the mountain streams.

On the other hand, in his second capacity of popular tribune, Gondremark
is the incarnation of the free lodges, and sits at the centre of an
organised conspiracy against the state. To any such movement my
sympathies were early acquired, and I would not willingly let fall a word
that might embarrass or retard the revolution. But to show that I speak
of knowledge, and not as the reporter of mere gossip, I may mention that
I have myself been present at a meeting where the details of a republican
Constitution were minutely debated and arranged; and I may add that
Gondremark was throughout referred to by the speakers as their captain in
action and the arbiter of their disputes. He has taught his dupes (for
so I must regard them) that his power of resistance to the Princess is
limited, and at each fresh stretch of authority persuades them, with
specious reasons, to postpone the hour of insurrection. Thus (to give
some instances of his astute diplomacy) he salved over the decree
enforcing military service, under the plea that to be well drilled and
exercised in arms was even a necessary preparation for revolt. And the
other day, when it began to be rumoured abroad that a war was being
forced on a reluctant neighbour, the Grand Duke of Gerolstein, and I made
sure it would be the signal for an instant rising, I was struck dumb with
wonder to find that even this had been prepared and was to be accepted.
I went from one to another in the Liberal camp, and all were in the same
story, all had been drilled and schooled and fitted out with vacuous
argument. 'The lads had better see some real fighting,' they said; 'and
besides, it will be as well to capture Gerolstein: we can then extend to
our neighbours the blessing of liberty on the same day that we snatch it
for ourselves; and the republic will be all the stronger to resist, if
the kings of Europe should band themselves together to reduce it.' I
know not which of the two I should admire the more: the simplicity of the
multitude or the audacity of the adventurer. But such are the
subtleties, such the quibbling reasons, with which he blinds and leads
this people. How long a course so tortuous can be pursued with safety I
am incapable of guessing; not long, one would suppose; and yet this
singular man has been treading the mazes for five years, and his favour
at court and his popularity among the