Alfred de Rosann by G.W.M. Reynolds — page 109: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

88 Alfred de Fosann. As he approached the stye, the noise of his footsteps aroused the slumbering swine; and an immense pig, doubtless fancying that its morning meal was close at hand, made a rush towards the door of the covered den, to force an egress into the yard adjoining. But, in per- forming this very natural movement, the unwieldy animal placed one of his feet on the countenance of the sleeping stranger ; and that individual, whose head was apparently full of gendarmes, and whose dreams were peopled with nothing but police-officers, turnkeys, and inspectors, awoke in a terrible fright, and set up a most fearful howl, perfectly convinced in his own mind that the unsaintly hand of a functionary of justice had thus assailed his person. Not contented with exercising the powers of his voice to their highest key, he also availed himself of the possession of arms and legs, and commenced a vigorous attack on the sides and head of the offending beast, which kicked and plunged in return, and squeaked a discordant chorus to the cries of its assailant. The battle was raging in all its fury when Theodore arrived to put an end to it; and having deposited his viands in a place of safety, he leapt into the stye to restore order. A separation of the combatants was speedily effected; but the stranger was in a most dismal plight. His clothes were one mass of filth—their original colour could not possibly be distin- guished—and his face was covered with the greasy mire. Theodore experienced the utmost difficulty to suppress a hearty laugh; he, however, succeeded in overcoming his incipient mirth, and assisted the unfor- tunate being to escape from the dirty tenement he had occupied during the night. The stranger muttered some words expressive of his grati- tude; but Theodore cut him short with a smile, and led him towards the pump, thinking that a good wash would be of more service to him than all the talking in the world. “Stay!” cried Theodore, an idea flashing across his brain: “ it is totally impossible you can travel in those clothes—they are covered with filth—and, to tell the truth, emit no very agreeable exhalation. Besides, we must never do things by halves in this world: I have been in diffi- culties myself ere now—although, thank God, I obtained a full pardon--- and the death of Marie’s uncle made us comfortable. But, while I am talking here, you are shivering with cold. Wait one moment, and I will bring you a change of raiment—of which,’ added the peasant, when he was at a little distance, “I think no man ever stood in greater need.” Theodore did not suffer many moments to elapse before he returned to the spot where he left the stranger, whose joy knew no bounds when the kind-hearted peasant unfolded a complete suit of clothes. It was true that they were neither new nor of the finest texture ; but to a man, whose raiment has been rolled in a pigstye, anything in the shape of apparel would wear a cheering aspect. The soiled garments were soon exchanged for the cleanly ones; and Theodore produced the substantial breakfast he had brought to allay the cravings of his guest's appetite. To be brief, the poor devil recommenced his march, somewhat happier than when he knocked at the cottage door on the previous evening; and Theodore felt satisfied with himself for having rendered a service to a fellow-creature in distress. In the meantime De Rosann and Belle-Rose had awakened from their ECONlNCOOOlKS.CO