Alfred de Rosann by G.W.M. Reynolds — page 91: what you’re looking at

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

72 Alfred de Rosann. other moment saw them all three in a second enclosure, away from the rude multitude, whose shouts still echoed up to heaven. ‘‘ You have your passports about you?” said Plombier, stopping to recover breath, and speaking for the first time since his encounter with De Rosann and Belle-Rose. A reply in the affirmative satisfied the old man, who did not waste any time in idJe discourse, but again walked quickly on, followed by the two convicts. They crossed the second enclosure, and arrived at a smal) lodge, to which Plombier introduced his companions; and having sup- plied them each with a change of apparel, he bade them hasten to lay aside their prison garb. This was the work of a few moments: Plom- bier then addressed them as follows :— ‘‘ My dear friends, your deliverance is at hand; and I sincerely hope your escape will lead you to better fortunes. Your memories have doubtless treasured up all that Leblond told you in the gaol of Verneuil : the time will perhaps soon arrive when your gratitude to the great author ’ or authors of your present happy egress from these accursed walls will be put to the test. May you not be found wanting! I have now done my duty. Depart; and, when the moment shall be at hand, do you per- form yours, Adieu !”’ With these words he opened a wicket that Jed into a narrow street, and gently pushed De Rosann and Belle-Rose from the lodge. The former turned round to express his thanks; but the old man had retired—the wicket was closed—and Alfred was fain to follow his companion away from the gloomy walls. At a little distance, the challenge of a sentry struck a momentary ter- ror to our hero’s heart: but the soldier entertained not the slightest suspicion of the real truth; he merely examined the passports, or rather cast a very cursory glance over them, and politely informed our hero and his comrade that they might pursue their way, a permission which they did not give him the trouble to repeat. ‘¢ Nothing could have happened more fortunately than the murder of the inspector, the condemnation of Frangois, and the ingratitude of Ed- ouard,” remarked Belle-Rose, as they issued from the town-gates and breathed the fresh air of the country. ‘¢ The calamities of one man,” said De Rosann somewhat mournfully, ‘‘ often conduce to another’s welfare; and the glories of the successful are usually erected on the ruins of many.” “ Poor Champignon !”’ exclaimed Belle-Rose, desirous of turning the conversation into a blither strain; ‘“‘ I am almost sorry to be obliged to leave him behind us,” “ I saw him making most piteous faces, and heard him utter dreadful yells, during the commotion,’’ returned De Rosann; “ and if the scenes he has this morning witnessed do not expel some valuable culinary ideas from his head, I know not what could.” ‘‘ Such an eventful day have I never passed,’’ said Belle-Rose, casting an anxious glance behind him; “ and I assure you I have seen enough during my brief career: but the horrors attending the execution of that poor old man, who was sacrificed after all, will not be readily effaced from my memory.” ‘* IT hope most sincerely,” cried De Rosann, with a species of religious COnicbooolks (GO)