The window is securely barred, and there is no dreadful bull's eye, or opening of any kind in the wall, to make me afraid.

Travellers so often have articles of value with them that I suppose it is necessary for them to have such protections against thieves.

Make yourself easy about me, de Sigognac! never was the enchanted princess of a fairy tale, shut up in her strong tower guarded by dragons, in greater security than am I in this fortress of mine." "But sometimes it chances that the magic charms and spells, represented by these bolts and bars, are insufficient, my beloved Isabelle, and the enemy manages to force his way in, despite them all--and the mystic signs, phylacteries, and abracadabras into the bargain." "Yes; but that is when the princess within secretly favours his efforts," said Isabelle, with a mischievous smile, "and in some mysterious way constitutes herself his accomplice; being tired of her seclusion, perhaps, or else in love with the bold intruder--neither of which is my case you know, de Sigognac! Surely if I'm not afraid--I, who am more timid than the trembling doe when she hears the dread sound of the hunter's horn and the baying of the hounds you should not fear--you, who are brave as Alexander the Great himself.

Sleep in peace to-night, my friend, I pray you, and sleep soundly--not with one eye open, as you have done so often of late for my sake; and now, good night." She held out to him a pretty little hand, white and soft enough to have belonged to a veritable princess, which he kissed as reverently as if it had been a queen's; then waited to hear her turn the big, clumsy, iron key three times in the lock--no easy task for her delicate fingers--and push home the heavy bolt.

Breathing a fervent blessing upon her, he turned away reluctantly towards his own door.