Order that man up here, and let him relate the details of this terrible event." "But, brother--" "Obey, monsieur!" The abbe made a sign, and in half a minute the man's step was heard upon the stairs.

At the same time Gourville appeared behind Fouquet, like the guardian angel of the superintendent, pressing one finger on his lips to enjoin observation even amidst the bursts of his grief.

The minister resumed all the serenity that human strength left at the disposal of a heart half broken with sorrow.

Danicamp appeared.

"Make your report," said Gourville.
"Monsieur," replied the messenger, "we received orders to carry off the prisoners, and to cry '_Vive Colbert!_' whilst carrying them off." "To burn them alive, was it not, abbe ?" interrupted Gourville.
"Yes, yes, the order was given to Menneville.