While the prisoners were taking their daily walk in the courtyard a stone was thrown over the outer wall and fell at their feet.

Morgan, who still retained in relation to his comrades the position of leader, picked it up, opened the letter which inclosed the stone, and read it.

Then, turning to his friends, he said: "Gentlemen, the appeal has been rejected, as we might have expected, and the ceremony will take place in all probability to-morrow." Valensolle and Ribier, who were playing a species of quoits with crown-pieces and louis, left off their game to hear the news.

Having heard it they returned to their game without remark.
Jayat, who was reading "La Nouvelle Heloise," resumed his book, saying: "Then, I shall not have time to finish M.Jean-Jacques Rousseau's masterpiece, and upon my word I don't regret it, for it is the most utterly false and wearisome book I ever read in my life!" Sainte-Hermine passed his hand over his forehead, murmuring: "Poor Amelie!" Then observing Charlotte, who was at the window of the jailer's room overlooking the courtyard, he went to her.

"Tell Amelie that she must keep the promise she made me, to-night." The jailer's daughter closed the window, kissed her father, and told him that in all probability he would see her there again that evening.