.

HOW THE MONEY OF THE DIRECTORY WAS USED.
Every one hastened to obey.

The monks lowered the hoods of their long robes over their faces, Morgan replaced his mask.
"Enter!" said the superior.
The door opened and the serving-brother appeared.
"An emissary from General Georges Cadoudal asks to be admitted," said he.
"Did he reply to the three passwords ?" "Perfectly." "Then let him in." The lay brother retired to the subterranean passage, and reappeared a couple of minutes later leading a man easily recognized by his costume as a peasant, and by his square head with its shock of red hair for a Breton.

He advanced in the centre of the circle without appearing in the least intimidated, fixing his eyes on each of the monks in turn, and waiting until one of these twelve granite statues should break silence.
The president was the first to speak to him.
"From whom do you come ?" he asked him.
"He who sent me," replied the peasant, "ordered me to answer, if I were asked that question, that I was sent by Jehu." "Are you the bearer of a verbal or written message ?" "I am to reply to the questions which you ask me, and exchange a slip of paper for some money." "Very good; we will begin with the questions.

What are our brothers in the Vendee doing ?" "They have laid down their arms and are awaiting only a word from you to take them up again." "And why did they lay down their arms ?" "They received the order to do so from his Majesty Louis XVIII." "There is talk of a proclamation written by the King's own hand.