You seem startled; are you content at this understanding between us, or will you retract the bond ?" "My father," said I, "there is enough to startle me in your proposal; it greatly resembles that made by the Old Man of the Mountains to his vassals, and it would not exactly suit my inclinations to be called upon some morning to act the part of a private executioner." The priest smiled.

"My young friend," said he, "those days have passed; neither religion nor friendship requires of her votaries sacrifices of blood.

But make yourself easy; whenever I ask of you what offends your conscience, even in a punctilio, refuse my request.

With this exception, what say you ?" "That I think I will agree to the bond: but, father, I am an irresolute person; I must have time to consider." "Be it so.

To-morrow, having surrendered my charge to your uncle, I depart for France." "For France!" said I; "and how?
Surely the war will prevent your passage." The priest smiled.