de St.Maline." "And why this distinction, if this question be not too curious ?" "I know you, that is all." "Me! you know me ?" "You, and he, and all here." "It is strange." "Yes, but necessary." "Why ?" "Because a chief should know his soldiers." "And all these men--" "Will be my soldiers to-morrow." "But I thought that M.d'Epernon--" "Hush! do not pronounce that name here." Then rising, M.de Loignac said, "Gentlemen, since chance unites here forty-five compatriots, let us empty a glass of wine to the prosperity of all." This proposal gave rise to frantic applause.

"They are almost all half drunk," said De Loignac; "it would be a good opportunity to make them repeat their histories, only time does not permit of it." Then he added aloud, "Hola! M.Fournichon, dismiss from the room all women, children and lackeys." Lardille retired grumbling, but Militor did not move.

"Did you not hear, M.Militor," said De Loignac; "to the kitchen!" There remained only forty-five men, and M.de Loignac then said, "Now, gentlemen, each knows who called him to Paris.

Good! that will do; do not call out his name.

You know also that you have come to obey him." A murmur of assent came from all, mingled with astonishment, for each one knew only what concerned himself, and was ignorant that his neighbor had been moved by the same influence.
"Well, then!" continued De Loignac, "you will have time to become acquainted with each other afterward.