Let them drink and swear and raise petty riots, and keep the Syndics on their guard! It is all they are good for, M.d'Albigny; and I cannot say that aught keeps back the cause so much as Grio's friends and their line of conduct!" "So! that is your opinion, is it, Monsieur Basterga ?" d'Albigny answered.

"And with it I must go as I came! I am of no use here, it seems ?" "Of great use presently, of none now," Basterga replied with greater respect than he had hitherto exhibited.

"Frankly, M.d'Albigny, they fear you and suspect you.

But if President Rochette of Chambery, who has the confidence of the Pastors, were to visit us on some pretext or other, say to settle such small matters as the peace has left in doubt, it might soothe their spirits and allay their suspicions.

He, rather than M.d'Albigny, is the helper I need at present." D'Albigny grunted, but it was evident that the other's boldness impressed him.