"It is on my account they have used you so cruelly." He embraced the unfortunate beast and kissed the white star on his forehead.

Then he took him by the bridle and led him, both of them limping, trough the sleeping city to his house, where sleep soon allowed them to forget mankind.
IX.

FATHER DOUILLARD In their infinite gentleness and at the suggestion of the common father of the faithful, the bishops, canons, vicars, curates, abbots, and friars of Penguinia resolved to hold a solemn service in the cathedral of Alca, and to pray that Divine mercy would deign to put an end to the troubles that distracted one of the noblest countries in Christendom, and grant to repentant Penguinia pardon for its crimes against God and the ministers of religion.
The ceremony took place on the fifteenth of June.

General Caraguel, surrounded by his staff, occupied the churchwarden's pew.

The congregation was numerous and brilliant.