The result of my inquiries was briefly as follows:—­Neufchatel, whose prince is the King of Prussia, has receded from the confederation, on account of the recent changes, and the leaders of the aristocratic party were accused of combining a plan, under the protection and with the knowledge of the authorities of this state, to produce a counter-revolution in Berne, well knowing the influence of this canton in the confederation.  This very day is said to be the one selected for the effort, and rumour adds, that a large body of the peasants of the Oberland were to have crossed the Brunig yesterday, with a view to co-operate in other sections of the country.  A merry company we should have been, had it been our luck to have fallen in with this escort!  Now, rightfully or not, the Austrian government and the French Carlists are openly accused of being concerned in this conspiracy, and probably not without some cause.  The suspicions excited concerning our fellow-traveller, through his own acts, recurred to me, and I now think it probable he was in waiting for the aforesaid peasants, most probably to give them a military direction, for he had the air and franchise of an old French soldier.  The plot had been betrayed; some were already arrested, and some had taken refuge in flight.  The town was tranquil, but the guards were strengthened, and the popular party was actively on the alert.

The next morning we went forth to look once more at picturesque, cloistered, verdant Berne.  Nothing appeared to be changed, though the strangers were but few, and there was, perhaps, less movement than formerly.  We crossed the Aar, and walked to La Lorraine.  As we were going through the fields, several dogs rushed out against us; but when P——­ called out “Turc” the noble animal appeared to know him, and we were permitted to proceed, escorted, rather than troubled, by the whole pack.  This was a good omen, and it was grateful to be remembered, by even a dog, after an absence of four years.

We found the same family in possession of the farm, though on the point of removing to another place.  Our reception in the house was still more cordial than that given by Turk, and our gratitude in proportion.  The old abode was empty, and we walked over it with feelings in which pain and pleasure were mingled; for poor W——­, who was with us, full of youth and spirits, when we resided here, is now a tenant of Pere Lachaise.  When we went away, all the dogs, with Turk at their head, escorted us to the ferry, where they stood looking wistfully at us from the bank, until we landed in Berne.

Soon after, I met M. W——­ in the streets, and, as he had not been at home, I greeted him, inviting him to dine with us at the Crown.  The present aspect of things was of course touched upon during the dinner, when the worthy member of the Burgerschaft lamented the changes, in a manner becoming his own opinions, while I rejoiced in them, in a manner becoming mine.  He asked me if I really