I spoke this so fast as to be almost unintelligible; they listened in silent dismay.  My father, then bidding me be seated, desired me to go over the whole matter from the beginning, with composure and method.  Having drunk a cup of water, I did so; and we then held a family council, in which it was decided that my uncle, in his precarious health, would probably sink under a similar attack of the dragoons, and that it would be expedient for me to return to him at dusk with a covered cart, well supplied with hay, and to place him thereon and bring him back with me, to be kept at our house, in secresy and safety, till he should be able to escape from the kingdom—­“though this would have been an easier matter to effect,” observed my father, “before he had made himself personally obnoxious to the bishop.”

My father then went to his daily business at the silk-factory, while I remained behind awhile with my mother, to assist her in clearing out a loft for my uncle’s reception, the entrance to which could be concealed.

I then paid a hasty visit to Madeleine, whom I found bathed in tears, as she had learnt from my mother that I had been away all night; and though this at another time would have occasioned no alarm, yet at a season of so much uneasiness she had foreboded some sad calamity.  My sudden appearance caused a fresh flow of tears, but they were of thankfulness for my safety.  A few tender words reassured her.  I then gave her a short account of what had passed, taking care, as my uncle desired me, not to make things worse than they were.  But still it was evident that he was marked for the victim of a persecution he was not in a condition to support; and as Madeleine had a sincere regard for him, which his character justly merited, she commended me for standing by him, and rejoiced that I was going to fetch him to our house.

“We have not been quite undisturbed, even during your short absence,” said she.  “Our evening service was yesterday interrupted, just as the congregation were in the middle of a psalm, by several officials rudely entering the temple, and commanding us to desist, because the Host was being carried by.”

“In the temper in which those in authority seem to be at present,” said I, “it is to be feared that things will grow worse before they mend.”

“Meanwhile, remember your father’s admonition, I entreat you,” said Madeleine; “and, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”

“Rely on it, sweet Madeleine,” said I.  “I am a man of peace, not of war.”

Cheered by my little interview with her, I proceeded to my usual work, and, after supping with my family, stole quietly forth on my mission.

I reached the neighboring town without misadventure, and, leaving the cart out of sight, raised my uncle’s latch and went in.  He and my aunt had the house to themselves (for their only servant had gone to her friends); and she was sitting on the bed, supporting his head on her shoulder.