“You certainly do not think that a revolution is contemplated?” inquired Mr. Filmot.

“Come and see,” replied Develour, while he continued his walk down the Rue St. Dominique.  They then passed through the Rue St. Marguerite, and entered the Rue de Boucheries.  About half way down the street they stopped before a mean-looking house.  Develour rapped twice in quick succession at the door, and then, after a short interval, once more, and louder than before, immediately after the third rap, the door was partially and cautiously opened, and some one asked, in an under tone, “What do you want?”

“To see the man of the red mountain,” replied Develour, in the same tone.

“What is your business?”

“To guide the boat.”

“Where do you come from?”

“From the rough sea.”

“And where do you wish to go to now?”

“To the still waters.”

After this strange examination, the door was fully opened, and the doorkeeper said, “You may enter.”  But when he saw Filmot about to accompany Develour, he stopped him, and inquired by what right he expected to gain admission.

“By my invitation and introduction,” said Develour, before Filmot had time to speak.

“That may not be,” replied the doorkeeper.  “No one has a right to introduce another, except those who have the word of the day.”

“I have the word,” said Develour; and then he whispered to him, “Not Martin, but Albert.”  After that he continued aloud, “Now go and announce me; we will wait here in the vestibule.”

As soon as the doorkeeper, after carefully locking the door, had withdrawn into the interior of the house, Develour turned to his companion and asked him, “Have you ever come across an account of the Red Man, whom many believe to have exercised a great influence over the mind of Napoleon?”

“I have read some curious statements concerning an individual designated by that name; but have always considered them the inventions of an exuberant imagination,” replied Filmot.

“You will soon have an opportunity to form a more correct opinion.  I hope to have the pleasure, in a few minutes, to introduce you to him.  As for his claims to—­”

Before Develour had time to finish the sentence, a side door opened close by him, and a black boy, dressed in oriental costume, entered and bowed, with his hands crossed over his breast, and then said to Develour, in broken French, “The master told me to bid you welcome, and to conduct you into the parlor, where he will join you in a few minutes.”

* * * *

CHAPTER II.