Chapter XI.
The Flight.




The sensation caused by the startling failure and embezzlement of the
wealthy banker had scarcely subsided when the city rang with the news
of his clever disguise and daring escape. Angry Justice, foiled in her
revenge, lashed herself to rage, and moaned her defeat like the forest
queen robbed of her young. The Government feared the popular cry,
and proved its zeal by offering immense rewards for the arrest of the
delinquent banker. The country around the city was guarded, every
suspicious vehicle examined, and strangers ran the risk of being mobbed
before they could prove their identity. False rumors now and then ran
through the city, raising and quelling the passions like a tide. At
one time the culprit is caught and safely lodged in the Bastile; at
another he is as free as the deer on the plains. Cassier did escape,
but some incidents of the chase were perilous and exciting.

Travelling in those days was slow and difficult. The giant steam-
engines that now sweep over hills and torrents with a speed that rivals
the swoop of the sea-bird were unknown. The rickety old diligence or
stage-coach was only found on the principal thoroughfares between the
large cities.

Cassier knew these roads would be the first taken in pursuit, and
carefully avoided them. Seeking a destination where the chances of
detection would be lessened, he was attracted towards Geneva, already
famous as the hot-bed of secret societies and the rallying-point of