He tossed his arms to Heaven with a great sigh that was a sob almost,
then he passed his hands over his face, and as they came in contact
with the swollen ridge that scored it, love faded from his mind,
and vindictiveness came to fill its room.

"But for this," he cried aloud. "I shall take payment - aye, as
there is a God!"

Then turning, and with "The Discourses " held tightly to his side,
he moved slowly away, following the course of the gleaming waters.




CHAPTER II

LORDS OF LIFE AND DEATH


One friend did La Boulaye count in the village of Bellecour. This
was old Duhamel, the schoolmaster, an eccentric pedant and a
fellow-worshipper of the immortal Jean Jacques. It was to him that
La Boulaye now repaired intent upon seeking counsel touching a
future that wore that morning a singularly gloomy outlook.

He found Duhamel's door open, and he stepped across the threshold
into the chief room of the house. But there he paused, and
hesitated. The chamber was crowded with people in holiday attire,
and the centre of attraction was a well-set-up peasant with a happy,