me," said he, "with the most profound respect, to----." His tongue
faltered--he could scarcely believe his sight, for at that moment the
whole company were moving out of the room. He found himself almost
alone, deserted by every one. "What!" said he, "and did he turn upon his
heel with the most marked contempt? Would he not speak to me? Would
he not even hear me utter a word in my defence?" His heart died within
him--not even a look, a smile from any one. "My friends! Do they not
know me? Do they not see me? Alas! they fear to catch the contagion of
my----. Then," said he, "adieu!--'tis more than I can bear. I shall go
to my country seat, and never, never will return. Adieu, fond court,
adieu!--"

The venerable Marquis de Bellecourt stopped for a moment ere he entered
his carriage. Thrice he looked back, and thrice he wiped the starting
tear from his eye. "Yes," said he, "for once, at least, truth shall be
found--in the bottom of a well!"

Peace to thy ghost, most noble marquis! a King of kings shall pity thee;
and thousands who are yet unborn shall owe their happiness to thee, and
have cause to bless the thousands, perhaps, that shall never even know
thy name; but Munchausen's self shall celebrate thy glory!



CHAPTER XXII

_Preparations for the Baron's expedition into Africa--Description of his
chariot; the beauties of its interior decorations; the animals that drew
it, and the mechanism of the wheels._