it so happened that the secretary was lodged with his mysterious
travelling companion.

When they were alone he addressed him in a torso of interest which
banished all appearance of intrusion. He inquired whether the cause of
his grief was of a nature to admit of any alleviation, and offered to
render him any assistance in his power. "Sir," replied the stranger,
"I am much obliged for the sympathy you express for me--I want nothing.
There is no possible consolation for me. My affliction can end only with
my life. You shall judge for yourself, for the interest you seem to take
in my misfortune fully justifies my confidence. I was quartermaster in
the select gendarmerie, and formed part of a detachment which was ordered
to Vincennes. I passed the night there under arms, and at daybreak was
ordered down to the moat with six men. An execution was to take place.
The prisoner was brought out, and I gave the word to fire. The man fell,
and after the execution I learned that we had shot the Due d'Enghien.
Judge of my horror! . . . I knew the prisoner only by the name of the
brigand of La Vendee! . . . I could no longer remain in the service
--I obtained my discharge, and am about to retire to my family. Would
that I had done so sooner!" The above has been related to me and other
persons by Davoust's secretary, whom I shall not name.




CHAPTER XXIII.

1804.

General Ordener's mission--Arrest of the Due d'Enghien--Horrible