"Then, sir, permit me to tell you they are precisely the ones I
have come to Bourg about, and that they were called the Companions
of Jehu, and not the Companions of Jesus."

"What is the meaning of this title 'Companions of Jehu'? I like
to get at the bottom of everything."

"So do I, sir; that is why I did not wish to confound these
highwaymen with the Apostles."

"Truly, that would not have been very orthodox."

"But it is what you would have done, nevertheless, sir, if I,
a poet, had not come here expressly to correct the mistake you,
as historian, have made."

"I await your explanation, sir," resumed the magistrate, pursing
his lips.

"It is short and simple. Elisha consecrated Jehu, King of Israel,
on condition that he exterminate the house of Ahab; Elisha was Louis
XVIII.; Jehu was Cadoudal; the house of Ahab, the Revolution. That
is why these pillagers of diligences, who filched the government
money to support the war in the Vendee, were called the Companions
of Jehu."

"Sir, I am happy to learn something at my age."

"Oh, sir! One can always learn, at all times and at all ages;
during life one learns man; in death one learns God."