two thousand six hundred years ago, and that consequently he
cannot at the present time stop coaches on the highways."

"Monsieur l'Abbe," replied Roland, who had recognized an
ecclesiastic, "as, in spite of the sharp tone in which you speak,
you seem a man of learning, permit a poor ignoramus to ask you a
few details about this Jehu, dead these two thousand six hundred
years, who, nevertheless, is honored by followers bearing his
name."

"Jehu!" replied the churchman, in the same sour tone, "was a
King of Israel anointed by Elisha, on condition that he punish
the crimes of the house of Ahab and Jezbel, and put to death
the priests of Baal."

"Monsieur l'Abbe," replied the young man laughing, "I thank you
for the explanation. I don't doubt it is correct, and, above
all, very learned. But I must admit it doesn't tell me much."

"What, citizen!" exclaimed the abbe, "don't you understand that
Jehu is his Majesty Louis XVIII., anointed on condition that he
punish the crimes of the Revolution and put to death all the
priests of Baal; that is to say, all those who had taken any part
whatsoever in the abominable state of things which, for these
last seven years, has been called the republic?"

"Yes, indeed!" exclaimed the young man; "of course I understand.
But among those whom the Companions of Jehu are appointed to
fight, do you reckon the brave soldiers who have repulsed the
enemy along the frontiers of France, and the illustrious generals