" Who invades these sacred precincts at this hour of the
night ? " cried the startled man. " With what power or by
what authority is anyone here ? "

" Peace, peace, good Franpois," said our companion. " Calm
your fears. We are friends, not foes."

" Ah, c'est vous. Monsieur Eoger ! " cried the relieved
guardian. " Idiot that I must be not to have guessed it ! Who
but you could gain entrance here, and play me such a turn ?
For a moment I thought of burglars and destroyers, and am all
trembling."

" Good Franpois, take this as a return for your fright," we
said, offering a piece of silver. " And drink to our health,
including M. Eoger, whether you choose coffee or cognac."

" And good Fran9ois, leave us in peace," added Henri
Eoger. " We would be alone at this witching hour in these
ghostly passages. Shuffle back to the bosom of your family,
and be at ease. When we depart, we will safely lock up."

" Bien sur, Monsieur Eoger ? " in nervous accents.
" You know me," returned Eoger. " I need say no more."

And the poor, blind, pitiful custodian, murmuring, " Allons,
done ! Eien le bonsoir, messieurs," shuffled round two sides
of the cloisters, entered his abode, and locked his door for the
night.
