have done for almost these seventy years past? Be it so. But I will not deceive you, you shall not give me this wretched life in order to rejoice at my conversion, for you have just pitched on the wrong one with all your atonement, godliness, and love. I will have nothing to do with your stories and fanatacism, with prayers and singing you shall also spare me, though I should have no objection to march out with you and valiantly, because I must do something, or other, and for the present I have nothing better to do."
Again a murmour arose, but now, there was no time to pass sentence, or to dispute, for the royal troops were already seen marching by. Each leader quickly betook himself to his troop, called to them, gave the word of command, and in a short time order was restored, and all in readiness to await the attack. Edmond and the robber, whose life he had solicited, stood in the ranks together. While each ranged himself in opposition to the other, several
