These hardy natures, these youths who all their lives had been rocked upon the ocean waves, braved the peril with a mysterious feeling of excitement not unlike that with which we gaze at a terrible act in some mimic drama. They had no fear save of failure, and hence only wished themselves at the summit of the Generale. Presently Michel made a sign, just as a flash of lightning illumined the whole scene. Pepin well understood. Following the direction of Michel's arm, he again pressed the helm, shifted the sail, and plunged through the roaring waves towards the rock. "In sail-back your oars!" cried Michel in a low tone, leaping at the same time into the boiling and seething waters, the painter in hand. The boat struck violently against the rock at the same moment, but Michel was above, fastening the line to a projecting block of stone. The other boats were casily moored to the first. This dangerous part of their duty effected, Michel made a sign that the boats should run for shelter up the river, to return in two hours with a good crew, unless they heard such tidings as rendered their coming back unnecessary. First, however, the heavy parcel was put on shore. Here, then, in the cold, beaten with the surf, stood these fifty-seven men, about to attempt an act almost unexampled in history, and which in days when courage alone obtained much credit, should have immortalised them all. All stood close together, clasping the rock; no one moved a step. They would have rolled into the sea, and none could have stirred to save them. All were silent, waiting the orders of Michel; and the lightning flashed, and the thunder rolled, and then the clock of the cathedral struck one. "You see this cord?" said Michel in a low, firm, but clear voice. "I must ascend by this. It will safely bear but one man. Once up, I shall haul up the ladder contained in this packet. It will support a dozen at least. Let parties of thirteen and fourteen ascend at a time. But recollect, I will come down again, to head the band that ascends first." "Nay, stop up there," said Pepin. "It will be much time saved." "Presently, dearest; but I have been so happy gazing at you that I never thought of slumber," replied the peasant. Michel felt his head swim. His daring attempt The king was a peasant, alone in a hut-that is, in favor of the ancient liberties and hereditary inde- the only one awake. On a couch slept a beautiful pendence of his native island, was about to fail young woman, with two children beside her. All before an unforeseen accident. No sentry ever looked warm and comfortable, and a dog nestled guarded at night the impregnable Generale; they comfortably at her feet before a bright fire. The occupied the other ramparts. But in twenty peasant was gazing with rapture at the scene, when minutes his companions would be climbing up, the dog moaned, and raised his head, but seeing perhaps, a half-fastened ladder. Inside the port- nothing, it lay down again. Presently it barked hole, which was large, lay a heavy cannon, the car-sharply, and this time the young woman held up riage of which was mending. On this depended her head, and seeing the peasant, smiled. "Art the whole success of the young man's enterprise. not going to rest to-night, my husband?" she said He ensconced himself as well as he could outside in well-known tones that made the man's heart on the stone projection which served as a gutter, leap. holding on inside the port-hole; then he unfastened the rope, and passed one end round the cannon; to this, watching the sleeper the whole time, he attached a heavy piece of iron prepared for the purpose, and long secreted, which he then began lowering, by this means slowly drawing up the rope-ladder. The quarter struck, and the sleeper slightly moved. Michel went on deliberately with his work as if the man had not been there, and soon found the end of the rope-ladder in his hand. At this moment the man moved again, and rose. Michel had laid down his musketoon, but he clutched a dagger and a heavy pistol. He had never taken life, but now he was resolved not to spare this stranger, if he stood in the way of his success. The man went to the side where was the tower, looked slowly over, saw nothing suspicious, and returned to his seat. In another minute he was again asleep; and Michel, passing his arm through the loophole, crossed the battlements, and in a minute was on the top of the tower, crouching in the deep shadow of the wall. "Who goes there?" said a deep commanding voice that made Michel shudder. He lay still and made no reply, his hand upon both pistol and dagger, resolved that no man made by God's hand should cause his enterprise to fail. The man looked sleepily about, muttered to himself that he saw shadows everywhere, and again fell asleep. He thus most certainly saved his own life. At this instant of time, Michel heard distinctly above the storm, the first stroke of the half-hour: "But how know when all is safe?" asked his heart sank within him. The ladder was not Michel. "At half-past one, the first man shall put his foot on the first rope," replied Pepin. Michel made no reply. He had thirty minutes to do his work in, and his time was therefore precious. While several below held the cord tight, Michel, his sword in his teeth, his musketoon on his back, began his ascent; shaken by the wind, stunned by the thunder, and seeing, as he mounted, the sea first, then the port, then the ramparts, then the summit of the fortress, and again the sea. No man not inured to the sea, and who had not during a hurricane gone aloft to furl topgallant-sails, or who had not sat out at the leeward end of a yard, plunging almost at every moment in the waves, could have gone up safely. Even Michel looked upward, on one side, but never down. His thoughts, however, were so bent on his enterprise, that he had no time for dizziness to seize him, and in ten minutes he was at the summit. He was about to climb over, and had raised one leg, when he saw a man seated on a stone-bench opposite. safely fastened on one side on he went, however, He had not finished yet, and his companions Then will I get up and share your watching," said she; and the beautiful girl rose, and advanced towards the fireplace, while the dog leaped up, wagging its tail. The king at this moment started, and found himself seated on a hard stone-bench, on the summit of the great tower of the Generale, a man looking curiously at him. "Who is it?" cried he, leaping up, and laying his hand upon his sword. "I, sire," replied Michel coldly. "Michel!" exclaimed the king, rubbing his eyes, and much surprised; "and what do you hear! Surely you do not expect the Lady Isabella!” "No, sire. I am waiting to hear the cathedral clock strike two," continued Michel firmly, and even somewhat sternly. "Why, Master Secretary?" cried the king somewhat struck by his tone, and still impressed with the belief that something was about to happen. "That is a secret your majesty will learn soon enough," replied Michel; "for it now strikes the quarter." At this moment Michael heard a noise that made his blood run cold: he clearly distinguished the grating of a cord against iron, and knew that the ladder had slightly slipped. His anguish was intolerable. "Young man," exclaimed the king with severity, "I am not accustomed to receive such replies. Your answer bodes no good. Already I have spoken to the count of my suspicions, and they are now realised. Speak, young man, or I will have you arrested as a traitor, and punished as you deserve." "Before I reply to any questions," said Michel firmly-he had heard no further sound-"I must beg your majesty to explain what you mean by the word traitor applied to me.' "If you are in any plot to secure the independence of St. Malo, and to take this castle out of the king's hand, you are a traitor, a double traitorfirst to your king, and then to your employer." Sire, I have no king." "How mean you, sirrah?" continued Henry IV., much struck by the lofty and bold manner of the young man. "Who then, if you please, am I?" When Henry IV. awoke the first time from a heavy sleep, his eyes were so fatigued that he did not perceive the unusual movement in the town. He never thought of looking towards the sea: it never struck him that any danger could come thence. He accordingly, although determined to watch through "Henry of Navarre, king of France, but not the night, again allowed slumber to gain upon him, monarch of St. Malo; which, since its foundation, believing that any danger would become apparent has been an independent community, allied someat dawn. When he heard a faint incautious move-times to France, sometimes to Brittany, but never ment made by Michel, he was half asleep, and what the serf of either." he heard seemed part of a restless dream. "But France and Navarre are now united; you can pretend no longer to resist both. You might cope with one, backed by the other, but never with united France." "We will try," said Michel modestly. hands of the League, and thus buy their support "I promise what you ask; but pray tell me by what magic you have gained possession of this tower? Surely you have not ascended from the sea?" "We have, your majesty, by the same rope that enabled me to escape this evening, some four hours before; but we have no time to explain anything now. Hark! the cannon proclaim the attack; and as I mean my victory to be accomplished without bloodshed, we must act. Your majesty will be "I mean to take the castle," continued Michel, pleased to descend with me, and announce to the listening anxiously all the time. "But, madman!" said the king, his anger vanishing before the other's audacity, "you may be sure that France will soon be peacefully inclined, and ruled over by me. How, then, can you contend against me, with a citadel commanding your town!" "'Fore Heaven, you are a bold rascal, Master Michel; and had I not been warned, you would make me uneasy. But now I have nothing to fear, since I am prepared. You must certainly expect me to put you in confinement." And the king made a motion for the other to follow. "Your majesty may be assured, that had I not been certain of my success, I should have remained silent," said Michel coldly. "But, man of enigmas, explain yourself. When do you mean to take the castle?" cried the king impatiently. "This morning as the clock strikes two," said Michel quietly. "The fellow is mad!" exclaimed Henry, half inclined to laugh. Your means; for it will strike two instantly." "If your majesty will look over towards the town at the open place before the Quic-en-Grogne, you will begin to understand." The king turned hurriedly to the ramparts, and peering down into the depths below, saw distinctly a body of about 1000 men, standing silently in front of the main-entrance of the castle, with six pieces of cannon pointed towards the gates of the hated tower. "Ah! Ventre St. Gris! these knavish citizens have caught us napping. Master Secretary, this must be looked to. You are my prisoner; follow me!" "Your majesty is mistaken," said Michel firmly, at the same time placing himself before the head of the winding-stair; "it is your majesty who is my prisoner !" “Passembleu ! this is beyond a joke; make way, man, or my sword shall carve it for me," and the king laid his hand on the hilt of his sword. Michel never replied; and at the same instant the horn which had already so puzzled the king, was heard sounding wofully but clearly behind his back, on the summit of the tower of La Generale. The king turned sharply round, and saw behind him three men, while a fourth was leaping over the battlements. "St. Denis to the rescue!" cried Henry IV.; but ere he could utter another word, he was caught hold of by the armed men, and held a prisoner. Respect the brave Henry of Navarre, king of France!" said Michel in a low tone. "And you, your majesty, give your royal word not to seek escape by violence, and I will leave you your sword." “Ventre St. Gris, young man!" exclaimed the king, overwhelmed with surprise and vexation as much as with fury at defeat, and well aware that, if Michel chose, he could now put him into the garrison, that fifty-seven of the bravest youths in The king heard his calm cold voice, he saw his "I will bear your message, Sir Michel," he said quietly; "but let us hasten." There were now fifteen men on the summit of the tower, and others were rapidly ascending. "Follow me, Pepin," continued Michel, speaking in loud commanding tones; "we must hasten below. The castle is alarmed; but as yet all attention is drawn from this side. As you go, tell me how you fared." that went round the whole body like an electric shock. Up it went, quickly at first, then slowly, and at last with so slow a motion as to alarm the daring youths. "Michel finds it too much for him, I fear," said Pepin with a shudder. "Two should have ascended." "It goes up again !" exclaimed one with an exclamation of delight. From that moment its ascending motion never ceased. But when about twenty yards remained uncoiled, a man who stood on the very edge of the rock spoke in a startled whisper: "Michel is letting something down." All drew in their breath and waited; but their suspense was not of long duration, as most of them had guessed Michel's ingenious device for aiding the carrying up of his ladder. Pepin lost not a moment: he cast loose a piece of iron as soon as he could lay hands on it, and set the rope adrift. It went up again with extreme rapidity. Then an anxious pause ensued, and the clock struck halfpast one. All pressed forward; but Pepin was thoughtful and wise. "Give him one minute's grace," he said; “he may not have been quite ready." That minute decided the fate of the enterprise. Had Michel not had that one minute, his ladder would have fallen. As it was, it was but ill fastened. Then Pepin, having seen that his horn was safe, put his foot on the ladder, bidding twelve others follow, and they began their ascent. They were all bold and resolute youths; but the peril was so extreme, the enterprise so hazardous—a chafed rope might cast all headlong into the sea or on the heads of their companions, a sentry might give the alarm-that not one but felt his heart beat quicker than it had ever done before. The ladder to the first company was comparatively easy of ascent, but The bold youth had then time to listen to Pepin's to the last it would be terrible; for then it would story. They descended rapidly the winding staircase, overcame the resistance of the small guard of four men in a lower chamber, and then barricading themselves in, awaited the progress of events, after sending forth their great prisoner as bearer of their wishes and commands. hang loosely, and shake at the will of the wind. On they went, then, these thirteen men, their musketoons on their backs, their swords between their teeth, their daggers ready at hand, and every man vowing a wax-candle to our Lady of St. Malo, if ever he lived to enter a church again. They climbed with steady and measured steps a proceeding when they were half-way up of considerable inconvenience, for as the thirteen left feet descended on thirteen ratlins on the left side, the ladder swung fearfully from side to side. When Michel had half ascended the rope, leaving his companions behind, a low murmur from one or two attracted the attention of Pepin, who had been appointed lieutenant by the improvised dictator of the night. He asked in a whisper what was the matter; and hearing that an idea had been set afloat that Michel was perhaps betraying them, burst forth, despite all his caution, in a whole vocabulary of invectives against the coward who dared suspect "Stop!" said Pepin suddenly to the next man; one greater than them all: he then imposed strict silence. It was a singular scene. Around, rocks and then as the word passed down, he bade them and the sea-the first black, the second white-step one on one side, and one on the other. They with wind howling, and waves roaring; and above, found this remedy, in a great measure, the evil comsheer point blank upward, apparently reaching the plained of. skies, the vast tower. The men were pressed together closely, as the base of the castle afforded little space, and the rope-ladder even took up a portion. At first they could see Michel, but presently they lost sight of him, his figure mingling with the darkness, except when a flash of lightning revealed his presence; but still the vibration of the rope told that he was ascending, for Pepin and several others held it. Suddenly this ceased, and then an anxious moment of silence followed, all eyes being cast upward toward the summit of the tower. "It ascends," said Pepin then in a low whisper, 66 Ave-Maria, God rest our souls!" exclaimed Pepin suddenly in a frantic tone, as he felt the ladder give way, and already saw himself, with his unfortunate companions, cast upon the heads of his friends below. At the same instant a terrific jerk, sufficiently proclaiming that for a moment the danger was over, nearly cast them from their holding; but then the rope remained steady again, and all breathed. There was not a face at that moment, could it have been seen, but was blanched with terror. Their hearts had almost ceased to beat, their wrists were wrenched, and their hands, though clutching the thick rope father headed these foreign soldiers, and there might Their first act was to examine the fastening of the ladder. A hastily tied knot had become unfastened, and the loosened cord had given the ladder two feet additional length. Nothing had saved them from destruction, but that the top ratlin of the ladder caught in two projecting stones of sufficient strength to bear them. They took care now to make the whole so firm that those below had nothing to fear. When those who were anxiously awaiting their turn felt the ladder fall, for one second of time, loose in their hands, and become two feet longer, their first impulse was flight, and some dashed into the sea up to their necks, to save themselves from destruction; but two held on, and the panic, which lasted little more than a second, being over, the whole again congregated fearfully at the foot of the tower in whispered conference. There were one or two brave men and true, who afterwards were not ashamed to own that they would, but for very terror of the others, have retreated. All understood that the ladder had partially given way, and even now it was possible every minute that the whole might come down about their ears. They listened, then, with deep anxiety, and kept their eyes fixed upwards. Then came the sound of the horn. It was now one general rush towards the ladder, and the inferior chiefs had some difficulty in preventing the whole from ascending at once. As it was, persuaded that those above would now see to their safety, twenty-three ventured to ascend. "But-how-in-the-holy-name, did they get there?" "Your Malouines are good sailors-they climbed up the tower from the sea, deceiving the sentry, by name Henry the Fourth of France, and taking him prisoner," said the king bitterly. The count then sat calmly in an arm-chair, softly cushioned, and covered with Genoa velvet; while Isabella leaned her elbows on a table, to all appearance reading in a huge folio, but really wrapped in her own, thoughts. Suddenly she heard the horn sounded from the summit of La Generale, and started to her feet, her volume falling on the ground in her haste. "Who is it? who calls?" exclaimed the count, replied the king sarcastically. rubbing his eyes. Isabella listened, but replied not, while the go-"let me go seek death. I have deserved it." vernor rose and hearkened, not yet sufficiently awake to understand what had occurred. Two minutes later, the roar of artillery, then the cries of sentries, the sound of trumpet and the beat of drums, told him that some event of alarming import was going on. "The foul fiend," exclaimed De Fontaines, "must be at the bottom of this." "No; but one as clever," said the Bernais, looking fixedly at Isabella, who was pale and red alternately, as various emotions affected her. "Who, sire?" "Master Secretary Michel, my wise governor!" "Sire," said De Fontaines, rising with dignity, "My father! your majesty, stop him! he is desperate," cried Isabella passionately. "Remain, De Fontaines. You are a brave soldier, but one deeper than you has overcome you. We must surrender. I cannot risk my life for one town, and my peculiar position with regard to the League commands me to be on friendly terms with St. Malo, though defeated. They will take the castle, let them have it quietly," and he took up a sheet of paper. "Send this safe-conduct to Michel, and let him come "In the name of God, what means this?" said he, about to rush out. Have the mad Leaguers learned the king's presence here, and come to break their heads against stone walls?" "Stay, my dear father, stay, cried Isabella passion-here and treat with us for the capitulation." ately; there is danger without, and I should die if De Fontaines turned round to his daughter in deyou go." spair. Isabella, am I awake? Do I dream?" "No time is to be lost. Lady Isabella, do you bear this to Master Secretary; give him our royal word that it shall be respected. "Nay, child, I must go. What is it, Choppau ?" he added, as a soldier entered in hot haste. "My lord, a revolt of the citizens. They fire cannon on the castle gates, and are at least ten thousand," said the alarmed soldier. Tush, tush!" exclaimed Henry entering, "talk not so big, my man. Go to the ramparts, and comAt half-past two, all were safely up, having per-mand that they cease all firing. Bid your officer ask formed one of the most daring feats on record, and in ten minutes' truce, and say that Henry of Navarre a cause far more justifiable than usual in those days, will himself treat with them." or even in any days of heroism, men being too apt to "Sire!" cried the astonished count, while the judge the manner of a deed less than its object. soldier rushed out to obey his sovereigns command. The pirates of the Gulf performed many acts almost "De Fontaines," continued the king calmly, as bold, but they, actuated by cupidity, are not to be" there is no time to be lost; answer my questions compared with those ardent youths, whose sole quickly." object was the freedom of their native town. VII. Blushing, trembling, and yet proud of her mission, she went forth. She found the court full of soldiers, some with torches, some with arms, while women and children sat sobbing and screaming in corners. She passed through the whole party, all making way, and stood at the barred gate of the Generale. "Who comes?" said a stern voice, while the clank of arms was heard. "I bear a message to General Michel," replied the young girl in a firm voice. "Ah! Isabella, is that you? Why here at this hour?" exclaimed the clear voice of the young leader of the audacious band within. "I bear in my hand a safe-conduct for Michel de la Bardeliere, signed by the royal hand of Henry of Navarre, king of France, who demands to treat with General Michel for the capitulation of the fortress of "I await your majesty's commands," replied the "For not one moment. It is all kept there, sire, THE Count de Fontaines had not retired to rest, It was now first known that the Generale and the powder-magazine were in the hands of the enemy. The mass of soldiers dispersed to look after their private effects, and to prepare for a movement which all felt to be inevitable. Michel opened the door, and came forth boldly. His first step-Isabella had fled-was to seek the ramparts. All was still. The citizens had understood at once the meaning of a truce. "Citizens," he exclaimed in a loud voice, "let not a gun be fired until firing recommences from within. The castle is ours, and before daylight the gates will be opened." A terrific shout arose of "Long live Michel! Long live St. Malo!" and then the young man directed his steps towards the apartment where De Fontaines sank on a chair, overwhelmed with Henry IV. and the governor awaited him. His face confusion, shame, and astonishment. was pale, but his brow was firm, and his lips com pressed. There was a flash of triumph in his eye, that showed the joy of certain victory. When he entered the council-chamber, he found himself in presence of the king, the Count de Fontaines, and his daughter. The king rose, which showed that he meant to treat with Michel as an equal for the moment, and seated himself only when the other was seated also. "Sir Michel," said he graciously, for he could assume gentleness, though in reality furious at his defeat and the loss of such a town, "I had hoped to have won over the Malouines to our royal selves. It seems they prefer independence. Far be it from me to wish them to comply. I prefer hoping that time may bring them to wiser councils. The castle, then, I willingly place in your hands, and only ask for my men an honorable capitulation." "Such is my wish, sire-arms and baggage, but the treasure and ammunition must be ours," replied Michel gravely. "We have supported the garrison long enough, and as men who know the value of money, we consider what the treasury contains to be our due." "God have mercy on me!" cried de Fontaines, turning very pale, for the king knew nothing of his funds. one of mine. Michel loves your daughter, and I young man, true to his classical tradition, proposed believe your daughter”— "Sire, I fall from the clouds—I cannot breathe I am faint with emotion-it is not possible!" "Sire," ," said Michel, deeply moved, "your majesty has a noble way of forgiving your enemies. In acting as I have done, I have been solely actuated by a strong sense of duty. Be assured that my personal gratitude and friendship will be as enduring as my life. I own that I love the Lady Isabella, but I never hoped" "But is it possible that my daughter can have encouraged a young man employed in my house as a secretary?" said the governor, perfectly aghast with horror. "My dear father," replied Isabella, "one of whom you made a companion and a friend. You have never refused me anything yet, and you will not now." that they should appoint a consul and a senate, the whole spiritually dependent on their bishop, but in reality free, the priest having no part in temporal affairs. Michel, however, indulged in no illusions. He was aware that, despite their victory, their position was difficult, and was perhaps only tenable as long as civil wars continued to weaken France. But he chose that they should keep their entire independence as long as possible; that if the day of servitude should ever come, they might fall nobly, securing to themselves immunities and privileges such as their position deserved. His friends adopted his ideas without hesitation, and then having partaken of refreshment, they departed to summon the old members of the commonalty to confirm or reject their decision. Michel remained with his family, who now asked of him an explanation of what had passed. The young leader of the The Count de Fontaines sank in a chair. The successful revolt gladly satisfied their curiosity, and king tapped him gently on the shoulder. "Come, my old and faithful friend," he said, "to your sovereign. You know I am no hard master." Sire, I can refuse you nothing. But to give my daughter to one who has deceived me, who has degraded me, who has captured a castle under my "How much is there?" inquired the king, almost command"inclined to smile. "De Fontaines, Henry the Fourth mounted guard, "I cannot say," replied the count; "ask my and was overcome by the audacious valor of this secretary. He knows far better than I do." youth. None will dare blame you. It is I upon whom the disgrace will fall." "Nothing of consequence," said Michel, quietly. "It is, however, understood that this castle capituDe Fontaines held out his hand to Michel, whom lates at daybreak; that the garrison march out with in reality he loved. The other pressed it, and hurarms and baggage; and that no hostilities take ried away; his most ardent dreams realised beyond place in the interval between the contracting | his brightest hope. parties." The king acquiesced by a nod, Michel took up a sheet of paper, and in a bold, clear hand noted down the particulars of the capitulation. He then handed it over to the king to sign. Henry IV. read it through without a word, but his quivering lip and half-closed eyes showed the fury that filled his mind. It began: "Terms of the Capitulation of the Citadel of St. Malo, agreed to between Henry IV., King of France and Navarre, and Michel de la Bardeliere, Provisional Dictator of the Republic of St. Malo," &c. The monarch, however, made no remark, signing one, and taking another signed by Michel. The count and his daughter figured as witnesses. Then Michel rose, bowed gallantly but rather haughtily, and prepared to leave the room. "Stay," said Henry IV., who saw all the value of attaching such a man personally to himself, feeling convinced, as he did, that St. Malo must be his at last. "Michel de la Bardeliere, though much humiliated at my defeat, I can respect and esteem in you a loyal enemy. I wish, however, circumstances apart, to be your friend, and therefore beg your acceptance of a gift." VIII. THE postern-gate opened to let Michel pass, after he had placed his own sentries over the whole castle, and then he went forth to announce to the citizens assembled without, that at daylight the castle that had so long frowned above their heads would be in their power. The young man was received with rapture. He immediately ordered a portion of the guard to remain under arms, sending the rest to take an hour's refreshment. He then asked Porcon and ten others of the notable citizens to accompany him to his house, where he found his mother and sister sitting up in a state of deep agitation and excitement. "My son," cried the fond mother on seeing him enter, while his sister embraced him cordially, "what is all this I hear? Your name unjustly execrated until now, has been this night lauded to the skies." had just concluded, amid exclamations of admiration and astonishment from both, when a servant entered. "What is it, Jean ?" asked Michel. "His reverence, Charles de Bourneuf, Bishop and Lord of St. Malo, wishes to see you," replied the youth. "Let him enter," said Michel coldly. "Dear mother and sister, leave me alone a while with him." The two women acquiesced, and Michel remained alone. A moment later, the bishop entered. He was a middle-sized, slight-made man, with an expression of great cunning, and a countenance in general expressive of inordinate ambitior and lust of power and wealth. "You say truly, Michel. He is still a heretic, and as such unfit to reign in France. On the other hand, there is the League of all true Catholics, which seeks to place on the throne a prince devoted to the interests of the church. But Henry, sup"My mother, the cause is simply this: my fellow-ported by the devil and Calvin, is a great general, citizens hitherto have not known me; they know and we have not been able to overcome him. It me now." "I never doubted you," said his sister, warmly. "Your majesty mistakes; you have in your pos- "I knew you did not, Caterina," said the brother, session no gift that a Malouine can accept," replied | gently. "But I must talk with my friends; I can Michel, rather haughtily. "Dictator of the Republic of St. Malo," continued the king, almost good-humoredly, "I have. Count de Fountaines, the best way of sealing an alliance such as I wish to enter into with my dear friends, the Malouines, is to marry the republic to has been left for you to perform this wondrous feat. He is your prisoner. Michel, the interests of our religion, the salvation of the monarchy, are in your hands. Declare for the League, give up the Bearbut tell you now, that you will in a few days wel-nais as hostage to them, and the war is over; peace will reign, the true interests of God will be triumcome a new sister. Isabella is mine!” This was said in a whisper, and then Michel phant, and your name will be everlastingly gloriseated himself at a table with his friends. Their discourse fell at once on the form of government which the free city of St. Malo should assume. The ous." "Rather, then, let it be everlastingly infamous,' replied Michel firmly; "for I have signed a con MICHEL AND HENRY ОР NAVARRE. of St. Malo? At this instant a depu tation of citizens en tered, headed by Porcon. They bowed slightly to the bishop-profoundly to Michel. Michel, est blessing of a state-peace. But at the end of four years, war ceased in France; Henry IV. was universally recognized as king; the pope allowed him to be a good Catholic; and every town and city in the land did homage. He sent word to Michel that he could not resist the advice of his ministers, but must reduce St. Malo to allegiance. Michel was too clear sighted not to be aware that resistance was useless. He sent, however, a haughty message to the king, in the name of the senate, for he would not join even in the least appearance of submission. He spoke as Cromwell might have done to Louis XIV., and the terms offered by the senate were accepted. Henry IV. forbade any Protestant chapels to be built within three leagues; the people were exempt from taxes for six years; they chose their own guard; they elected their own magistrates; had a prior and two consults to try all causes; in fact, they simply owned themselves a city of France, and remained as they were. "Michel Fortet de la decided that St. Malo is you are consul for four vention with Henry of Navarre and France; and | years. Long live the republic and its first consul." "And my rights?" he asked-with clenched fists, "Never!" said Charles furiously. "I am lord here, and I will not allow it. I am hereditary ruler in St. Malo, and no treaty is valid without my sig-says the old chronicle. nature. Never will I sign my name to a wicked and absurd capitulation that sets a heretic and a usurper free." "Then, your reverence, the treaty must live without your signature. It is signed, and must be carried into effect." "Who will dare to carry it out in defiance of me?" "Charles de Bourneuf," said Michel firmly, "return to your palace, and leave it not without further orders. We respect you in your spiritual capacity, but your known devotion towards a foreign party causes the city to declare that you are for ever excluded from its temporal councils." As Michel had always objected to the interference-of priests with government, but in those days of spir"I will, my lord bishop! I braved last night itual bondage, he threw in the party allusion to soothe and this morning greater dangers than any you can the bigoted. The priest went out muttering words place in my way. I braved the ascent of the Gene- of revenge, and shut himself up in his palace, which rale by a single rope, the threatening sword of he never left again for four years, except under good Henry the Fourth, and for two years the contempt guard. Michel received on his shoulders with huof my fellow-citizens. Mark me: reading, philoso-mility the furred cloak of ancient days worn by the phy, and reflection, have taught me that the differ- lords of St. Malo, allowed the tiara to be placed upon ence between Romanism and Protestantism is a his head and the sword by his side, and then marched matter of feeling. There are abuses on both sides, forth to carry out the terms of the capitulation. but the balance is with us. I am not bigotted to the sun rose, he entered the castle, where, to his the one or the other, and like not sudden changes; great surprise, he found a chapel fitted up for his but rather than submit to the rule of a priest, and marriage, which there and then was celebrated by the Then trumpets sounding and change masters, I pledge myself in six months to command of the king. make St. Malo as strong a hold of the Reformation colors flying, and all military honors done to them, as La Rochelle. I respect the sincere piety of my the garrison, headed by the king and count, marched countrymen, but, myself half a Huguenot, I should out, Michel accompanying them some distance. At not grieve to see all my countrymen so. But I will last they parted, with many mutual good wishes, and not, in so grave a matter, take any initiative: they the consul returned to his native city, to organise and are good and happy. But mark me, Charles de consolidate his government. Bourneuf, no tampering with our liberties. I am neither for king nor League-I am for the liberties of St. Malo. But, in preference to the League-I would accept the king." "But you, a simple citizen, a merchant, a trader, how dare you resist your hereditary lord, the bishop During four years Michel ruled as consul, beloved by his countrymen, whom he made rich, prosperous, and happy. His views were enlarged and comprehensive, and his first thought was to foster commerce -the right hand of civilization. St. Malo became wealthy to a proverb, enjoying as she did the great Though not in importance one tithe of what it was, St. Malo is still an important place, and there are many even now who would gladly return to the good old times, under the rule of their first and last republican consul, Michel Fortet de la Bardeliere, whose descendants have uniformly served their city well, either as magistrates, merchants, or sailors, preserving religiously in their families the legend of the Rock Republic. The general reader, however, more readily connects and is almost always ignorant of the daring feats the name with smuggling and contraband brandy, which has induced us to recall the name of Michel Fortet de la Bardeliere. DIRGE FOR LITTLE MARY. SING and sigh for little Mary; From the lap of loving care Floating on the summer air! Far behind her in the race, In her white shroud, wide and long. For they draw the curtains round; Ah! we followed little Mary To the utmost bounds of thought, NO. XIII.-VOL. III. |