292 COACHING. 



ings were misty, the nights long, gloomy, and 

 cold ; but gloom never approached the place 

 that the Baron inhabited. The apres-diner had 

 been excessively merry, and all the company 

 had gradually retired. M. de Bezenval had 

 announced his departure, and being almost the 

 only guest in the room, took leave of the mis- 

 tress of the house. 



" T hope to see you again soon," said 

 he. 



" I hope so too," replied the lady with 

 courtesy. 



He took his departure, and soon fell asleep 

 in his post-chaise, wrapped up in thick fur. 

 He was suddenly roused from his slumbers by 

 a violent shaking. The postilion had been 

 knocked off his horse, a number of armed men 

 surrounded the vehicle, and their leader, whose 

 face was blackened, seizing the Baron, presented 

 a pistol to his breast. 



" Sir," said the Baron, " your men do not 

 know how to behave themselves — they should 

 at least have given me time to draw my hunting- 

 knife." 



Without favouring him with a reply, they 

 stripped him — his cane, rings, snuff-boxes of 

 lapis-lazuli, and his two watches and chains 



