As the clock struck five, we arrived at the Rue Grange Batélière. We found M. Drouet punctual. I introduced M. Duplay, whom he already knew through my speaking of him. We spent the evening fraternising with the Parisians. We each of us received a medal in commemoration of the occasion. At five o’clock in the morning, the drum beat the recall. We formed ranks, and set out for the Barrier Pantin. Meaux was fixed upon as our first halting-place. Four days after our departure from Paris, we arrived at Menehould about three hours after mid-day. We had, on an average, marched about twelve leagues a day. M. Drouet wished me to dine with him, but I knew that my uncle would be uneasy if I returned not with the others; and, somehow or other, I had a presentiment that I must hasten, if I wished to see him alive. I was a quick walker. I ran down the slope of the mountain, and traversed the village at a quick trot. On passing the priest’s house, I saw Mademoiselle Marguerite in the doorway. When she saw me, she came forward. I feared what she was going to ask; so I at once said, “M. le Curé is in capital health, and will be here in an hour. What news of my uncle?” “Good, my dear Réné—good; but you have mentioned to him your arrival?” “No, I have not. Why should I?” “Well, he told me that you would arrive at half-past seven this evening; and he said, ‘Thank heaven, I shall be able to see and bless him before I die!’” “He said that? Well, I must hurry on, for I have no time to lose.” On leaving the village, and turning the first angle of the forest, one could see the cottage of Father Descharmes. I turned the corner in a moment. Father Descharmes was at the door, seated in his arm-chair, in the same place I had left him, enjoying the rays of the setting sun. I waved my hat on the end of my musket. I thought that he feebly waved his hand in return. I ran quicker than ever; and the nearer I came the more his face brightened up. When I was not more than ten paces distant, he lifted himself from the chair, and, raising his eyes to heaven, he said “I knew well that I should see my child again. ‘Now let Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word.’” I heard these words, and threw myself on my knees. “Bless me, oh, my uncle!” I cried. My voice was choked with sobs, for I saw that I had arrived just in time to receive his last breath. I felt the old man’s hands placed upon my forehead, and I fancied that I heard his voice murmuring feebly a prayer. When the prayer was finished, he cried, “Oh, heaven, receive my spirit!” I felt his hand slowly slipping from my brow. I stayed a moment immovable, and then, taking his hands in mine, I raised myself gently, and looked at him. He had fallen backwards, his head resting on his breast, and his eyes and mouth open. But the mouth no longer had breath, and the light had departed from the eyes. He was dead! CHAPTER XXI. I EXCHANGE MY GUN FOR THE PLANE.