"What is the matter, father?" said Fleur-de-Marie, with anxiety. "Nothing--nothing, my child." "But these threatening cries--do you hear? they approach. What is that?" "Franz, order the postilions to turn and go to Charenton by another road, whatever it may be," said Rudolph. "It is too late, your highness! we are in the crowd. They have stopped the horses. Some ill-looking people--" The footman could not say another word. The crowd, exasperated by the sanguinary shouts of Skeleton and Nicholas, suddenly surrounded the carriage. In spite of the efforts and threats of the postilions, the horses were stopped, and Rudolph saw himself surrounded on all sides by horrible, threatening, and furious faces: pre-eminent among all, from his great height, was Skeleton, who advanced to the carriage door. "Father, take care!" cried Fleur-de-Marie, throwing her arms around Rudolph's neck. "Is it you, then, who are the lord?" said the Skeleton, thrusting his hideous head into the carriage. At this insolence, Rudolph would have given way to the natural violence of his charcter, had it not been for the presence of his daughter; but he restrained himself, and answered cooly, "What do you want? Why do you stop my carriage?" "Because it pleases us," said Skeleton, placing his bony hands on the door. "Every one in his turn; yesterday you trampled on the poor man; today the poor man will trample on you, if you stir." "Father, we are lost!" murmured Fleur-de-Marie in a low voice. "Compose yourself--I comprehend," said the prince; "it is the last day of the carnival. These people are drunk. I will soon get rid of them." "We must make him get out, and his mott also," cried Nicholas. "Why should they trample on poor folks?" "You appear to be drunk, and doubtless have a desire to drink more," said Rudolph, taking a purse from his pocket. "Here, this is for you; do not detain my carriage any longer." And he threw out his purse. Tortillard caught it.