When Edmond had taken a survey of the surrounding country and of his future companions, Roland again called out in a loud voice, as he stood up: "Is no prophet yet arrived?" "Yes," said Favart, "here is brother Duplant." At the same moment a pale, haggard little man stepped up, who trembled in every joint as from cold and whose prominent eyes added to his appearance of illness. "What do you wish brother?" asked he of the leader in an almost whining tone. "Come forward brother," said Roland in a full, sonorous voice; "here is a new brother, who presents, himself to us from out of the valley, a rich distinguished man and a catholic; what does the spirit say to you about it?" Duplant opened his light-blue eyes still wider, gazed on Edmond with a feeble, death-like look, then gathered himself up, shook his head violently, fell down, and while his breast and the lower part of his body heaved convulsively, a deep, and to him, unusual voice proceeded from him, resounding loudly: "I tell thee brother, this is a choice instrument, he will serve the Lord faithfully; his father in his heart is in our mountains, rejoice all that he is come among us. Amen!" Roland immediately embraced the youth, then extended his hand to him; "In the name of God then!" said he solemnly, "My vocation must be true," answered Edmond, "for you have given a reception such as might well have frightened back an ordinary enthusiast." "We cannot do otherwise brother," said Roland, "we are too often put to the test by spies in various forms; therefore, the Lord, decides among us, He, who cannot be deceived." "It is good for me to be among you and to look upon the faces of all these, honoured men: but where is Cavalier, the hero, whose name resounds throughout the whole country? my soul burns to know him and to fold him in my arms." "Yonder he comes with his troop in wonderful array." A multitude of Camisards, clad in pillaged uniforms, marched up the mountain shouting with joy, at their head rode their commander, mounted on a little horse, one feather in his large hat, a richly embroidered uniform hung wide and loosely on his little thin body. He sprang from his horse, and while Edmond was making his way up to him, impressed with the almost ludicrous appearance of the unbecoming attire, the so justly renowned Cavalier advanced towards him, and Edmond, in terror and in deep confusion, stepped back, for the young hero was no other than that miller-lad, whom he had a short time before in his father's house treated with so much contempt, nay even with cutting bitterness. CHAPTER IX. The young commander first cast a lengthened look of astonishment on Edmond, then approached nearer and kindly offered him his hand. "You are one of us," exclaimed he, "the Lord had so ordained, accept the assurance of my brotherly love."--