"Not certainly," interrupted Edmond, who could no longer restrain himself, "As wild passion demands, where doubt exists, mildness and compassion are the designs of the Lord." He had not yet finished these words, when he felt the stroke of a sword between his neck and shoulders, which the wrathful Ravanel aimed at him. The youth tottered backwards and Cavalier received him in his arms. "How?" exclaimed several voices, "one brother against another?" many swords were bared, a wild shout flew over the mountains and all was confusion. "The spirit moves me: he is a traitor!" said Ravanel. "stop! peace!" cried Roland's powerful voice in the midst, "brother Duplant has just now prophesied that he means us fairly, and that he is inspired with the faith!" Ravanel turned surlily away and spoke to Duplant, who had in the mean while awakened. A tall, slight man, whose clear brown eyes sparkled brightly, had in the interim been busied with Edmond: he had quickly torn off his clothes, examined and bound up the wound, which did not appear to be dangerous, and had supported him nearly fainting from loss of blood, between his knees. Cavalier with his kindly, childlike eyes was bending over him, and the youth fancied that he was again in his father's house, and that the strange guest was come to seek a reconciliation with him. "You are my angel," said he in a feeble voice, "you are indeed Gabriel, as my sister there has just said: take then also Christine as well as my father under your protection, pious boy, we shall all see one another cheerfully and happily again, but shine less brightly." Then he lost all consciousness. "He is dying! brother Clary!" exclaimed Cavalier. "No," replied he, who had bound up his wound, "he will soon revive again; yet Ravanel does him injustice, for I know by my spirit that this youth is religious, and will follow our cause with zeal; but the wrathful fire of these fierce heroes will ruin us all."