Alfred de Rosann by G.W.M. Reynolds — page 126: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

Alfred de Rosann. 103 line, I do not see the necessity of beginning a history of adventures with a paragraph from the cookery-book.” ‘‘ Be so kind as to suffer me to proceed in my own way,’ persisted Champignon, “or to hold my tongue at once and for all. I was saying that I made it an invariable rule in my kitchen, at the Cadran Rouge, which, as you may recollect, was set up in opposition to the monopoly so unjustly maintained by the Cadran Bleu—” ‘In the name of God, what has that to do with your flight from the galleys?” ejaculated Belle-Rose, impatiently. “ It has a great deal to do with my history,” returned Champignon, annoyed at being interrupted a second time. ‘* Not if you commence from the 22nd of May, 1830, the day of Frangois’ execution, of Edouard’s murder, and of our escape,” said Belle-Rose. “‘ Only permit me to complete my first sentence, and you will ina moment perceive the bearing and purport of the words with which I commenced my tale.” ‘‘ Endeavour to restrain your impatience, my dear Belle-Rose,” said De Rosann ; “ or we shall never get to the end of the narrative.” “Proceed, then,” muttered Pierre; ‘ and give us as little about your dishes, and as much about yourself, as you possibly can.” ‘‘ You shall be obeyed,’ answered Champignon: “ Attend. I had established it as an invariable rule in my kitchen, at the Cadran Rouge, that to do things well, the strictest order and regularity must be ob- served, even in the most: trifling matters: the same rule will be now applied to my entertaining history.” “ Thank God!" exclaimed Belle-Rose, fervently. The zpo \éyopeva being achieved,” added De Rosann. ‘¢ I was chained to an individual,’”’ continued Champignon, heedless of these remarks, ‘* who seemed determined to assist the most tumultuous of his companions, instead of acting as a peace-maker and mediator. I ventured to remonstrate with him on the depravity of such conduct ; but he told me it was not Sunday, that he did not understand preaching, .and that if I could not hold my tongue he would apply something to my mouth, to close it effectually. At that instant, a sudden movement on the part of the general mass gave us so violent a shock, that our shackles were pulled different ways, and caused us a momentary pain. My com- rade was furious; he swore that I lagged behind on purpose to annoy him ; and when I opened my lips to utter an assurance to the contrary, he gave me such a blow with the flat of his hand, that I fell to the ground, dragging my brutal assailant after me. He cursed and swore like a mad-man, because the pressure of the crowd knocked us one against the other, and prevented us from rising. While we were thus plunging about in the dirt, my eye caught sight of a small shining object thatlay near me. I picked it up, and instantly recognised one of those keys which were used to lock our chains. You may laugh, gentlemen,” said Champignon, noticing that Belle-Rose and De Rosann exchanged certain glances, the significance of which he totally misunderstood ; ‘‘ but I can assure you it is a fact. How the key came there, God only knows: it was however a key, and a very useful one; for it unlocked my side of the chain in a moment, COnicbooolks (GO)