Alfred de Rosann by G.W.M. Reynolds — page 66: what you’re looking at

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

Alfred de Rosann. 51 himself could scarcely procure such documents from the Prefec- ture de Police.”’ ‘¢ Till to-morrow, then, lay aside all conjecture ; and endeavour to snatch a few hours of repose,”’ cried our hero. “‘ Good night, De Rosann; and, once more—may fortune favour our undertakings!” rejoined Belle-Rose. ‘s Amen !”’ And the cachot was wrapt in silence. It was not until a very late hour that De Rosann sank into an uneasy slumber; but he awoke early the following morning, refreshed and comparatively in good spirits. He recalled his scattered ideas, and endeavoured to separate the real from the imaginary. Amongst the latter was for a moment ranked every thing connected with Leblond, till a little mature reflection as- sured him of the truth of that individual’s appearance at the guichet, and brought to his mind the substance of what he had said. Belle-Rose soon awoke, and the passports were speedily produced: while Champignon still remained locked in the em- races of Sleep. The anxious eyes of the two prisoners greedily sought the contents of the papers and their hearts leapt within them as they noticed in the dim twilight that these documents were really genuine! The very descriptions of their persons were correct to a nicety ; and on the back was the regular en- dorsement and the red stamp of the Prefecture de Police. The names alone were changed; De Rosann was thenceforth to be called Jules de Remonville—and Belle-Rose, Henri Mercier. We shall, however, continue to designate them by their real ap- pellations, to prevent confusion in the progress of our tale. Scarcely had De Rosann and Belle-Rose congratulated them- selves on the genuineness of their papers, and consequently on the unlimited confidence to be now attached to Leblond’s assertions, when Champignon began to give evident signs of an inclination to shake off his slumbers, by yawning, and stretching out his arms in a@ most unceremonious manner. The sun had not yet risen; and the twilight entered but partially into the narrow cell, barely suf- ficient to allow Alfred and his comrade to peruse their passports a few minutes before Champignon awoke. The gastronomer inquired what o’clock it was; and on being told that in a quarter of an hour the Gendarmes would call them to renew their march, he declared his intention of rising and washing himself. ‘¢ As for rising,” said Belle-Rose, “ that is not very difficult, seeing you have no bed-clothes to kick off; but as for washing yourself, otherwise than at the pump, when the gaoler opens the doors, you need not flatter yourself you will have the opportunity.’’ ‘‘I beg your pardon,” returned Champignon, gently ; ‘may I never spit another partridge if there be not a species of wooden trough or ewer in this corner.” ‘¢Ah! there really is something,” remarked Belle-Rose, care- lessly. cc Tig as I tell.-you,” muttered Champignon ; and he reached forward his hand to grasp the utensil! when the machine snapped. COMRnIClooo SS (GO)