very moment confined to his room by a violent illness.'
'Well or ill, I say I met him (vociferated Claude, as if angry at being doubted), and your brother Lafroy along with him.'
'Your eyes certainly deceived you (said Josephe); what in the name of wonder should induce him to report he was ill except he really was so, or bring him the way you said you met him.'
'I certainly cannot assign a reason for his pretending illness (replied Claude); but I can give a very sufficient one for his journey to the Alps; has Lafroy never informed you?'
'No, never.'
'Ah, he is a close dog, he could have told you a great deal if he had had a mind, for he is quite in the confidence of his master. But to my story; you must know near the cottage of my godfather there stands a fine old castle, now inhabited by an Irishman of distinction, who was driven from his own country by some troubles in the state.
