My Library

very instant that he did so, there came the sharp crack of fire-arms in the hall and on the stairs, accompanied with any amount of oaths uttered in not very choice French. Immediately, running to the door along with the Commissary of Police and one of his comrades, I demanded to know the cause of the disturbance. “By the Holy Evangelists! I fired straight into his head, and it didn’t faze him an inch!” said the sergeant. “And I struck him square in the middle of the head, and that didn’t harm him in the least!” said another. “And I put two Derringer bullets and four Colt’s fair into his breast, at ten inches, and blast me if all six didn’t fly back and hit me!” exclaimed a third. “And I’ll swear that he didn’t come through the open door, for it was fast shut, with my hand on the knob, every second of the time!” said the fourth. “It was the devil!” said a fifth. “Or his imp!” said the sixth. “And I’ll swear he never passed by me on the lower stair!” observed the seventh man. “Come hither into the room and tell us what you are driving at,” said the Commissary. “I’m driving at nothing just now,” said the