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 Satan. Jules himself was cheerfully atheistic; cautious, but quite fearless.

"But monsieur is triste!" he would protest. "Ah, if monsieur could but see how the ladies he passes on the street regard him!"

"Hush, Jules, it is necessary to think of one's soul to please le bon Dieu." And Jules would shrug into silence.

It had not taken Dessalines long to discover that his valet was marvelously astute. He had at length confided in him his plans, his ambitions. Jules had become valet, counselor, and friend.

Now as he joined his master his crowlike face was expressionless as ever, but the beady eyes glinted with excitement. He had guessed at what the cablegram contained; one glance at the face of his master confirmed this surmise.

"Jules," said Dessalines in a hollow voice, "the moment has arrived."

Jules hopped forward; in the service of Dessalines he wore a black cutaway coat which enhanced the aptness of his nickname. His small black eyes shone.

"Oh, monsieur le Comte is to be congratulated, why then is monsieur triste?"

Dessalines groaned. He made no pretenses to Jules.

"It is the doubt … the uncertainty … the fear that I may be tried and found wanting. O Jules, the good God has laid a heavy burden upon his servant!" Dessalines covered his face with both huge hands. His great chest swelled beneath the deep-drawn breaths.

Jules looked at him, his head on one side and the pupils of the beady eyes dilated. Dessalines under emo- 149