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 his right senses.” Then asuming a tone of soft insinuation, “Come, my good friend,” said he, “place your trust in God; he will have pity on your condition.”

At the same time he puts the Bible on the other’s head, and begins his prayer.— Nicholas, in anger, pushes away the book, declares he cannot stay to be trifled with, guests being waiting for him at his house; that he wants his fifteen-pence, and has no occasion for prayers.

The priest, irritated at this, calls to his congregation, as they were going out of church, and desires them to seize the man, who was raving.

“No, no! I am not mad; and, by St. Corneille, you shall not trick me in this manner. You engaged to pay me, and I will not leave this place till I get my money.”

“ Seize him! seize him !” cried the priest.

They accordingly fastened upon the poor devil; one taking hold of his arms, another of his legs, a third clasping him round the middle, while a fourth exhorted him to be composed. He makes violent efforts to get lout of their clutches, swears and foams with rage, like one possessed,—but all in vain ; for the parson puts the stole round his neck, and reads quickly his prayer from beginning to end, without excusing him a single word.—