He slept deeply from fatigue until late the next morning, when he
was awakened by the sounds of trumpets, drums and fifes, and by
general rejoicing.
He arose and looked from his windows to ascertain the cause, and saw
the square full of people in a state of the highest excitement,
watching for a military procession coming up the street
It was the United States troops under their gallant commanders, who
had landed from the steamboats that morning and were now marching
from the quays up to their quarters at the St. Charles.
As they advanced, Traverse, eagerly upon the lookout, recognized his
own regiment.
Traverse withdrew from the window, hurriedly completed his toilet,
and hastened down-stairs, where he soon found himself face to face
with Herbert, who warmly grasping his hand, exclaimed:
"You here, old friend? Why, I thought you were down in East
Feliciana, with your interesting patient!"
"It is for the interest of that 'interesting patient' that I am
here, Herbert! Did I tell you, she was one of the victims of that
demon Le Noir?"
"No: but I know it from another source. I know as much, or more of
her, perhaps, than you do!"
"Ah!" exclaimed Traverse, in surprise.
"Yes! I know, for instance, that she is Capitola's mother, the long-
lost widow of Eugene Le Noir, the mistress of the Hidden House, and
the ghost who drew folks' curtains there at night.
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