This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1846 edition. Excerpt: ... chapter xviii. developments of the journey and of the trials of the notary. Walt seemed to himself, as though like one of the seven sleepers awaking, he was going through the streets of a town that had just been emptied of its inhabitants. This aspect of things was caused partly by his absence of two days, and partly by the fire, which, although without much injury, had taken place in his absence. While yet in the street he seemed to be moving on his journey. The people, too, drawn by the fire from their every-day regularity, clustered here and there in detached groups to gaze about, and talk of the danger they had escaped. Walt hastened to his brother, eager first to excite, and then to gratify his curiosity. Vult received him rather coolly, and said, he supposed he looked very much heated, and ascribed his glowing face to the excitement of the fire. Walt began with the most exciting parts of hia journey, saying, " Oh brother, I have things to impart--things indeed"--" I too," interrupted Vult, "have met with some of the wonders of the world, which may astonish you. To begin with the first, Flitt has recovered.--The town is still wondering and astonished at this unhoped-for recovery." "Yes," said Walt, " I saw him as I passed through the Lorenzo gate, standing at the air-hole of the tower," but Walt wished to hasten on to other subjects, and said, "dearest brother, I would rather listen to your remarks than to your narrative, for events are all that I have to impart. Your letter, with its wonderful dream, I have received--but what would that be in itself? It has been fulfilled from point to point, from comma to comma--only listen."