to the interests of the tribe boarded and lodged by her. And as a
result, this shifting population, subject as it is to an unalterable
law of custom, has eyes in every place, and will carry out an order
anywhere without asking questions; for the oldest journeyman is still
at an age when a man has some beliefs left. What is more, the whole
fraternity professes doctrines which, if unfolded never so little, are
both true enough and mysterious enough to electrify all the adepts
with patriotism; and the _compagnons_ are so attached to their rules,
that there have been bloody battles between different fraternities on
a question of principle. Fortunately, however, for peace and public
order; if a _Devorant_ is ambitious, he takes to building houses,
makes a fortune, and leaves the guild.

A great many curious things might be told of their rivals, the
_Compagnons du Devior_, of all the different sects of workmen, their
manners and customs and brotherhoods, and of the resemblances between
them and the Freemasons; but there, these particulars would be out of
place. The author will merely add, that before the Revolution a
Trempe-la-Soupe had been known in the King's service, which is to say,
that he had the tenure of a place in His Majesty's galleys for one
hundred and one years; but even thence he ruled his guild, and was
religiously consulted on all matters, and if he escaped from the hulks
he met with help, succor, and respect wherever he went. To have a
chief in the hulks is one of those misfortunes for which Providence is
responsible; but a faithful lodge of _devorants_ is bound, as before,
to obey a power created by and set above themselves. Their lawful
sovereign is in exile for the time being, but none the less is he
their king. And now any romantic mystery hanging about the words
_Ferragus_ and the _devorants_ is completely dispelled.