sometimes looked black, but in certain lights, or when he was powerfully moved, it assumed a light blue hue. A closer examination of the countenance of Gilles de Laval, however, showed that there was something strange and frightful in the man. At times the muscles in the face contracted, the mouth quivered nervously, and the brows twitched spasmodically. 1 le ground his teeth like a wild beast, and then his lips became so contracted that they appeared drawn in and glued to his tee:h. His eyes became fixed with a most sinister expression in them, his complexion livid and cadaverous, his brow covered with deep wrinkles, and his beard bristled and turned blue. But in a few minutes his features would become serene, with a sweet smile reposing upon them; and his expression relaxed into a vague and ten der melancholy." This is the description given of this noted criminal as he appeared when placed on trial on Oct. 10, 1440. Yet this same Bluebeard was no less a person than Marshal of France, a coun cillor and chamberlain to Charles VII. He was one of the most famous and powerful noblemen in the province, a distinguished soldier, and a shrewd politician. A still greater characteristic of this man was his deep religious temperament. He was con stantly repeating his prayers and litanies, and subscribed largely to all charities. Evidence at the trial showed that Gilles de Laval owned and occupied the »castle of Machecoul, a gloomy structure of sombre and repulsive appearance, composed of huge towers, and surrounded by a deep moat. Witnesses testified that on certain days and times the drawbridge was lowered and the servants of De Retz stood in the gateway distributing clothes, money, and food to the mendicants, who came soliciting alms. Sometimes children were among the beg gars; the servants coaxed the little ones into the kitchen with a promise of reward, and as often as they accepted the invita tion, they disappeared within the gloomy
recesses of the old castle and were seen no more. Children playing in the forests around the castle, those sent on errands, and sometimes even those left at home, alike mysteriously disappeared, sometimes several in the same family. Babies left in their cradles and young people of sixteen or seventeen years of age were among the missing. The terror was widespread among the peasantry; and " when dusk settled down over the forest, and one by one the windows of the castle became illumined, they would point to one casement high up in an isolated tower, from which a clear light streamed through the gloom of night, and speak of a fierce red glare which irradiated the chamber at times; of the sharp cries, as of some one in mortal agony, that rang out of it through the hushed woods, to be answered only by the howl of the wolf as it rose from its lair to begin its nocturnal rambles." It became the duty of John, Duke of Brittany, to move in the matter of his cousin's guiltiness. He was slow, indeed, to believe in the guilt of his kinsman. But at last those in high estate interfered in the matter, and Gilles de Laval, Marshal of France, and two of his servants were appre hended and taken to the Château de la Tour Neuve, at Bouffay. The Duke nominated the Commissioner Jean de Toucheroude to collect information and take down the charges against the Marshal. At this time there seemed to be a good deal of doubt, among those whose duty it was to bring such offenders to justice, as to the guilt of the Marshal. But upon the investigation witness after witness deposed to the loss of their children, and connected the loss with the Marshal and his servants, until there was a terrible array of evidence against them. The Commis sioner became satisfied of the guilt of the prisoner; yet the Duke was loath to believe his kinsman, the most powerful of his vas sals, the best of his captains, a councillor and marshal of France, could be guilty of
