"What should I hear? Is he still
alive?"
"Yes, curse him! So, too, is that wretched girl, daughter of a vile
aristocrat, that he saved from starvation. Bah! as if starving was not
too good a death for her! But there is a price set on Marigny, and a
reward would be given for the child too. So some one will soon betray
them, and then--why, we will see if they had not rather have starved!"
he said ferociously.
"I--I have heard this Marigny is a brave man," observed the farmer
timidly.
"That is why we want the child! There is nothing would humble him save
perchance to find he could not save the child he loves from torture. Ha!
ha! we shall have a merry time then!"
"Doubtless this Marigny is no friend to the republic," said the farmer
hesitatingly.
The corporal laughed noisily as he gathered up his horse's reins. "Head
and front of this insurrection--an accursed rebel! But he shall pay for
it, he shall pay; and so will all those fools who have helped him!"
And the little band of soldiers rode away, shouting and jesting, leaving
Jean Paulet with a heart full of fear.
With trembling fingers he pushed open the house door, and, stepping into
the kitchen, found Rosette crouched beneath the open window. "Heard you
what they said--that they are seeking for you?" he gasped.
Rosette nodded. "They have done that this long time," she observed
coolly.
[Sidenote: "They must find You!"]
"But--but--some time they must find you!" he stammered.
Pages:
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167