第2章

Shesweptahandfulofdelicatecambricandsilkfromoffachair，makingroomfordeBatz\'portlyfigure。Thenshesatuponthesofa，andwithaninvitinggestureandacallfromtheeyesshebadeArmandsitdownnexttoher。Sheleanedbackagainstthecushions，andthetablebeingcloseby，shestretchedoutahandandoncemoretookupthebunchofnarcissi，andwhileshetalkedtoArmandsheheldthesnow-whitebloomsquiteclosetoherface——soclose，infact，thathecouldnotseehermouthandchin，onlyherdarkeyesshoneacrossathimovertheheadsoftheblossoms。

“TellmeallaboutEngland，“shereiterated，settlingherselfdownamongthecushionslikeaspoiltchildwhoisabouttolistentoanoft-toldfavouritestory。

ArmandwasvexedthatdeBatzwassittingthere。HefelthecouldhavetoldthisdaintylittleladyquiteagooddealaboutEnglandifonlyhispompous，fatfriendwouldhavehadthegoodsensetogoaway。

Asitwas，hefeltunusuallytimidandgauche，notquiteknowingwhattosay，afactwhichseemedtoamuseMlle。Langenotalittle。

“IamveryfondofEngland，“hesaidlamely；“mysisterismarriedtoanEnglishman，andImyselfhavetakenupmypermanentresidencethere。“

“Amongthesocietyofemigres？”shequeried。

Then，asArmandmadenoreply，deBatzinterposedquickly：

“Oh！youneednotfeartoadmitit，mygoodArmand；MademoiselleLange，hasmanyfriendsamongtheemigres——haveyounot，mademoiselle？”

“Yes，ofcourse，“sherepliedlightly；“Ihavefriendseverywhere。

Theirpoliticalviewshavenothingtodowithme。Artistes，I

think，shouldhavenaughttodowithpolitics。Yousee，citizenSt。Just，Ineverinquiredofyouwhatwereyourviews。YournameandkinshipwouldproclaimyouapartisanofcitizenRobespierre，yetIfindyouinthecompanyofM。deBatz；andyoutellmethatyouliveinEngland。“

“HeisnopartisanofcitizenRobespierre，“againinterposeddeBatz；“infact，mademoiselle，Imaysafelytellyou，Ithink，thatmyfriendhasbutoneidealonthisearth，whomhehassetupinashrine，andwhomheworshipswithalltheardourofaChristianforhisGod。“

“Howromantic！”shesaid，andshelookedstraightatArmand。

“Tellme，monsieur，isyouridealawomanoraman？”

Hislookansweredher，evenbeforeheboldlyspokethetwowords：

“Awoman。“

Shetookadeepdraughtofsweet，intoxicatingscentfromthenarcissi，andhisgazeoncemorebroughtblushestohercheeks。

DeBatz\'good-humouredlaughhelpedhertohidethisunwontedaccessofconfusion。

“Thatwaswellturned，friendArmand，“hesaidlightly；“butI

assureyou，mademoiselle，thatbeforeIbroughthimhereto-nighthisidealwasaman。“

“Aman！”sheexclaimed，withacontemptuouslittlepout。“Whowasit？”

“Iknownoothernameforhimbutthatofasmall，insignificantflower——theScarletPimpernel，“replieddeBatz。

“TheScarletPimpernel！”sheejaculated，droppingtheflowerssuddenly，andgazingonArmandwithwide，wonderingeyes。“Anddoyouknowhim，monsieur？”

Hewasfrowningdespitehimself，despitethedelightwhichhefeltatsittingsoclosetothischarminglittlelady，andfeelingthatinameasurehispresenceandhispersonalityinterestedher。ButhefeltirritatedwithdeBatz，andangeredatwhatheconsideredthelatter\'sindiscretion。Tohimtheverynameofhisleaderwasalmostasacredone；hewasoneofthoseenthusiasticdevoteeswhoonlycaretonametheidoloftheirdreamswithbatedbreath，andonlyintheearsofthosewhowouldunderstandandsympathise。

AgainhefeltthatifonlyhecouldhavebeenalonewithmademoisellehecouldhavetoldherallabouttheScarletPimpernel，knowingthatinherhewouldfindareadylistener，ahelpingandalovingheart；butasitwashemerelyrepliedtamelyenough：

Yes，mademoiselle，Idoknowhim。“

“Youhaveseenhim？”shequeriedeagerly；“spokentohim？”

“Yes。“

“Oh！dotellmeallabouthim。YouknowquiteanumberofusinFrancehavethegreatestpossibleadmirationforyournationalhero。Weknow，ofcourse，thatheisanenemyofourGovernment——

but，oh！wefeelthatheisnotanenemyofFrancebecauseofthat。Weareanationofheroes，too，monsieur，“sheaddedwithapretty，proudtossofthehead；“wecanappreciatebraveryandresource，andwelovethemysterythatsurroundsthepersonalityofyourScarletPimpernel。Butsinceyouknowhim，monsieur，tellmewhatishelike？

Armandwassmilingagain。Hewasyieldinghimselfupwhollytothecharmwhichemanatedfromthisyounggirl\'sentirebeing，fromhergaietyandherunaffectedness，herenthusiasm，andthatobviousartistictemperamentwhichcausedhertofeeleverysensationwithsuperlativekeennessandthoroughness。

“Whatishelike？”sheinsisted。

“That，mademoiselle，“hereplied，“Iamnotatlibertytotellyou。“

“Notatlibertytotellme！”sheexclaimed；“butmonsieur，ifI

commandyou——“

“Atriskoffallingforeverunderthebanofyourdispleasure，mademoiselle，Iwouldstillremainsilentonthatsubject。“

Shegazedonhimwithobviousastonishment。Itwasquiteanunusualthingforthisspoiltdarlingofanadmiringpublictobethusopenlythwartedinherwhims。

“Howtiresomeandpedantic！”shesaid，withashrugofherprettyshouldersandamoueofdiscontent。“And，oh！howungallant！Youhavelearntugly，Englishways，monsieur；forthere，Iamtold，menholdtheirwomenkindinveryscantesteem。There！”sheadded，turningwithamockairofhopelessnesstowardsdeBatz，“amInotamostunluckywoman？ForthepasttwoyearsIhaveusedmybestendeavourstocatchsightofthatinterestingScarletPimpernel；

heredoImeetmonsieur，whoactuallyknowshim(sohesays)，andheissoungallantthatheevenrefusestosatisfythefirstcravingsofmyjustcuriosity。“

“CitizenSt。Justwilltellyounothingnow，mademoiselle，“

rejoineddeBatzwithhisgood-humouredlaugh；“itismypresence，Iassureyou，whichissettingasealuponhislips。Heis，believeme，achingtoconfideinyou，toshareinyourenthusiasm，andtoseeyourbeautifuleyesglowinginresponsetohisardourwhenhedescribestoyoutheexploitsofthatprinceofheroes。

Entete-a-teteoneday，youwill，Iknow，wormeverysecretoutofmydiscreetfriendArmand。“

Mademoisellemadenocommentonthis——thatistosay，noaudiblecomment——butsheburiedthewholeofherfaceforafewsecondsamongtheflowers，andArmandfromamongstthoseflowerscaughtsightofapairofverybrightbrowneyeswhichshoneonhimwithapuzzledlook。

ShesaidnothingmoreabouttheScarletPimperneloraboutEnglandjustthen，butafterawhileshebegantalkingofmoreindifferentsubjects：thestateoftheweather，thepriceoffood，thediscomfortsofherownhouse，nowthattheservantshadbeenputonperfectequalitywiththeirmasters。

Armandsoongatheredthattheburningquestionsoftheday，thehorrorsofmassacres，theragingturmoilofpolitics，hadnotaffectedherverydeeplyasyet。Shehadnottroubledherprettyheadverymuchaboutthesocialandhumanitarianaspectofthepresentseethingrevolution。Shedidnotreallywishtothinkaboutitatall。Anartistetoherfinger-tips，shewasspendingheryounglifeinearnestwork，strivingtoattainperfectioninherart，absorbedinstudyduringtheday，andintheexpressionofwhatshehadlearntintheevenings。

Theterrorsoftheguillotineaffectedheralittle，butsomewhatvaguelystill。Shehadnotrealisedthatanydangerscouldassailherwhilstsheworkedfortheartisticdelectationofthepublic。

Itwasnotthatshedidnotunderstandwhatwentonaroundher，butthatherartistictemperamentandherenvironmenthadkeptheralooffromitall。ThehorrorsofthePlacedelaRevolutionmadehershudder，butonlyinthesamewayasthetragediesofM。

RacineorofSophocleswhichshehadstudiedcausedhertoshudder，andshehadexactlythesamesympathyforpoorQueenMarieAntoinetteasshehadforMaryStuart，andshedasmanytearsforKingLouisasshedidforPolyeucte。

OncedeBatzmentionedtheDauphin，butmademoiselleputupherhandquicklyandsaidinatremblingvoice，whilstthetearsgatheredinhereyes：

“Donotspeakofthechildtome，deBatz。WhatcanI，alonely，hard-workingwoman，dotohelphim？Itrynottothinkofhim，forifIdid，knowingmyownhelplessness，IfeelthatIcouldhatemycountrymen，andspeakmybitterhatredofthemacrossthefootlights；whichwouldbemorethanfoolish，“sheaddednaively，“foritwouldnothelpthechild，andIshouldbesenttotheguillotine。ButohsometimesIfeelthatIwouldgladlydieifonlythatpoorlittlechild-martyrwererestoredtothosewholovehimandgivenbackoncemoretojoyandhappiness。Buttheywouldnottakemylifeforhis，Iamafraid，“sheconcluded，smilingthroughhertears。“Mylifeisofnovalueincomparisonwithhis。“

Soonafterthisshedismissedhertwovisitors。DeBatz，wellcontentwiththeresultofthisevening\'sentertainment，woreanurbane，blandsmileonhisrubicundface。Armand，somewhatseriousandnotalittleinlove，madethehand-kisswithwhichhetookhisleavelastaslongashecould。

“Youwillcomeandseemeagain，citizenSt。Just？”sheaskedafterthatpreliminaryleave-taking。

“Atyourservice，mademoiselle，“herepliedwithalacrity。

“HowlongdoyoustayinParis？”

“Imaybecalledawayatanytime。“

“Well，then，cometo-morrow。Ishallbefreetowardsfouro\'clock。SquareduRoule。Youcannotmissthehouse。AnyonetherewilltellyouwherelivescitizenessLange。“

“Atyourservice，mademoiselle，“hereplied。

Thewordssoundedemptyandmeaningless，buthiseyes，astheytookfinalleaveofher，spokethegratitudeandthejoywhichhefelt。

CHAPTERV

THETEMPLEPRISON

Itwascloseonmidnightwhenthetwofriendsfinallypartedcompanyoutsidethedoorsofthetheatre。Thenightairstruckwithbitingkeennessagainstthemwhentheyemergedfromthestuffy，overheatedbuilding，andbothwrappedtheircapedcloakstightlyroundtheirshoulders。Armand——morethanevernow——wasanxioustoridhimselfofdeBatz。TheGascon\'splatitudesirritatedhimbeyondtheboundsofforbearance，andhewantedtobealone，sothathemightthinkovertheeventsofthisnight，thechiefeventbeingalittleladywithanenchantingvoiceandthemostfascinatingbrowneyeshehadeverseen。

Self-reproach，too，wasfightingafairlyevenfightwiththeexcitementthathadbeencalledupbythatsamepairofbrowneyes。Armandforthepastfourorfivehourshadactedindirectoppositiontotheearnestadvicegiventohimbyhischief；hehadrenewedonefriendshipwhichhadbeenfarbetterleftinoblivion，andhehadmadeanacquaintancewhichalreadywasleadinghimalongapaththathefeltsurehiscomradewoulddisapprove。ButthepathwassoprofuselystrewnwithscentednarcissithatArmand\'ssensitiveconsciencewasquicklylulledtorestbytheintoxicatingfragrance。

Lookingneithertorightnorleft，hemadehiswayveryquicklyuptheRueRichelieutowardstheMontmartrequarter，wherehelodged。

DeBatzstoodandwatchedhimforaslongasthedimlightsofthestreetlampsilluminedhisslim，soberly-cladfigure；thenheturnedonhisheelandwalkedoffintheoppositedirection。

Hisflorid，pock-markedfaceworeanairofcontentmentnotaltogetherunmixedwithakindofspitefultriumph。

“So，myprettyScarletPimpernel，“hemutteredbetweenhisclosedlips，“youwishtomeddleinmyaffairs，tohaveforyourselfandyourfriendsthecreditandgloryofsnatchingthegoldenprizefromtheclutchesofthesemurderousbrutes。Well，weshallsee！

Weshallseewhichisthewiliest——theFrenchferretortheEnglishfox。“

Hewalkeddeliberatelyawayfromthebusypartofthetown，turninghisbackontheriver，steppingoutbrisklystraightbeforehim，andswinginghisgold-beadedcaneashewalked。

Thestreetswhichhehadtotraverseweresilentanddeserted，saveoccasionallywhereadrinkingoraneatinghousehaditsswing-doorsstillinvitinglyopen。Fromtheseplaces，asdeBatzstroderapidlyby，camesoundsofloudvoices，renderedraucousbyoutdoororatory；volleysofoathshurledirreverentlyinthemidstofimpassionedspeeches；interruptionsfromrowdyaudiencesthatviedwiththespeakerininvectivesandblasphemies；wordywar-faresthatendedinnoisyvituperations；accusationshurledthroughtheairheavywithtobaccosmokeandthefumesofcheapwinesandofrawspirits。

DeBatztooknoheedoftheseashepassed，anxiousonlythatthecrowdofeating-housepoliticiansdidnot，asoftenwasitswont，turnoutpele-meleintothestreet，andsettleitsquarrelbytheweightoffists。Hedidnotwishtobeembroiledinastreetfight，whichinvariablyendedindenunciationsandarrests，andwasgladwhenpresentlyhehadleftthepurlieusofthePalaisRoyalbehindhim，andcouldstrikeonhislefttowardthelonelyFaubourgduTemple。

Fromthedimdistancefarawaycameatintervalsthemournfulsoundofarollofmuffleddrums，halfveiledbytheinterveninghubbubofthebusynightlifeofthegreatcity。ItproceededfromthePlacedelaRevolution，whereacompanyoftheNationalGuardwereonnightwatchroundtheguillotine。Thedull，intermittentnotesofthedrumcameasaremindertothefreepeopleofFrancethatthewatchdogofavengefulrevolutionwasalertnightandday，neversleeping，everwakeful，“beatingupgamefortheguillotine，“asthenewdecreeframedto-daybytheGovernmentofthepeoplehadorderedthatitshoulddo。

Fromtimetotimenowthesilenceofthislonelystreetwasbrokenbyasuddencryofterror，followedbytheclashofarms，theinevitablevolleyofoaths，thecallforhelp，thefinalmoanofanguish。Theyweretheever-recurringbrieftragedieswhichtoldofdenunciations，ofdomiciliarysearch，ofsuddenarrests，ofanagonisingdesireforlifeandforfreedom——forlifeunderthesesamehorribleconditionsofbrutalityandofservitude，forfreedomtobreathe，ifonlyadayortwolonger，thisair，pollutedbyfilthandbyblood。

DeBatz，hardenedtothesescenes，paidnoheedtothem。Hehadhearditsooften，thatcryinthenight，followedbydeath-likesilence；itcamefromcomfortablebourgeoishouses，fromsqualidlodgings，orlonelycul-de-sac，whereversomehuntedquarrywasruntoearthbythenewly-organisedspiesoftheCommitteeofGeneralSecurity。

Fiveandthirtylivresforeveryheadthatfallstrunklessintothebasketatthefootoftheguillotine！Fiveandthirtypiecesofsilver，nowasthen，thepriceofinnocentblood。Everycryinthenight，everycallforhelp，meantgamefortheguillotine，andfiveandthirtylivresinthehandsofaJudas。

AnddeBatzwalkedonunmovedbywhathesawandheard，swinginghiscaneandlookingsatisfied。NowhestruckintothePlacedelaVictoire，andlookedononeoftheopen-aircampsthathadrecentlybeenestablishedwheremen，women，andchildrenwereworkingtoprovidearmsandaccoutrementsfortheRepublicanarmythatwasfightingthewholeofEurope。

ThepeopleofFrancewereupinarmsagainsttyranny；andontheopenplacesoftheirmightycitytheywereencampeddayandnightforgingthosearmswhichweredestinedtomakethemfree，andinthemeantimewerebendingunderayokeoftyrannymorecomplete，moregrindingandabsolutethananythatthemostdespotickingshadeverdaredtoinflict。

Herebythelightofresintorches，atthislatehourofthenight，rawladswerebeingdrilledintosoldiers，half-nakedunderthecuttingblastofthenorthwind，theirkneesshakingtinderthem，theirarmsandlegsbluewithcold，theirstomachsempty，andtheirteethchatteringwithfear；womenweresewingshirtsforthegreatimprovisedarmy，witheyesstrainingtoseethestitchesbytheflickeringlightofthetorches，theirthroatsparchedwiththecontinualinhalingofsmoke-ladenair；evenchildren，withweak，clumsylittlefingers，werepickingragstobewovenintoclothagainall，alltheseslaveswereworkingfarintothenight，tired，hungry，andcold，butworkingunceasingly，asthecountryhaddemandedit：“thepeopleofFranceinarmsagainsttyranny！”

ThepeopleofFrancehadtosettoworktomakearms，toclothethesoldiers，thedefendersofthepeople\'sliberty。

Andfromthiscrowdofpeople——men，women，andchildren——therecamescarcelyasound，saveraucouswhispers，amoanorasighquicklysuppressed。Agrimsilencereignedinthisthickly-peopledcamp；onlythecracklingofthetorchesbrokethatsilencenowandthen，ortheflappingofcanvasinthewintrygale。Theyworkedonsullen，desperate，andstarving，withnohopeofpaymentsavethemiserablerationswrungfrompoortradespeopleormiserablefarmers，aswretched，asoppressedasthemselves；nohopeofpayment，onlyfearofpunishment，forthatwaseverpresent。

ThepeopleofFranceinarmsagainsttyrannywerenotallowedtoforgetthatgrimtaskmasterwiththetwogreathandsstretchedupwards，holdingtheknifewhichdescendedmercilessly，indiscriminatelyonnecksthatdidnotbendwillinglytothetask。

AgrimlookofgratifieddesirehadspreadoverdeBatz\'faceasheskirtedtheopen-aircamp。Letthemtoil，letthemgroan，letthemstarve！Themorethesecloutssuffer，themorebrutaltheheelthatgrindsthemdown，thesoonerwilltheEmperor\'smoneyaccomplishitswork，thesoonerwillthesewretchesbeclamoringforthemonarchy，whichwouldmeanarichrewardindeBatz\'

pockets。

Tohimeverythingnowwasforthebest：thetyranny，thebrutality，themassacres。HegloatedintheholocaustswithasmuchsatisfactionasdidthemostbloodthirstyJacobinintheConvention。Hewouldwithhisownhandshavewieldedtheguillotinethatworkedtooslowlyforhisends。Letthatendjustifythemeans，washismotto。WhatmatterifthefutureKingofFrancewalkeduptohisthroneoverstepsmadeofheadlesscorpsesandrenderedslipperywiththebloodofmartyrs？

ThegroundbeneathdeBatz\'feetwashardandwhitewiththefrost。Overheadthepale，wintrymoonlookeddownsereneandplacidonthisgiantcitywallowinginanoceanofmisery。

There，hadbeenbutlittlesnowasyetthisyear，andthecoldwasintense。OnhisrightnowtheCimetieredesSS。Innocentslaypeacefulandstillbeneaththewanlightofthemoon。Athincoveringofsnowlayevenlyalikeongrassmoundsandsmoothstones。Hereandthereabrokencrosswithchippedarmsstillheldpatheticallyoutstretched，asifinafinalappealforhumanlove，boremutetestimonytosenselessexcessesandspitefuldesirefordestruction。

ButherewithintheprecinctsofthedwellingoftheeternalMasterasolemnsilencereigned；onlythecoldnorthwindshookthebranchesoftheyew，causingthemtosendforthamelancholysighintothenight，andtoshedashoweroftinycrystalsofsnowlikethefrozentearsofthedead。

Androundtheprecinctsofthelonelygraveyard，anddownnarrowstreetsoropenplaces，thenightwatchmenwenttheirrounds，lanthorninhand，andeveryfiveminutestheirmonotonouscallrangclearlyoutinthenight：

“Sleep，citizens！everythingisquietandatpeace！”

WemaytakeitthatdeBatzdidnotphilosophiseover-muchonwhatwentonaroundhim。HehadwalkedswiftlyuptheRueSt。Martin，thenturningsharplytohisrighthefoundhimselfbeneaththetall，frowningwallsoftheTempleprison，thegrimguardianofsomanysecrets，suchterribledespair，suchunspeakabletragedies。

Here，too，asinthePlacedelaRevolution，anintermittentrollofmuffleddrumsproclaimedtheever-watchfulpresenceoftheNationalGuard。Butwiththatexceptionnotasoundstirredroundthegrimandstatelyedifice；therewerenocries，nocalls，noappealsarounditswalls。Allthecryingandwailingwasshutinbythemassivestonethattoldnotales。

Dimandflickeringlightsshonebehindseveralofthesmallwindowsinthefacadeofthehugelabyrinthinebuilding。WithoutanyhesitationdeBatzturneddowntheRueduTemple，andsoonfoundhimselfinfrontofthemaingateswhichgaveonthecourtyardbeyond。Thesentinelchallengedhim，buthehadthepass-word，andexplainedthathedesiredtohavespeechwithcitizenHeron。

Withasurlygesturetheguardpointedtotheheavybell-pullupagainstthegate，anddeBatzpulleditwithallhismight。Thelongclangofthebrazenbellechoedandre-echoedroundthesolidstonewalls。Anonatinyjudasinthegatewascautiouslypushedopen，andaperemptoryvoiceonceagainchallengedthemidnightintruder。

DeBatz，moreperemptorilythistime，askedforcitizenHeron，withwhomhehadimmediateandimportantbusiness，andaglimmerofapieceofsilverwhichheheldupclosetothejudassecuredhimthenecessaryadmittance。

Themassivegatesslowlyswungopenontheircreakinghinges，andasdeBatzpassedbeneaththearchwaytheyclosedagainbehindhim。

Theconcierge\'slodgewasimmediatelyonhisleft。Againhewaschallenged，andagaingavethepass-word。Buthisfacewasapparentlyknownhere，fornoserioushindrancetoproceedwasputinhisway。

Aman，whosewide，leanframewasbutill-coveredbyathreadbarecoatandraggedbreeches，andwithsolelessshoesonhisfeet，wastoldofftodirectthecitoyentocitizenHeron\'srooms。Themanwalkedslowlyalongwithbentkneesandarchedspine，andshuffledhisfeetashewalked；thebunchofkeyswhichhecarriedrattledominouslyinhislong，grimyhands；thepassageswerebadlylighted，andhealsocarriedalanthorntoguidehimselfontheway。

CloselyfollowedbydeBatz，hesoonturnedintothecentralcorridor，whichisopentotheskyabove，andwasspectrallyalightnowwithflag-stonesandwallsgleamingbeneaththesilverysheenofthemoon，andthrowingbackthefantasticelongatedshadowsofthetwomenastheywalked。

Ontheleft，heavilybarredwindowsgaveonthecorridor，asdidhereandtherethemassiveoakendoors，withtheirgigantichingesandbolts，onthestepsofwhichsquattedgroupsofsoldierswrappedintheircloaks，withwild，suspiciouseyesbeneaththeircapotes，peeringatthemidnightvisitorashepassed。

Therewasnothoughtofsilencehere。Theverywallsseemedalivewithsounds，groansandtears，loudwailsandmurmuredprayers；

theyexudedfromthestonesandtrembledonthefrost-ladenair。

Occasionallyatoneofthewindowsapairofwhitehandswouldappear，graspingtheheavyironbar，tryingtoshakeitinitssocket，andmayhap，abovethehands，thedimvisionofahaggardface，aman\'sorawoman\'s，tryingtogetaglimpseoftheoutsideworld，afinallookatthesky，beforethelastjourneytotheplaceofdeathto-morrow。Thenoneofthesoldiers，withaloud，angryoath，wouldstruggletohisfeet，andwiththebutt-endofhisgunstrikeatthethin，wanfingerstilltheirholdontheironbarrelaxed，andthepallidfacebeyondwouldsinkbackintothedarknesswithadesperatecryofpain。

Aquick，impatientsighescapeddeBatz\'lips。Hehadskirtedthewidecourtyardinthewakeofhisguide，andfromwherehewashecouldseethegreatcentraltower，withitstinywindowslightedfromwithin，thegrimwallsbehindwhichthedescendantoftheworld\'sconquerors，thebeareroftheproudestnameinEurope，andwearerofitsmostancientcrown，hadspentthelastdaysofhisbrilliantlifeinabjectshame，sorrow，anddegradation。ThememoryhadswiftlysurgedupbeforehimofthatnightwhenheallbutrescuedKingLouisandhisfamilyfromthissamemiserableprison：theguardhadbeenbribed，thekeepercorrupted，everythinghadbeenprepared，savethereckoningwiththeoneirresponsiblefactor——chance！

Hehadfailedthenandhadtriedagain，andagainhadfailed；afortunehadbeenhisrewardifhehadsucceeded。Hehadfailed，butevennow，whenhisfootstepsechoedalongtheflaggedcourtyard，overwhichanunfortunateKingandQueenhadwalkedontheirwaytotheirlastignominiousCalvary，hehuggedhimselfwiththesatisfyingthoughtthatwherehehadfailedatleastnooneelsehadsucceeded。

WhetherthatmeddlesomeEnglishadventurer，whocalledhimselftheScarletPimpernel，hadplannedtherescueofKingLouisorofQueenMarieAntoinetteatanytimeornot——thathedidnot\'know；

butononepointatleasthewasmorethaneverdetermined，andthatwasthatnopoweronearthshouldsnatchfromhimthegoldenprizeofferedbyAustriafortherescueofthelittleDauphin。

“Iwouldsoonerseethechildperish，ifIcannotsavehimmyself，“

wastheburningthoughtinthisman\'stortuousbrain。“AndletthataccursedEnglishmanlooktohimselfandtohisd——dconfederates，“

beadded，mutteringafierceoathbeneathhisbreath。

Awinding，narrowstonestair，anotherlengthortwoofcorridor，andhisguide\'sshufflingfootstepspausedbesidealowiron-studdeddoorletintothesolidstone。DeBatzdismissedhisill-clothedguideandpulledtheironbell-handlewhichhungbesidethedoor。

Thebellgaveforthadullandbrokenclang，whichseemedlikeanechoofthewailsofsorrowthatpeopledthehugebuildingwiththeirweirdandmonotonoussounds。

DeBatz——athoroughlyunimaginativeperson——waitedpatientlybesidethedooruntilitwasopenedfromwithin，andhewasconfrontedbyatallstoopingfigure，wearingagreasycoatofsnuff-browncloth，andholdinghighabovehisheadalanthornthatthrewitsfeeblelightondeBatz\'jovialfaceandform。

“ItisevenI，citizenHeron，“hesaid，breakinginswiftlyontheother\'sejaculationofastonishment，whichthreatenedtosendhisnameechoingthewholelengthofcorridorsandpassages，untilroundeverycornerofthelabyrinthinehouseofsorrowthemurmurwouldbeborneonthewingsofthecoldnightbreeze：“CitizenHeronisinparleywithci-devantBarondeBatz！”

Afactwhichwouldhavebeenequallyunpleasantforboththeseworthies。

“Enter！”saidHeroncurtly。

Hebangedtheheavydoortobehindhisvisitor；anddeBatz，whoseemedtoknowhiswayabouttheplace，walkedstraightacrossthenarrowlandingtowhereasmallerdoorstoodinvitinglyopen。

Hesteppedboldlyin，thewhilecitizenHeronputthelanthorndownonthefloorofthecouloir，andthenfollowedhisnocturnalvisitorintotheroom。

CHAPTERVI

THECOMMITTEE\'SAGENT

Itwasanarrow，ill-ventilatedplace，withbutonebarredwindowthatgaveonthecourtyard。Anevil-smellinglamphungbyachainfromthegrimyceiling，andinacorneroftheroomatinyironstoveshedmoreunpleasantvapourthanwarmglowaround。

Therewasbutlittlefurniture：twoorthreechairs，atablewhichwaslitteredwithpapers，andacorner-cupboard——theopendoorsofwhichrevealedamiscellaneouscollection——bundlesofpapers，atinsaucepan，apieceofcoldsausage，andacoupleofpistols。

Thefumesofstaletobacco-smokehoveredintheair，andmingledmostunpleasantlywiththoseofthelampabove，andofthemildewthatpenetratedthroughthewallsjustbelowtheroof。

Heronpointedtooneofthechairs，andthensatdownontheother，closetothetable，onwhichherestedhiselbow。Hepickedupashort-stemmedpipe，whichhehadevidentlylaidasideatthesoundofthebell，andhavingtakenseveraldeliberatelong-drawnpuffsfromit，hesaidabruptly：

“Well，whatisitnow？”

InthemeanwhiledeBatzhadmadehimselfasmuchathomeinthisuncomfortableroomashepossiblycould。Hehaddepositedhishatandcloakononericketyrush-bottomedchair，anddrawnanotherclosetothefire。Hesatdownwithonelegcrossedovertheother，hispodgybe-ringedhandwanderingwithlovinggentlenessdownthelengthofhisshapelycalf。

Hewasnothingifnotcomplacent，andhiscomplacencyseemedhighlytoirritatehisfriendHeron。

“Well，whatisit？”reiteratedthelatter，drawinghisvisitor\'sattentionroughlytohimselfbybanginghisfistonthetable。

“Outwithit！Whatdoyouwant？Whyhaveyoucomeatthishourofthenighttocompromiseme，Isuppose——bringyourownd——dneckandmineintothesamenoose——what？”

“Easy，easy，myfriend，“respondeddeBatzimperturbably；“wastenotsomuchtimeinidletalk。WhydoIusuallycometoseeyou？

Surelyyouhavehadnocausetocomplainhithertooftheunprofitablenessofmyvisitstoyou？”

“Theywillhavetobestillmoreprofitabletomeinthefuture，“

growledtheotheracrossthetable。“Ihavemorepowernow。“

“Iknowyouhave，“saiddeBatzsuavely。“Thenewdecree？What？

Youmaydenouncewhomyouplease，searchwhomyouplease，arrestwhomyouplease，andsendwhomyoupleasetotheSupremeTribunalwithoutgivingthemtheslightestchanceofescape。“

“Isitinordertotellmeallthisthatyouhavecometoseemeatthishourofthenight？”queriedHeronwithasneer。

“No；IcameatthishourofthenightbecauseIsurmisedthatinthefutureyouandyourhell-houndswouldbesobusyallday\'beatingupgamefortheguillotine\'thattheonlytimeyouwouldhaveatthedisposalofyourfriendswouldbethelatehoursofthenight。Isawyouatthetheatreacoupleofhoursago，friendHeron；Ididn\'tthinktofindyouyetabed。“

“Well，whatdoyouwant？”

“Rather，“retorteddeBatzblandly，“shallwesay，whatdoYOU

want，citizenHeron？”

“Forwhat？

“Formycontinuedimmunityatthehandsofyourselfandyourpack？”

HeronpushedhischairbrusquelyasideandstrodeacrossthenarrowroomdeliberatelyfacingtheportlyfigureofdeBatz，whowithheadslightlyinclinedononeside，hissmalleyesnarrowedtilltheyappearedmereslitsinhispockmarkedface，wassteadilyandquiteplacidlycontemplatingthisinhumanmonsterwhohadthisverydaybeengivenuncontrolledpoweroverhundredsofthousandsofhumanlives。

Heronwasoneofthosetallmenwholookmeaninspiteoftheirheight。Hisheadwassmallandnarrow，andhishair，whichwassparseandlank，fellinuntidystrandsacrosshisforehead。Hestoopedslightlyfromtheneck，andhischest，thoughwide，washollowbetweentheshoulders。Buthislegswerebigandbony，slightlybentattheknees，likethoseofanill-conditionedhorse。

Thefacewasthinandthecheekssunken；theeyes，verylargeandprominent，hadalookinthemofcoldandferociouscruelty，alookwhichcontrastedstrangelywiththeweaknessandpettygreedapparentinthemouth，whichwasflabby，withfull，veryredlips，andchinthatslopedawaytothelongthinneck。

EvenatthismomentashegazedondeBatzthegreedandthecrueltyinhimwerefightingoneofthosebattlestheissueofwhichisalwaysuncertaininmenofhisstamp。

“Idon\'tknow，“hesaidslowly，“thatIampreparedtotreatwithyouanylonger。YouareanintolerablebitofverminthathasannoyedtheCommitteeofGeneralSecurityforovertwoyearsnow。

Itwouldbeexcessivelypleasanttocrushyouonceandforall，asonewouldabuzzingfly。“

“Pleasant，perhaps，butimmeasurablyfoolish，“rejoineddeBatzcoolly；“youwouldonlygetthirty-fivelivresformyhead，andI

offeryoutentimesthatamountfortheself-samecommodity。“

“Iknow，Iknow；butthewholethinghasbecometoodangerous。“

“Why？Iamverymodest。Idon\'taskagreatdeal。Letyourhoundskeepoffmyscent。“

“Youhavetoomanyd——dconfederates。“

“Oh！Nevermindabouttheothers。Iamnotbargainingaboutthem。Letthemlookafterthemselves。“

“Everytimewegetabatchofthem，oneortheotherdenouncesyou。“

“Undertorture，Iknow，“rejoineddeBatzplacidly，holdinghispodgyhandstothewarmglowofthefire。“ForyouhavestartedtortureinyourhouseofJusticenow，eh，friendHeron？YouandyourfriendthePublicProsecutorhavegonethewholegamutofdevilry——eh？”

“What\'sthattoyou？”retortedtheothergruffly。

“Oh，nothing，nothing！Iwasevenproposingtopayyouthreethousandfivehundredlivresfortheprivilegeoftakingnofurtherinterestinwhatgoesoninsidethisprison！”

“Threethousandfivehundred！”ejaculatedHeroninvoluntarily，andthistimeevenhiseyeslosttheircruelty；theyjoinedissuewiththemouthinanexpressionofhungeringavarice。

“Twolittlezerosaddedtothethirty-five，whichisallyouwouldgetforhandingmeovertoyouraccursedTribunal，“saiddeBatz，and，asifthoughtlessly，hishandwanderedtotheinnerpocketofhiscoat，andaslightrustleasofthincrisppaperbroughtdropsofmoisturetothelipsofHeron。

“Leavemealoneforthreeweeksandthemoneyisyours，“concludeddeBatzpleasantly。

Therewassilenceintheroomnow。Throughthenarrowbarredwindowthesteelyraysofthemoonfoughtwiththedimyellowlightoftheoillamp，andlitupthepalefaceoftheCommittee\'sagentwithitslinesofcrueltyinsharpconflictwiththoseofgreed。

“Well！isitabargain？”askeddeBatzatlastinhisusualsmooth，oilyvoice，ashehalfdrewfromouthispocketthattemptinglittlebundleofcrispprintedpaper。“Youhaveonlytogivemetheusualreceiptforthemoneyanditisyours。“

Herongaveavicioussnarl。

“Itisdangerous，Itellyou。Thatreceipt，ifitfallsintosomecursedmeddler\'shands，wouldsendmestraighttotheguillotine。“

“Thereceiptcouldonlyfallintoalienhands，“rejoineddeBatzblandly，“ifIhappenedtobearrested，andeveninthatcasetheycouldbutfallintothoseofthechiefagentoftheCommitteeofGeneralSecurity，andhehathnameHeron。Youmusttakesomerisks，myfriend。Itakethemtoo。Weareeachintheother\'shands。Thebargainisquitefair。“

ForamomentortwolongerHeronappearedtobehesitatingwhilstdeBatzwatchedhimwithkeenintentness。Hehadnodoubthimselfastotheissue。Hehadtriedmostofthesepatriotsinhisowngoldencrucible，andhadweighedtheirpatriotismagainstAustrianmoney，andhadneverfoundthelatterwanting。

Hehadnotbeenhereto-nightifhewerenotquitesure。ThisinveterateconspiratorintheRoyalistcausenevertookpersonalrisks。HelookedonHeronnow，smilingtohimselfthewhilewithperfectsatisfaction。

“Verywell，“saidtheCommittee\'sagentwithsuddendecision，“I\'lltakethemoney。Butononecondition。“

“Whatisit？”

“ThatyouleavelittleCapetalone。“

“TheDauphin！”

“Callhimwhatyoulike，“saidHeron，takingastepnearertodeBatz，andfromhisgreatheightgloweringdowninfiercehatredandrageuponhisaccomplice；“calltheyoungdevilwhatyoulike，butleaveustodealwithhim。“

“Tokillhim，youmean？Well，howcanIpreventit，myfriend？”

“Youandyourlikearealwaysplottingtogethimoutofhere。I

won\'thaveit。ItellyouIwon\'thaveit。IfthebratdisappearsIamadeadman。Robespierreandhisganghavetoldmeasmuch。

Soyouleavehimalone，orI\'llnotraiseafingertohelpyou，butwilllaymyownhandsonyouraccursedneck。“

Helookedsoferociousandsomercilessthen，thatdespitehimself，theselfishadventurer，thecarelessself-seekingintriguer，shudderedwithaquickwaveofunreasoningterror。HeturnedawayfromHeron\'spiercinggaze，thegazeofahyenawhosepreyisbeingsnatchedfrombeneathitsnails。Foramomenthestaredthoughtfullyintothefire。

Heheardtheotherman\'sheavyfootstepscrossandre-crossthenarrowroom，andwasconsciousofthelongcurvedshadowcreepingupthemildewedwallorretreatingdownuponthecarpetlessfloor。

Suddenly，withoutanywarninghefeltagripuponhisshoulder。

HegaveastartandalmostutteredacryofalarmwhichcausedHerontolaugh。TheCommittee\'sagentwasvastlyamusedathisfriend\'sobviousaccessoffear。Therewasnothingthathelikedbetterthanthatheshouldinspiredreadintheheartsofallthosewithwhomhecameincontact“Iamjustgoingonmyusualnocturnalround，“hesaidabruptly。

“Comewithme，citizendeBatz。“

Acertaingrimhumourwasapparentinhisfaceasheprofferedthisinvitation，whichsoundedlikearoughcommand。AsdeBatzseemedtohesitatehenoddedperemptorilytohimtofollow。

Alreadyhehadgoneintothehallandpickeduphislanthorn。

Frombeneathhiswaistcoathedrewforthabunchofkeys，whichherattledimpatiently，callingtohisfriendtocome。

“Come，citizen，“hesaidroughly。“Iwishtoshowyoutheonetreasureinthishousewhichyourd——dfingersmustnottouch。“

MechanicallydeBatzroseatlast。Hetriedtobemasteroftheterrorwhichwasinvadinghisverybones。Hewouldnotowntohimselfeventhathewasafraid，andalmostaudiblyhekeptmurmuringtohimselfthathehadnocauseforfear。

Heronwouldnevertouchhim。Thespy\'savarice，hisgreedofmoneywereaperfectsafeguardforanymanwhohadthecontrolofmillions，andHeronknew，ofcourse，thathecouldmakeofthisinveterateplotteracomfortablesourceofrevenueforhimself。

Threeweekswouldsoonbeover，andfreshbargainscouldbemadetimeandagain，whiledeBatzwasaliveandfree。

Heronwasstillwaitingatthedoor，evenwhilstdeBatzwonderedwhatthisnocturnalvisitationwouldrevealtohimofatrocityandofoutrage。Hemadeafinalefforttomasterhisnervousness，wrappedhiscloaktightlyaroundhim，andfollowedhishostoutoftheroom。

CHAPTERVII

THEMOSTPRECIOUSLIFEINEUROPE

Oncemorehewasbeingledthroughtheinterminablecorridorsofthegiganticbuilding。Oncemorefromthenarrow，barredwindowsclosebyhimheheardtheheart-breakingsighs，themoans，thecurseswhichspokeoftragediesthathecouldonlyguess。

Heronwaswalkingonaheadofhim，precedinghimbysomefiftymetresorso，hislonglegscoveringthedistancesmorerapidlythandeBatzcouldfollowthem。Thelatterknewhiswaywellabouttheoldprison。FewmeninParispossessedthataccurateknowledgeofitsintricatepassagesanditsnetworkofcellsandhallswhichdeBatzhadacquiredaftercloseandperseveringstudy。

HehimselfcouldhaveledHerontothedoorsofthetowerwherethelittleDauphinwasbeingkeptimprisoned，butunfortunatelyhedidnotpossessthekeysthatwouldopenallthedoorswhichledtoit。Thereweresentinelsateverygate，groupsofsoldiersateachendofeverycorridor，thegreat——nowempty——courtyards，throngedwithprisonersinthedaytime，werealivewithsoldieryevennow。Somewalkedupanddownwithfixedbayonetonshoulder，otherssatingroupsonthestonecopingsorsquattedontheground，smokingorplayingcards，butallofthemwerealertandwatchful。

Heronwasrecognisedeverywherethemomentheappeared，andthoughinthesedaysofequalitynoonepresentedarms，neverthelesseveryguardstoodasidetolethimpass，orwhennecessaryopenedagateforthepowerfulchiefagentoftheCommitteeofGeneralSecurity。

Indeed，deBatzhadnokeyssuchasthesetoopenthewayforhimtothepresenceofthemartyredlittleKing。

Thusthetwomenwendedtheirwayoninsilence，oneprecedingtheother。DeBatzwalkedleisurely，thought-fully，takingstockofeverythinghesaw——thegates，thebarriers，thepositionsofsentinelsandwarders，ofeverythinginfactthatmightproveahelporahindrancepresently，whenthegreatenterprisewouldbehazarded。Atlast——stillinthewakeofHeron——hefoundhimselfoncemorebehindthemainentrancegate，underneaththearchwayonwhichgavetheguichetoftheconcierge。

Here，too，thereseemedtobeanunnecessarynumberofsoldiers：

twoweredoingsentineloutsidetheguichet，buttherewereothersinafileagainstthewall。

Heronrappedwithhiskeysagainstthedooroftheconcierge\'slodge，then，asitwasnotimmediatelyopenedfromwithin，hepusheditopenwithhisfoot。

“Theconcierge？”hequeriedperemptorily。

Fromacornerofthesmallpanelledroomtherecameagruntandareply：

“Gonetobed，quoi！”

ThemanwhopreviouslyhadguideddeBatztoHeron\'sdoorslowlystruggledtohisfeet。Hehadbeensquattingsomewhereinthegloom，andhadbeenrousedbyHeron\'sroughcommand。Heslouchedforwardnowstillcarryingabootinonehandandablackingbrushintheother。

“Takethislanthorn，then，“saidthechiefagentwithasnarldirectedatthesleepingconcierge，“andcomealong。Whyareyoustillhere？”headded，asifinafter-thought。

“ThecitizenconciergewasnotsatisfiedwiththewayIhaddonehisboots，“mutteredtheman，withanevilleerashespatcontemptuouslyonthefloor；“anaristo，quoi？Ahellofaplacethis……twentycellstosweepouteveryday……andbootstocleanforeveryaristoofaconciergeorwarderwhodemandsit……

Isthatworkforafreebornpatriot，Iask？”

“Well，ifyouarenotsatisfied，citoyenDupont，“retortedHerondryly，“youmaygowhenyoulike，youknowthereareplentyofothersreadytodoyourwork……“

“Nineteenhoursaday，andnineteensousbywayofpayment……I

havehadfourteendaysofthisconvictwork……“

Hecontinuedtomutterunderhisbreath，whilstHeron，payingnofurtherheedtohim，turnedabruptlytowardsagroupofsoldiersstationedoutside。

“Enavant，corporal！”hesaid；“bringfourmenwithyou……wegouptothetower。“

Thesmallprocessionwasformed。Onaheadthelanthorn-bearer，witharchedspineandshakingknees，draggingshufflingfootstepsalongthecorridor，thenthecorporalwithtwoofhissoldiers，thenHeroncloselyfollowedbydeBatz，andfinallytwomoresoldiersbringinguptherear。

HeronhadgiventhebunchofkeystothemanDupont。Thelatter，onahead，holdingthelanthornaloft，openedonegateafteranother。Ateachgatehewaitedforthelittleprocessiontofilethrough，thenhere-lockedthegateandpassedon。

Uptwoorthreeflightsofwindingstairssetinthesolidstone，andthefinalheavydoorwasreached。

DeBatzwasmeditating。Heron\'sprecautionsforthesafe-guardingofthemostpreciouslifeinEuropeweremorecompletethanhehadanticipated。Whatlavishliberalitywouldberequired！whatsuperhumaningenuityandboundlesscourageinordertobreakdownallthebarriersthathadbeensetuproundthatyounglifethatflickeredinsidethisgrimtower！

Ofthesethreerequisitesthecorpulent，complacentintriguerpossessedonlythefirstinaconsiderabledegree。Hecouldbeexceedinglyliberalwiththeforeignmoneywhichhehadathisdisposal。Asforcourageandingenuity，hebelievedthathepossessedboth，butthesequalitieshadnotservedhiminverygoodsteadintheattemptswhichhehadmadeatdifferenttimestorescuetheunfortunatemembersoftheRoyalFamilyfromprison。

HisoverwhelmingegotismwouldnotadmitforamomentthatiningenuityandplucktheScarletPimpernelandhisEnglishfollowerscouldoutdohim，buthedidwishtomakequitesurethattheywouldnotinterferewithhiminthehighlyremunerativeworkofsavingtheDauphin。

Heron\'simpatientcallrousedhimfromthesemeditations。Thelittlepartyhadcometoahaltoutsideamassiveiron-studdeddoor。

Atasignfromthechiefagentthesoldiersstoodatattention。

HethencalleddeBatzandthelanthorn-bearertohim。

Hetookakeyfromhisbreechespocket，andwithhisownhandunlockedthemassivedoor。Hecurtlyorderedthelanthorn-beareranddeBatztogothrough，thenhehimselfwentin，andfinallyoncemorere-lockedthedoorbehindhim，thesoldiersremainingonguardonthelandingoutside。

Nowthethreemenwerestandinginasquareantechamber，dankanddark，devoidoffurnituresaveforalargecupboardthatfilledthewholeofonewall；theothers，mildewedandstained，werecoveredwithagreyishpaper，whichhereandtherehungawayinstrips。

Heroncrossedthisante-chamber，andwithhisknucklesrappedagainstasmalldooropposite。

“Hola！”heshouted，“Simon，monvieux，tuesla？”

Fromtheinnerroomcamethesoundofvoices，aman\'sandawoman\'s，andnow，asifinresponsetoHeron\'scall，theshrilltonesofachild。Therewassomeshuffling，too，offootsteps，andsomepushingaboutoffurniture，thenthedoorwasopened，andagruffvoiceinvitedthebelatedvisitorstoenter。

TheatmosphereinthisfurtherroomwassothickthatatfirstdeBatzwasonlyconsciousoftheevilsmellsthatpervadedit；

smellswhichweremadeupofthefumesoftobacco，ofburningcoke，ofasmokylamp，andofstalefood，andminglingthroughitallthepungentodourofrawspirits。

Heronhadsteppedbrisklyin，closelyfollowedbydeBatz。ThemanDupontwithamutterofsatisfactionputdownhislanthornandcurledhimselfupinacorneroftheantechamber。HisinterestinthespectaclesofavouredbycitizenHeronhadapparentlybeenexhaustedbyconstantrepetition。

DeBatzlookedroundhimwithkeencuriositywithwhichdisgustwasreadyenoughtomingle。

Theroomitselfmighthavebeenalargeone；itwasalmostimpossibletojudgeofitssize，socrammedwasitwithheavyandlightfurnitureofeveryconceivableshapeandtype。Therewasamonumentalwoodenbedsteadinonecorner，ahugesofacoveredinblackhorsehairinanother。Alargetablestoodinthecentreoftheroom，andtherewereatleastfourcapaciousarmchairsroundit。Therewerewardrobesandcabinets，adiminutivewashstandandahugepier-glass，therewereinnumerableboxesandpacking-cases，cane-bottomedchairsandwhat-notsevery-where。Theplacelookedlikeadepotforsecond-handfurniture。

InthemidstofallthelitterdeBatzatlastbecameconsciousoftwopeoplewhostoodstaringathimandatHeron。Hesawamanbeforehim，somewhatfleshyofbuild，withsmooth，mouse-colouredhairbrushedawayfromacentralparting，andendinginaheavycurlaboveeachear；theeyeswerewideopenandpaleincolour，thelipsunusuallythickandwithamarkeddownwarddroop。Closebesidehimstoodayoungish-lookingwoman，whoseunwieldybulk，however，andpallidskinrevealedthesedentarylifeandtheravagesofill-health。

BothappearedtoregardHeronwithacertainamountofawe，anddeBatzwithavastmeasureofcuriosity。

Suddenlythewomanstoodaside，andinthefarcorneroftheroomtherewasdisplayedtotheGasconRoyalist\'scold，calculatinggazethepatheticfigureoftheuncrownedKingofFrance。

“HowisitCapetisnotyetinbed？”queriedHeronassoonashecaughtsightofthechild。

“Hewouldn\'tsayhisprayersthisevening，“repliedSimonwithacoarselaugh，“andwouldn\'tdrinkhismedicine。Bah！”headdedwithasnarl，“thisisaplacefordogsandnotforhumanfolk。“

“Ifyouarenotsatisfied，monvieux，“retortedHeroncurtly，“youcansendinyourresignationwhenyoulike。Thereareplentywhowillbegladoftheplace。“

Theex-cobblergaveanothersurlygrowlandexpectoratedonthefloorinthedirectionwherestoodthechild。

“Littlevermin，“hesaid，“heismoretroublethanmanorwomancanbear。“

Theboyinthemeanwhileseemedtotakebutlittlenoticeofthevulgarinsultsputuponhimbyhisguardian。Hestood，aquaint，impassivelittlefigure，moreinterestedapparentlyindeBatz，whowasastrangertohim，thaninthethreeotherswhomheknew。

DeBatznotedthatthechildlookedwellnourished，andthathewaswarmlycladinaroughwoollenshirtandclothbreeches，withcoarsegreystockingsandthickshoes；buthealsosawthattheclotheswereindescribablyfilthy，aswerethechild\'shandsandface。Thegoldencurls，amongwhichayoungandqueenlymotherhadoncelovedtopassherslenderperfumedfingers，nowhungbedraggled，greasy，andlankroundthelittleface，fromthelinesofwhicheverytraceofdignityandofsimplicityhadlongsincebeenerased。

Therewasnolookofthemartyraboutthischildnow，eventhough，mayhap，hissmallbackhadoftensmartedunderhisvulgartutor\'sroughblows；ratherdidthepaleyoungfaceweartheairofsullenindifference，andanabjectdesiretoplease，whichwouldhaveappearedheart-breakingtoanyspectatorlessself-seekingandegotisticthanwasthisGasconconspirator。

MadameSimonhadcalledhimtoherwhilehermanandthecitizenHeronweretalking，andthechildwentreadilyenough，withoutanysignoffear。Shetookthecornerofhercoarsedirtyaproninherhand，andwipedtheboy\'smouthandfacewithit。

“Ican\'tkeephimclean，“shesaidwithanapologeticshrugoftheshouldersandalookatdeBatz。“Therenow，“sheadded，speakingoncemoretothechild，“drinklikeagoodboy，andsayyourlessontopleasemaman，andthenyoushallgotobed。“

Shetookaglassfromthetable，whichwasfilledwithaclearliquidthatdeBatzatfirsttooktobewater，andheldittotheboy\'slips。Heturnedhisheadawayandbegantowhimper。

“Isthemedicineverynasty？”querieddeBatz。

“MonDieu！butno，citizen，“exclaimedthewoman，“itisgoodstrongeaudevie，thebestthatcanbeprocured。Capetlikesitreally——don\'tyou，Capet？Itmakesyouhappyandcheerful，andsleepwellofnights。Why，youhadaglassfulyesterdayandenjoyedit。Takeitnow，“sheaddedinaquickwhisper，seeingthatSimonandHeronwereincloseconversationtogether；“youknowitmakespapaangryifyoudon\'thaveatleasthalfaglassnowandthen。“

Thechildwaveredforamomentlonger，makingaquaintlittlegrimaceofdistaste。Butatlastheseemedtomakeuphismindthatitwaswisesttoyieldoversosmallamatter，andhetooktheglassfromMadameSimon。

AndthusdiddeBatzseethedescendantofSt。Louisquaffingaglassofrawspiritatthebiddingofaroughcobbler\'swife，whomhecalledbythefondandfoolishnamesacredtochildhood，maman！

Selfishegoistthoughhewas，deBatzturnedawayinloathing。

Simonhadwatchedthelittlescenewithobvioussatisfaction。Hechuckledaudiblywhenthechilddrankthespirit，andcalledHeron\'sattentiontohim，whilstalookoftriumphlittiphiswide，paleeyes。

“Andnow，monpetit，“hesaidjovially，“letthecitizenhearyousayyourprayers！”

HewinkedtowarddeBatz，evidentlyanticipatingagooddealofenjoymentforthevisitorfromwhatwascoming。Fromaheapoflitterinacorneroftheroomhefetchedoutagreasyredbonnetadornedwithatricolourcockade，andasoiledandtatteredflag，whichhadoncebeenwhite，andhadgoldenfleur-de-lysembroidereduponit。

Thecaphesetonthechild\'shead，andtheflaghethrewuponthefloor。

“Now，Capet——yourprayers！”hesaidwithanotherchuckleofamusement。

Allhismovementswererough，andhisspeechalmostostentatiouslycoarse。Hebangedagainstthefurnitureashemovedabouttheroom，kickingafootstooloutofthewayorknockingoverachair。

DeBatzinstinctivelythoughtoftheperfumedstillnessoftheroomsatVersailles，ofthearmyofeleganthigh-bornladieswhohadministeredtothewantsofthischild，whostoodtherenowbeforehim，acaponhisyellowhair，andhisshoulderhelduptohisearwiththatgestureofcarelessindifferencepeculiartochildrenwhentheyaresullenoruncaredfor。

Obediently，quitemechanicallyitseemed，theboytrodontheflagwhichHenriIVhadbornebeforehimatIvry，andleRoiSoleilhadflauntedinthefaceofthearmiesofEurope。ThesonoftheBourbonswasspittingontheirflag，andwipinghisshoesuponitstatteredfolds。WithshrillcrackedvoicehesangtheCarmagnole，“Caira！caira！lesaristosalalanterne！”untildeBatzhimselffeltinclinedtostophisearsandtorushfromtheplaceinhorror。

LouisXVII，whomtheheartsofmanyhadproclaimedKingofFrancebythegraceofGod，thechildoftheBourbons，theeldestsonoftheChurch，wassteppingavulgardanceovertheflagofSt。Louis，whichhehadbeentaughttodefile。Hispalecheeksglowedashedanced，hiseyesshonewiththeunnaturallightkindledinthembytheintoxicatingliquor；withoneslenderhandhewavedtheredcapwiththetricolourcockade，andshouted“VivelaRepublique！”

MadameSimonwasclappingherhands，lookingonthechildwithobviouspride，andakindofroughmaternalaffection。SimonwasgazingonHeronforapproval，andthelatternoddedhisbead，murmuringwordsofencouragementandofpraise。

“Thycatechismnow，Capet——thycatechism，“shoutedSimoninahoarsevoice。

Theboystoodatattention，caponhead，handsonhiships，legswideapart，andfeetfirmlyplantedonthefleur-de-lys，thegloryofhisforefathers。

“Thyname？”queriedSimon。

“LouisCapet，“repliedthechildinaclear，high-pitchedvoice。

“Whatartthou？”

“AcitizenoftheRepublicofFrance。“

“Whatwasthyfather？”

“LouisCapet，ci-devantking，atyrantwhoperishedbythewillofthepeople！”

“Whatwasthymother？”

“A——“

DeBatzinvoluntarilyutteredacryofhorror。Whatevertheman\'sprivatecharacterwas，hehadbeenbornagentleman，andhiseveryinstinctrevoltedagainstwhathesawandheard。Thescenehadpositivelysickenedhim。Heturnedprecipitatelytowardsthedoor。

“Hownow，citizen？”queriedtheCommittee\'sagentwithasneer。

“Areyounotsatisfiedwithwhatyousee？”

“MayhapthecitizenwouldliketoseeCapetsittinginagoldenchair，“interposedSimonthecobblerwithasneer，“andmeandmywifekneelingandkissinghishand——what？”

“\'Tistheheatoftheroom，“stammereddeBatz，whowasfumblingwiththelockofthedoor；“myheadbegantoswim。“

“Spitontheiraccursedflag，then，likeagoodpatriot，likeCapet，“retortedSimongruffly。“Here，Capet，myson，“headded，pullingtheboybythearmwitharoughgesture，“gettheetobed；

thouartquitedrunkenoughtosatisfyanygoodRepublican。“

Bywayofacaresshetweakedtheboy\'searandgavehimaprodinthebackwithhisbentknee。Hewasnotwilfullyunkind，forjustnowhewasnotangrywiththelad；ratherwashevastlyamusedwiththeeffectCapet\'sprayerandCapet\'srecitalofhiscatechismhadhadonthevisitor。

Astothelad，theintensityofexcitementinhimwasimmediatelyfollowedbyanoverwhelmingdesireforsleep。Withoutanypreliminaryofundressingorofwashing，hetumbled，justashewas，ontothesofa。MadameSimon，withquitepleasingsolicitude，arrangedapillowunderhishead，andtheverynextmomentthechildwasfastasleep。

“\'Tiswell，citoyenSimon，“saidHeroninhisturn，goingtowardsthedoor。“I\'llreportfavourablyonyoutotheCommitteeofPublicSecurity。Asforthecitoyenne，shehadbestbemorecareful，“headded，turningtothewomanSimonwithasnarlonhisevilface。“Therewasnocausetoarrangeapillowundertheheadofthatvermin\'sspawn。Manygoodpatriotshavenopillowstoputundertheirheads。Takethatpillowaway；andIdon\'tliketheshoesonthebrat\'sfeet；sabotsarequitegoodenough。“

CitoyenneSimonmadenoreply。Somesortofretorthadapparentlyhoveredonherlips，buthadbeenchecked，evenbeforeitwasuttered，byaperemptorylookfromherhusband。Simonthecobbler，snarlinginspeechbutobsequiousinmanner，preparedtoaccompanythecitizenagenttothedoor。

DeBatzwastakingalastlookatthesleepingchild；theuncrownedKingofFrancewaswrappedinadrunkensleep，withthelastspokeninsultuponhisdeadmotherstillhoveringonhischildishlips。

CHAPTERVIII

ARCADESAMBO

“Thatisthewayweconductouraffairs，citizen，“saidHerongruffly，asheoncemoreledhisguestbackintohisoffice。

Itwashisturntobecomplacentnow。DeBatz，foronceinhislifecowedbywhathehadseen，stillworealookofhorroranddisgustuponhisfloridface。

“Whatdevilsyouallare！”hesaidatlast。

“Wearegoodpatriots，“retortedHeron，“andthetyrant\'sspawnleadsbutthelifethathundredsofthousandsofchildrenledwhilsthisfatheroppressedthepeople。Nay！whatamIsaying？

Heleadsafarbetter，farhappierlife。Hegetsplentytoeatandplentyofwarmclothes。Thousandsofinnocentchildren，whohavenotthecrimesofadespotfatherupontheirconscience，havetostarvewhilsthegrowsfat。“

TheleerinhisfacewassoevilthatoncemoredeBatzfeltthateeriefeelingofterrorcreepingintohisbones。Herewerecrueltyandbloodthirstyferocitypersonifiedtotheirutmostextent。AtthoughtoftheBourbons，orofallthosewhomheconsideredhadbeeninthepasttheoppressorsofthepeople，Heronwasnothingbutawildandravenousbeast，hungeringforrevenge，longingtoburyhistalonsandhisfangsintothebodyofthosewhoseheelshadoncepressedonhisownneck。

AnddeBatzknewthatevenwithmillionsorcountlessmoneyathiscommandhecouldnotpurchasefromthiscarnivorousbrutethelifeandlibertyofthesonofKingLouis。Noamountofbriberywouldaccomplishthat；itwouldhavetobeingenuitypittedagainstanimalforce，thewilinessofthefoxagainstthepowerofthewolf。

EvennowHeronwasdartingsavagelysuspiciouslooksuponhim。

“IshallgetridoftheSimons，“hesaid；“there\'ssomethinginthatwoman\'sfacewhichIdon\'ttrust。Theyshallgowithinthenextfewhours，orassoonasIcanlaymyhandsuponabetterpatriotthanthatmealy-mouthedcobbler。Anditwillbebetternottohaveawomanabouttheplace。Letmesee——to-dayisThursday，orelseFridaymorning。BySundayI\'llgetthoseSimonsoutoftheplace。MethoughtIsawyouoglingthatwoman，“headded，bringinghisbonyfistcrashingdownonthetablesothatpapers，pen，andinkhornrattledloudly；“andifIthoughtthatyou——“

DeBatzthoughtitwellatthispointtofingeroncemorenonchalantlythebundleofcrisppaperinthepocketofhiscoat。

“Onlyonthatonecondition，“reiteratedHeroninahoarsevoice；

“ifyoutrytogetatCapet，I\'lldragyoutotheTribunalwithmyownhands。“

“Alwayspresumingthatyoucangetme，myfriend，“murmureddeBatz，whowasgraduallyregaininghisaccustomedcomposure。

Alreadyhisactivemindwasbusilyatwork。OneortwothingswhichhehadnotedinconnectionwithhisvisittotheDauphin\'sprisonhadstruckhimaspossiblyusefulinhisschemes。ButhewasdisappointedthatHeronwasgettingridoftheSimons。Thewomanmighthavebeenveryusefulandmoreeasilygotatthanaman。TheavariceoftheFrenchbourgeoisewouldhaveprovedapromisingfactor。Butthis，ofcourse，wouldnowbeoutofthequestion。AtthesametimeitwasnotbecauseHeronravedandstormedandutteredcrieslikeahyenathathe，deBatz，meanttogiveupanenterprisewhich，ifsuccessful，wouldplacemillionsintohisownpocket。

AsforthatmeddlingEnglishman，theScarletPimpernel，andhiscrack-brainedfollowers，theymustbeeffectuallysweptoutofthewayfirstofall。DeBatzfeltthattheywerethereal，themostlikelyhindrancetohisschemes。Hehimselfwouldhavetogoverycautiouslytowork，sinceapparentlyHeronwouldnotallowhimtopurchaseimmunityforhimselfinthatonematter，andwhilsthewaslayinghisplanswithnecessarydeliberationsoastoensurehisownsafety，thataccursedScarletPimpernelwouldmayhapsnatchthegoldenprizefromtheTempleprisonrightunderhisverynose。

WhenhethoughtofthattheGasconRoyalistfeltjustasvindictiveasdidthechiefagentoftheCommitteeofGeneralSecurity。

WhilethesethoughtswerecoursingthroughdeBatz\'head，Heronhadbeenindulginginavolleyofvituperation。

“Ifthatlittleverminescapes，“hesaid，“mylifewillnotbeworthanhour\'spurchase。Intwenty-fourhoursIamadeadman，throwntotheguillotinelikethosedogsofaristocrats！YousayIamanight-bird，citizen。ItellyouthatIdonotsleepnightordaythinkingofthatbratandthemeanstokeephimsafelyundermyhand。IhavenevertrustedthoseSimons——“

“Nottrustedthem！”exclaimeddeBatz；“surelyyoucouldnotfindanywheremoreinhumanmonsters！”

“Inhumanmonsters？”snarledHeron。“Bah！theydon\'tdotheirbusinessthoroughly；wewantthetyrant\'sspawntobecomeatrueRepublicanandapatriot——aye！tomakeofhimsuchanonethatevenifyouandyourcursedconfederatesgothimbysomehellishchance，hewouldbenousetoyouasaking，atyranttosetabovethepeople，tosetupinyourVersailles，yourLouvre，toeatoffgoldenplatesandwearsatinclothes。Youhaveseenthebrat！Bythetimeheisamanheshouldforgethowtoeatsavewithhisfingers，andgetroaringdrunkeverynight。That\'swhatwewant！——tomakehimsothatheshallbenousetoyou，evenifyoudidgethimaway；butyoushallnot！Youshallnot，notifIhavetostranglehimwithmyownhands。“