He hardly even shrugged his shoulders; all this
drama appeared to him in bad taste. Without doubt he did not believe
that they would shoot a man so lightly. But when the platoon drew up
before him he said gravely:
"So it is serious, is it? Go on with your bloody work then! If you must
have a victim I will do as well as another!"
But Francoise started up, terrified, stammering:
"In pity, monsieur, do no harm to my father! Kill me in his stead! I
aided Dominique to fly! I alone am guilty!"
"Hush, my child!" cried Pere Merlier. "Why do you tell an untruth? She
passed the night locked in her chamber, monsieur. She tells a falsehood,
I assure you!"
"No, I do not tell a falsehood!" resumed the young girl ardently.
"I climbed out of my window and went down the iron ladder; I urged
Dominique to fly. This is the truth, the whole truth!"
The old man became very pale. He saw clearly in her eyes that she did
not lie, and her story terrified him. Ah, these children with their
hearts, how they spoil everything! Then he grew angry and exclaimed:
"She is mad; do not heed her. She tells you stupid tales. Come, finish
your work!"
She still protested. She knelt, clasping her hands. The officer
tranquilly watched this dolorous struggle.
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