"MON DIEU!" he said at last. "I take your father because I have not the
other. Find the fugitive and the old man shall be set at liberty!"
She gazed at him with staring eyes, astonished at the atrocity of the
proposition.
"How horrible!" she murmured. "Where do you think I can find Dominique
at this hour? He has departed; I know no more about him."
"Come, make your choice--him or your father."
"Oh, MON DIEU! How can I choose? If I knew where Dominique was I could
not choose! You are cutting my heart. I would rather die at once. Yes,
it would be the sooner over. Kill me, I implore you, kill me!"
This scene of despair and tears finally made the officer impatient. He
cried out:
"Enough! I will be merciful. I consent to give you two hours. If in that
time your lover is not here your father will be shot in his place!"
He caused Pere Merlier to be taken to the chamber which had served as
Dominique's prison. The old man demanded tobacco and began to smoke.
Upon his impassible face not the slightest emotion was visible. But when
alone, as he smoked, he shed two big tears which ran slowly down his
cheeks. His poor, dear child, how she was suffering!
Francoise remained in the middle of the courtyard.
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