him to be in very doubtful taste. He probably believed that they would not take a man’s life in that unceremonious manner. When the platoon was on the ground he gravely said:

“So, then, you are in earnest? Very well, I am willing it should be so. If you feel you must have a victim, it may as well be I as another.”

But Françoise arose, greatly troubled, stammering: “Have mercy, sir; do not harm my father. Kill me instead of him. It was I who helped Dominique to escape; I am the only guilty one.”

“Hold your tongue, my girl,” Father Merlier exclaimed. “Why do you tell such a falsehood?[Pg 111] She passed the night locked in her room, sir; I assure you that she does not speak the truth.”

[Pg 111]

“I am speaking the truth,” the girl eagerly replied. “I got down by the window; I incited Dominique to fly. It is the truth, the whole truth.”

The old man’s face was very white. He could read in her eyes that she was not lying, and her story terrified him. Ah, those children! those children! how they spoiled everything, with their hearts and their feelings! Then he said angrily:

“She is crazy; do not listen to her. It is a lot of trash she is telling you. Come, let us get through with this business.”

She persisted in her protestations; she kneeled, she raised her clasped hands in supplication. The officer stood tranquilly by and watched the harrowing scene.

“Mon Dieu!” he said at last, “I take your father because the other has escaped me. Bring[Pg 112] me back the other man, and your father shall have his liberty.”

[Pg 112]

She looked at him for a moment with eyes dilated by the horror which his proposal inspired in her.

“It is dreadful,” she murmured. “Where can I look for Dominique now? He is gone; I know nothing beyond that.”

“Well, make your choice between them; him or your father.”

“Oh, my God! how can I choose? Even if I knew where to find Dominique I could not choose. You are breaking my heart. I would rather die at once. Yes, it would be more quickly ended thus. Kill me, I beseech you, kill me——”

The officer finally became weary of this scene of despair and tears. He 

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