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，whoactuallyknowshimsohesays，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。“