Belle-Rose — page 122: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

= A STEP TOWARD THE TOMB. BES EG) now. You area brave and honest soldier, and Monsieur de Viliebrais is a wretched officer who has more pride than courage. -.You have struck him, and you have done well. | You had right and justice on your side. Nevertheless you will be shot. Discipline requires it, and discipline must be - obeyed. Give me your hand and go to your dungeon. ”’ Monsieur de Naucrais rang. Corporal Déroute appeared. Monsieur de Naucrais exchanged a last look with Belle- _ Rose and turned quickly from him. He was no longer the friend—he was the officer. ‘‘Corporal,’’ said he to Déroute, hare is the deserter Belle-Rose whom I confide to you. Take him to the dun- geon and return to get my order for the convocation of the court-martial. Go.”’ Déroute carried his hand to his hat and went out. No sooner had they.-passed the door, when the corporal threw ~ himself upon the sergeant’s neck. Death of my life! you have had a ridiculous idea,”’ said Déroute, *‘but patience, all is not finished.’’ “There are three or four days left, I believe.’ ‘‘Between the evening before and the next jane there is room for a project.’’ “What do you mean?”’’ ‘*We have not the leisure to talk in this corridor. I must first place youin the dungeon. Afterward I go to the captain, and if I obtain his permission to command the men on guard, I am content.’’ ‘Ask him on my part, and he will consent.’”’ ‘‘Parbleu, I was thinking of that. Let us march quickly ; we will have time to talk after.’’ _ In five minutes the dungeon door was Siosba upon him. ‘Sit down,’’ said Déroute. ‘‘I go and return.’’ The dungeon was a low hall adjoining the barrack of the artillery men. The windows were furnished with great iron bars. Belle-Rose paced to and fro. One of the win- dows gave upon the beat, where a soldier was promenad- ing, witha musket.on his shoulder. As Belle-Rose looked out he perceived Déroute approaching with rapid strides. “Well, I come from the captain. Eh! he has done things well,’’ and Déroute entered. ‘Really !”’ “Through friendship | for you, and in order to shorten your stay in the dungeon, he advances the judgment and execution. Wespoke of four days—you will be shot in forty-eight hours.’’ (E(0) comichbooks