Belle-Rose — page 124: what you’re looking at

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

THE EVE OF THE LAST DAY. 113 And you will get yourself shot.’’ _ ‘‘What difference does that make to you, if it suits me? But they will not hold me since I decamp at the same time as you.’ | ‘You, too?”’ ° “Certainly. My project is a fine one, as you can indge for yourself, The men who are to compose the night watch all belong to our squad; they are good comrades who would face the devil for you. When they have assembled, I shall range them in a circle and will say to them some- thing like this: ‘Children, there is a brave sergeant inside who has often given us ten hours’ leave when we merited the lock- -up’ ‘It is true,’ they will reply. ‘Certainly it is true,’ I will then make answer;_ ‘therefore, comrades, each - one must have his turn; he has sent us to walk, give him some air. You will go to sleep, I will open the door, you will see nothing, and he will go away. Itis your corporal who orders:you. Go to bed.’ ’’ "And you believe that they will sleep?’’ “That is to say they will place their fists over their. eyes and their thumbs in their ears; I know them. Five min- utes after, we will flee like ‘partridges through the fields. What do you think of the project?’’ ‘It is charming; I only see one difficulty about it.”’ “What is it?’’ “The difficulty is that it does not please me to escape,’’ It was the corporal’s turn to bound in his chair. ‘It does not please you? Come, you are joking.”’ No, I speak seriously ; it is my idea.’ “Well! if it suits you to remain, it suits me to open the door.’”’ ; ‘Then you will leave alone.”’ **No, I will wait.’”’ - **But you will be arrested at daybreak.”’ ‘“‘T counted on that.’’ ‘*And you will be shot.’’ ‘‘l agree with you there.’ ‘‘Go to the devil.’’ ‘ ‘*T prefer to remain here.’ se _ Belle-Rose left his seat ie made some turns in the prison. Déroute, leaning back in his chair, played with his thumbs. The sergeant stopped before that honest face ._. which was at the same time resolute. _ “My friend,’’ he said to him, taking him by the hand, “what you wish to do is madness.’ ‘Not more than what * you do not wish to do,’’ a ee | €omicbooks.co