Belle-Rose — page 39: what you’re looking at

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

58 A STEP IN LIFE. eae ‘“What do you wish?’’ he -prusquely-said to him, when Jacques was at two steps from his horse. ‘‘Justice,’’ Jacques tranquilly replied. The chief smiled and passed his long and nervous ingens through his mustache. Two cavaliers who followed him exchanged some rapid words; they spoke rather with the throat than with the lips, and their idiom struck J acques’ ears like the croak- ing of ravens. “Of what do you complain?’’ said the chief. ‘“My valise, the effects which it contained, my money, even my clothes—everything has been taken from me.”’ “They left you your skin, and you complain. You are exacting.’’ Jacques thought he had not well understood. ‘‘But I tell you——”’ ‘“‘And I tell you to hold your tongue!’’ exclaimed the chief. ‘‘You will answer when you are questioned.”’ The chief turned to his officers. During their short con- ference Jacques crossed his arms. The idea of flying did not enter his mind; it seemed to him impossible that any further harm could be done him. | ‘‘You area Frenchman, undoubtedly?’ said the chief returning tu him. ‘“Ves-’’ ‘‘From this neighborhood, perhaps?’’ “From St. Omer.’”’ “You must know, then, the secret roads for gaining the frontiers of Flanders.’ ‘Quite well.’’ ‘You will have to serve us, then, as guide that far. Though your compatriots decamp like flocks of ducks at our approach, I believe that we have advanced too far. I have enough of this kind of booty. However, if there are some good cnateaux in the neighborhood, you will lead us to them. Go ahead.’’ Jacques did not budge. ‘*Did you hear me?’’ repeated the chief, touching him with the end of his switch. ‘*Perfectly well.’’ “Then march.”’ ‘‘No, I shall remain here.”’ “Remain here!” exclaimed the chief, and urging on. his horse, he brought him up alongside the immovable Jacques. The icy tube of a pistol touched Jacques’ forehead. — > Comicbooks.co