The sentries were doubled
and Mademoiselle de Verneuil's house became the centre of a little
army. Hulot found Corentin absorbed in contemplation of the window
which overlooked the tower.
"Citizen," said the commandant, "I think the /ci-devant/ has fooled
us; there's nothing stirring."
"He is there," cried Corentin, pointing to the window. "I have seen a
man's shadow on the curtain. But I can't think what has become of that
boy. They must have killed him or locked him up. There! commandant,
don't you see that? there's a man's shadow; come, come on!"
"I sha'n't seize him in bed; thunder of God! He will come out if he
went in; Gudin won't miss him," cried Hulot, who had his own reasons
for waiting till the Gars could defend himself.
"Commandant, I enjoin you, in the name of the law to proceed at once
into that house."
"You're a fine scoundrel to try to make me do that."
Without showing any resentment at the commandant's language, Corentin
said coolly: "You will obey me. Here is an order in good form, signed
by the minister of war, which will force you to do so." He drew a
paper from his pocket and held it out. "Do you suppose we are such
fools as to leave that girl to do as she likes? We are endeavoring to
suppress a civil war, and the grandeur of the purpose covers the
pettiness of the means."
"I take the liberty, citizen, of sending you to--you understand me?
Enough.
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