I set the example--they will
follow."
All the prisoners, admiring the resolution announced, crowded around him.
Barbillon himself, instead of remaining at the door, joined the group, and
did not perceive that a new prisoner had entered the hall. This newcomer,
clothed in a gray blouse, and wearing a cap of blue cotton embroidered with
red wool, pulled well over his eyes, started on hearing the name of
Germain; then he went in among the Skeleton's admirers and loudly approved
both with voice and gesture the determination of the provost.
"Isn't Bones a mad-cap?" said one.
"What a learned man!"
"The devil himself could not scare him."
"There's a man!"
"If all the family had his cheek, it would be they who would judge and
guillotine the honest fools."
"That would be just: every one in his turn."
"Yes; but they won't agree upon that subject."
"All the same; he renders a famous service to the family by killing them;
betrayers will denounce no more."
"That is certain."
"And since Skeleton is so sure of being cut down, it costs him nothing to
kill beggars."
"I think it cruel to kill this young man!" said Frank.
"What: what!" cried Skeleton, in an angry tone; "one has no right to pay
off a traitor?"
"Yes, true, he is a traitor; so much the worse for him," said Frank, after
a moment's reflection.
These last words, and the assurances of Cripple, calmed the suspicions
which Frank for a moment had raised among the prisoners.
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