Page:Ninety-three.djvu/355

 He steadied his voice and said,—

"Gendarmes, seat the accused."

Gauvain sat down on the stool.

Cimourdain added,—

"Gendarmes, draw your swords."

This was the customary formality when the accused was under sentence of capital punishment.

The gendarmes drew their swords.

Cimourdain's voice had regained its usual tone.

"Accused," he said, "rise."

He no longer addressed Gauvain familiarly.

rose.

"What is your name?" asked Cimourdain.

Gauvain replied, "Gauvain."

Cimourdain questioned him further.

"Who are you?"

"I am commander-in-chief of the reconnoitring column of the Coasts of the North."

"Are you a relative or connection of the man who has escaped?"

"I am his grand-nephew."

"Are you familiar with the decree of the Convention?"

"I see the notice of it on your table."

"What have you to say to this decree?"

"That I countersigned it, that I ordered it to be carried out, and that it was I who had the placard printed, and that my name is at the bottom of it."

"Choose a defender."

"I will defend myself."

"You may speak."

Cimourdain had grown calm again. Only his calmness was less like the composure of a man than the tranquillity of a rock.