Page:The Rebellion in the Cevennes (Volume 1).djvu/168

Rh a single one. The most sincere, the most zealous patriots in appearance, betray us. We are reproached for severity and harshness, but I fear we are yet too mild and compassionate, for these faithless rebels deserve no quarter; they can only be subdued by continued, inexorable severity."

"They should be wholly extirpated," interrupted the Marshal, who in the middle of his own lively conversation had only listened to the last words.

Julien looked gravely at the Intendant, while he sighed: "You really believe then that these unfortunate men are no longer deserving of human consideration," "Hardly so indeed," said the Lord of Basville, "for through their own cruelty and disgraceful conduct of every kind, they have rendered themselves unworthy of any sympathy. But go on Colonel: how were you saved in this pressing position?"

"With scarcely strength sufficient to advance a single step, I dragged myself