Page:The Story of Manon Lescaut and the Chevalier Des Grieux.djvu/22

Rh ** However," he continued, pointini^ to the archers as he spoke, " I can tell you what those wretches know only too well : that I love her with such passionate devotion as to make me the unhappiest of men. I left no means untried at Paris to obtain her release. Entreaties, stratagem, and force proving" alike in vain, I resolved to follow her to the very ends of the earth, if need be. The ship which carries her to America shall take me with her. But, so utterly inhuman are those cowai'dly rascals," he added, alluding to the archer's, ** that they will not allow me to go near her. My intention was to make an open attack upon them when some leagues outside of Paris. I had four men with me, whom I had paid libei'ally to promise me their assistance. The traitor's made off with my money and left me single-handed. Seeing that it was impossible to accomplish an;si}hing by force, I put up rm- sword and proposed to the ar'chers that they should at least allow me to accompany them, promising to reward them if they would do so. Their cupidity led them to consent. They insisted upon being paid every tune the.N' granted me leave to speak to my mistress. The contents of my purse were soon exhausted, and now that I am penni- less they have the barbarnty to thrust me away brutally