“I cannot abandon you thus, even to escape the scaffold.”
“Save yourself, young man,” said Chicot; “do not tempt Providence twice in one day.”
Antragues approached Ribeirac, who still breathed.
“Well?” asked he.
“We are victors,” said Antragues, in a low tone, not to offend Quelus.
“Thanks,” said Ribeirac; “now go.”
And he fainted again.
Antragues picked up his own sword, which he had dropped, then that of Quelus, which he presented to him. A tear shone in the eyes of the dying man. “We might have been friends,” he murmured.
“Now fly,” said Chicot; “you are worthy of being saved.”
“And my companions?”