"Capet," said the public accuser, "do you know what has become of your mother?"
The little Louis turned from an ashy paleness to a brilliant red, but made no reply.
"Did you hear me, Capet?"
He still remained silent.
"Oh, he hears well enough," said Simon, "only he is like the ape, he will not reply for fear he should be taken for a man, and so made to work."
"Reply, Capet!" said Hanriot; "it is the Commission of the Convention that interrogates you. You must show obedience to the laws."
The child turned pale, but did not reply.
Simon made a frantic gesture of rage. With natures so stupid and brutal as his, anger becomes an intoxication, attended with all the loathsome symptoms of alcoholic inebriety.
"Will you reply, wolf's cub?" showing him the strap.