Lorin was in the midst of his pastoral ditty, when suddenly a loud noise was heard from the left side of the post, composed of oaths, menaces, and tears.
"What is that?" demanded Devaux.
"It sounded like the voice of a child," said Lorin, listening.
"In fact," said the National Guard, "it is a poor little one they are beating. Truly they ought only to send here those who have no children."
"Will you sing?" said a hoarse and drunken voice.
And the voice sung in example—
"Madame Veto promised
That all our heads should fall—"
"No," said the child, "I will not sing."
"Will you sing?"