"A white cross, young man, such as that which we have in our hats. In days gone by they let God bear the burden of distinguishing his own; now we have grown more civilized and we save him the bother."
"But at each house at which he knocks the door opens and from each house armed citizens come out."
"He will knock here in turn, and we shall in turn go out."
"What," said Coconnas, "every one called out to go and kill one old Huguenot? By Heaven! it is shameful! It is an affair of cut-throats, and not of soldiers."
"Young man," replied Maurevel, "if the old are objectionable to you, you may choose young ones—you will find plenty for all tastes. If you despise daggers, use your sword, for the Huguenots are not the men to allow their throats to be cut without defending themselves, and you know that Huguenots, young or old, are tough."
"But are they all going to be killed, then?" cried Coconnas.
"All!"
"By the King's order?"
"By order of the King and Monsieur de Guise."
"And when?"