"That is well," said Gaston, "for he holds the lives of four brave gentlemen in his hands."
"Of whom you are one."
"No, I put myself aside, for it seems all is over with me."
"How all is over?"
"Yes, I am condemned."
"To what?"
"To death."
There was a moment's silence.
"Impossible!" cried the Chevalier Dumesnil, at length.