"Well, gentlemen?" asked the colonel, when he had read the second letter.
"Well, colonel," Charras replied plainly, "the Provisional Government thought it was sending us to patriots; it seems that it was mistaken, that is all."
"Do you know, messieurs, to what this error of yours exposes you?"
"Why, yes!" said Charras; "to be shot."
"I am obliged to leave you, messieurs; give me your word of honour that you will not attempt to leave this room."
"Our parole?... Come now!... Have us shot, if you will,—you must answer for the responsibility of the execution to the Provisional Government,—but we will not give you our parole."
"At all events, give up your swords, then."
"No, no, no!"
The colonel bit his lips and said something in a low voice to the major and prepared to go out. Charras made a backward movement in order to touch Lothon, then said in a whisper—