"Citizen Billet being under flag of truce, I confide his life to your honor."
Flesselles looked at the cunning face as if he had a strongest desire to smash it with a blow than do what he was counselled.
"Do you hesitate?" demanded the surgeon.
"No, for at the most, you only ask what is fair," replied the other, writing as proposed.
"Still, gentlemen, I want you to bear in mind that I do not answer for the envoy's safety."
"But I will," said Marat, taking the paper from his hands: "for your liberty is here to answer for his—your head will guarantee his. There is your pass, my brave Billet."
Flesselles called for his coach and said loudly:
"I suppose, my friends, you are asking nothing more?"
"No," replied the two together.
"Am I to let him pass?" asked Pitou.