"That's what I meant; but from habit I used the other expression."
"Monsieur prefers to say 'the Scriptures.' Is monsieur a Huguenot?"
"Yes, but a very ignorant Huguenot. Would you believe that I know hardly three thousand verses of the Psalms?"
"Indeed, it is very little."
"I succeeded better in remembering the music. There has been much hanging and burning in my family."
"I hope that no such fate is in store for monsieur."
"No, there is a much more tolerant spirit to-day; they will submerge me probably, nothing more."
Barrabas began to laugh.
Canolles' heart leaped for joy; he had won over his keeper. If this jailer ad interim should become his permanent jailer, he stood a fair chance to obtain the oil; he determined, therefore, to take up the conversation where he had left it.
"Monsieur Barrabas," said he, "are we destined to be soon separated, or shall you do me the honor to continue to bear me company?"