"I will be, commandant, if you have no objection, and if my comrades honor me with their confidence."
"Yes, yes, Lieutenant Ferguzon!" cried five hundred voices, among which those of Barrabas and Carrotel could easily be distinguished.
"You are to be the man, monsieur," said Richon. "You are free to go out and in, as you choose."
"And you have no special instructions to give me, commandant?"
"Liberty for my men."
"And for yourself?"
"Nothing."
Such disinterestedness would have brought to their senses men who had been misled simply, but these men were sold.
"Yes! yes! liberty for us!" they cried.
"Have no fear, commandant; I will not forget you in the capitulation."