I die because I have broken a sacred oath; consequently I admit that I deserve death. If you wish to give my body Christian burial, it will be placed to-morrow night in the market-place at Bourg. The dagger which will be found buried in my breast will indicate that I do not die the victim of a cowardly assassination, but of a just vengeance.
Vicomte de Fargas.
"And this postscript was addressed to you, mademoiselle?" asked Barras.
"Yes, sir."
"And you are sure that it is in your brother's writing?"
"It is his writing."
"What does he mean by writing that he 'does not die the victim of a cowardly assassination, but of a just vengeance'?"
"My brother was himself a Companion of Jehu. When arrested he broke his oath and betrayed his comrades." Then she added, with a strange laugh, "I ought to have joined in his stead."
"Wait," said Barras; "there should be a report of this among my papers."