CHAPTER VIII
[THE INTERVIEW IN THE PRISON]
"Arise, Gautran."
At this command Gautran rose slowly from the floor of his prison-cell, upon which he had been lying at full length, and shaking himself like a dog, stood before the gaoler.
"Can't you let me alone?" he asked, in a coarse, savage voice.
"Scum of the gutter!" replied the gaoler. "Speak civilly while you have the power, and be thankful your tongue is not dragged out by the roots."
"You would do it if you dared."
"Ay--and a thousand honest men would rejoice to help me."
"Is it to tell me this you disturbed me?"
"No, murderer!"