"When you are a man, Félix Broux, you will know that there are other things in this world besides vengeance. You will know that some injuries cannot be avenged. You will know that a gentleman cannot use the same weapons that blackguards use to him."
"Ah, Monsieur!" I cried. "Monsieur is indeed a nobleman!" But I was furious with him for it.
He turned abruptly and paced down the room. The dog, which had been standing at his side, stayed still, looking from him to me with puzzled, troubled eyes. He knew quite well something was wrong, and vented his feelings in a long, dismal whine. Monsieur spoke to him; Roland bounded up to him and licked his hand. They walked up and down together, comforting each other.
"At least," I cried in desperation, "Monsieur has the spy."
He laughed. Only a man in utter despair could have laughed then as he did.
"Even the spy to wreak vengeance on consoles you somewhat, Félix? But does it seem to you fair that a tool should be punished when the leaders go free?"
"No," said I; "but it is the common way."
"That is a true word," he said, turning away again.
I waited till he faced me once more.
"Monsieur will not suffer the spy to go free?"