I realized how impotent I was, and the knowledge struck chill to my heart. Dubosq could stand me up at the side of the road and order me shot, and no one would question or protest. He had only to give the word. I felt as the wild beast feels caught in a sudden trap.
“But this is an outrage!” I protested thickly, striving to still the trembling of my lips; for I was young—remember always, my reader, that I was young and new to the world.
Dubosq stood regarding me, gnawing his mustache savagely. I dare say the trembling lip did not escape him.
“Outrage or not,” he growled, “you are under arrest, citizen.”
“And for what?” I demanded.
“As an accomplice of the ci-devant Favras.”
My astonishment was so overwhelming that even he discerned it.
“Of course you are innocent,” he sneered.
“Citizen Dubosq,” I said slowly, “I give you my word of honor that I have never before even heard of the person you mention. As for being his accomplice, that is too absurd to discuss.”
“It is strange, then,” commented Dubosq, grimly, “that you should have been so complaisant as to permit him to ride away upon your horse. But no doubt you have an explanation. There is always an explanation.”