Not considering it necessary to discuss with the justice, L’Ours now turned to Bruno, and putting his hand on the latter’s shoulder, said: “Do you pretend that you killed the gamekeeper?”
“Yes; it was I,” replied Bruno, this time less resolutely.
“Well, my boy, you are lying—that is all.”
“Jean! Leave me!” gasped Bruno.
“No, I will not leave you.” Then to the officers he added: “Messieurs, it will be worth your while to listen to me.”
“Gendarmes, we must enforce the law.”
L’Ours cast upon the young magistrate a look of contempt, but the gendarmes came forward.
“Ah, pardon me! You refuse, then. Very well.”
And he assumed a fearlessly defensive attitude.
“But no!” he exclaimed, an instant afterward. “You represent justice. Then be just. Your duty is to listen. If you refuse to do so, there is no justice in you.”