The Governor stood erect and stiff, with his official face, like a face of wood. He was deeply offended at Montanelli's treatment of him, and showed it by unusual ceremoniousness.
“At what time does Your Eminence wish to visit the prisoner?” he asked.
“I will go to him at once.”
“As Your Eminence pleases. If you will kindly wait a few moments, I will send someone to prepare him.”
The Governor had come down from his official pedestal in a great hurry. He did not want Montanelli to see the straps.
“Thank you; I would rather see him as he is, without preparation. I will go straight up to the fortress. Good-evening, colonel; you may expect my answer to-morrow morning.”
CHAPTER VI.
HEARING the cell-door unlocked, the Gadfly turned away his eyes with languid indifference. He supposed that it was only the Governor, coming to worry him with another interrogation. Several soldiers mounted the narrow stair, their carbines clanking against the wall; then a deferential voice said: “It is rather steep here, Your Eminence.”
He started convulsively, and then shrank down, catching his breath under the stinging pressure of the straps.