“Listen,” he said, very distinctly, putting into his tones every timbre of quiet, compelling will. “Listen, hear me!”
Slowly the feverish man grew still.
“Hear me,” said Dupin. “There are two questions–two, only two. You are to answer them.–You will shake your head, ‘Yes,’ or ‘No’–do you hear me?”
The Chasseur’s eyes opened wide, and they were calm.
237“Good, that’s the brave gentleman! Now then, steady. The first question: Shall we shoot this American?”
Slowly, painfully, the head rocked on the pillow, from one side to the other.
“It’s ‘No’!” cried a score of men.
“Silence!” roared the Tiger. “Now, the second question: Does this order come from Marshal Bazaine?”
Michel’s chin sank to his breast. He groaned, he could not lift it again.
“Yes, thank––” Ney himself, his voice!