"This means a cruel torture," said the captain. "Do not force us to these extremities."
The Gascon made a gesture of resignation and repeated: "I have nothing to say."
The captain could not conceal his chagrin at being obliged to employ such measures.
He rang a bell.
An orderly appeared.
"Order the provost to come here, four men to remain on the gun-deck near the forward signal light, and tell the cannoneer to prepare bunches of tow dipped in sulphur."
The orderly went out.
The orders were frightfully positive. In spite of his courage, Croustillac felt his determination waver; the punishment with which they threatened him was fearful. Monmouth was then undoubtedly in safety; the adventurer thought that he had already done much for the duke and for the duchess. He was about to yield to the fear of torture, when his courage returned to him at this reflection, grotesque, without doubt, but which, under the circumstances in which it presented itself to his mind, became almost heroic, "One does not sacrifice oneself for others with the sole aim of being crowned with flowers."
The provost entered the council room.
Croustillac shuddered, but his looks betrayed no emotion.