"My name is dishonoured already. If only for eight days, let me live! in mercy do!"
"Not even that contempt of life which is sometimes displayed by the greatest criminals!" said Rodolph, with disgust.
"Besides, the law forbids any one to take justice into their own hands," said the Schoolmaster, with assurance.
"The law! the law!" exclaimed Rodolph. "Do you dare to invoke the law? you, who have always lived in open revolt and constant enmity against society?"
The ruffian bowed his head and made no answer; then added, in a more humble tone:
"At least, for pity's sake, spare my life!"
"Will you tell me where your son is?"
"Yes, yes, I will tell you all I know."
"Will you tell me who are the parents of the young girl whose childhood the Chouette made one scene of torture?"
"In my pocketbook there are papers which will put you on the track of the persons who gave her to the Chouette."