"Yes," said Morel, bitterly; "it is dull work to see what we would have given our lives to save laid in the cold earth. But, as you are men, grant me that satisfaction." Then, looking up, and observing the nonchalant air with which his prayer was received, he added, "But no, persons of so much feeling as you are would fear to indulge me, lest I should find it a gloomy sight. Well, then, at least grant me one word!"
"The deuce take your last words! Why, old chap, there seems no end to them. Come, put the steam on; make haste," said Malicorne, with brutal impatience, "or we shall lose t'other gent we're after."
"When did you receive orders to arrest me?"
"Oh, why, judgment was signed four months ago! But it was only yesterday our officer got instructions to put it in execution."
"Only yesterday! And why has it been delayed so long?"
"How the devil should I know? Come, look about you, and put up your things."
"Only yesterday? And during the whole day we saw nothing of Louise! Where can she be? Or what has become of her?" inquired the lapidary mentally, as he took from his table a small box filled with cotton, in which he placed his stones. "But never mind all that now. I shall have plenty of time to think about it when I am in prison."
"Come, look sharp there a bit. Tie up your things to take with you, and put your clothes on, there's a fine fellow!"
"I have no clothes to tie up, and have nothing whatever to take with me except these jewels, that I may deposit them at the office of the prison."
"Well, then, dress yourself as quick as you can."