Margaret snatched the child in her arms and kissed him.
She knocked in vain for ten minutes. At last she heard his voice within:
“Go away from that door!”
“I’m from Piedmont, sir,” cried Margaret, “with an important message from the Commandant for you.”
“Yes; I saw you come. I will not see you. I know everything, and I will hear no appeal.”
“But you cannot know of the exchange of men,” pleaded the girl.
“I tell you I know all about it. I will not interfere——”
“But you could not be so cruel——”
“The majesty of the law must be vindicated. The judge who consents to the execution of a murderer is not cruel. He is showing mercy to Society. Go, now; I will not hear you.”
In vain Margaret knocked, begged, pleaded, and sobbed.