CHAPTER XXXII
ECARTE
Bartolomeo was thrown into a subterranean dungeon of the citadel, and now that Aslitta was lost he accepted his fate calmly. He could not be of any further service to the fatherland.
As he was sitting meditatively in his cell, the door opened and a corporal entered.
"What do you wish?" asked the major politely. "What time is it?"
"Three o'clock in the morning," replied the corporal, a handsome young fellow with blue eyes and blond hair.
"Only three o'clock. Then I have three long hours still to live. Can't I be shot at once?"
"No, no chance whatever."
"How awkward. What shall I do with myself? It's so monotonous here!"