His body shook visibly, and he made a slight random gesture with his hands, which to me was like the appeal of a despairing creature for compassion. But he made no sound. He continued to stand with his face bent toward the ground. As we sat gazing at him, waiting for him to speak, we saw the big tears begin to roll down his cheeks. But he remained silent. After a little, I said,—
“You must answer me, my boy, and you must tell me the truth. Who are the Holy Alliance?”
He wept on in silence. Presently I said, somewhat sharply,—
“Answer the question!”
He struggled to get command of his voice; and then, looking up appealingly, forced the words out between his sobs,—
“Oh, have pity on me, sir! I cannot answer it, for I do not know.”
“What!”
“Indeed, sir, I am telling the truth. I never have heard of the Holy Alliance till this moment. On my honor, sir, this is so.”
“Good heavens! Look at this second letter of yours; there, do you see those words, ‘Holy Alliance?’ What do you say now?”
He gazed up into my face with the hurt look of one upon whom a great wrong had been wrought, then said, feelingly,—