The thought was agony itself. It caused him to turn like a tiger upon judge and accuser, and give tongue to the wrath swelling within his bosom.
His speeches were met only with jeers and laughter.
And soon they were unheeded. Fresh prisoners were being brought in—fresh victims like himself, to be condemned over the drum!
The court no longer claimed his attendance.
He was left to Virocq and his uniformed executioners.
Two of these laying hold, forced him up against the wall, close to the corpse of the Red Republican.
He was manacled, and could make no resistance. None would have availed him.
The soldiers stood waiting for the command “Tirez!”
In another instant it would have been heard, for it was forming on the lips of the Zouave lieutenant.