"Answer, do you hear? What are you?"
"American."
"Pig-dog!" shouted the gaunt officer. "So you are one of those Yankee muleteers in[pg 202] your uniform, and armed! It is sufficient that you are American. If it had not been for America this war would be ended! But it is not enough, apparently, that you come here with munitions and food, that you insult us at sea, that you lie about us and slander us and send your shells and cartridges to England to slay our people! No! Also you must come to insult us in your clown's uniform and with your pistol—" The man began to choke with fury, unable to continue, except by gesture.
But the jerky gestures were terribly significant: soldiers were already pushing Burley across the road toward a great oak tree; six men fell out and lined up.
"M-my Government—" stammered the young fellow—but was given no opportunity to speak. Very white, the chill sweat standing on his forehead and under his eyes, he stood against the oak, lips compressed, grey eyes watching what was happening to him.
Suddenly he understood it was all over.
"Djack!"
He turned his gaze toward Maryette, where[pg 203] she struggled toward him, held by two soldiers.
"Maryette—Carillonnette—" His voice suddenly became steady, perfectly clear. "Je vous aime, Carillonnette."
"Oh, Djack! Djack!" she cried in terror.