"Be quiet!"
"M'sieu' does not believe me! Yet, I speak only truth. I will diligently serve M'sieu' if he permits——"
"Serve me? Why?"
"Mon Dieu, M'sieu', have I not been most horribly beaten by M'sieu'? I, Asticot, who am not unacquainted with the Boxe and the Savate—I have been rendered insensible! With weapons? No! Without weapons! Yes, with the empty hands of M'sieu'. Why should I not admire? Why should I not experience gratitude that I am alive? Am I an imbecile to court further destruction? Non, alors; I am not crazy. God forbid I should ever again experience the hand of M'sieu' upon my coat collar! And if——"
"You listen to me!" interrupted Warner. "Vermin of your sort that Wildresse hires for a few francs stand no chance when military law is proclaimed. Either side would push you against a wall on sight. Do you understand?"
"Mon Dieu, M'sieu'——"
"There are just two safe places for you: Biribi or prison. Which do you prefer?"
"I? Oh, my God! I have served in the Battalion de Biribi! Not that, M'sieu'——"
"All right; La Nouvelle——"
Asticot emitted a muffled shriek, huddled his ragged knees within his arms, and sat rocking and whimpering and blubbering with fright under the lantern until an impatient gesture from Warner startled him dumb.