I ordered him to disobey the orders from Lorient and from the mayor of Paradise; to take to the woods as though to avoid the conscription; to join Buckhurst’s franc-company of ruffians, and to keep me fully informed. 251
“And, Lizard,” I said, “you may be caught and hanged for it by the police, or stabbed by Tric-Trac.”
“Bien,” he said, coolly.
“But it is a brave thing you do; a soldierly thing!”
He was silent.
“It is for France,” I said.
He shrugged his shoulders.
“And we’ll catch this Tric-Trac red-handed,” I suggested.
“Ah—yes!” His eyes glowed as though lighted up from behind. “And another who is high in the police, and a friend of this Tric-Trac!”
“Was it that man’s name he whispered to you when you turned so white?” I said, suddenly.