"But I never touched the fruit—indeed, I did not."
"Napoleon," said his uncle, "I can not believe you. I shall give you five minutes; and if, at the end of that time, you do not confess, and ask for pardon, I shall whip you."
"A whip is for horses and dogs, not for children!" said the boy.
"A whip is for disobedient, lying children," replied his father.
"Then 'tis unjust to give it me, for I am neither a liar nor disobedient." So saying, Napoleon crossed his arms on his chest, and settled himself in a firm attitude.
Meantime his brothers and his sister Pauline came close to him, and whispered good-natured entreaties that he would confess.
"But how can I, when I have not done wrong?"
"So you are still obstinate?" said his uncle. And taking him by the arm, he led him into the next room. Presently the sound of sharp repeated blows was heard, but not a cry or complaint from the little sufferer.
Madame Bonaparte was away from home, and in the evening her husband went to meet her, accompanied by Joseph, Lucien, and Eliza. M. Fesch and the canon were also about to depart, and in passing through the ante-room, they saw Napoleon standing, pale and grave, but proud, and firm-looking as before.
"Well, my child," said his father, "I hope you will now ask your uncle's pardon?"