'I appeal to you, Lucien, upon practical as well as
upon moral grounds, not to let this deed be done. Consider that if
things should go against us this will cut us off from all hopes of
mercy. Consider also--'
This argument seemed for a moment to stagger the younger man, whose
olive complexion had turned a shade greyer.
'There will be no hope for us in any case, Charles,' said he. 'We have
no choice but to obey Rule 13.'
'Some latitude is allowed to us. We are ourselves upon the inner
committee.'
'But it takes a quorum to change a rule, and we have no powers to do
it.' His pendulous lip was quivering, but there was no softening in his
eyes. Slowly under the pressure of those cruel fingers my chin began to
sweep round to my shoulder, and I commended my soul to the Virgin and to
Saint Ignatius, who has always been the especial patron of my family.
But this man Charles, who had already befriended me, darted forwards and
began to tear at Toussac's hands with a vehemence which was very
different from his former philosophic calm.
'You _shall_ not kill him!' he cried angrily.
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