Volume I Part 8 (2/2)
Benedetto, since the journey froer reseht he was going crazy
What sustained hiive the Jesuits on the 25th of February This million he must secure for himself; but hoas to do so he did not know hiht Anselradually this hope vanished, and as the column marched into Toulon on the 28th of January, Benedetto was on the verge of despair
In Toulon the iron necklace was taken off of the prisoners and replaced by an iron ball fastened to the leg The prisoners were brought to the lavatory, given a bath, and then dressed in the historical clothing of a galley-slave
As Anselmo and Benedetto were of the same stature, it was only natural that they were both chained together They were placed in pontoon No 2, and the little rat-king was their companion
The rat soon made itself at home with all the prison officials and the prisoners, and not a night passed but what it played its tricks Anselreat deal , what are your feelings for the king, the law, and the turnkeys?” the little animal would bow at every side, cross its front feet over its breast, andprayers, at the sa its eyes to the floor If Anselmo would then ask:
”What is the penalty for those conderound, and lie motionless, as if to appear dead
Benedetto was the only one as not amused Whenever the rat came near him he would tremble violently If Anselmo saw it he would make sarcastic rerind his teeth with rage His only desire noas to get away from his comrades in chains But there was little hope for this, more especially as he heard a jailer one day tell Ansel companion; if the rat were to support the petition it would not be difficult, and the ex-priest laughingly replied:
”Not a bit of it; Benedetto is just as agreeable to s as they are!”
As soon as the jailer turned away, Benedetto, e, turned to the ex-priest and said:
”Why won't you free me from your society?”
”Because I do not wish to have any strange face about me,” was the indifferent reply ”You do not embarrass me in the least, and as I do not embarrass you--”
”On the contrary, you are distasteful to me,” interrupted Benedetto, violently
”Really? Your candor pleases ether”
”And suppose I kill you?” hissed Benedetto
”Hem, my boy, that is easier said than done Besides, I can tell you why you hate me”
”I am curious to know! I hardly know myself why I hate you,” said Benedetto, maliciously
”Because you think I lied to you, because in prison I spoke of escape, and have not said a word about that since”
Benedetto staible words, and was ashahts read so easily
”Do you know the story of Brutus, who pretended to be a si about the downfall of Tarquin the more effectually?” asked Anselmo, with a malicious smile