The Son Of Monte Cristo Part 26 (2/2)
”Yes, thanks to Fanfar His brains, his arms and his muscles saved me”
”It was of him that we came to speak,” replied the man as dressed like a horse jockey
”If it is time to act,” said Gudel, ”you may rely on him”
”Are you sure? We do not doubt you nor him, but for such work as ours--of which the aim is to return to France that liberty which has been stifled by the iron hand of Bonaparte and by the Bourbons--we need ht on, even if the scaffold stands at the termination of their road Is Fanfar such a man?”
”I am not much of a speaker,” answered Gudel ”My father was a soldier of the Republic I ave his life for France, and I lived through accident It was about that time that little Fanfar fell into reatest respect for the Revolution You know, too, that his father was murdered by the allies, his mother was burned by the Cossacks, and his sister, poor little soul, died of starvation Do you wonder that Fanfar hates the Bourbons? And you ask if you may trust him!”
There was a brief silence, and then the man who looked like an old soldier spoke
”Gudel,” he said, ”we believe you For ten years, over and over again, you have proved to us your devotion and your honesty”
Iron Jaws blushed with pleasure
”Fanfar will be here presently You will find hi, and to risk his life in the performance of his duty”
”You know the situation,” resu the their efforts General Foy has stigmatized the purchasers of votes and rendered their naer Collard has distinctly asked a terrible question--'where will you be in seven years?' The exciteeneral, and weand active, who is willing to make any sacrifice Can Fanfar be this man?”
Gudel contented himself with a si out a pocketbook, ”here are papers so important that were they to fall into the hands of our adversaries, our heads would be in danger and our plans ruined These papers Fanfar ive theive him orders, which he is to execute without hesitation or curiosity Can you answer for Fanfar?”
”Upon my honor, I can”
The two men continued to talk in a low voice with Gudel, and then they went out Absorbed in thought, they did not notice a man who started back when they appeared Robeccal had heard every syllable
Cyprien now arrived at the inn White, tre and breathless, he could scarcely reply to the questions addressed to him He believed the Marquis to be dead, and was finally able to tell his story
Schwann began to be very anxious Where was Fanfar? Suddenly a horse was heard co at full speed Schwann and Caillette rushed to the door
They uttered a simultaneous cry of surprise It was the Marquis
”And Fanfar? Where is he?”
”He is co But I have not a moment to lose Take me to Gudel's chamber”
The tone was too pereard to Fanfar, he was ready to obey without stopping to ask theof this extreave him a look that commanded silence, and as he passed, said in a low voice:
”Patience!”
The door closed Then Cyprien felt a hand on his shoulder and recognized the man whose assistance he had endeavored to buy
”Come out with me,” said this man