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Updated: May 2, 2025
I will be present at what takes place; but I will not share in it either to hinder or help." "Well," demanded a hundred voices, "what does he say, Sabre-tout?" "He says we must act according to our consciences, and that he washes his hands of it." "Long live the Big Round Head!" cried all the people, rushing toward the diligence. Cadoudal remained motionless in the midst of this crowd.
"Priest of God, you have betrayed the Church; child of France, you have condemned your king to death." "Alas! alas!" stammered the priest. "Is it true?" "I do not deny it." "Because it is impossible to deny. What have you to say in justification?" "Citizens " "We are not citizens," cried Sabre-tout, in a voice thunder, "we are royalists." "Gentlemen " "We are not gentlemen; we are Chouans."
Did you not hear me say we were Christians and royalists?" The priest did not move; but his teeth chattered. "Why this terror?" continued Sabre-tout. "Does not your cloth plead for you? The man who wears a cassock can have done nothing against royalty or religion." The priest crouched back, murmuring: "Mercy! mercy!" "Why mercy?" demanded Sabre-tout, "do you feel that you are guilty, wretch?"
Roland stood near him, also motionless, but full of curiosity; for he was completely ignorant of who, or what, was in question. The man who had just spoken to Cadoudal, and whom his companions called Sabre-tout, opened the door. The travellers were huddled together and trembling in the darkness within.
"If you have nothing to reproach yourselves with against God or the king," said Sabre-tout in a full sonorous voice, "descend without fear. We are not brigands, we are Christians and royalists." This declaration no doubt reassured the travellers, for a man got out, then two women, then a mother pressing her child in her arms, and finally another man.
Twenty shots resounded instantly, and the bishop fell, an inert mass. "Ah!" cried Roland. "What have you done?" "Forced you to keep your promise," replied Cadoudal; "you swore to see all and hear all without offering any opposition." "So perish all enemies of God and the king," said Sabre-tout, in a solemn voice. "Amen!" responded the spectators with one voice of sinister unanimity.
"He gave death, he will receive death," answered Cadoudal. During this time the Chouans had pulled Audrein out of the diligence. "Ha! is it you, bishop of Vannes?" cried Sabre-tout. "Mercy!" begged the bishop. "We were informed of your arrival, and were waiting for you." "Mercy!" repeated the bishop for the third time. "Have you your pontifical robes with you?" "Yes, my friends, I have."
The Chouans examined them attentively as they came down the carriage steps; not finding the man they wanted, they said to each traveller, "Pass on." One man alone remained in the coach. A Chouan thrust a torch in the vehicle, and by its light they could see he was a priest. "Minister of the Lord," said Sabre-tout, "why did you not descend with the others?
"Because Jesus Christ was a righteous man; this man is a Barabbas." "Kiss your cross! kiss your cross!" cried Sabre-tout. The prelate looked at him with a terrified air, but without obeying. It was evident that he no longer saw, no longer heard. "Oh!" cried Roland, making an effort to dismount, "it shall never be said that I let a man be murdered before me, and did not try to, save him."
The glare of the torches was reflected on the barrels, casting evil gleams. Two men took the priest and led him into the circle, supporting him beneath his arms. He was pale as death. There was a moment of lugubrious silence. A voice broke it. It was that of Sabre-tout. "We are about to judge you," said the Chouan.
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