I assure you!"

"No, I do not tell a falsehood!" resumed the young girl ardently.
"I climbed out of my window and went down the iron ladder; I urged
Dominique to fly. This is the truth, the whole truth!"

The old man became very pale. He saw clearly in her eyes that she did
not lie, and her story terrified him. Ah, these children with their
hearts, how they spoil everything! Then he grew angry and exclaimed:

"She is mad; do not heed her. She tells you stupid tales. Come, finish
your work!"

She still protested. She knelt, clasping her hands. The officer
tranquilly watched this dolorous struggle.

"MON DIEU!" he said at last. "I take your father because I have not the
other. Find the fugitive and the old man shall be set at liberty!"

She gazed at him with staring eyes, astonished at the atrocity of the
proposition.

"How horrible!" she murmured. "Where do you think I can find Dominique
at this hour? He has departed; I know no more about him."

"Come, make your choice--him or your father."

"Oh, MON DIEU! How can I choose? If I knew where Dominique was I could
not choose! You are cutting my heart. I would rather die at once. Yes,
it would be the sooner over. Kill me, I implore you, kill me!"

This scene of despair and tears finally made the officer impatient. He
cried out:

"Enough! I will be merciful. I consent to give you two hours. If in that
time your lover is not here your father will be shot in his place!"

He caused Pere Merlier to be taken to the chamber which had served as
Dominique's prison. The old man demanded tobacco and began to smoke.
Upon his impassible face not the slightest emotion was visible. But when
alone, as he smoked, he shed two big tears which ran slowly down his
cheeks. His poor, dear child, how she was suffering!

Francoise remained in the middle of the courtyard. Prussian soldiers
passed, laughing. Some of them spoke to her, uttered jokes she could
not understand. She stared at the door through which her father had
disappeared. With a slow movement she put her hand to her forehead, as
if to prevent it from bursting.

The officer turned upon his heel, saying:

"You have two hours. Try to utilize them."

She had two hours. This phrase buzzed in her ears. Then mechanically
she quitted the courtyard; she walked straight ahead. Where should she
go?--what should she do? She did not even try to make a decision because
she well understood the inutility of her efforts. However, sh