by Alexander Dumas

“ But instead of listening, M. d'Epinay went on, -- "You are still as brave in your carriage as in your assembly because you are still four against one." The president stopped the coach. They were at that part of the Quai des Ormes where the steps lead down to the river. "Why do you stop here?" asked d'Epinay.
"`"Because, sir," said the president, "you have insulted a man, and that man will not go one step farther without demanding honorable reparation."
"`"Another method of assassination?" said the general, shrugging his shoulders. ”

“ General d'Epinay died five minutes after.'"
Franz read these last words in a voice so choked that they were hardly audible, and then stopped, passing his hand over his eyes as if to dispel a cloud; but after a moment's silence, he continued: --
"`The president went up the steps, after pushing his sword into his cane; a track of blood on the snow marked his course. He had scarcely arrived at the top when he heard a heavy splash in the water -- it was the general's body, which the witnesses had just thrown into the river after ascertaining that he was dead. ”

“ Then the general advanced, and making a violent effort to control his feelings, -- "I have a son," said he, "and I ought to think of him, finding myself among assassins."
"`"General," said the chief of the assembly, "one man may insult fifty -- it is the privilege of weakness. But he does wrong to use his privilege. Follow my advice, swear, and do not insult." The general, again daunted by the superiority of the chief, hesitated a moment; then advancing to the president's desk, -- "What is the form, said he. ”

“ Franz interrupted himself by saying, "My father was a royalist; they need not have asked his sentiments, which were well known."
"And hence," said Villefort, "arose my affection for your father, my dear M. Franz. Opinions held in common are a ready bond of union."
"Read again," said the old man. Franz continued: --
"`The president then sought to make him speak more explicitly, but M. de Quesnel replied that he wished first to know what they wanted with him. ”

“ You are alone, one alone shall answer you; you have a sword by your side, I have one in my cane; you have no witness, one of these gentlemen will serve you. Now, if you please, remove your bandage." The general tore the handkerchief from his eyes. "At last," said he, "I shall know with whom I have to do." They opened the door and the four men alighted.'"
Franz again interrupted himself, and wiped the cold drops from his brow ”

“ When you complied with this twofold request you well knew we did not wish to secure the throne of Louis XVIII., or we should not take so much care to avoid the vigilance of the police. It would be conceding too much to allow you to put on a mask to aid you in the discovery of our secret, and then to remove it that you may ruin those who have confided in you. No, no, you must first say if you declare yourself for the king of a day who now reigns, or for his majesty the emperor."
"`"I am a royalist," replied the general ”