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[With a cry—quivering, incredulous.]
Paul!—Alive!
Heaven is merciful at last!
[He takes her in his arms.
By the gods, it is!—The Citizen Kauvar!
Then La Rochejacquelein has got away?
[Rising, to PAUL.]
If you are a soldier of the Republic, how is it we find you in the coat of a brigand?
That’s my affair, not yours.
What! You refuse to answer? [Coming close
to PAUL.] Do you know who
I am?
[With quiet, increasing intensity, before which CARRAC is utterly cowed.]
Yes,—Carrac—an anarchist—a fiend—in the name of liberty invoking the tyranny of terror! An assassin—shouting fraternity and committing fratricide! A libertine—claiming equality with the good, while ravishing the pure! A monster—part vulture, part toad—who, in the holy name of progress, makes our Country and our Cause revolting to the world!
Ha! See! Carrac recoils! He’s found his match at last!—
[MOB laugh and jeer.
[Appearing.]
Room there!—Room for General Kleber.
[Falling back on both sides.]
Kleber!—Kleber!—Long live Kleber!
[Entering with three OFFICERS.]
I am told there is mutiny—treason here. Who and where are the accused?
[Pointing at PAUL.]
There stands the worst of them!
[Astounded]
Captain Kauvar!—Of what is he accused?
Treachery to France! He has worn the colours of the Royal Cause.
We arrested him as Rochejacquelein.
Whom he has aided to escape.
A terrible charge! The punishment is instant death.—Captain Kauvar, what have you to say?
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