" He nodded in the direction of Quebec.
Lagroin then put five gold pieces each into the hands of Muroc and
Duclosse, and said:
"I take you into the service of Prince Valmond Napoleon, and you do
hereby swear to serve him loyally, even to the shedding of your blood,
for his honour and the honour of France; and you do also vow to require a
like loyalty and obedience of all men under your command. Swear."
There was a slight pause, for the old man's voice had the ring of a fatal
earnestness. It was no farce, but a real thing.
"Swear," he said again. "Raise your right hand."
"Done!" said Muroc. "To the devil with the charcoal! I'll go wash my
face."
"There's my hand on it," added Duclosse; "but that rascal Petrie will get
my trade, and I'd rather be strung by the Orleans than that."
"Till I've no more wind in my bellows!" responded Lajeunesse, raising his
hand, "if he keeps faith with my Madelinette."
"On the honour of a soldier," said Lagroin, and he crossed himself.
"God save us all!" said Parpon. Obeying a motion of the dwarf's hand,
Lagroin drew from his pocket a flask of cognac, with four little tin cups
fitting into each other.
Pages:
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113