"
"You are troubling our people. This is illegal--this bearing arms, these
purposes of yours. It is mere filibustering, and you are an--"
Valmond waved his hand, as if to stop the word. "I am Valmond Napoleon,
monsieur."
"If you do not promise to forego this, I will arrest you," said De la
Riviere sharply.
"You?" Valmond smiled ironically.
"I am a justice of the peace. I have the power."
"I have the power to prevent arrest, and I will prevent it, monsieur. You
alone of all this parish, I believe of all this province, turn a sour
face, a sour heart, to me. I regret it, but I do not fear it."
"I will have you in custody, or there is no law in Quebec," was the acrid
set-out.
Valmond's face was a feverish red now, and he made an impatient gesture.
Both men had bitter hearts, for both knew well that the touchstone of
this malice was Madame Chalice. Hatred looked out of their eyes. It was,
each knew, a fight to the dark end.
"There is not law enough to justify you, monsieur," answered Valmond
quickly.
"Be persuaded, monsieur," urged the member to Valmond, with a persuasive,
smirking gesture.
"All this country could not persuade me; only France can do that; and
first I shall persuade France," he answered, speaking to his old cue
stoutly.
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