come to business.'

The refined features of Lesage made me look towards him as to a possible
protector, but his large dark eyes were as cold and hard as jet as he
looked back at me.

'What Toussac says is right,' said he. 'We imperil our own safety if he
goes with our secret.'

'The devil take our own safety!' cried Toussac. 'What has that to do
with the matter? We imperil the success of our plans--that is of more
importance.'

'The two things go together,' replied Lesage. 'There is no doubt that
Rule 13 of our confederation defines exactly what should be done in
such a case. Any responsibility must rest with the passers of Rule 13.'

My heart had turned cold when this man with his poet's face supported
the savage at my side. But my hopes were raised again when the thin
man, who had said little hitherto, though he had continued to stare at
me very intently, began now to show some signs of alarm at the
bloodthirsty proposals of his comrades.

'My dear Lucien,' said he, in a soothing voice, laying his hand upon the
young man's arm, 'we philosophers and reasoners must have a respect for
human life. The tabernacle is not to be lightly violated. We have
frequently agreed that if it were not for the excesses of Marat--'

'I have every respect for your opinion, Charles,' the other interrupted.
'You will allow that I have always been a willing and obedient disciple.