"Would you assert this upon oath? Why are you casting these bullets? You
are clumsy conspirators. You should lock your door; someone else might
have entered."

And adding example to precept, he turned and pushed the bolt.

"This is only an imprudence," he continued; "but to reject a soldier who
comes to you voluntarily would be a fault for which your associate would
have a right to call you to account. I have no desire, understand me,
to force myself into your confidence. No, I give myself to you blindly,
body and soul. Whatever your cause may be, I declare it mine; what you
wish, I wish; I adopt your plans; your enemies are my enemies; command,
I will obey. I ask only one favor, that of fighting, of triumphing, or
of dying by your side."

"Oh! refuse, father!" exclaimed Marie-Anne; "refuse. To accept this
offer would be a crime!"

"A crime! And why, if you please?"

"Because our cause is not your cause; because its success is doubtful;
because dangers surround us on every side."

A scornful exclamation from Maurice interrupted her.

"And it is you who think to dissuade me by pointing out the dangers that
threaten you, the dangers that you are braving----"

"Maurice!"