Supply me with the means
of escape; and I promise you that I will sooner die than be captured. I
say, supply me with means, for I have not twenty francs in the world.
My last thousand franc note was nearly all gone the day when--you
understand me. There isn't sufficient money at home to give my mother a
decent burial. Therefore, I say, give me some money."
"Never!"
"Then I will deliver myself up to justice, and you will see what will
happen to the name you hold so dear!"
The count, mad with rage, rushed to his table for a pistol. Noel placed
himself before him.
"Oh, do not let us have any struggle," said he coldly; "I am the
strongest."
M. de Commarin recoiled. By thus speaking of the trial, of the scandal
and of the disgrace, the advocate had made an impression upon him.
For a moment hesitating between love for his name and his burning desire
to see this wretch punished, the old nobleman stood undecided.
Finally his feeling for his rank triumphed.
"Let us end this," he said in a tremulous voice, filled with the utmost
contempt; "let us end this disgraceful scene. What do you demand of me?"
"I have already told you, money, all that you have here.
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