Excerpt: ...in my sister's house. They keep a watchful eye over the wench for the sake of the past, for my sake and for the sake of my sister Louise. The ci-devant Kernogan woman is well-guarded. I am satisfied as to that." "And where is the ci-devant duc?" "In the house next door-a tavern at the sign of the 174 Rat Mort-a place which is none too reputable, but the landlord-Lemoine-is a good patriot and he is keeping a close eye on the aristo for me." "And now will you tell me, citizen, " rejoined Carrier with that unctuous suavity which always veiled a threat, "will you tell me how it comes that you are keeping a couple of traitors alive all this while at the country's expense?" "At mine, " broke in Martin-Roget curtly. "At the country's expense, " reiterated the proconsul inflexibly. "Bread is scarce in Nantes. What traitors eat is stolen from good patriots. If you can afford to fill two mouths at your expense, I can supply you with some that have never done aught but proclaim their adherence to the Republic. You have had those two aristos inside the city nearly a week and--" "Only three days, " interposed Martin-Roget, "and you must have patience with me, citizen Carrier. Remember I have done well by you, by bringing such high game to your bag--" "Your high game will be no use to me, " retorted the other with a harsh laugh, "if I am not to have the cooking of it. You have talked of disgrace for the rabble and of your own desire for vengeance over them, but--" "Wait, citizen, " broke in Martin-Roget firmly, "let us understand one another. Before I embarked on this business you gave me your promise that no one-not even you-would interfere between me and my booty." "And no one has done so hitherto to my knowledge, citizen, " rejoined Carrier blandly. "The Kernogan rabble has been yours to do with what you like-er-so far, " he added significantly. "I said that I would not interfere and...