Consider also--' This argument seemed for a moment to stagger the younger man, whose olive complexion had turned a shade greyer.
'There will be no hope for us in any case, Charles,' said he.

'We have no choice but to obey Rule 13.' 'Some latitude is allowed to us.

We are ourselves upon the inner committee.' 'But it takes a quorum to change a rule, and we have no powers to do it.' His pendulous lip was quivering, but there was no softening in his eyes.

Slowly under the pressure of those cruel fingers my chin began to sweep round to my shoulder, and I commended my soul to the Virgin and to Saint Ignatius, who has always been the especial patron of my family.
But this man Charles, who had already befriended me, darted forwards and began to tear at Toussac's hands with a vehemence which was very different from his former philosophic calm.
'You _shall_ not kill him!' he cried angrily.
'Who are you, to set your wills up against mine?
Let him go, Toussac! Take your thumb from his chin! I won't have it done, I tell you!' Then, as he saw by the inflexible faces of his companions that blustering would not help him, he turned suddenly to tones of entreaty.
'See, now! I'll make you a promise!' said he.

'Listen to me, Lucien! Let me examine him! If he is a police spy he shall die! You may have him then, Toussac.