Tell me--where is he ?" "Gone," repeated La Boulaye.

"I have set him free, and he has availed himself of it to place himself beyond your reach.

More than that I cannot tell you." "Can you not ?" snarled Robespierre, showing his teeth.

"Of what are you dreaming fool?
Do you think that I will so easily see myself cheated of this dog?
Did I not tell you that rather would I grant you the lives of a dozen aristocrats than that of this single one?
Do you think, then, that I am so lightly to be baulked?
Name of God?
Who are you, La Boulaye, what are you, that you dare thwart me in this ?" He looked at the young man's impassive face to curb his anger.

"Come, Caron," he added, in a wheedling tone.