[The Elusive Pimpernel by Baroness Emmuska Orczy]@TWC D-Link book
The Elusive Pimpernel

CHAPTER III: Ex-Ambassador Chauvelin
17/19

There was no room for fear in his heart, and it was without the slightest tremor that he waited for the conclusion of Robespierre's oration.
"Perhaps, Citizen Chauvelin," said the latter at last, "you have already guessed what there is left for me to say.

But lest there should remain in your mind one faint glimmer of doubt or of hope, let me tell you this.

The Revolutionary Government gives you this chance of redeeming your failure, but this one only; if you fail again, your outraged country will know neither pardon nor mercy.

Whether you return to France or remain in England, whether you travel North, South, East or West, cross the Oceans, or traverse the Alps, the hand of an avenging People will be upon you.

Your second failure will be punished by death, wherever you may be, either by the guillotine, if you are in France, or if you seek refuge elsewhere, then by the hand of an assassin.
"Look to it, Citizen Chauvelin! for there will be no escape this time, not even if the mightiest tyrant on earth tried to protect you, not even if you succeeded in building up an empire and placing yourself upon a throne." His thin, strident voice echoed weirdly in the small, close boudoir.
Chauvelin made no reply.


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