A deep silence of expectancy reigned in the camp. Cimourdain continued,-- "On one condition." "What is that?" "Listen." "Speak." "You hate me?" "Yes." "And I love you; I am your brother." The voice from above replied,-- "Yes--our brother Cain." Cimourdain went on, with a peculiar inflection of voice,--soft, but penetrating:-- "Insult me, if you will, but listen to my words. I come here protected by a flag of truce. Poor misguided men, you are in very truth my brothers, and I am your friend. I am the light, trying to illumine your ignorance. Light is the essence of brotherhood. Moreover, have we not all one common mother,--our native land? Then listen to me. Sooner or later, you--or at least your children or grandchildren--will know that every event of this present time is the result of the higher law, and that this revolution is the work of God himself. But while we wait for the time when, to the inner sense of every man, even unto yours, all these things will be made plain, and when all fanaticisms, including our own, will vanish before the powerful light that is to dawn, is there none to take pity on your ignorance? Behold, I come to you, and I offer you my head; more than this, I hold out my hand. I beg of you to take my life and spare your own. All power is vested in me, and what I promise I can fulfil. I make one final effort in this decisive moment. He who speaks to you is both citizen and priest. The citizen contends with you, but the priest implores you. I beseech you to hear me. Many among you have wives and children. It is in their behalf that I entreat you. Oh, my brothers--" "Go on with your preaching!" sneered the Imânus. Cimourdain continued:-- "My brethren, avert this fatal hour. There will be frightful slaughter here. Many of us who stand before you will not see to-morrow's sun; yes, many indeed will perish, and you,--you will all die. Have mercy on yourselves. Why shed all this blood to no avail? Why kill so many men when two would suffice?" "Two?" asked the Imânus. "Yes, two." "Who are they?" "Lantenac and myself." Here Cimourdain raised his voice. "We are the two men whose deaths would be most pleasing to our respective parties. This is my offer; accept it and you are saved. Give Lantenac to us and take me in his place; he will be guillotined, and with me you may do what you will." "Priest," howled the Imânus, "if we but had you, we would roast you over a slow fire." "So be it," said Cimourdain; and he went on:-- [Illustration 113] "You, the condemned who are in this tower, in one hour may all be safe and free. I offer you salvation. Will you accept?" The Imânus burst out:-- "You are a fool as well as a villain. Why do you interfere with us? Who invited you to come here with your speeches? You expect us to deliver up Monseigneur, do you? What do you want to do with him?" "I want his head, and I offer you--"