Santerre, and the other republican officers in the room, put their hands
to their pistols, and prepared to defend themselves, but the only person
who appeared was a young boy: to be sure he had the dreadful red scarf
round his waist; but he had no weapon but his cherry stick, after having
given Denot the blow across his face, he made no farther use of that.
It was the little Chevalier who had arrived so opportunely; he took
Agatha's hand in his, and pressed it closely, and took his place beside
her without speaking a word.
"And who the deuce is this young bantam cock?" said Santerre.
"I am the little Chevalier Mondyon," said Arthur; "a true royalist, and
sworn knight to Agatha Larochejaquelin. And that man there is a traitor
and a false knave; he is not fit to be punished with a sword like a
gentleman."
"Well crowed, my bantam," said Santerre; "and be good enough to tell me
where you come from. No, friend Denot, no, we'll have no dagger work
just at present." And putting his huge hand on the other's shoulder, he
dragged him back as he was about to plunge his knife into the little
Chevalier.
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