CHAPTER X.
Free Robespierre chatted continuously as the meal went on, and Harry asked himself in astonishment whether he was in a dream, and if this man before him, talking about his birds, his flowers, and his life before he came to Paris, could really be the dreaded Robespierre.
After the meal was over his host said: "As yet I am ignorant of the name of my preserver." "My name is Henry Sandwith," Harry replied.
"It is not a French name," Robespierre said in surprise.
"I am of English parentage," Harry said quietly, "but have been resident for some years in France.

I was for some time in the service of the ci-devant Marquis de St.Caux; but since the break-up of his household I have been shifting for myself as best I could, living chiefly on the moneys I had earned in his service, and on the look-out for any employment that may offer." "England is our enemy," Robespierre said, raising his voice angrily; "the enemy of free institutions and liberty." "I know nothing about English politics," Harry replied with a smile; "nor indeed about any politics.

I am but little past eighteen, and so that I can earn my living I do not ask whether my employer is a patriot or an aristocrat.

It is quite trouble enough to earn one's living without bothering one's head about politics.

If you can put me in the way of doing so I shall consider that I am well repaid for the little service I rendered you." "Assuredly I will do so," Robespierre said.