Do not try to detain my father, gentlemen; each moment of delay may, perhaps, cost a man's life.

And now, my friends, forward!" A loud cheer answered her, and the little band descended the hill.
But M.d'Escorval could not allow his own son, whom he saw in the ranks, to depart thus.
"Maurice!" he cried.
The young man hesitated, but at last approached.
"You will not follow these madmen, Maurice ?" said the baron.
"I must follow them, father." "I forbid it." "Alas! father, I cannot obey you.

I have promised--I have sworn.

I am second in command." His voice was sad, but it was determined.
"My son!" exclaimed M.d'Escorval; "unfortunate child!--it is to certain death that you are marching--to certain death." "All the more reason that I should not break my word, father." "And your mother, Maurice, the mother whom you forget!" A tear glistened in the young man's eye.
"My mother," he replied, "would rather weep for her dead son than keep him near her dishonored, and branded with the names of coward and traitor.

Farewell! my father." M.d'Escorval appreciated the nobility of soul that Maurice displayed in his conduct.