"Ah, the bandit!..." Many cudgelings fell upon him, making him stagger under their blows.
When the prisoner was protected by the breasts of various sub-officers, Ferragut could see him close by, with one temple spotted with blood and a cold and haughty expression in his eye.

Then he realized that the prisoner had dyed his hair.
He had fled in order to save himself; he had shown himself humble and timorous upon being approached, believing that it would still be possible to lie out of it.

But the paper that he had tried to hide in his mouth was now in the hands of the enemy....

It was useless to pretend longer!...
And he drew himself up proudly like every army man who considers his death certain.

The officer of the military caste reappeared, looking haughtily at his unknown pursuers, imploring protection only from the kepis with its band of gold.
Upon discovering Ferragut, he surveyed him fixedly with a glacial and disdainful insolence.