Love was
greater than the vengeful desire of injured human nature. His eyes
wandered over the people, over the market. At last he saw what he was
looking for. He called. A man turned. Jean Jacques beckoned to him. He
came eagerly, he hurried to the red wagon.
"Come home with me," said Jean Jacques.
The words were addressed to Sebastian Dolores, who said to himself that
this was a refuge surer than "The Red Eagle," or the home of the widow
Poucette. He climbed in beside Jean Jacques with a sigh of content.
"Ah, but that--but that is the end of our philosopher," said Judge
Carcasson sadly to the Clerk of the Court, as with amazement he saw this
catastrophe.
"Alas! if I had only asked to go with him, as I wished to do!" responded
M. Fille. "There, but a minute ago, it was in my mind," he added with a
look of pain.
"You missed your chance, falterer," said the Judge severely. "If you have
a good thought, act on it--that is the golden rule. You missed your
chance. It will never come again. He has taken the wrong turning, our
unhappy Jean Jacques."
"Monsieur--oh, monsieur, do not shut the door in the face of God like
that!" said the shocked little master of the law. "Those two together--it
may be only for a moment."
"Ah, no, my little owl, Jean Jacques will wind the boa-constrictor round
his neck like a collar, all for love of those he has lost," answered the
Judge with emotion; and he caught M.
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