 Chapter 2 Part 1 of Celebrated Crimes, Volume 6 Part 2 by Alexander Dumas. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Celebrated Crimes, Volume 6 Part 2 by Alexander Dumas. Chapter 2 Part 1. Martin Gehr. We are sometimes astonished at the striking resemblance existing between two persons who are absolute strangers to each other. But in fact, it is the opposite which ought to surprise us. Indeed, why should we not rather admire a creative power so infinite in its variety that it never ceases to produce entirely different combinations with precisely the same elements? The more one considers this prodigious versatility of form, the more overwhelming it appears. To begin with, each nation has its own distinct and characteristic type, separating it from other races of men. Thus, there are the English, Spanish, German, or Slavonic types. Again, in each nation we find families distinguished from each other by less general but still well pronounced features. And lastly, the individuals of each family differing again in more or less marked gradations. What a multitude of physiognomies. What variety of impression from the innumerable stamps of the human countenance. What millions of models and no copies. Considering this ever-changing spectacle, which ought to inspire us with most astonishment, the perpetual difference of faces or the accidental resemblance of a few individuals, is it impossible that in the whole wide world there should be found by chance two people whose features are cast in one in the same mold? Certainly not. Therefore, that which ought to surprise us is not that these duplicates exist here and there upon the earth, but that they are to be met within the same place and appear together before our eyes, little accustomed to see such resemblances. From Amphitrion down to our own days, many fables have owed their origin to this fact. And history also has provided a few examples, such as the false Demetrius in Russia, the English Perkin Warbeck, and several other celebrated imposters. Whilst the story we now present to our readers is no less curious and strange. On the 10th of August, 1557, an inauspicious day in the history of France, the roar of cannons was still heard at six in the evening on the plains of St. Quentin, where the French Army had just been destroyed by the United Troops of England and Spain. Commended by the famous Captain Emmanuel Filibert, Duke of Savoy, an utterly beaten infantry, the Constable Montmorency, and several generals taken prisoner, the Duke, Leng Yen, mortally wounded, the flower of nobility cut down like grass, such were the terrible results of a battle which plunged France into mourning and which would have been a blot on the reign of Henry II, had not the Duke of Guise obtained a brilliant revenge the following year. In a little village less than a mile from the field of battle were to be heard the groans of the wounded and dying who had been carried thither from the field of battle. The inhabitants had given up their houses to be used as hospitals and two or three barber surgeons went hither and thither hastily ordering operations which they left to their assistants and driving out fugitives who had contrived to accompany the wounded under pretense of assisting friends or near relations. They had already expelled a good number of these poor fellows when, opening the door of a small room, they found a soldier soaked in blood lying on a rough mat and another soldier apparently attending on him with the utmost care. Who are you? said one of the surgeons to the sufferer. I don't think you belong to our French troops. Help! cried the soldier. Only help me and may God bless you for it. From the color of that tunic, remarked the other surgeon, I should wager the rascal belongs to some Spanish gentleman. By what blunder was he brought here? For pity's sake, murmured the poor fellow, I am in such pain. Die, wretch, responded the last speaker pushing him with his foot. Die like the dog you are. But this brutality, answered as it was by an agonized groan, disgusted the other surgeon. After all, he is a man and a wounded man who implores help. Leave him to me, Renee. Renee went out grumbling and the one who remained proceeded to examine the wound. A terrible, arqueous shot had passed through the leg, shattering the bone. Amputation was absolutely necessary. Before proceeding to the operation, the surgeon turned it to the other soldier who had retired into the darkest corner of the room. And you? Who may you be? he asked. The man replied by coming forward into the light. No other answer was needed. He resembled his companion so closely that no one could doubt they were brothers, twin brothers, probably. Both were above mental height. Both had olive-brown complexions, black eyes, hooked noses, pointed gins, a slightly projecting lower lip. Both were round-shouldered, though this defect did not amount to disfigurement. The whole personality suggested strength and was not destitute of masculine beauty. So strong a likeness is hardly ever seen. Even their ages appeared to agree, for one would not have supposed either to be more than 32. And the only difference noticeable besides the pale continents of the wounded man was that he was thin as compared with the moderate fleshiness of the other. Also that he had a large scar over the right eyebrow. Look well after your brother's soul said the surgeon to the soldier who remained standing. If it is in no better case than his body, it is much to be pitied. Is there no hope, inquired the soldier of the wounded man? The wound is too large and too deep, replied the man of science, to be cauterized with boiling oil according to the ancient method. The lender asked Kosa Mali, the source of the evil must be destroyed. As says the learned Ambrose Power, I out there for sikrofero, that is to say take off the leg. May God grant that he survive the operation. While seeking his instruments he looked the supposed brother full in the face and added, but how is it that you are carrying muskets and opposing armies? For I see that you belong to us while this poor fellow wears Spanish uniform. Oh that would be a long story to tell, replied the soldier shaking his head. As for me, I followed the career which was open to me and took service of my own free will under the banner of our Lord King Henry II. This man whom you rightly supposed to be my brother was born in Biscay and became attached to the household of the Cardinal of Burgos and afterwards to the Cardinal's brother whom he was obliged to follow to the war. I recognized him on the battlefield just as he fell. I dragged him out of a heap of dead and brought him here. During his recital this individual's features betrayed considerable agitation, but the surgeon did not heed it. Not finding some necessary instruments, my colleague he exclaimed must have carried them off. He constantly does this out of jealousy of my reputation but I will be even with him yet. Such splendid instruments they will almost work of themselves and are capable of imparting some skill even to him, dense as he is. I shall be back in an hour or two. He must rest, sleep, have nothing to excite him, nothing to inflame the wound and when the operation is well over we shall see. May the Lord be gracious to him. Then he went to the door leaving the poor wretch aware of his supposed brother. My God he added shaking his head if he survived it will be by the help of a miracle. Scarcely had he left the room when the unwounded soldier carefully examined the features of the wounded one. Yes he murmured between his teeth they were right in saying that my exact devil was to be found in the hostile army. Truly one would not know us apart. Surveying myself in a mirror I did well to look for him in the rear of the Spanish army and thanks to the fellow who rolled him over so conveniently with that Aquabas shot I was able to escape the dangers of the melee by carrying him out of it. But that's not all he thought still carefully studying the tortured face of the unhappy sufferer. It is not enough to have got out of that. I have absolutely nothing in the world. No home nor resources. Beggar by birth, adventurer by fortune I have enlisted and have consumed my pay. I hope for plunder and here we are in full flight. What am I to do? Go and drown myself? No, certainly a cannonball would be as good as that. But can't I profit by this chance and obtain a decent position by turning to my own advantage this curious resemblance to the use of this man whom fate has thrown in my way and who has but a short time to live? Arguing thus, he bent over the prostrate man with a cynical laugh one might have thought he was Satan watching the departure of a soul too utterly lost to escape him. Alas, alas cried the sufferer may God have mercy on me I feel my end is near Ba, comrade drive away these dismal thoughts you, they will cut it off think only of the other one and trust in providence. Water a drop of water for heaven's sake the sufferer was in a high fever the would-be nurse looked around and saw a jug of water towards which the dying man extended a trembling hand. A truly infernal idea entered his mind he poured some water into a gourd which hung from his belt held it to the lips of the wounded man and then withdrew it. Oh, I thirst that water for pity's sake, give me some yes, but on one condition you must tell me your whole history yes, but give me water his tormentor allowed him to swallow a mouthful then overwhelmed him with questions as to his family his friends and fortune and compelled him to answer by keeping before his eyes the water which could relieve the fever which devoured him. After this often interrupted interrogation the sufferer sank back exhausted and almost insensible but not yet satisfied his companion conceived the idea of reviving him with a few drops of brandy which quickly brought back the fever and excited his brain sufficiently to enable him to answer fresh questions. The doses of spirit were doubled several times at the risk of ending the unhappy man's days then and there almost delirious his head feeling as if on fire his sufferings gave way to a feverish excitement which took him back to other places and other times he began to recall the days of his youth and the country where he lived but his tongue was still fettered by a kind of reserve his secret thoughts the private details of his past life were not yet told and it seemed as though he might die at any moment. Time was passing night already coming on and it occurred to the merciless questioner to profit by the gathering darkness by a few solemn words he aroused the religious feelings of the sufferer terrified him by speaking of the punishments of another life and flames of hell until to the delirious fancy of the sick man he took the form of a judge who could either deliver him to eternal damnation or open the gates of heaven to him at length overwhelmed by a voice which resounded in his ear like that of a minister of God the dying man laid bare his inmost soul before his tormentor and made his last confession to him yet a few moments and the executioner he deserves no other name hangs over his victim opens his tunic seizes some papers and a few coins half draws his dagger but thinks better of it as he is fiercely spurning the victim as the other surgeon had done I might kill you he says but it would be a useless murder it would only be hastening your last sigh by an hour or two and advancing my claims to your inheritance by the same space of time and he adds mockingly farewell my brother the wounded soldier utters a feeble groan the adventurer leaves the room four months later a woman sat at the door of a house at one end of the village of Artige near Rieu and played with a child about nine or ten years of age still young she had the brown complexion of southern women and her beautiful black hair fell in curls about her face her flashing eyes occasionally betrayed hidden passions concealed however beneath an apparent indifference and lassitude and her wasted form seemed to acknowledge the existence of some secret grief the observer would have divined a shattered life a withered happiness a soul grievously wounded her dress was that of a wealthy peasant and she wore one of the long gowns with hanging sleeves which were in fashion in the sixteenth century the house in front of which she sat belonged to her so also the immense field which adjoined the garden her attention was divided between the play of her son and the order she was giving to an old servant when an exclamation from the child startled her mother he cried mother there he is she looked where the child pointed and saw a young boy turning the corner of the street yes continued the child that is the lad who when I was playing with the other boys yesterday called me all sorts of bad names what sort of names my child there was one I did not understand but it must have been a very bad one for the other boys all pointed at me alone he called me and he said it was only what his mother had told him he called me a wicked bastard his mother's face became purple with indignation what she cried they dared what an insult what does this bad word mean mother as the child have frightened by her anger is that what they call poor children who have no father his mother folded him in her arms oh she continued it is an infamous slander these people never saw your father they have only been here six months and this is the eighth since he went away but this is abominable we were married in that church we came at once to live in this house which was my marriage portion and my poor martin has relations and friends here who will not allow his wife to be insulted say rather his widow interrupted a solemn voice ah uncle exclaimed the woman turning towards an old man who had just emerged from the house yes Bertrand continued the newcomer you must get reconciled to the idea that my nephew has ceased to exist I am sure he was not such a fool as to have remained all this time without letting us hear from him he was not the fellow to go off at a tangent on account of a domestic quarrel which you have never about safe to explain to me and to retain his anger during all these eight years where did he go none of us know, neither you nor I nor anybody else he is assuredly dead and lies in some graveyard far enough from here may God have mercy on his soul Bertrand weeping made the sign of the cross and bowed her head upon her hands goodbye Sanxy said the uncle tapping the child's cheek Sanxy turned soquely away there was certainly nothing especially attractive about the uncle to a type which children instinctively dislike false, crafty, with squinting eyes which continually appeared to contradict his honeyed tongue Bertrand he said your boy is like his father before him and only answers my kindness with rudeness forgive him answered the mother he is very young and does not understand the respect to his father's uncle I will teach him better things he will soon learn that he ought to be grateful for his little property no doubt, no doubt said the uncle trying hard to smile I will give you a good account of it for it shall only have to reckon with you too in the future come my dear, believe me, your husband is really dead and you have sorrowed quite enough for a good for nothing fellow think no more of him so saying, he departed leaving the poor young woman a prey to the saddest thoughts End of Chapter 2 Part 1 Chapter 2, Part 2 of Celebrated Crimes, Volume 6, Part 2 by Alexandre Dumas This is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org Celebrated Crimes, Volume 6, Part 2 by Alexandre Dumas Chapter 2 Part 2 Bertrand DeRose naturally gifted with extreme sensibility on which a careful education had imposed due restraint had barely completed her 12th year when she was married to Martin Gaer a boy of about the same age such precocious unions being then not uncommon especially in the southern provinces they were generally settled by considerations of family interest assisted by the extremely early development habitual to the climate the young couple lived for a long time as brother and sister and Bertrand thus early familiar with the idea of domestic happiness bestowed her whole affection on the youth whom she had been taught to regard as her life's companion he was the alpha and omega of her existence all her love all her thoughts were given to him and when their marriage was at length completed the birth of a son seemed only another link in the already long existing bond of union but as many wise men have remarked a uniform happiness which only attaches women more and more is often upon men a precisely contrary effect and so it was with Martin Gaer of a lively and excitable temperament he wearied of a yoke which had been imposed so early and anxious to see the world and enjoy some freedom he one day took advantage of a domestic difference in which Bertrand owned herself to have been wrong and left his house and family he was sought and awaited in vain Bertrand spent the first month in vainly expecting his return then she betook herself to prayer but heaven appeared deaf to her supplications the truant returned not she wished to go in search of him but the world is wide and no single trace remained to guide her what torture for a tender heart what suffering for a soul thirsting for love what sleepless nights what restless vigils years passed thus her son was growing up yet not a word reached her from the man she loved so much she spoke often of him to the uncomprehending child she sought to discover his features in those of her boy but though she endeavored to concentrate her whole affection on her son she realized that there is suffering which maternal love cannot console and tears which it cannot dry consumed by the strength of the sorrow which ever dwelt in her heart the poor woman was slowly wasting worn out by the regrets of the past the vain desires of the present and the dreary prospect of the future and now she had been openly insulted her feelings as a mother wounded to the quirk and her husband's uncle instead of defending and consoling her could give only cold counsel and unsympathetic word Pierre Gare indeed was simply a thorough egotist in his youth he had been charged with usury no one knew by what means he had become rich for the little drapery trade which he called his profession to be very profitable after his nephew's departure it seemed only natural that he should pose as the family guardian and he applied himself to the task of increasing the little income but without considering himself bound to give any account to Bertrand so once persuaded that Martin was no more he was apparently not unwilling to prolong a situation so much to his own advantage night was fast coming on in the dim twilight distant objects became confused and indistinct it was the end of autumn that melancholy season which suggests so many gloomy thoughts and recalls so many blighted hopes the child had gone into the house Bertrand still sitting at the door resting her forehead on her hand thought sadly of her uncle's words recalling an imagination the past scenes which they suggested the time of their childhood when married so young they were as yet only playmates prefacing the greater duties of life by innocent pleasures then of the love which grew with their increasing age then of how this love became alter changing on her side into passion on his into indifference she tried to recollect him as he had been on the eve of his departure young and handsome carrying his head high coming home from a fatiguing hunt and sitting by his son's cradle and then also she remembered bitterly the jealous suspicions she had conceived the anger with which she had allowed them to escape her the consequent quarrel followed by the disappearance of her offended husband and the eight succeeding years of solitude and mourning she wept over his desertion over the desolation of her life seeing around her only indifferent or selfish people carrying only to live for her child's sake who gave her at least a shadowy reflection of the husband she had lost lost, yes lost forever she said to herself sighing and looking again at the fields where she had so often seen him coming at this same twilight hour returning to his home for the evening meal she cast a wandering eye on the distant hills which showed a black outline against a yet fiery western sky then let it fall on a little grove of olive trees planted on the farther side of the brook which skirted her dwelling everything was calm approaching night brought silence along with darkness it was exactly what she saw every evening but to leave which required always an effort she rose to re-enter the house when her attention was caught by a movement amongst the trees for a moment she thought she was mistaken but the branches again rustled then parted asunder and the form of a man appeared on the other side of the brook terrified Bertrand tried to scream but not a sound escaped her lips her voice seemed paralyzed by terror as in an evil dream and she almost thought it was a dream for notwithstanding the dark shadows cast around this indistinct semblance she seemed to recognize features once dear to her had her bitter reveries ended by making her the victim of a hallucination she thought her brain was giving way and sank on her knees to pray for help but the figure remained it stood motionless with folded arms silently gazing at her then she thought of witchcraft of evil demons and superstitious as every one was in those days she kissed a crucifix from her neck and fell fainting on the ground with one spring the phantom crossed the brook and stood beside her Bertrand had said in a voice of emotion she raised her head uttered a piercing cry and was clasped in her husband's arms the whole village became aware of this event that same evening the neighbors crowded around Bertrand's door Martin's friends and relations to see him after this miraculous reappearance while those who had never known him desired no less to gratify their curiosity so that the hero of the little drama instead of remaining quietly at home with his wife was obliged to exhibit himself publicly in a neighboring barn his four sisters burst through the crowd and fell on his neck weeping his uncle examined him doubtfully at first then extended his arms everybody recognized him beginning with the old servant Marguerite who had been with the young couple ever since their wedding day people observed only that a riper age had strengthened his features and given more character to his countenance and more development to his powerful figure also that he had a scar over the right eyebrow and that he limped slightly these were the marks of wounds he had received he said which now no longer troubled him he appeared anxious to return to his wife and child but the crowd insisted on hearing the story of his adventures during his voluntary absence and he was obliged to satisfy them eight years ago he said the desire to see more of the world had gained an irresistible mastery over him he yielded to it and departed secretly a natural longing took him to his birthplace in Biscay where he had seen his surviving relatives there he met the cardinal Aburgot who took him into his service promising him profit, hard knocks to give and take and plenty of adventure some time after he left the cardinal's household for that of his brother who much against his will compelled him to follow him to the war and bear arms against the French thus he found himself on the Spanish side on the day of Saint Quentin and received a terrible gunshot wound in the lake and carried into a house at an adjoining village he fell into the hands of a surgeon who insisted that the leg must be amputated immediately but who left him for a moment and never returned then he encountered a good old woman who dressed his wound and nursed him night and day so that in a few weeks he recovered and he was able to set out for Artiquus too thankful to return to his house and land to his wife and child and fully resolved never to leave them again having ended his story he shook hands with his still wondering neighbors addressing by name some who had been very young when he left and who hearing their names came forward now as grown men hardly recognizable but much pleased at being remembered he returned his sister's caresses begged his uncle's forgiveness for the trouble he had given in his boyhood recalling with mirth the various corrections received he mentioned also an Augustinian monk who had taught him to read at another reverend father a Capuchin whose irregular conduct had caused much scandal in the neighborhood in short, notwithstanding his prolonged absence he seemed to have a perfect recollection of places, persons and things the good people overwhelmed him with congratulations vying with one another and praising him for having the good sense to come home and in describing the grief and the perfect virtue of his verdant emotion was excited many wept and several bottles from Martin Gehr's cellar were emptied at length the assembly dispersed uttering many exclamations about the extraordinary chances of fate and retired to their own homes excited, astonished and gratified with the one exception of old Pierre Gehr who had been struck by an unsatisfactory remark made by his nephew and who dreamed all night about the chances of pecuniary loss augured by the latter's return it was midnight before the husband and wife were alone and able to give vent to their feelings Bertrand still felt half stupefied she could not believe her own eyes and ears nor realize that she saw again in her marriage chamber her husband of eight years ago him for whom she had wept whose death she had deplored only a few hours previously in the sudden shock caused by so much joy succeeding so much grief she had not been able to express what she felt her confused ideas were difficult to explain and she seemed deprived of the powers of speech and reflection when she became calmer and more capable of analyzing her feelings she was astonished not to feel towards her husband the same affection which had moved her so strongly a few hours before it was certainly himself those were the same features that was the man to whom she had willingly given her hand her heart herself and yet now that she saw him again a cold barrier of shyness of modesty seemed to have arisen between them his first kiss even she blushed and felt saddened a curious result of the long absence she could not define the changes wrought by years in his appearance his countenance seemed harsher yet the lines of his face his outer man his whole personality did not seem altered but his soul had changed its nature a different mind looked forth from those eyes Bertrand knew him for her husband and yet she hesitated even so Penelope on the return of Ulysses required a certain proof to confirm the evidence of her eyes and her long absent husband had to remind her of secrets known only to herself Martin however as if he understood Bertrand's feeling and divine some secret mistrust used the most tender and affectionate phrases and even the very pet names which close intimacy had formerly appeared to them my queen my beautiful dove can you not lay aside your resentment is it still so strong that no submission can soften it cannot my repentance find grace in your eyes my Bertrand my Bertha my Bertranella as I used to call you she tried to smile but stopped short, puzzled the names were the very same and the face quite different Martin took her hands in his what pretty hands do you still wear my ring yes here it is and with it the sapphire ring I gave you the day sexy was born Bertrand did not answer but she took the child and placed him in his father's arms Martin showered caresses on his son and spoke of the time when he carried him as a baby in the garden lifting him up to the fruit tree and tried to bite the fruit he recollected one day when the poor child got his leg terribly torn by thorns and convinced himself not without emotion that the scar could still be seen Bertrand was touched by this display of affectionate recollections and felt vexed at her own coldness she came up to Martin and laid her hand in his he said gently my departure caused you great grief now repent what I did but I was young, I was proud and your reproaches were unjust ah said she you have not forgotten the cause of our quarrel it was little rose our neighbor when you said I was making love to because you found us together at the spring in the little wood I explained that we met only by chance besides she was only a child but you would not listen and in your anger forgive me Martin, forgive me she interrupted in confusion in your blind anger you took up I know not what something which lay handy and flung it at me and here is the mark he continued smiling this scar which is still to be seen oh Martin Bertrand exclaimed can you ever forgive me as you see Martin replied kissing her tenderly much moved Bertrand swept aside his hair visible on his forehead but she said with surprise not free from alarm this scar seems to me like a fresh one ah Martin exclaimed with a little embarrassment it reopened lately but I had thought no more about it let us forget it Bertrand I should not like a recollection which might make you think yourself less dear to me than you once were and he drew her upon his knee she repelled him gently send the child to bed said Martin tomorrow shall be for him tonight you have the first place Bertrand you only the boy kissed his father and went Bertrand came and knelt beside her husband regarding him attentively with an uneasy smile which did not appear to please him by any means what is the matter said he why do you examine me thus I do not know forgive me but the happiness of seeing you was so great and unexpected it is all like a dream I must try to become accustomed to it give me some time to collect myself let me spend this night in prayer I ought to offer my joy and my thanksgiving to Almighty God not so interrupted her husband passing his arms around her neck and stroking her beautiful hair no, tis to me that your first thoughts are due after so much weariness my rest is in again beholding you and my happiness after so many trials will be found in your love that hope has supported me throughout and I long to be assured that it is no illusion so saying he endeavored to raise her oh she murmured I pray you leave me what he exclaimed angrily Bertrand is this your love is it thus you keep faith with me you will make me doubt the evidence of your friends you will make me think that indifference or even another love you insult me said Bertrand rising to her feet he caught her in his arms no, no I think nothing which could wound you, my queen and I believe your fidelity even as before you know on that first journey when you wrote me these loving letters which I have treasured ever since here they are the letters on which Bertrand recognized her own handwriting yes he continued I have read and reread them see you spoke then of your love and the sorrows of absence but why all this trouble and terror you tremble just as you did when I first received you from your father's hands it was here in this very room you begged me then to leave you to let you spend the night in prayer but I insisted do you remember my heart as I do now oh she murmured weakly have pity but the words were intercepted by a kiss and the remembrance of the past the happiness of the present resumed their sway the imaginary terrors were forgotten and the curtains closed around the marriage bed the next day was a festival in the village of Artiquis Martin returned the visits of all who would come to welcome him this night and there were endless recognitions and immersings the young men remembered that he had played with them when they were little the old man that they had been at his wedding when he was only twelve the women remembered having Envied Bertrand especially the pretty Rose daughter of Marcel the apothecary she who had roused the demon of jealousy in the poor wife's heart and Rose knew quite well for Martin had indeed shown her attention and she was unable to see him again without emotion she was now the wife of a rich peasant, ugly, old and jealous and she compared sighing her unhappy lot with that of her more fortunate neighbor Martin's sisters detained him amongst them and spoke of their childish games and of their parents both dead and besquey Martin dried the tears which flowed at all these recollections of the past and turned their thoughts to rejoicing banquets were given and received Martin invited all his relations and former friends and easy gaiety prevailed it was remarked that the hero of the feast refrained from wine he was there upon reproached but answered that on account of the wounds he had received he was obliged to avoid excess the excuse was admitted the result of Martin's precautions being he had to clear head on his shoulders while all the rest had their tongues loosed by drunkenness ah exclaimed one of the guests who had studied a little medicine Martin is quite right to be afraid of drink wounds which have thoroughly healed may be reopened and inflamed by intemperance and wine in the case of recent wounds is deadly poison men have died on the field of battle in an hour or two merely because they had swallowed a little brandy Martin Gaer grew pale and began a conversation with the pretty Rose his neighbor Bertrand observed this but without uneasiness she had suffered too much from her former suspicions besides her husband showed her so much affection that she was now quite happy when the first few days were over Martin began to look into his affairs his property had suffered by his long absence and he was obliged to go to Biscay to claim his little estate there the law having already laid hands upon it it was several months before by dent of making judicious sacrifices he could regain possession of the house and fields which had belonged to his father this at last accomplished he returned to Archegos in order to resume the management of his wife's property and with this end in view about 11 months after his return to his uncle Pierre Pierre was expecting him he was extremely polite desired Martin to sit down overwhelmed him with compliments knitting his brows as he discovered that his nephew decidedly meant business Martin broke silence Uncle, he said I come to thank you for the care you have taken of my wife's property she could never have managed it alone you have received the income in the family interest as a good guardian I expected no less from your affection but now that I have returned and am free from other cares we will go over the accounts if you please his uncle coughed and cleared his voice before replying then said slowly as if counting his words it is all accounted for my dear nephew heaven be praised I don't owe you anything what? exclaimed the astonished Martin but the whole income was well and properly employed in the maintenance of your wife and child what? a thousand levers for that and Bertrand lived alone so quietly and simply, nonsense it is impossible any surplus we zoomed the old man quite unmoved any surplus went to pay the expenses of seed time and harvest what? at a time when labor costs next to nothing here is the account said Pierre then the account is a false one returned his nephew Pierre thought it advisable to appear extremely offended and angry and Martin exasperated at his evident dishonesty took still higher ground and threatened to bring an action against him Pierre ordered him to leave the house and suiting actions towards took hold of his arm to enforce his departure Martin furious turned and raised his fist to strike what? strike your uncle Richard boy? exclaimed the old man Martin's hand dropped but he left the house uttering reproaches and insults among which Pierre distinguished cheat that you are that is a word I shall remember cried the angry old man slamming his door violently end of chapter 2 part 2 chapter 2 part 3 of celebrated crimes volume 6 part 2 by Alexander Dumas this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by Blaine Duchamp Victoria British Columbia Canada celebrated crimes volume 6 part 2 by Alexander Dumas chapter 2 part 3 Martin brought an action before the judge at Riax and in course of time obtained a decree which reviewing the accounts presented by Pierre disallowed them and condemned the dishonest guardian to pay his nephew 400 livenies for each year of his administration the day on which this sum had to be dispersed from his strongbox the old user vowed vengeance but until he could gratify his hatred he was forced to conceal it and to receive attempts at reconciliation with a friendly smile it was not until 6 months later on the occasion of a joyous festivity that Martin again set foot in his uncle's house the bells were ringing for the birth of a child there was great gaiety at Bertrand's house all the guests were waiting on the threshold for the godfather in order to take the infant to church and when Martin appeared escorting his uncle who was adorned with a huge bouquet for the occasion and who now came forward and took the hand of Rose the pretty godmother there were cries of joy on all sides Bertrand was delighted at this reconciliation and dreamed only of happiness she was so happy now her long sorrow was atoned for her regret was at an end her prayers seemed to have been heard the long interval between the former delights and the present seemed wiped out as if the bond of union had never been broken and if she remembered her grief at all it was only to intensify the new joys by comparison she loved her husband more than ever he was full of affection for her and she was grateful for his love the past had now no shadow the future no cloud and the birth of a daughter drawing still closer the links which united them seemed a new pledge of felicity alas the horizon which appeared so bright and clear to the poor woman was doomed soon again to be overcast the very evening of the christening party a band of musicians and jugglers happened to pass through the village and the inhabitants showed themselves liberal Pierre asked questions and found that the leader of the band was a Spaniard he invited the man to his own house and remained closeted with him for nearly an hour dismissing him at length with a refilled purse two days later the old man announced to the family that he was going to Picardy to see a former partner on a matter of business and he departed accordingly saying he should return before long the day on which Bertrand again saw her uncle was indeed a terrible one she was sitting by the cradle of the lately born infant watching for its awakening when the door opened and Pierre Pierre strode in Bertrand drew back with an instinct of terror as soon as she saw him for his expression was at once wicked and joyful an expression of gratified hate of mingled rage and triumph and his smile was terrible to behold she did not venture to speak but motioned him to a seat he came straight up to her and raised his head and said loudly kneel down at once madam kneel down and ask pardon from Almighty God are you mad Pierre she replied gazing at him in astonishment you at least ought to know that I am not pray for forgiveness I and what for in heaven's name for the crime in which you were an accomplice please explain yourself oh said Pierre with bitter irony a woman always thinks herself innocent as long as her sin is hidden she thinks the truth will never be known and her conscience goes quietly to sleep forgetting her faults here is a woman who thought her sins nicely concealed chance favor her an absent husband probably no more another man so exactly like him in height face and manner that everyone else is deceived is it strange that a weak sensitive woman worried of widowhood should willingly allow herself to be imposed upon Bertrand listened without understanding she tried to interrupt but Pierre went on it was easy to accept a stranger without having to blush for it easy to give him the name and the rights of a husband she could even appear faithful while really guilty she could seem constant though really fickle and she could under a veil of mystery at once reconcile her honor her duty perhaps even her love what are you mean ringing your hands in terror that you are countenancing an imposter who is not your husband feelings as if the ground were passing from beneath her Bertrand staggered and caught at the nearest piece of furniture to save herself from falling then collecting all her strength to meet this extraordinary attack she faced the old man what my husband your nephew an imposter don't you know it I this cry which came from her heart convinced Pierre that she did not know and that she had sustained a terrible shock he continued more quietly what Bertrand is it possible you were really deceived Pierre you are killing me your words are torture no more mystery I entreat what do you know once have you the courage to hear it I must said the trembling woman God is my witness that I would willingly have kept it from you but you must know if only for the safety of your soul entangled in so deadly a snare there is yet time if you follow my advice listen the man with whom you are living who dares to call himself Martin Guerre is a cheat an imposter how dare you say so because I have discovered it yes I had always a vague suspicion an uneasy feeling and in spite of the marvelous resemblance I could never feel as if you were really my sister's child the day he raised his hand to strike me yes that day I condemned him utterly chance has defied me a wandering Spaniard who spent a night in the village here was also present at the battle of San Quentin and saw Martin Guerre receive a terrible gunshot wound in the leg after the battle being wounded he but took himself to the neighboring village and distinctly heard a surgeon in the next room say that a wounded man must have his leg amputated and would very likely not survive the operation when the door opened he saw the sufferer and knew him from Martin Guerre so much the Spaniard told me acting on this information I went on pretense of business to the village he named I questioned the inhabitants and this is what I learned well said Bertrand pale and gasping with emotion I learned that the wounded man had his leg taken off and as the surgeon predicted he must have died in a few hours for he was never seen again Bertrand remained a few moments as if annihilated by this appalling revelation then endeavoring to repel the horrible thought no she cried no it is impossible it's a lie intended to ruin him to ruin us all what you did not believe me no never say rather you pretend to disbelieve me the truth has pierced your heart but you wish to deny it think however of the dangers to your immortal soul silence wretched man no God would not send me so terrible a trial what proof can you show of the truth of your words the witnesses I have mentioned nothing more no not as yet fine proofs indeed the story of a vagabond who flattered your hatred in hope of reward the gossip of a distant village the recollections of ten years back and finally your own word the word of a man who seeks only revenge the word of a man who swore to make Martin pay dearly for the results of his own avarice a man of furious passions such as yours Pierre no I do not believe you and I never will other people may perhaps be less incredulous and if I accuse him publicly then I shall contradict you publicly and coming quickly forward her eyes shining with virtuous anger leave this house go she said it is you yourself who are the imposter go advance everyone and will make you acknowledge it cried the furious old man he went out and Bertrand sank exhausted into a chair all the strength which had supported her against Pierre vanished as soon as she was alone and in spite of her resistance to suspicion the terrible light of doubt penetrated her heart and extinguished the pure torch of trustfulness which had guided her to a doubt which attacked at once her honor and her love pushy love with all a woman's tender affection just as actual poison gradually penetrates and circulates to the whole system corrupting the blood and affecting the very sources of life until it causes the destruction of the whole body so does that mental poison suspicion extend its ravages soul which has received it Bertrand remembered with terror her first feelings at the sight of the return of Martin Gheer her involuntary repugnance her astonishment at not feeling more in touch with the husband whom she had so sincerely regretted she remembered also as if she saw it for the first time that Martin formerly quick, lively and hasty tempered seemed thoughtful and fully master himself this change of character she had supposed to do to the natural development of age she now trembled at the idea of another possible cause some other little details began to occur to her mind the forgetfulness or abstraction of her husband as to a few insignificant things thus it sometimes happened that he did not answer to his name of Martin also that he mistook the road to a hermitage formerly well known to them both and again that he could not answer when addressed in Basque although he himself had taught her the little she knew of this language besides since his return he would never write in her presence did he fear that she would notice some difference she had paid little or no attention to these trifles at least together they assumed an alarming importance an appalling terror seized Bertrand was she to remain in this uncertainty or should she seek an explanation which might prove her destruction and how discover the truth by questioning the guilty man by noting his confusion his change of color by forcing a confession from him but she had lived with him for two years he was the father of her child she could not ruin him without ruining herself and an explanation once sought she could neither punish him and escape disgrace nor pardon him without sharing his guilt to reproach him with his conduct and then keep silence would destroy her peace forever to cause a scandal by denouncing him would bring dishonor upon herself and her child Knight found her involved in these hideous perplexities too weak to surmount them an icy chill came over her she went to bed and awoke in a high fever for several days she hovered between life and death and Martin Gheer bestowed the most tender care upon her she was greatly moved thereby having one of those impressionable minds which recognized kindness fully as much as injury when she was a little recovered and her mental power began to return she had only a vague recollection of what had occurred and thought she had had a frightful dream she asked if Pierre Gheer had been to see her and found he had not been near the house this could only be explained by the scene which had taken place and she then recollected all the accusation Pierre had made her own observations which had confirmed it all her grief and trouble she inquired about the village news Pierre evidently had kept silence why? had he seen that his suspicions were unjust or was he only seeking further evidence she sank back into her cruel uncertainty and resolved to watch Martin closely before deciding as to his guilt or innocence how was she to suppose that God had created two faces so exactly alike two beings precisely similar and then sent them together into the world and on the same track merely to compass the ruin of an unhappy woman a terrible idea took possession of her mind an idea not uncommon in an age of superstition namely that the enemy himself could assume human form and could borrow the semblance of a dead man in order to capture another soul for his infernal kingdom acting on this idea she hastened to the church paid for masses to be said and prayed fervently she expected every day to see the demon forsake the body he had animated but her vows, offerings and prayers had no result but heaven sent her an idea which she wondered had not occurred to her before if the tempter she said to herself has taken the form of my beloved husband his power being supreme for evil the resemblance would be exact and no difference however slight would exist if however it is only another man who resembles him God must have made them with some slight distinguishing marks she then remembered what she had not thought of before having been quite unsuspicious before her uncle's accusations and nearly out of her mind between mental and bodily suffering since she remembered that on her husband's left shoulder almost on the neck there used to be one of those small almost imperceptible but ineffasible birthmarks Martin wore his hair very long it was difficult to see if the mark were there or not one night while he slept Bertrand cut away a lock of hair from the place where this sign ought to be it was not there convinced at length of the deception Bertrand suffered inexpressible anguish this man whom she had loved and respected for two whole years had taken to her heart as a husband bitterly mourned for this man was a cheat an infamous imposter and she, all unknowing was yet a guilty woman her child was illegitimate and the curse of heaven was due to this sacrilegious union to complete the misfortune she was already expecting another infant she would have killed herself but her religion and the love of her children obeyed it kneeling before her child's cradle she entreated pardon from the father of the one for the father of the other she would not bring herself to proclaim aloud their infamy oh, she said thou whom I loved thou who art no more thou knowest no guilty thought ever entered my mind when I saw this man I thought I beheld thee I thought I owed it to thee it was thee whom I loved in him surely thou dost not desire that by public avowal I should bring shame and disgrace on these children and on myself she rose calm and strengthened it seemed as if a heavenly inspiration had marked out her duty to suffer in silence such was the course she adopted a life of sacrifice and self-denial which she offered to God as an expiation for her involuntary sin but who can understand the workings of the human heart this man whom she ought to have loathed this man who had made her an innocent partner in his crime this unmasked imposter whom she should have beheld only with disgust she loved him the force of habit he had obtained over her the love he had shown her a thousand sympathies felt in her innermost heart all these had so much influence that instead of accusing and cursing him she sought to excuse him on the plea of a passion to which doubtless he had yielded when usurping the name and place of another she feared punishment for him yet more than disgrace for herself and though resolved to no longer allow him the rights purchased by crime she yet trembled at the idea of losing his love it was this above all which decided her to keep eternal silence about her discovery one single word which proved that his imposter was known would raise an insurmountable barrier between them to conceal her trouble entirely was however beyond her power her eyes frequently showed traces of her secret tears martin several times asked the cause of her sorrow she tried to smile and excuse herself only immediately sinking back into her gloomy thoughts martin thought it mere caprice he observed her loss of color her hollow cheeks and concluded that age was impairing her beauty and became less attentive to her his absences became longer and more frequent and he did not conceal his impatience and annoyance at being watched for her looks hung upon his and she observed his coldness and change with much grief having sacrificed all in order to retain his love she now saw it slowly slipping away from her another person also observed attentively pierre guillir since his explanation with Bertrand had apparently discovered no more evidence and did not dare to bring an accusation without some positive proofs consequently he lost no chance of watching the proceedings of his supposed nephew silently hoping that chance might put him on the track of a discovery he also concluded from Bertrand's state of melancholy that she had convinced herself of the fraud but had resolved to conceal it Martin was then endeavouring to sell part of his property and this necessitated frequent interviews with the lawyers of the neighbouring town twice in the week he went to Riex and to make the journey easier he used to start horseback about seven in the evening sleep at Riex and return the following afternoon this arrangement did not escape his enemy's notice who was not long in convincing himself that part of the time ostensibly spent on this journey was otherwise employed end of chapter 2 part 3 chapter 2 part 4 of celebrated crimes volume 6 part 2 by Alexander Dumas this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by Blaine Juchon Victoria, British Columbia Canada celebrated crimes volume 6 part 2 by Alexander Dumas chapter 2 part 4 towards 10 o'clock on the evening of a dark night the door of a small house lying about half a gunshot from the village opened gently for the exit a man, wrapped in a large cloak followed by a young woman who accompanied him some distance arrived at the parting point they separated with a tender kiss and a few murmured words of a dew the lover took his horse which was fastened to a tree mounted and rode off towards Riex when the sounds died away the woman turned slowly and sadly towards her home but as she approached the door a man suddenly turned the corner of the house and barred her away terrified she was on the point of crying for help when he seized her arm and ordered her to be silent Rose, he whispered I know everything that man is your lover in order to receive him safely you send your old husband to sleep by means of a drug stolen from your father's shop this intrigue has been going on for a month, twice a week at seven o'clock your door is open to this man who does not proceed on his way to the town until ten I know your lover he is my nephew petrified with terror Rose fell on her knees and implored mercy yes, replied Pierre you may well be frightened I have your secret I have only to publish it you are ruined forever you will not do it and treated the guilty woman clasping her hands I have only to tell your husband continued Pierre that his wife has dishonored him and to explain the reason of his unnaturally heavy sleep he will kill me no doubt he is jealous he is an Italian he will know how to avenge himself but I never did you any harm Rose cried in despair oh, have pity, have mercy and spare me on one condition what is it? come with me terrified almost out of her mind Rose allowed him to lead her away Bertrand had just finished her evening prayer and was preparing for bed when she was startled by several knocks at her door thinking that perhaps some neighbor was in need of help she opened it immediately and to her astonishment beheld a disheveled woman whom Pierre grasped by the arm he exclaimed vehemently here is thy judge now confess all to Bertrand Bertrand did not at once recognize the woman who fell at her feet overcome by Pierre's threats tell the truth here he continued or I go and tell it to your husband at your own home ah, madam, kill me said the unhappy creature hiding her face let me rather die by your hand than his Bertrand bewildered did not understand the position in the least but she recognized Rose but what is the matter, madam why are you here at this hour pale and weeping why has my uncle dragged you hither am I to judge you, does he say of what crime are you guilty Martin might answer that if he were here, remarked Pierre a lightning bolt flash of jealousy shot through Bertrand's soul at these words all her former suspicions revived what? she said, my husband what do you mean that he left this woman's house only a little while ago that for a month they had been meeting secretly you are betrayed I have seen them and she does not dare deny it have mercy cried Rose, still kneeling the cry was a confession Bertrand became pale as death oh god, she murmured deceived, betrayed and by him for a month passed repeated the old man oh, the wretch she continued with increasing passion then his whole life is a lie he has abused my credulity he now abuses my love he does not know me he thinks he can tremble on me me in whose power are his fortune, his honor his very life itself then turning to Rose and you miserable woman by what unworthy artifice did you gain his love was it by witchcraft by using his feldra learned from your worthy father alas, no madam my weakness is my only crime and also my only excuse I loved him long ago when I was only a young girl and these memories have been my ruin memories? what? did you also think you were loving the same man? are you also his dupe? or are you only pretending in order to find a rag of excuse to cover your wickedness? it was now Rose who failed to understand Bertrand continued with growing excitement yes, it was not enough to usurp the rights of a husband and father he thought to play his part better still by deceiving the mistress also ah, it is amusing is it not? you also, Rose you thought he was your old lover well, I at least am excusable I the wife who only thought he was faithful to her husband what does it all mean? asked the terrified Rose it means that this man is an imposter that I will unmask him revenge revenge Pierre came forward Bertrand, he said so long as I thought you were happy when I feared to disturb your peace I was silent I repressed my just indignation and I spared the usurper of the name and rights of my nephew do you now give me leave to speak? yes, she replied in a hollow voice you will not contradict me by way of answer she sat down by the table and wrote a few hasty lines with a trembling hand then gave them to Pierre whose eyes sparkled with joy yes, he said vengeance for him but for her? pity let this humiliation be her only punishment I promised silence in return for confession will you grant it? Bertrand assented with a contemptuous gesture go, fear not said the old man and Rose went out Pierre also left the house left to herself Bertrand felt utterly worn out by so much emotion indignation gave way to depression she began to realize what she had done and the scandal which would fall on her own head just then her baby awoke and held out his arms smiling and calling for his father its father was he not a criminal? yes but was it for her to ruin him? to invoke the law? to send him to death? after having taken him to her heart to deliver him to infamy which would recoil on her own head and her child's and on the infant which was yet unborn? if he had sinned before God was it not for God to punish him? if against herself ought she not rather to overwhelm him with contempt? but to invoke the help of strangers to expiate this offence to lay bare the troubles of her life to unveil the sanctuary of the nupial couch in short to summon the whole world to behold this fatal scandal was not that what in her imprudent anger she had really done? she repented bitterly of her haste she sought to avert the consequences and notwithstanding the night and the bad weather she hurried at once to Pierre's dwelling hoping at all costs to withdraw her denunciation he was not there he had at once taken a horse and started for Riex her accusation was already on its way to the magistrates at break of day the house where Martin Gear lodged when at Riex was surrounded by soldiers he came forward with confidence and inquired what was wanted on hearing the accusation he changed color slightly then collected himself and made no resistance when he came before the judge Bertrand's petition was read to him declaring him to be an imposter who falsely and audaciously and treacherously had deceived her by taking the name and assuming the person of Martin Gear and demanding that he should be required to entreat pardon from God, the king and herself the prisoner listened calmly to the charge and met it courageously only even seeing profound surprise at such a step being taken by his wife who had lived with him for two years since his return and who only now thought of disputing the rights he had so long enjoyed as he was ignorant both of Bertrand's suspicions and their confirmation and also of the jealousy which had inspired her accusation his astonishment was perfectly unnatural and did not at all appear to be assumed he attributed the whole charge to the imaginations of his uncle Pierre Gear, an old man he said who, being covered entirely by avarice and the desire of revenge now disputed his name in rights in order the better to deprive him of his property which might be worth from sixteen to eighteen hundred livres in order to attain this end this wicked man had not hesitated to pervert his wife's mind and at the risk of her own dishonor had instigated this columnius charge a horrible and unheard of thing in the mouth of a lawful wife ah, I do not blame her he cried she must suffer more than I do if she really entertains doubts such as these but I deplore her readiness to listen to these extraordinary chalamneys originated by my enemy the judge was a good deal impressed by so much assurance the accused was relegated to prison whence he was brought two days later to encounter a formal examination he began by explaining the cause of his long absence originating, he said in a domestic quarrel as his wife well remembered he there related his life during these eight years at first he wandered over the country where his curiosity and the love of travel led him then he had crossed the frontier revisited Biscay where he was born and having entered the service of the cardinal of Burgos he passed thence into the army of the king of Spain he was wounded at the battle of San Quentin conveyed to a neighbouring village where he recovered with amputation anxious to again behold his wife and child his other relations and the land of his adoption he returned to Artigues where he was immediately recognised by everyone including the identical Pierre Guillaire his uncle who now had the cruelty to disavow him in fact the latter had shown him special affection up to the day when Martin required an account of his stewardship had he only had the cowardice to sacrifice his money and thereby defraud his children he would not today be charged as an imposter but continued Martin I resisted and a violent quarrel ensued in which anger perhaps carried me too far Pierre Guillaire cunning and revengeful has waited in silence he has taken his time and his measure to organise this plot hoping thereby to obtain his ends to bring justice to the help of his avarice and to acquire the spoils he coveted and revenge for his defeat by means of a sentence obtained from the scruples of the judges besides these explanations which did not appear wanting in probability Martin vehemently protested his innocence demanding that his wife should be confronted with him and declaring that in his presence she would not sustain the charge of personation brought against him and that her mind would be tantamated by the blind hatred which dominated his persecutor the truth would undoubtedly prevail he now in his turn demanded that the judge should acknowledge his innocence and prove it by condemning his clumniators to the punishment invoked against himself that his wife, Bertrand de Roos should be secluded in some house where her mind could no longer be perverted and finally that his innocence declared and expenses and compensations awarded him after this speech delivered with warmth and with every token of sincerity he answered without difficulty all the interrogations of the judge the following are some of the questions and answers just as they have come down to us in what part of Biscay were you born? in the village of Imes province of Guipascoa what were the names of your parents? Antonio Guyer and Marie Toriada are they still living? my father died June 15th 1530 my mother survived him three years and twelve days have you any brothers and sisters? I had one brother who lived only three months my four sisters Ines, Torthia Marietta and Petrina all came to live at Artigas when I did they are still here and they all recognize me what is the date of your marriage? January 10th 1539 who were present at the ceremony my father-in-law my mother-in-law my uncle my two sisters my Tré Marcel and his daughter Rose who got drunk at the wedding feast also Gerard the poet who composed verses in our honor who was the priest who married you the old curé Pascal Guerin whom I did not find alive when I returned what special circumstances occurred on the wedding day? at midnight exactly our neighbor Catherine Boer who passed which is known as Medianoche this woman has recognized me as also our old Marguerite who has remained with us ever since the wedding what is the date of your son's birth? February 10th 1548 nine years after our marriage I was only twelve when the ceremony took place and did not arrive at manhood until several years later give the date of your leaving Artigues it was in August 1549 as I left the village I met Claude Perrin and the curé Pascal and took leave of them I went towards Bovier and I passed through Orleans Borges, Limois Bordeaux and Toulouse if you want the names of people whom I saw and to whom I spoke you could have them what more can I say? never indeed was there a more apparently voracious statement all the doings of Martin Guierre seemed to be most faithfully described and surely only himself could thus narrate his own actions as the historian remarks alluding to the story of Amphitrion Mercury himself could not better reproduce all Socia's actions gestures and words than did the false in accordance with the demand of the accused Bertrand de Rose was detained in seclusion in order to remove her from the influence of Pierre Guierre the latter however did not waste time and during the month spent in examining the witnesses cited by Martin his diligent enemy guided by some vague traces departed on a journey from which he did not return alone all the witnesses bore out the statement of the accused the latter heard this in prison and rejoiced hoping for a speedy release before long he was again brought before the judge who told him that his deposition had been confirmed by all the witnesses examined do you know of no others continued the magistrate have you no relatives except those you have mentioned answered the prisoner then what do you say to this man said the judge opening a door an old man issued forth who fell on the prisoner's neck exclaiming my nephew Martin trembled in every limb but only for a moment promptly recovering himself and gazing calmly at the newcomer he asked coolly and who may you be what? said the old man do you not know me? dare you deny me? me, your mother's brother? carbon barrow? the old soldier me who dandled you on my knee in your infancy me who taught you later to carry a musket me who met you during the war at an inn in Picardy when you fled secretly since then I have sought you everywhere I've spoken of you and described your face in person until you were the inhabitant of this country offered to bring me hither where indeed I did not expect to find my sister's son imprisoned and fettered as a mal-factor what is his crime? may it please your honour? you shall hear replied the magistrate then you identify the prisoner as your nephew you affirm his name to be Arnold de Thrill also called Pincetta his father Jacques Pincette his mother was Teresa Barrow my sister and he was born in the village of Sagus what do you have to say? demanded the judge turning to the accused three things replied the latter unabashed this man is either mad or he's been suborn to tell lies or he's simply mistaken the old man was struck done with astonishment but his supposed nephew's start of terror had not been lost upon the judge also much impressed by the straightforward frankness of Carbone Barrow he caused fresh investigations to be made and other inhabitants of Sagus were summoned to reacts who one and all agreed in identifying the accused as the same Arnold de Thrill who had been born and had grown up under their very eyes several deposed that as he grew up he had taken to evil courses and become an adept in thief and lying not fearing even to take the sacred name of God in vain in order to cover the untruth of his daring assertions from such testimony the judge naturally concluded that Arnold de Thrill was quite capable of carrying on an imposture and the impudence which he displayed was natural to his character moreover he noted that the prisoner who avert that he was born in Biscay knew only a few words of the Basque language and used these quite wrongly he heard later another witness who deposed that the original Martin Guerre was a good wrestler and skilled in the art of fence whereas the prisoner having wished to try what he could do showed no skill whatever certainly a shoemaker was interrogated and his evidence was not the least damning Martin Guerre, he declared required 12 holes to lace his boots and his surprise had been great when he found those of the prisoner had only 9 considering all these points and the cumulative evidence the judge of Rieck set aside the favourable testimony which he concluded had been the outcome of general credulity and resemblance he gave due weight also to Bertrand's accusation although she had never confirmed it and now maintained an obstinate silence and he pronounced a judgement by which Arnold Dothril was declared a tainted and convicted of imposture and was therefore condemned to be beheaded after which his body should be divided into four quarters and exposed at the four corners of the town this sentence, as soon as it was known caused much diversity of opinion in the town the prisoner's enemies praised the wisdom of the judge and those less prejudiced condemned his decision as such conflicting testimony left room for doubt besides it was thought that the possession of property in the future of the children required much consideration also that the most absolute certainty was demanded before enulling the past of two whole years untroubled by any counterclaim whatsoever End of Chapter 2 Part 4 Chapter 2, Part 5 of Celebrated Crimes, Volume 6 Part 2 by Alexandre Dumas This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Blaine Jouchard Victoria, British Columbia Canada Celebrated Crimes, Volume 6 Part 2 by Alexandre Dumas Chapter 2, Part 5 The condemned man appealed from his sentence to the parliament of Toulouse This court decided that the case required more careful consideration than had yet been given to it and began by ordering Arnaud Doutre confronted with Pierre Guillaume and Bertrand de Rose Who can say what feelings animate a man who already once condemned finds himself subjected to a second trial The torture, scarcely ended begins again and hope, though reduced to a shadow regains her sway over his imagination which clings to her skirts as it were with desperation The exhausting efforts be recommenced It is the last struggle a struggle which is more desperate in proportion as there is less strength to maintain it In this case the defendant was not one of those who are easily cast down He collected all his energy all his courage hoping to come victoriously out of the new combat which lay before him The magistrates assembled in the great hall of the parliament and the prisoner appeared before them He had first a deal with Pierre and confronted him calmly letting him speak without showing any emotion Then he replied with indignant reproaches dwelling on Pierre's greed and avarice his vows of vengeance the means employed to work upon Bertrand his secret maneuvers in order to gain his ends and the unheard of animosity displayed in hunting up accusers witnesses and columnarators He defied Pierre to prove that he was not Martin Guillere his nephew in as much as Pierre had publicly acknowledged and embraced him and his tardy suspicions only dated from the time of their violent quarrel His language was so strong and vehement that Pierre became confused and was unable to answer and the encounter turned entirely in Arnold's favor who seemed to overall his adversary from a height of injured innocence while the latter appeared as a disconcerted slanderer The scene of his confrontation with Bertrand took a wholly different character The poor woman, pale cast down, worn by sorrow came staggering before the tribunal in an almost fainting condition But as soon as she saw the prisoner she hung her head covered her face with her hands He approached her and besought her in the gentlest accents not to persist in an accusation which might send him to the scaffold not thus to avenge any sins he might have committed against her although he could not reproach himself with any really serious fault Bertrand started and murmured to the whisper and rose Ah! Arnold exclaimed astonished at this revelation His part was instantly taken turning to the judges Gentlemen, he said My wife is a jealous woman Ten years ago when I left her she had formed these suspicions they were the cause of my voluntary exile Today she again accuses me of guilty relations with the same person I neither deny nor acknowledge them but I affirm that it is the blind passion of jealousy aided by my uncle's suggestions guided my wife's hand when she signed this denunciation Bertrand remained silent Do you dare he continued turning toward her Do you dare to swear before God that jealousy did not inspire you with the wish to ruin me and you she replied dare you swear that I was deceived in my suspicions you see gentlemen exclaimed the prisoner triumphantly her jealousy breaks forth before your eyes whether I am or am not guilty of the sin she attributes to me is not the question for you to decide can you conscientiously admit the testimony of a woman who after publicly acknowledging me after receiving me in her house after living two years in perfect amnesty with me has in a fit of angry vengeance thought she could give the lie to all her wards and actions ah Bertrand he continued if it only concerned my life I think I could forgive a madness of which your love is both the cause and the excuse but you are a mother think of that my punishment will recoil on the head of my daughter who is unhappy enough to have been born since our reunion and also our unborn child which you condemn beforehand to curse the union which gave it being think of this Bertrand you will have to answer before God for what you are now doing the unhappy woman fell on her knees weeping I adjure you he continued sullenly you my wife Bertrand the rose to swear now here on the crucifix that I am an imposter and a cheat a crucifix was placed before Bertrand she made a sign as if to push it away endeavored to speak and feebly exclaimed no then fell to the ground and was carried out insensible this scene considerably shook the opinion of the magistrates they could not believe that an imposter ever he might be would have sufficient daring and presence of mind thus to turn into mockery all that was most sacred they set a new inquiry on foot which instead of producing enlightenment only plunged them into still greater obscurity out of 30 witnesses heard more than three quarters agreed in identifying as Martin Gier the man who claimed his name never was greater perplexity caused by more extraordinary appearances the remarkable resemblance upset all reasoning some recognized him as Arnold detrude and others asserted the exact contrary he could hardly understand Basque some said though born in Biscay was that astonishing seeing he was only three when he left the country he could neither wrestle nor fence well but having no occasion to practice these exercises he might well have forgotten them the shoemaker who made his shoes a four-time thought he took another measure but he might have made a mistake before or be mistaken now the prisoner further defended himself by recapitulating the circumstances of his first meeting with Bertrand on his return the thousand and one little details he had mentioned which he only could have known also the letters in his possession all of which could only be explained by the assumption that he was the veritable Martin Gier was it likely that he would be wounded over the left eye and leg as the missing man was supposed to be was it likely that the old servant that the four sisters his uncle Pierre many persons to whom he had related facts known only to himself that all the community in short would have recognized him and even the very intrigue suspected by Bertrand which had aroused her jealous anger this very intrigue if it really existed was it not another proof of the verity of his claim since the person concerned as interested and penetrating as the legitimate wife had also accepted him as her former lover surely here was a massive evidence sufficient to cast light on the case imagine an imposter arriving for the first time in a place where all the inhabitants are unknown to him and attempting to personate a man who had dwelt there who would have connections of all kinds who would have played his part in a thousand different scenes who would have confided his secrets his opinions to relations friends acquaintances to all sorts of people who had also a wife that is to say a person under whose eyes nearly his whole life would be passed a person would study him perpetually with whom he would be continually conversing on every sort of subject could such an imposter sustain his impersonation for a single day without his memory playing him false from the physical and moral impossibility of playing such a part was it not reasonable to conclude that the accused who had maintained it for more than two years was the true Martin Guillere there seemed in fact to be nothing which could account for such an attempt being successfully made unless recourse was had to an accusation of sorcery the idea of handing him over to the ecclesiastical authorities was discussed but proofs were necessary and the judges hesitated it is a principle of justice which has become a precept in law that in cases of uncertainty the accused has the benefit of the doubt but at the period of which we are writing these truths were far from being acknowledged guilt was presumed rather than innocence and torture instituted to force confession from those who could not otherwise be convicted is only explicable by supposing the judges convinced of the actual guilt of the accused for no one would have thought of subjecting a possibly innocent person to this suffering however, notwithstanding this prejudice which had been handed down to us by some organs of the public ministry always disposed to assume the guilt of a suspected person notwithstanding this prejudice the judges in this case neither ventured to condemn Martin Guillaier themselves as an imposter nor to demand the intervention of the church in this conflict of contrary testimony which seemed to reveal the truth only to immediately obscure it again in this chaos of arguments and conjectures which showed flashes of light only to extinguish them in greater darkness consideration for the family prevailed the sincerity of Bertrand the future of the children seemed reasons for proceeding with extreme caution and this once admitted could only yield to conclusive evidence consequently, the parliament adjourned the case matters remaining in status quo pending a more exhaustive inquiry meanwhile the accused for whom several relations and friends gave surety was allowed to be at liberty in artigues though remaining under careful surveillance Bertrand therefore again saw him as an inmate of the house as if no doubts had ever been cast on the legitimacy of their union what thoughts passed through her mind during the long taitate she had accused this man earlier and now notwithstanding her secret conviction she was obliged to appear as if she had no suspicion as if she had been mistaken to humiliate herself before the imposter and ask forgiveness for the insanity of her conduct for having publicly renounced her accusation by refusing to swear to it she had no alternative left in order to sustain her part and to save the honour of her children she must treat this man as her husband and appear submissive and repented she must show him entire confidence as the only means of rehabilitating him and lulling the vengeance of justice what the widow of martin guillere must have suffered in this life of effort was a secret between god and herself but she looked at her little daughter she thought of her fast approaching confinement and took courage one evening towards nightfall she was sitting near him in the most private corner of the garden with her little child on her knee whilst the adventurer sunk in gloomy thoughts absently stroked sansi's fair head both were silent for at the bottom of their hearts each knew the other's thoughts and no longer able to talk familiarly nor daring to appear estranged they spent when alone together long hours of silence drariness all at once a loud uproar broke the silence of their retreat they heard the exclamations of many persons cries of surprise mixed with angry tones hasty footsteps then the garden gate was flung vitally open and old margarite appeared pale gasping almost breathless Bertrand hastened torture astonishment followed by her husband but when near enough to speak she could only answer with inarticulate sounds pointing with terror to the courtyard of the house they looked in this direction and saw a man standing at the threshold they approached him he stepped forward as if to place himself between them he was tall dark his clothes were torn wooden leg his countenance was stern he surveyed Bertrand with a gloomy look she cried aloud and fell back insensible she recognized her real husband a load of thrill stood petrified while margarite distracted herself endeavoring to revive her mistress the neighbors, attracted by the noise invaded the house and stopped gazing the stupefication at this astonishing resemblance the two men had the same features the same height the same bearing and suggested one being in two persons they gazed at each other in terror and in that superstitious age the idea of sorcery and of infernal intervention naturally occurred to those present all crossed themselves expecting every moment to see fire from heaven strike one or the other of the two men or that the earth would engulf one of them nothing happened, however except that both were promptly arrested in order that the strange mystery might be cleared up the wearer of the wooden leg interrogated by the judges related that he came from Spain where first the healing of his wound then the want of money had detained him hither too he had traveled on foot almost a beggar he gave exactly the same reasons for leaving autogays as had been given by the other martin gear namely a domestic quarrel caused by jealous suspicion the desire of seeing other countries and an adventurous disposition he had gone back to his birthplace in Biscay thence he entered the service of the cardinal of Bergos then the cardinal's brother had taken him to the war and he had served with the Spanish troops at the battle of San Quentany his leg had been shattered by an arcubus ball so far his recital was the counterpart of the one already heard by the judges from the other man now they began to differ martin gear stated that he had been conveyed to a house by a man whose features he did not distinguish that he thought he was dying and that several hours later martin gear stated that he was dying and that several hours elapsed of which he could give no account being probably delirious that he suffered later intolerable pain and on coming to himself found that his leg had been amputated he remained long between life and death but he was cared for by peasants who probably saved his life his recovery was very slow he discovered that in the interval between being struck down in the battle and recovering his senses his papers had disappeared but it was impossible to suspect the people who had nursed him with such generous kindness of theft after his recovery being absolutely destitute he sought to return to France and again see his wife and child he had endured all sorts of privations and fatigues and at length exhausted but rejoicing at being near the end of his troubles he arrived expecting nothing at his own door then the terror of the old servant a few broken words made him guest to some misfortune and the appearance of his wife and a man so exactly like himself stupefied him matters had now been explained and he only regretted that his wound had not at once ended his existence the whole story bore the impress of truth but when the other prisoner asked what he had to say he adhered to his first answers maintaining their correctness and again asserted that he was the real martin guillere and that the new claimant could only be Arnold de Thrill, the clever imposter who was said to resemble himself so much that the inhabitants of Saagheis had agreed in mistaking him for the said Arnold the two martin guillers were then confronted without changing the situation in the least the first showing the same assurance the same bold and confident bearing while the second calling on God and men to bear witness to his sincerity deplored his misfortune in the most pathetic terms the judge's perplexity was great the affair became more and more complicated the question remained as difficult as uncertain as ever all the appearances and evidences were at variance probability seemed to incline towards one sympathy was more in favor of the other but actual proof was still wanting at length the member of the parliament M. de Coraz proposed as a last chance before resorting to torture that final means of examination in a barbarous age that Bertrand should be placed between the two rivals and that in such a case a woman's instinct would divine the truth consequently the two martin guillers were brought before the parliament and a few moments after Bertrand was let in, weak pale, hardly able to stand being worn out by suffering and advanced pregnancy her appearance excited compassion and all watched anxiously to see what she would do she looked at the two men who had been placed at different ends of the hall and turning from him who was nearest her went and knelt silently before the man with the wooden leg then joining her hands as if praying for mercy she wept bitterly so simple and touching in action roused the sympathy of all president are known to through grew pale and everyone expected that martin guillers being vindicated by this public acknowledgement would raise his wife and embrace her but he remained cold and stern and in a contemptuous tone your tears madam he said they did not move me in the least neither can you seek to excuse your credulity by the examples of my sister and my uncle a wife knows her husband more intimately than his other relations as you prove by your present action and if she is deceived it is because she consents to the deception you are the sole cause of the misfortunes of my house and to you only shall I ever impute her thunder struck by this reproach the poor woman had no strength to reply and was taken home more dead than alive the dignified language of this injured husband made another point in his favor much pity was felt for Bertrand as being the victim of an audacious deception but everybody agreed that thus it besieged the real martin guillere to have spoken after the ordeal gone through by the wife had been also essayed by the sisters and other relatives who one and all followed Bertrand's example and accepted the newcomer the court having fully deliberated passed the following sentence which we transcribe literally having reviewed the trial of Arnoldus Rill or Pancet calling himself Martin Guillere a prisoner in the consercier who appeals from the decision of the judge of Rhoix etc we declare that this court negatives the appeal and defense of the said Arnold Dutille and as punishment and amends for the imposter deception assumption of name and a person adultery, rape sacrilege, theft larceny and other deeds committed by the orfore said Dutille and caused the above mentioned trial this court has condemned and condemns him to do penance before the church of Artige kneeling, clad in his shirt only bare-headed and barefoot a halter on his neck and a burning torch in his hand and there he shall ask pardon from God from the king and from justice and from the said Martin Guillere and Bertrand de Roles husband and wife and this done the aforesaid Dutille shall be delivered into the hands of the executioners of the king's justice who shall lead him through this customary streets and crossroads of the aforesaid place of Artige and the halter on his neck shall bring him before the house of the aforesaid Martin Guillere where he shall be hung and strangled upon a gibbet erected for this purpose after which his body shall be burnt and for various reasons and considerations thereunto moving the court it has awarded and awards the goods of the aforesaid Dutille apart from the expense of justice to the daughter born unto him by the aforesaid Bertrand de Roles under the pretense of marriage falsely asserted by him having hitherto assumed the name in person of the aforesaid Martin Guillere and by this man's deceiving the aforesaid de Roles and moreover the court has exempted and exempts from this trial the aforesaid Martin Guillere and Bertrand de Roles also the said Pierre Guillere uncle of the aforesaid Martin and has remitted and remits the aforesaid Arnold Dutille to the aforesaid judge of Rioxx this sentence may be executed according to its form and tenor pronounced judicially this twelfth day of September 1560 this sentence substituted the gallows for the decapitation decreed by the first judge in as much as the latter punishment was reserved for criminals of noble birth while hanging was inflicted on meaner persons this fate was decided Arnold Dutille lost all his audacity sent back to artigues he was interrogated in prison by the judge of Rioxx and confessed his imposture at great length he said the idea first occurred to him when having returned from the camp in Picardy he was addressed as Martin Guillere by several intimate friends of the latter he then inquired as to the sort of life the habits and relations of this man and having contrived to be near him had watched him closely during the battle he saw him fall carried him away and then as the reader has already seen excited his delirium to the utmost in order to obtain possession of his secrets having thus explained his successful imposture by natural causes which excluded any idea of magic or sorcery when he contested his penitence implored the mercy of God and prepared himself for execution as became a Christian the next day while the populace collecting from the whole neighborhood had assembled before the parish church of artigues in order to behold the penance of the criminal who barefoot attired in a shirt and holding a lighted torch in his hand knelt at the entrance of the church another scene no less painful took place in the house of Mortangier exhausted by her suffering which had caused a premature confinement Bertrand lay on her couch of pain and besought pardon from him who she had innocently wronged in treating him also to pray for her soul Mortangier sitting at her bedside extended his hand and blessed her and held it to her lips she could no longer speak all at once a loud noise was heard outside the guilty man had just been executed in front of the house when finally attached to the gallows he uttered a terrible cry which was answered by another from inside the house the same evening while the body of the mouth factor was being consumed by fire the remains of a mother and child were laid to rest in consecrated ground End of Chapter 2, Part 5 End of Mortangier End of Volume 6, Part 2 of Celebrated Crimes