 Chapter 13 of Taking the Best Steal 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 Rita Boutros. Taking the Best Steal by Alexandra Dumas. Chapter 13 Down in the Dungeons While the multitude poured, roaring with delight and anger at the same time, into the yards of the prison, two men were floundering in the ditch, B.A. and Petu. The latter was keeping up the other, whom no bullet or blowhead struck, but the fall had a trifle stunt him. Ropes were thrown to them, and poles thrust down. In five minutes they were rescued, and were hugged and carried in triumph, muddy though they were. One gave B.A. a drink of brandy, another cramped the younger peasant with bread and sausage, a third dried them off and led them into the sunshine. Suddenly an idea, or rather a memory, crossed the good farmer's mind. He tore himself from the friendly arms and ran towards the fort. The prisoners helped the prisoners, he shouted. Yes, the prisoners repeated Petu, darting into the tower after his leader. Only thinking of the jailers, the mob now shuddered on remembering the captives. The cries were reiterated. A fresh flood of assailants burst any remaining barriers, and seemed to enlarge the flanks of the prison to expand it with liberty. A frightful scene was presented to B.A. and his friend. The mob crowded into the court, enraged, drunken, and furious. The first soldier falling under hand was torn to pieces. Gonshan looked on quietly, no doubt thinking that popular wrath is like a great river, doing more mischief if one tries to dam it than if letting it make its course. On the contrary, Ali and Hulan leaped in between defenders and attackers. They prayed and supplicated, vociferating the holy lie that the soldiers were promised their lives. B.A. and Petu's arrival was reinforcement to them. B.A., whom they were revenging, was alive, not even hurt. The plank had swerved underfoot, and he was clear with a mud bath. That was all. The Swiss were most detested, but they were not to be found. They had time to put on overalls and smockfrocks of dull linen, and they passed off as servants. With sledges the invaders broke the captive images on the clock face. They raced up to the turret tops to kick the cannon which had belched death on them. They laid hands on the stones and endeavored to dislodge them. When the first of the conquerors was seen on the battlements, all without, below, a hundred thousand or so, cast up an immense clamour. It spread over Paris and flew over France like a swift-winged eagle. The best steel is taken. At this news, hearts melted, eyes were moist with tears of gladness and hands clasped. No longer were their opposition parties, or inimical castes, for all Parisians understood that they were brothers and all men that they were free. A million of men mutually embraced. B.A. and Petu wanted no part in the rejoicing. They sought the liberation of the prisoners. Traversing government yard, they passed near a man in grey clothes, calmly leaning on a gold-headed cane. It was the governor, quietly waiting for his friends to save him, or his foes to lay him low. B.A. recognized him at sight and uttered an outcry. He walked straight up to him. Launay knew him again also, but folded his arms and looked at B.A. as much as to say, Is it you who will deal me the first stab? If I speak to him, thought the farmer, they will know him, and then he will be killed. Yet how would he find Dr. Gilbert in this chaos, how rest from the best steel, the grim secret and shrouded in its womb? Launay understood all this heroic hesitation and scruple. What do you want, asked he, in an undertone. Nothing rejoined B.A., pointing out that the doorways are doorless all the way to the street. Nothing, but I should like to find Dr. Gilbert. No. Three. Bertaudier Tower replied the count in a gentle voice, almost softened, but he would not flee. At this juncture, a voice behind B.A. pronounced these words, Hello, here is the governor. The voice was as emotionless as those spoken by no being of this world, but every syllable was a dagger blade cruelly dug into Launay's bosom. The voice was gone shans. At the denunciation, as if from an alarm bell ringing, all the men, a thirst for vengeance, started and turned their flaring eyes on Launay, at whom they flung themselves. He is lost unless we can save him, said B.A., to Elie and Hulan. Help us, they answered. I must stay here as I have a task to do. In a flash, Launay was taken up by numerous hands and carried out. Elie and his comrade hurried after calling. Stop! He was promised his life for surrendering. This was not true, but the sublime falsehood rushed from both of the noble hearts. In a second, the governor, followed by the pair, disappeared in the corridor, opening on the square, amid shouts, take him to the city hall. As a living prey, Launay was in the eyes of most equal to the dead prey, the prison overrun. Strange was the sight of this sad and silent edifice, for four centuries, threaded solely by the warden and his turnkeys, become the strolling ground of any tattered demelion. The crowd roamed over the garden, up and down the stairs, buzzing like a swarm of bees and filling the granite hive with bustle and uproar. B.A. for an instant watched Launay, carried rather than dragged, seeming to hover over the multitude. But he was gone in a space. B.A. sighed and looking round him and seeing Petu said as he darted towards a tower, the third Bertaudier, a trembling jailer was in the way. Here you are, captain, he answered, but I have not the keys they were taken from me. Brother, lend me your axe, said B.A. of a neighbor. I give it you, for it is not wanted now we have taken the old den. Grasping the weapon, B.A. dashed into a stairway conducted by the warder. The ladder stopped before a door. This is number three, Bertaudier Tower, said he. Is the prisoner here, Dr. Gilbert? Don't know the names. Only put here a few days ago. Don't know. Well, I shall rejoin the farmer, attacking the door with the axe. It was of oak, but the splinters flew freely under the chops of the vigorous yeoman. In a short time one could peep into the room. B.A. looked in at the cleft. In the beam of light, from a graded window in the yard, a man was visible in the cell, standing a little back, holding one of his bed-slates. He was in the attitude of defense, ready to knock down anyone intruding. Despite of his long beard, pale face, and his hair being close cropped, B.A. recognized Gilbert. Doctor, doctor, is it you? It is B.A. who calls, your friend. Are you here, B.A., here? Yes, yes, that's B.A., right here, shouted the crowd. We are here in the best steel, for we have taken it. You are free. The best steel is taken, and I am free, repeated the doctor. Running both hands through the bars of the door, he shook it so forcibly that the hinges and lock-bolt seemed likely to shoot out of the pockets. One of the split panels, shattered by B.A., fell clean out and was left in the prisoner's hands. Wait! Wait! said the rescuer, seeing that such another exertion would exhaust the man's powers too much excited. Wait! He redoubled his blows. Through the gap, the prisoner could be seen, fallen on his stool, pale as a scepter, and incapable of moving the broken beam again, with which he had tried like a Samson to shake the best steel down. B.A., he kept on saying. And me with him, doctor, poor Petu, whom you must remember from having placed me for board and lodging at Aunt Angelique's, I came along to get you out. But I cannot get through that crack, objected the prisoner. We will widen it, cried the bystanders. In a common effort, each brought his effort to bear. While one inserted a crowbar between the wall and the door-jam, another got a purchase on the lock with the lever, and others put their shoulders to the woodwork. The oak gave a last crack, and the stones scaled off, so that by the removed door and the crumbling stone, the torrent plunged within the prison. Gilbert was soon in the arms of his friends. Gilbert, who was a little peasant boy on the tavernier estate, where he conceived an undying and lifelong passion for his master's daughter Andrea, was now a man of thirty-five. Philippe of Tavernier, who tried to kill him in a cave in the Azores Islands because he had accomplished the love design of his existence, in giving Andrea the title of mother to little Sebastian Gilbert, would not recognize him. He left bathed in blood, pale without sickliness, with black hair and steady, though animated eyes. One could tell that he, like his teacher Belsamo Cagliostro, was endowed with the power of magnetism. As he could now mesmerize Andrea, he could mentally master most men. When his gaze was idle, it did not wander in vacancy, but retired into his meditations and became the gloomier and deeper. His nose was straight, coming down from the brow in a direct line. It surmounted a disdainful lip, showing the dazzling enamel of his teeth. Commonly he was clad with Quaker-like simplicity, but it approached elegance from its extreme primeness. His stature above the middle height was well-formed, and we have seen how strong he could be when he roused all his nervous force. Although a week in jail, he had taken the usual care of himself. Though his beard had grown long, it was combed out and set off his clear skin, indicating by its length not his neglect, but the refusal of a razor or a shave. After thanking B.A. and Petu, he turned to the crowd in the cell. As if he recovered all his command in a twinkling, he said, then the long looked-for day has come. I thank you, O my friends, and I thank the Eternal Spirit which watches over the liberty of peoples. He held out his hands, but they shrank from touching them. How lofty was his glance and his voice so dignified as of a superior man. Leaving the dungeon, he walked out before them all, leaning on the farmer and the country boy. After Gilbert's first impulse of gratitude and friendship, a second had established the first distance between him and the subordinates. At the door Gilbert stopped, dazzled by the sunshine. He stopped, folded his arms, and said as he gazed upwards, Hail, beautiful liberty! I saw you spring into life in the new world, and we are old friends and battlefield comrades. Hail! The smile he wore showed that the cheers of a free people were not a novelty to him. B.A. he said after collecting his thought, have the people overcome despotism? They have. And you came to liberate me? How did you know of my arrest? Your son told me this morning. Poor Emile Sebastien, have you seen him? Is he at peace in the school? I left him being carried to the sick ward as he had a fit. He was wild, because we would not let him have a share in the fighting to get you out. The physician smiled, for the boy was his hope and had borne himself as he hoped. I said that as you were in the Bastille we would have to take the Bastille, went on the farmer, and now we have taken it. But that is not all. The casket is stolen, which you entrusted to me. Stolen? By whom? By men wearing black, who broke into the house under guise of seizing the pamphlet which you sent me. Locking me up in a room, they searched the whole house and found the casket. Yesterday? Then there is a coincidence between my arrest and this perloining. The same person caused this arrest and abstraction. I must know whom. Where are the books of the jail? Demanded the doctor, turning round to the jailer who kept close. In government-yard, replied he. Oh, master, let me go with you or say a good word to these gentlemen who will otherwise knock me about. Just so, replied Gilbert. Friends, I want you not to do any harm to this poor fellow who only did his duty in opening doors and locking them. He was always gentle with the prisoners. Good, cried the voices all round, as they surrounded him in respect, mingled with curiosity. He need not be scared, but can come along. Thank you, sir, said the jailer, but we had better make haste for they are burning the papers. Then there is not an instant to be lost, cried the physician, to the archives. He darted off towards the office, drawing the mob with him, at the head of which still marched B.A. and Pitu. End of Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Of Taking the Best Steel 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 Rita Butros. Taking the Best Steel by Alexander Dumas Chapter 14 The Triangle of Liberty At the door of the register hall they had made a bonfire of the documents. One of the first feelings of the masses after a victory is for destruction, unfortunately. The memorials of the prison were turned out of the large room, where the records of all the prisoners since a hundred years back were kept higgledy-piggledy. The mob shut up the papers with anger, seeming to think that they gave the prisoners freedom by annulling the warrants. Gilbert, assisted by Pitu, looked at the registers, but the present ears was missing. Though a calm and cool man, the doctor stamped his foot with impatience while he turned blanched. At this, Pitu spied a boy, such a little hero as always pops up in the rain of King Mob, who was carrying on his head the volume to throw it into the fire. With his long legs, he soon overtook him. It was the register for 1789. The deal did not take long, for Ange announced himself as one who had captured the place and explained that a prisoner wanted the book. The boy gave it up with the comforting remark that there were lots more where it came from. Pitu opened the book, and on the last page he saw the entry. This day, 9th of July, 1789, enters Dr. Gilbert, a most dangerous writer of public matters and philosophy, keep in solitary confinement. He carried the register to the physician. It was, of course, what he sought. Looking once, the order emanated, he exclaimed, the warrant to arrest me, signed by my friend Necker, then there must be some trick played on him. Necker, your friend, ejaculated the crowd, for the name had great influence over them. Yes, my friend, and I upheld him, convinced that he is ignorant of my being in prison, but I will go and find him, and he is not at Versailles at BA, but at Brussels, he is exiled. His daughter lives in the country, out by Saint-Douane, suggested one of the throng whom Gilbert thanked without seeing who it was. Friends, he said, in the name of history, who will find the condemnation of tyranny in these papers cease such devastation I entreat you, demolish the best steel stone by stone till not a trace remains, but respect documents and books, for the light of the future is in them. The multitude had scarce heard the rebuke than its high intelligence gauged he was correct. The doctor is right, cried a hundred voices, no more spoiling. Let us take these papers to the city hall. A fireman who had brought a small hand engine into the fort with half a dozen comrades directed the horse butt at the fire, which was about to repeat a conflagration of books like that of Alexandria, and they put it out. At whose request were you arrested? inquired the farmer. Just what I was looking for, but the name is blank, I shall learn, he added after brief meditation. Tearing out the leaf concerning himself, he folded it up and pocketed it. Let us be all friends, said he. We have no father business here. It is easier to say let us go than manage it, remarked the countryman. Indeed the concourse entering the castle by all openings choked up the doorways. They had liberated eight prisoners including Gilbert. Four excited no interest. They had been locked up on a charge of forging a bank draft without any evidence, which leads to the premise that it was a false charge. They had been in jail only two years. The next was Count Solange, a man of thirty, who was in rapture. He hugged his liberators, exalted their victory, and related his captivity. Arrested in 1782 and shut up in Vincennes Castle on a blank warrant obtained by his father, he had been transferred to the best steel where he remained five years without having seen a magistrate or being examined once. His father had died two years back and nobody asked after him. Had not the best steel been captured, he would probably have died there unasked for. White was another wretch. He was sixty years old and jabbered incoherent words with a foreign accent. To the many questions he replied that he was ignorant how long he had been detained and for what cause. He remembered he was a kinsman of Chief of Police Sartine. A turnkey recalled having seen Lord Sartine enter White's cell and force him to sign a power of attorney. But the prisoner had utterly forgotten the incident. Tavernier was the oldest of all. He had been ten years imprisoned in another state's prison before coming to the best steel for thirty years. He was in his ninetieth year, white in beard and hair. His eyes were so used to the gloom that he could not bear the light. When they broke open his dungeon, he did not understand what they wanted to do. When they spoke of liberty, he shook his head. When finally they said the best steel was taken by the people, he cried, What will Louis XV say? White was crazed, but Tavernier was an idiot. The delight of the rest was terrible to view. So close was it to alarm. It called for vengeance. Two or three were almost ready to expire amid the hubbub of thousands of voices, having never heard two speaking at the same time while in the prison. They had become accustomed to the slow and odd sounds of wood cracking with dampness, or the death watch cricket, or the spider weaving its web, or the frightened rat gnawing his majesty's prison walls. As Gilbert appeared, the resolution was unanimously adopted that the rescued ones should be carried in triumph through the town. Gilbert wished to elude this ovation, but he could not do so as he was recognized as well as B.A. and his comrade. To the city hall shouted everybody, and Gilbert was taken up on the shoulders of twenty fellows. In vain did Gilbert resist, and B.A. and Petu shower punches and cuffs on their brothers in arms. Joy and enthusiasm had made the people's hide tough. Fisticuffs, digs with the elbow, or thrusts with musket butts all seemed soft as strokings, and only enhanced their glee. A spear was stuck in a table, and Gilbert placed on it to be carried. Thus he was above the level of the sea of heads, undulating from the Bastille to St. John's Arcade. A stormy sea, which transported the delivered captives amid billows crested with bloody swords, bayonets, and pikes. At the same time, another sea roiled terribly and irresistibly, a group closely serried around the prisoner launay. Around him the shouts were as loud and hearty as for the liberated prisoners, but they were of death, not of triumph. Gilbert from his elevated stand did not lose an incident of the horrible occurrence. Alone among all his fellow captives he enjoyed the fullness of his faculties because five days imprisonment was but a black speck in his career. His eye had not had time to be dimmed by the Bastille's darkness. Usually fighting makes men hard-hearted only during the action, men coming out of the fire with their own lives intact feel kindly towards their foes. But in great popular uprisings, such as France had seen many from the Jacarie or Peasant's outbreak in 1358, those whom fear kept in the rear during the conflict but were irritated by the turbulence, are ferocious cowards who seek after the victory to redden their hands in the blood of those they dared not face in the combat. They take their share in the reprisal. Since he was dragged out of his castle the march of the governor was a dolorous one. Ali protected by his uniform and the part he had taken in the assault marched at the head having taken Launay's life under his special care. He was admired for the manner in which he had borne himself. On his sword-point he carried the letter which Launay had passed out of the prison loophole to be taken by Maillard. After him came the tax commissioners' guards carrying the keys of the royal fortress. Then, Maillard bearing the Bastille flag then a young man who bore on a pike the Bastille's rules and regulations an odious re-script by virtue of which many a tear had been made to flow. Lastly came the governor protected by Houlin and three or four others but almost covered in with shaking fists, flourished blades and brandished pikeheads. Beside this column almost parallel rolling up St. Antoine Street leading from the main avenue to the River Seine was to be distinguished another no less awful and menacing dragging Major Lausme whom we saw struggle against his superior for a space but succumb under the determination to resist to the last. He was a kind, good and brave man who had alleviated many miseries within the jail but the general public did not know this. On account of his showy uniform many took him to be the governor. The latter clothed in gray having torn off the embroidery and the Saint-Louis scarf was shielded by some doubt from those who did not recognize him. This was the spectacle which Gilbert beheld with his gloomy, profound and observant glance amid the dangers foreseen by his powerful organization. On leaving the Bastille Houlin had rallied his own friends the surest and most devoted the most valiant soldiers of the day these four or five tried to second his generous design of shielding the governor. Impartial history had preserved the names of three Arnais, Houlin and Lapin. These four with Houlin and Maillard in advance attempted to defend the life for which a hundred thousand were clamoring. A few French grenadiers whose uniform had become popular within three days clustered round them. They were venerated by the mob. As long as his generous defenders could do it they beat off the blows aimed at Count Launay but he could not evade the hooting the insults and the curses. At Joyous Street corner all the grenadiers had been brushed aside not the crowd's excitement but the calculation of murderers may have had something to do with this. Gilbert had seen them plucked away as beads or flipped off a string. He foresaw by this that the victory would be tarnished by bloodshed. He tried to get off the table but iron hands held him to it. In his impotence he sent B.A. and Petu to the defense of the governor and obeying his voice they made efforts to reach the threatened one. His protectors stood in strong need of reinforcement. Cholat who had eaten nothing since the evening before fell with exhaustion though he tried to struggle on. Had he not been assisted he would have been trodden underfoot. His falling out of line made a breach in the living wall. A man darted in by this crevasse in the dyke and clubbing his musket delivered a crushing blow at the governor's bared head. Lapine saw the mace descending and had time to throw his arms around Launay and receive the blow on his own forehead. Stunned by the shock and blinded by the blood he staggered back and when he recovered he was twenty paces apart from the prisoner. This was the moment when B.A. fought his way up towing Petu after him like a steamship of war bringing up a sailing man of war into action. He noticed that what marked Launay out was his being without a hat. He snatched off his own and put it on the count's head. The latter turned and recognized him. I thank you he said but whatever you do you cannot save me. If I can get you inside the city hall I will answer for all said Hulan. Yes but can you do it? said the victim. God helping us will try it. They might hope this as they reached the city hall square. It was packed with men with their arms bared to the pit waving swords and spears. The rumor had run along that they were bringing the best steel governor and his major and they were waiting for them like a pack of wolfhounds held back from breaking up the quarry. As soon as they saw the party they rushed at it. Hulan saw that this was going to be the supreme peril and final struggle. If he could only get the governor up the steps and inside the building he would save him. Help Elie and Mayard all men who hold our honour dear he shouted. Elie and Mayard forged onward but the mob closed in behind them and they were isolated. Mayard saw the advantage it had won and made a furious effort. Like a gigantic boa it wound its coils round the knot. BA was taken off his feet and swept away with Pitu who stuck to him. The same whirlwind made Hulan real on the steps where he fell. He rose but was forced down anew and Launay fell with him this time. He stayed down up to the last he did not murmur or beg for mercy but he cried in a hoarse voice do not at least keep me lingering tigers that you are slay me outright. Never had he issued an order executed more promptly than this prayer. In one instant armed to hands flourished round his stooped head fists and plunging blades were seen and then a head severed from the trunk rose disgustingly on the tip of a pike. It had preserved its cold and scornful smile. This was the first head lopped off by the revolution. Gilbert had foreseen the atrocity. He had tried again to dart to the rescue but a hundred hands held him down. He turned his head and sighed. This head was lifted with its eyes glaring up to the window where Flacelle stood surrounded and supported by the traitors as if to bid him a last farewell. It would be hard to say which was the paler, his face or the corpses. All at once a deafening uproar burst from where the headless body lay. In searching it in the vest pocket was found the note addressed to him by the provost of the traitors the one he had shown to Lasmy. It will be remembered as in these terms hold out firmly I will amuse the Parisians with cockades and promises before day is done Besenval will send you reinforcements Flacelle. A horrible yell of blasphemy rose from the pavement to the window where the writers stood. Without dividing the cause he understood the threat and threw himself back but he had been seen and was known to be within. The rush for him was so universal that even the bearers of Dr. Gilbert left him to join the hunters. Gilbert sought to enter with them to protect Flacelle. He had not run up three steps before he felt himself pulled back by the coat skirts. He turned to shake off the hand but saw they were of B.A. and Petu. From the higher standpoint he overlooked the square. What is going on over there towards a spot of commotion? Come, doctor, come said the two countrymen together. The butchers said the doctor. At that instant Major Lossme fell struck down by a hatchet in their hatred the people confounded the persecutor of the prisoners with the merciful warden. Let us be gone said the physician for I begin to be ashamed that such murderers let me out. I say that doctor reproved B.A. those who stormed the Bastille are not the cutthroats yonder. As they descended the steps which he had mounted to try to help Flacelle, the throng which had flowed through the doorway was hurled forth. In the midst of the battling gathering one man was struggling. Take him to the Pelle Royal vociferated the thousands. Yes, my friends, yes, my good friends to the Pelle Royal gasped this wretch. But the human inundation rolled towards the river as though it intended to drown him. Another they mean to murder shouted Gilbert. Let us try to save him at any rate. But he had hardly got the words out of his mouth before a pistol shot resounded. Flacelle disappeared in the smoke. Gilbert covered his eyes cursing the multitude. Wait, but unable to remain pure and sullying the victory by a triple murder. When he took his hands from his eyes he beheld three heads on pike points. Flacelle, Launay's and Lausmese. One rose on the city hall steps another in the mouth of Tixarandere Street and the last in Pelletier Street so that the trio formed a triangle. He remembered the sign in the order of the invisibles. Oh, Belsamo! he muttered. Is this the emblem of liberty? And sighing he fled up Vannery Street dragging B.A. and Petu with him. End of Chapter 14 Chapter 15 of Taking the Bastille This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Taking the Bastille by Alexandre Dumas Chapter 15 The Young Visionary Meeting with a public conveyance the doctor got into it with B.A. and Petu and they went to Louis the Great College where Sebastian was still in the sick ward. The principal received the doctor with deep regard as he knew him to be the foremost pupil of the physicians and chemists Cavani and Condorquet. He imparted his fears to the doctor as to the parent of his pupil that the boy was too much given to moody fits. You are right said Gilbert. Gravity in a boy is a token of lunacy or weakness. While Petu was being refreshed in the principal's residence and B.A. shared a bottle with the gentleman himself the physician conferred with his son I ask you about your health said the father to the pallid nervous youth and you answer that you are well. Now I ask you if your reserve towards your school fellows arises from pride and I hope you will answer no. Be encouraged father said Sebastian it is neither pride nor ill health but sorrow. I have a dream which frightens me and yet it is not a terror. When a little boy I had such visions are two or three times I was lost in the woods following this phantom. Gilbert looked at the speaking alarm it was thus father dear I would be playing with the other children of the village when I saw nothing but when I left them I heard the rustle of the silk dress as if someone wearing it were going away from me I would thrust out my hands to seize it but grasp nothing but air but as the sound diminished the vision appeared more and more distinct this cloudy vapor would gradually assume a human shape it was a woman's who glided rather than walked and grew the more clear as it was buried in the woody deaths a strange weird irresistible spell drew me on in the woman's steps I pursued her with extended arms mute like she was often I tried to call her but my lips would not emit a sound I pursued without ever overtaking until the prodigy announcing her coming was reproduced for her departure she became misty and faded away spent with weariness I would drop on the sword where she had disappeared Pitu would find me there sometimes not till the following day Gilbert looked at the youth with increasing disquiet his fingers were fixed on his pulse Sebastian seemed to understand his father's feelings do not be uneasy about it said he I know that it is a phantasm what did this woman look like? majestic as a queen have you seen her lately? I have seen her here that is in the garden reserved for the teachers I saw her glide from our grounds into that garden and one day when master Baradier pleased with my composition I made a favour I got leave to stroll in this garden she appeared to me strange hallucination thought Gilbert yet not so remarkable in the child of a mesmeric medium who do you think this woman is? my mother Gilbert turned pale and clasped his hands to his heart as though to staunch a reopening wound but this is all a dream and I am almost as crazy as you it may be all a dream said the youth with pensive eye I have seen the lady alive in a magnificent echipage drawn by four horses in satary woods near Versailles on the last holiday when we were taken out there I nearly swooned on seeing her I do not know why but she could not be my mother who is dead and she is the same as the vision he remarked the giddiness of his father who ran his hand over his brow and he was frightened by his white face I see I am wrong to tell you such nonsense he said oh no speak all you can on the subject and we shall try to cure you responded the doctor why? I am born to musing it takes up half my time I love this ghost though it avoids me and seems sometimes to repulse me do not expel it I should else be all alone when you are on your travels or return to America I hope we shall not part he said to his boy whom he embraced for I want to take you on my journeys was my mother fair inquired the youth was answered in the doctor's stifled voice and if she loved you as much as I do continue the child Sebastian never speak her name to me cried the physician kissing him a last time and bounding out of the garden instead of following him the boy dropped on a bench disconsolate in the yard Gilbert found Billy and Pitu refreshed by the feast of the principal to whom the doctor recommended special care of his son and the three men got into the hack again end of chapter 15 chapter 16 of taking the Bastille this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org taking the Bastille by Alexander Dumas chapter 16 the physician for the state on the way back to Paris Gilbert stopped at Saint-Toyre to see Necker's daughter he had a suspicion that the financier was in Brussels as everybody was led to think indeed it was at Madame de Stael's country house that he was concealed awaiting events he made no difficulty in supplying his friend with a letter of introduction to the king armed with this the doctor leaving Billy and Pitu in a pretty hotel of Paris where the farmer usually stayed Harry to Versailles it was half past 10 but Versailles could not sleep now it was agitated about how the king would take the insult of the Bastille being captured it was not a slap in the face like Mirobo's refusal to obey the order of the king to vacate the assembly rooms but a death blow the palace and surrounding sites were packed with troops but Gilbert managed to reach the bullseye chamber where Necker's letter passed him into the royal presence the doctor examined in silence the pilot given to France in stormy weather whom he had not seen for many long years for the physiognomist who had studied under Levator the magnetiser who had read the future with Balsamo the philosopher who had meditated with Rousseau the traveller who had reviewed many peoples all in this short stout man signified degeneracy impotence and ruin when Louis had read the introduction he dismissed all attendants with a wave of the hand not devoid of majesty is it true, said he, that you are the author of the memoirs on administration and politics which much struck me you are young for such a work I am 32 but study and misfortune age a man treat me as an old one why are you so slow to present yourself to me because I had no need to speak to your majesty what I could freely and easily write but you ought to have been informed that I was kindly taught to you observe the monarch suspiciously your majesty alludes to my audacity in requesting him in token of having read my work with gratification to show a light in his own study window I saw that and was gladdened but your majesty offered a reward and I want none anyway, you come like a true soldier when the action is on but I am not used to meet those who do not haste when recompense is offered I deserve none born a Frenchman, loving my land jealous of his prosperity confounding my individuality with that of its 30 millions of men I work for them in toiling for myself a selfish man deserves no recompense excuse me, you had another reason you thought the state of events serious and held back for a more serious one your majesty guesses correctly I like frankness, said the king reddening for he was nervous so you predicted ruin for the sovereign and you wanted to be out of the reach of the flying splinters no sigh since I hasten towards the danger you come fresh from Nekka and you naturally speak like him where is he, ready at hand to obey your orders all for the best I shall require him, returned Louis with a sigh in politics nobody should sulk a plan may be good and fail from accidents Sire, your majesty reasons admirably said Gilbert, coming to his aid but the main thing now is to see into the future clearly as a physician I speak bluntly at crises do you attach much importance to the riot of yesterday? it is not a riot but revolution and would you have me treat with rebels and murderers? they're taking the best deal by force was an act of rebellion they're slaying of Lone, Lozmer and Flece murder they should be held apart those who stormed the Bastille were heroes those who murdered the gentlemen, butchers you are right sir, said the king his lips blanching after a transient blush and perspiration appearing on his brow you are indeed a physician or rather a surgeon for you cut into the tender flesh but let us return to the subject you are Dr. Gilbert, who wrote those articles Sire, I consider it is a great happiness that my name is retained in your memory it must not have sounded new when spoken a week ago in your hearing I mean that when I was arrested and put in the Bastille I always understood that no arrest is made of any importance without the king being advised you in the Bastille, cried the astonished king here is the order to lock me up put in prison six days ago by the royal order I was released by the grace of the people at three o'clock this day did not your majesty hear the canon? they broke the doors down to let me out ah, I should be glad if I might say the canon was not filed on royalty at the same time as the Bastille thus the king muttered oh Sire, do not take a prison as the emblem of the monarchy say on the contrary that you are glad the Bastille is taken for I trust no such injustice as I was the victim of will be henceforth committed in the name of a ruler who is kept ignorant of it but there must be some cause for your arrest none that I am aware of, Sire I was arrested as soon as I landed and imprisoned that is all there is in it really, sir? said the monarch mildly is there not selfishness in your dilating on your troubles when I want my own dealt with? I only need a word did your majesty have anything to do with my arrest? I was unaware of your return to this kingdom I am happy for this reply I may loudly say that your majesty is defamed when evil is attributed to you I will cite myself as example you put balm on the wound doctor said the other smiling oh Sire, I will liberally anoint it and I will cure it, I promise but you must strongly wish the healing done but before pledging yourself too deeply I should like you to notice the note on the prison record the king frowned to read at the queen's request have you incurred the queen's disfavor he inquired? Sire, I am sure that her majesty knows me less than yourself but you must have committed some misdeed for people are not put in the Bastille for nothing hum, several in this situation have come out if you run over your life I will do so out loud but do not be easy it will not take long since 16 I have toiled without repose the pupil of Rousseau the companion of Joseph Balsamo the friend of Lafayette and Washington since I quitted France I have not a fault to reproach myself with a powerful deed since heaven gave me the charge of bodies I have shed my blood for mankind and staunched its flow in others thousands live to bless my labours in America you worked with the innovators and propagate their principles by your writings yes Sire I forgot this claim on the gratitude of monarchs and peoples this silenced the king Sire, you know my life now I have offended and injured nobody queen or beggar why I was imprisoned I will speak to the queen about it do you believe that the warrant to arrest an imprisoned came directly from Her Majesty I do not believe this I rather presume that Her Majesty countersigned it but when a queen approves she commands Countess of Charny read the king on the record sheet is it she who wanted you imprisoned why what have you done to poor Charny before this morning I never heard of any lady of that title Charny mustered the king musing virtue goodness chastity in person you see they have put me in prison in the name of the Christian graces remarked Gilbert laughing oh I will have this cleared up said the king and ringing the bell he bade the servants bring the countess of Charny into his presence end of chapter 16 chapter 17 of taking the Bastille this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org taking the Bastille by Alexandre Dumas chapter 17 the Countess of Charny Gilbert had retired into a window recess while the king paced the bullseye hall called on a count of a round window in the wall thinking now of public matters then of his visitors persistence though nothing but news from Paris ought to have enchained him suddenly the door opened and the lady entered dressed in the extreme of the showy and fantastic fashion of Marie Antoinette and her court she was lovely this Countess Charny with a peerless figure and her hand was aristocratic to the utmost with which she played with a small cane she Andrea Taverni muttered Gilbert involuntarily shrinking behind the curtains my lady I ask your presence for a little information began the monarch seeing nothing of Gilbert's emotion I am ready to satisfy your majesty the voice attracted the doctor who came a little forward a week ago or so a blank letter under the royal seal was delivered to minister Necker went on the king for the arrest Gilbert had his eye on the lady who is pale feverish and fretful as if bent under the weight of a secret this warrant was applied for by your ladyship and counter signed by the queen I say this to refresh your memory why do you not say something Countess it is true your majesty she faltered in a feverish abstraction I wrote for the letter filled up the blanks and the queen backed it will you please tell me what crime the person committed for whom the measure was taken demanded Louis Sire I may not do that but I shall say the crime was great then you should do so to the object continue the king what you refuse the king Louis the 16th you cannot Dr. Gilbert I have to decide to discover the doctor who opened the curtains and appeared as pale as the staggering lady she tossed her head backwards as if going to swoon and only kept her footing by aid of a table she leaned on it in dull despair like one whom a snaker bite was filling with poison my lady let me put the question to you which the king addressed said Gilbert Andreas lips moved but no sound struggled forth what did I do to you lady that your order threw me into a hideous dungeon the voice made her leap as if it tore the very soul in her suddenly lowering her cold gaze on him she replied Sire I do not know you but while she was speaking the mesmerist stared at her with so much fixedness and his glance was charged with invincible boldness that her own lost lustre under his countess you see what this abuse of the royal signature leads to gently reprove the demonic you confess you do not know this gentleman who is a renowned physician a learned man whom you can blame in no way Andrea darted a withering glance at Gilbert who bore it calmly and proudly I am saying that it is wicked to visit on the innocent the faults of another I know you have not a bad heart he hastened to add for he was trembling lest he offended his wife's favorite and as you would not pursue anybody in your hatred unless he merited it but you will understand that such mistakes must not be made in the future doctor he went on turning to the other hero these things are the fault of our period rather than of persons we are born in corruption and we shall die in it but we are going to try to make things better in which work I expect you to join us dear doctor he stopped thinking he had said enough to please both parties if he had spoken thus at a parliamentary session he would have been applauded but his audience of two personal enemies little he did his conciliatory philosophy but recommends Gilbert while not knowing me you knew another Gilbert whose crime weighs upon his namesake it is not my place to question the lady will your majesty deign to inquire of her ladyship what this infamous man did count s you cannot refuse so just a request the queen must know since she authorized the arrest said Andrea evasively but it is not enough that the queen should be convinced said the sovereign it is necessary that the king also should know the queen is what she is but I am the king sire the Gilbert for whom the warrant was intended committed a horrible crime 16 years ago will your majesty please inquire what age this Gilbert is today he may be 32 replied Andrea sire then the crime was done by a boy not a man and does he not deserve some indulgence who has for 16 years deplored his boyish crime you seem to know him as he committed no other crime than this sin of youth demand of the king I am less indulgent to him than others but I can say that he reproaches himself with none other only with having dipped his pen in poison and written odious libels sire please ask my lady if the real cause of the arrest and committal of the Gilbert was not to enable his enemies particularly one enemy to get possession of a certain casket containing papers possibly compromising a great lady of the court Andrea shuddered from head to foot count us what casket is this inquired the king who noticed the plain pallor and agitation of the lady no more shifting and sub diffusers cried Gilbert feeling that he was master of the situation enough falsehoods on both sides I am Gilbert of the crime the libels the casket and you the real great lady of the court I take the king as the judge accept him and we will tell our judge under heaven and the king will decide tell his majesty what you please but I shall say nothing more for I do not know you responded the haughty lady and the casket you do not know about that no more than of you but she shook with the effort to make this denial like a statue rocking at the base beware said the doctor you cannot have forgotten that I am the pupil of Balsamo Caliostro the magician who is transmitted to me the power he had over you once only will you answer the question my casket then lifting his hand full of threatening he thundered nature of steel heart of adamant bend melt shatter under the irresistible pressure of my will you shall speak Andrea and none king or any powers less than heavens shall subtract you from my sway you shall unfold your mind to the August witness and he shall read what you hid in the black recesses of your soul sire you shall know all through her who refuses to speak sleep Andrea Taverni countess of Shalini sleep and speak for I will it hardly were the words uttered before the woman stop short in beginning a scream held out her arms for support as if struck by blindness finding none she fell into the king's arms and he placed her in a chair ha! exclaimed he trembling like herself I have heard about hypnotism but never saw an exhibition is not this magnetic sleep to which you oblige her to succumb doctor yes my lord take her hand and ask her why she had me arrested astounded by the scene Louis receded but interested he did as directed as Andrea resisted the magnetizer touched the crown of her head with his palm saying speak I will it she sighed and her arms fell her head sank back and she wept oh I hate you she hissed hate away but speak so countess said the king you wanted to arrest an imprisoned doctor yes and the casket how could I leave that in his hands much of the lady in a hollow voice tell me about that said the king for getting etiquette and kneeling beside the countess I learned that Gilbert who had in 16 years been twice back in France proposed another voyage to settle here chief of police Crosneau informed me that he had on a previous return bought an estate at Vieille Côte-Raye that his farmer enjoyed his trust and I suspected that the casket with his papers was at his house how could you suspect that I I went to mesmer's and had myself put into a trance when my own medium I wrote down the revelations I wanted wonderful exclaimed the sovereign I went to chief Crosneau and he lent me his best man one wolf step who brought me the casket where is it? cried Gilbert no lying where is my casket in my rooms at Versailles said Andréa trembling nervously and bursting into tears wolf step is waiting for me here by appointment since 11 12 was striking where is he? standing in the waiting room the casket is on the table before him oh haste count Charney who was not to return before tomorrow will be back tonight on account of the events he is at Sevre now get wolf step away for fear my lord will see him your majesty hears this casket belongs to me will the king please order it to be returned to me instantly placing a screen before the countess Louis called the officer on duty and gave him orders what to do this curiosity of a monarch whose throne was being undermined to a purely physical problem would make those smile who expected him to be engrossed with politics but he concentrated himself on this private speculation and returned to see the mesmeriser and the medium in the mesmeric slumber Andréa's wondrous beauty was displayed in its entire splendour she who had in her youth enthralled Louis the 15th now enchanted his successor Gilbert turned his head away sighing he could not resist the prompting to give his adored this degree of supernal beauty and now more unhappy than Pygmalion for he knew how insensible was the lovely statue he was frightened by his own work Gilbert knew how to own his ignorance like all superior men he knew what he could do but not wherefore where did you study the art under mesmer asked the king I saw the most astonishing phenomena before that German came into France my master was a more amazing man superior to any you can name for I have seen him execute surgical operations of incredible daring no science was unknown to him but I ought not to utter his name before your majesty I should like to hear it though it was Satan's itself my lord you honour me almost with a friend's confidence in speaking thus my master was Baron Balsamo afterwards Count Calliostro that charlatan exclaimed Louis blushing for he could not help remembering the plot of the diamonds necklace in which Calliostro had figured as a friend of the cardinal Rohan and consequently enemy of Mary Antoinette the king believed his wife but the world thought that she had participated in the fraud on the court jewelers we have related the story according to our lights in the volume of this series entitled the Queen's Necklace charlatan repeated Gilbert normally you are right the name comes from the Italian word meaning to Pata to talk freely and no one was more ready than Calliostro to talk instructively where the seed would fall on a fruitful ground this Calliostro whom you praise was a great enemy of kings observed Louis rather say of queens retorted Gilbert in the trial of Prince Rohan his conduct was equivocal Sire then as ever he fulfilled his mission to mankind he may have acted mistakenly then but I studied under the physician and philosopher not under the politician well well said the king suffering under the wound to his person and his pride we are forgetting the countess who is in pain I will awaken her presently for here is the casket coming in fact the messenger was arriving with the small box which he handed to the king he nodded his satisfaction and the officer went out Sire it is my casket but I would remark that it contains papers damning to the countess and carried away unopened Sire said the monarch coldly do not awaken the lady here I detest shrieks groans noise she will awaken wherever you suggest her removal in the queen's apartments will be best how long will it take 10 minutes awaken in 15 minutes ordered the mesmerizer to the lady two guardsmen entered and carried out the countess seated on the chair my lady fainted here said the king to the officer bear her to the queen what can I do for you doctor gilbert he asked when they were alone I wish to be honorary house physician to your majesty it is a position which will do nobody unbridge and is more of trust than a monument and lustre granted goodbye doctor gilbert remind me affectionately to Nacca bring me supper he added for nothing could make the king forget a meal end of chapter 17 chapter 18 of taking the best deal 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 Rita Boutros taking the best deal by Alexander Dumas chapter 18 the queen at bay while the king was learning to fight revolution like a philosopher and recreate himself with a spiritualistic seance the queen was rallying the combative around her in her rooms she sat at a table with priests courtiers generals and her ladies surrounding her at the doorways young officers full of ardor and courage rejoiced in the riots which gave them a chance to show their military gifts as an attorney under view of their queens of beauty the queen was no longer the sweet girl whom we saw in our work entitled Belsamo the magician or the fair princess who went to Mesmer's baths with Princess Lambelle but the haughty and imperious queen who was neither Marie Antoinette nor queen of France but the Austrian eagles she looked up as Prince Lambesque arrived dusty splashed his boots torn and his saber bent so as not to be sheathed properly well my lord she said you come from Peli what are the people doing killing and burning from madness or malice from ferocity nay prince she replied after meditating the people are not ferocious hide nothing from me is it delirium or hate I believe it is hate at the point of delirium against me what does it matter said Drew Bress stepping forward the people may hate anyone saving your majesty the queen did not notice the flattery the people replied Lambesque acting in hatred of all above them good that is the truth at last exclaimed the royal lady resolutely I feel that is so I am speaking as a soldier continued the cavalry speak so what is to be done nothing what cried she emboldened by the protest from among the gold laced coat and gold hilted sword wearers nothing do you Eloran Prince tell this to the queen of France when the people are killing and burning a fresh murmur this time a probative hailed her speech she turned embraced all the gathering with flaring eyes and tried to distinguish whose flamed the most brightly thinking they would be the most loyal do nothing repeated the prince cooled down if not irritated they are war like only when teased why give them the honors of a war and the risks of a battle keep tranquil and in three days Pali will not talk about the matter but the Bastille shut the doors and trap all those who are inside some laughs sounded among the groups take care Prince said the lady you are going to the other extreme and too much encouraging me with a thoughtful maine she went over to wear her favorite the Countess of Paulignac was in a brown study on a lounge the news had frightened the lady she smiled only when the queen stood before her and that was a faint and sickly smile like a wilted lily what do you say to this Countess nothing and she shook her head with unspeakable discouragement heaven help us our dashing Diana is afraid said the queen bending over her we want our intrepid Countess Charnay here it seems to me that we need her to cheer us up the Countess was going out when the king sent for her explained and attendant then only did Marie Antoinette perceive the isolation and stillness around her the recent strange and unheard of events had hit Versailles hard making the hardest hearts tender more by astonishment than fear the sovereign understood that she must lift up these disheartened spirits as nobody suggests any advice I shall act on my own impulse she said the people are not wicked but lead astray they hate us because they do not know us let us go up to them to punish interposed a voice for they know we are their masters and to doubt us is a crime oh Baron she said recognizing Besenval do you come to give us good advice I have given it the king will punish but as a kind father does he loveth well who chased in it soundly replied the noble are you of this thinking prince she asked of Lambesque the populace have committed assassinations which they call retaliation observed a sweet fresh voice which made the queen turn yes but that is where their error lies my dear Lambal so we shall be indulgent but resume the princess with her bland voice and her talks of punishment one ought to be sure of winning the victory me thinks a general outcry rose against this piece of good sense from the noble lips not vanquished with the Swiss troops and the Germans and the lifeguards do you doubt the army and the nobility exclaimed a young man in Bershenny Hussian uniform have we deserved such a slur the king can put in battle array 40,000 men throw them into Pali by the force sides and destroy the town 40,000 proven soldiers are worth half a million of Pali's and rioters the young lieutenant emboldened to be the mouthpiece of his brother officers stopped short on seeing how far his enthusiasm had carried him but the queen had caught enough of the scope of his outburst do you know the state of affairs sir she inquired I was in the riots yesterday was his confused reply then do not fear to speak let us have details the lieutenant stepped out though he colored up my lords of Bezinval and Lamesk know them better than I he said continue young sir it pleases me to hear them from you under whose orders are these 40,000 men the superiors are the two gentlemen I named under whom rule Prince Khande Narbonne Fritzlar and Selkeneim the park of artillery on Monmartre could lay that district in ashes in six hours at its signal to fire Vincen would answer from four quarters as many corps of 10,000 troops and Peri would not hold out 24 hours this is plain speaking at least and a clear plan what do you say to this Prince Lamesk that the young gentleman is a perfect general at least he is a soldier who does not despair said the queen seeing the lieutenant turn pale with anger thank your majesty replied the latter your majesty will decide but I beg her to count me with the other 40,000 men including the captains as ready to die for her with these words he courteously saluted the general who had almost insulted him this courtesy struck the queen more than the pledge of devotedness your name sir said she Viscount Charney he responded Charney repeated Marie Antoinette blushing in spite of herself any relation to Count Charney I am his brother lady bowing more lowly than before I might have known that you are one of my most faithful servitors said she recovering from her tremor and looking round with confidence by the first words you spoke I thank you Viscount how comes this to be the first time I have the pleasure of seeing you at court my eldest brother head of the family ordered me to stay with the army and I have only been in Versailles twice during seven years on the regimental roll call she let a long look dwell on his face you resemble your brother she remarked I shall scold him for having waited for you to present yourself at court electrified by this greeting to their young spokesman the officers exaggerated their devotion to the royal cause and from each knot burst expressions of heroism able to conquer the whole of France these cries flattered Marie Antoinette's secret aspirations and she meant to profit by them she saw herself in perspective the leader of an immense army and rejoiced over the victory against the civilians who dared to rebel around her, ladies and gentlemen wild with youth love and confidence cheered their brilliant hussars heavy dragoons terrible switzers and thunderous canoneers and laughed at the homemade spikes fastened on closed poles without dreaming that on these coarse spears were to be carried the noblest heads of the realm I am more afraid of a pike than a musket murmured Princess Lambelle because it is uglier my dear Thérèse said the queen but you need not be alarmed our Pelisian pikemen are not worth the famous spearmen of Moat and the good Swiss of this day carry guns much superior to the spears of their forefathers thank God they can fire true with them I answer for that said Besenval Lady Polignac's disheartenment had no effect beyond saddening her royal mistress the enthusiasm increased among the rest of the gathering but was damped when the king coming in abruptly called for his supper the simple word chilled the assemblage she hoped that he did it to show how cool he was but in fact St. Louis was hungry that was all the king was served on a small table in the queen's sitting-room while she was trying to revive the fire he devoured the officers did not think this gastronomical exercise worthy of a hero and looked on as little respectful as they dared to be the queen blushed and her fretfulness was displayed in all her movements Nervy and aristocratic nature could not understand the rule of matter over mind she went up to him asking what orders he had to give oh, orders he said with his mouth full will you not be our agiria in the pinch my lord, Numa was a peaceful king but at present we think a belligerent one is wanted and if your majesty wants to model himself on an antique pattern be Romulus if not Tarquin are these gentlemen all bellicose too he asked with a tranquility almost beatific but his eyes were bloodshot with the animation of the meal and they thought it was courage yes sire war they quarreled gentlemen you please me greatly by showing that I may rely upon you in case of need the council and an appetite the former advises me what to do the other what I have done to do and he chuckled while he handed the officer of the king's mouth the picked bones and chewed rejecta of his repast on the gold fringed napkin a murmur of collar and stupor ran through the ranks of the nobles who were eager to shed their blood for the monarch the queen turned aside and stamped her foot Prince Lambesque came up to her saying your majesty sees that the king thinks like me that to wait is the best course it is prudence and though not my strong card the best to keep in hand for the final rubber in the game we play yes my lord it is a highly necessary virtue replied she she was she was roused from her torpor by the sweet voice of Countess Jules who came up with her sister in law Diana to propose that as she and her party were hated by the people as the favorites of the queen they should be allowed to go out of the kingdom at first the queen would not hear of the sacrifice but she saw that fear was at the bottom of it and that the kings and Adelaide requested it you are right she answered you run dangerous from the rage of a people who are uncurved I cannot accept the devotion which prompts you to stay I wish I order you to depart she was choking with emotions mastering her in spite of her heroism when the king's voice suddenly sounded in her ear he was at the dessert the queen is in your rooms to see you I am told Sire she answered abjuring all thoughts but of royal dignity you have orders to give here are lord's lambesque besenval and the marshal duke Broglie what orders for your generals what do you think of this matter duke he inquired hesitatingly of old Broglie Sire if you retire your troops the Perlesians will say they daunted them if you let them stand they will have to defeat them lambesque shook his head but besenval and the queen applauded command the forward march went on the duke very well since you all wish it let it be march said the king but at this moment a note was passed to the queen who read do not be in a hurry to the audience it was Count Charney's writing is my lord Charney waiting she asked of the messenger yes dusty and I believe bloody with hard writing pleased to await me a moment said the queen to Broglie and the others as she hurried into her private apartments end of chapter 18 chapter 19 of taking the bus steal 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 Rita Boutros taking the bus steal by Alexandra Dumas chapter 19 the queen's favorite on entering her Boudoir the queen beheld the writer of the missive Count George Oliver Charney was a tall man of 35 with a strong countenance warning one of his determination his bluish gray eyes quick and piercing as the eagles his straight nose and his marked chin all gave his physiognomy a martial expression enhanced by the dashing elegance with which he wore his uniform of lieutenant in the royal lifeguards his hands were still quivering under the torn lace ruffles his sword had been so bent as to fit the sheath badly he was pacing the room a prey to a thousand disquieting thoughts my lord Charney going straight up to him you here seeing that he bound respectfully according to the regulations however she dismissed the servant who shut the door hardly giving it the time to close the lady grasped the nobleman's hand with force and said why have you come here Count because I believe it my duty no your duty was to flee from Versailles to do as agreed to obey me to act like all my friends who are afraid of my ill fortune your duty is to sacrifice something for me to keep away from me who keeps away from you the wise whence come you from Pali boiling with excitement intoxicated and bathed in blood the queen covered her face with her hands alas not one, not even you brings me good news from that quarter in such a time ask but one thing of the messengers you have an upright soul my friend a brave heart do not tell me the truth at present for mercy's sake you arrive when my heart is breaking for the first time my friends overwhelm me with this truthfulness always used by you it is impossible for me to trifle with it any longer it flashes out in everything in the red sky the air filled with ominous sounds the courtiers faces now pale and serious no count for the first time in your life do not tell me the truth your majesty is ailing no but come and sit beside me George your brow is burning a volcano is raging there your hand is cold for she was pressing it between hers my heart has been touched by the chill of death he replied poor George I told you we had best forget let me no longer be the queen hated and threatened but just the woman what is the realm the universe to me whom one loving heart suffices the count went down on one knee and kissed the hem of her dress with the reverence of the ancients for a goddess no count my only friend do you know what Countess Diana is doing leaving the country returned he guesses rightly muttered the queen how could he tell that oh goodness anything can be surmised at this hour but if flight is so natural why do not you and your family take it I do not do so in the first place because I love myself not only to your majesty but to myself not to leave you during the storm my brothers stay as they regulate their movements by mine and my wife remains because she loves your majesty most sincerely I believe yes Andrea has a most noble heart said the lady with visible coldness that is why it follows that I shall always have you near me went on the queen in the same glacial tone awarded to prevent the hearer telling whether she felt disdain or jealousy a witness could have divine this secret however from their manner in this privacy meeting romantically without either knowing the other's quality Marie Antoinette and George Charney had fallen in love with each other the royal dame had let the passion swell to the highest point when the king had surprised the pair in dangerous intimacy there was only one way to save her reputation she blurted out the first name of a lady that occurred to her and protested that the count was at her knees suing for this lady to be his wife with the royal approval the queen had named Andrea Taverni her companion and the king his suspicions dismissed consented that she should be withdrawn from the convent where she had taken refuge to fulfill the pretendedly wish of Charney was it religion that impaled her or love on her own side for Charney it was love for she eagerly accepted the proffered hand and the wedding took place all the more as she had had the misfortune to learn that she was as the cover for the royal amor but at the church door they separated and had dwelt apart ever sent had she been truly a wife the experiment of Dr. Gilbert might have failed for mesmerism succeeds best with the single your majesty resumed account made me lifeguard's lieutenant at Versailles and I should not have quitted my post only you ordered me to guard the twillery's palace you called it a necessary exile your majesty knows that the countess neither approved nor disapproved as she was not consulted true observed the other still cold I now believe my places here proceeded the officer with intrepidity I have broken my orders and come hoping it will not displease you whether lady Arnie fears the course of events and goes away or not I remain by the queen unless you break my sword then being unable to die in your presence I can be killed at your door or on the pavement without he spoke so royally and plainly these simple words straight from the heart that the sovereign fell from her high pride behind which she had hidden a feeling that she was a nobleman than royal count never utter that word never say you will die for me as I feel that you will do so I must say so for the time comes when those who love monarchs must die for them I fear so what gives you this fatal presentiment my lord alas return the nobleman at the time of the American war with the fever of independence thrilling society I also wish to take a hand in the liberation of the slaves of Great Britain as was said in those days and I became a free mason and invisible like the Lafayettes and LaMetz under the redoubtable Balsamo the king destroyer do you know the aim of that secret society the wrecking of thrones and the devil down the lilies expressed in Latin as lilya pedibos destru in three letters for the initiated LPD I retired with honor when I learned this but for one who shrank 20 took the oath what happens today is merely the first act of a grand tragedy which has been rehearsed during 20 years in the darkness I have recognized the bounden brothers at the head of the men who govern at the city hall occupy the Palais Royale and took the Bastille do not cheat yourself these accomplished deeds are no accidents but revolution planned long beforehand do you believe this dear friend sobbed Marie Antoinette do not weep but understand said the count understand that I the queen born mistress of thousands of men subjects created to obey must look on at them revolting and killing my friends no never will I understand this you must madam for you have become the enemy of these subjects as soon as obedience weighed upon them and while they are lacking the strength to devour you they are testing their teeth on your friends whom they trust as much as you more than you perhaps you think they are right master philosopher sneered the Austrian alas yes they are right replied the lifeguards lieutenant in his bland affectionate voice for when I idly rode along the street with handsome English horses in a gold laced suit and my servants wearing more gold braid than would have kept three families twenty five thousand wretches without daily bread asked me to my teeth what use was I who set up as a man above his fellow men you serve them my lord said the queen grasping the count's sword hilt with this blade which your fathers used as heroes on many a celebrated battlefield the French nobility shielded the masses in war times they won their gold do not you ask what use you are george while you a brave man swing the sword of your fathers do not speak of the nobles blood return the count the commoners have blood to shed also go and see the streams of it on Bastille square go and count their dead in the gutters and know that those hearts now cease to beat throbbed as nobly as a knight your cannon thundered against them they sang in the showers of grapeshot while handling unfamiliar weapons and the oldest grenadiers would not make a charge with that lightness lady and queen do not look at me with that angry eye I beseech you what matters to the heart whether it is clad in steel or rags the time has come to think of this you have no longer millions of slaves no longer subjects or mere men in France but soldiers who will fight against me yes for they fight for liberty and you stand between them and that goddess a long silence succeeded the words and the woman was first to break it you have spoken the truth which I begged you to keep back she said because it is before you veiled seen distorted but there you may sleep to forget it but it sits on your bedside and it will be the phantom in your dreams as it is the reality of your waking moments I know one sleep it will not trouble said she proudly I do not fear that kind more than your majesty I may desire it as much said the count oh you think it our only refuge yes but we must not hurry towards it we shall earn it by our exertions during the day of storm they were sitting beside each other but a gulf divided them their thoughts so diverged a last word count said Marie Antoinette swear to me that you came back solely on my account that lady sharny did not write to you I know that she was going out to meet you swear that you have not come back for her sake at this was heard a slight tapping at the door it was the servant to announce that the king had finished supper sharny frowned with wonder tell his majesty said the queen without sitting apart from her favorite that I have news from the capital and will impart to him continue she added to sharny the king having subbed must be given time to digest this interruption had not weakened the woman's jealousy as a loving one or as a queen your majesty asks if I came back on account of my wife he asked as soon as the door was closed do you forget that I am a man of my word and the engagement I made it is the oath that goads me for in immolating myself to my happiness you give grief to a fair and noble woman a crime the more you exaggerate be it enough that I keep my word call it not a crime what was born of chance and necessity we have both deplored this union which shielded the queen's good fame I have been obliged to submit to it these four years yes but do you believe that I do not see your sorrow and chagrin translated under the form of deepest respect reproach the queen for mercy's sake do me justice for what you see me do for if I have not yet suffered and made others suffer enough I might double the burden without rising to the level of the gratitude I owe you eternally his speech had irresistible power like all emanating from a sincere and impassioned heart yes yes I know all I am wrong forgive me but if you worship some secret idol to whom you offer a mystic incense if you cherish one adored woman I dare not utter the words they frighten me lest the syllables should scatter through the air and vibrate on my ear oh if one exists keep her hidden from all and do not forget that you have a fair and youthful wife who should be publicly serviced with cares and aciduity she should lean on your arm and on your heart sharney frowned so that the pure lines of his visit were altered for a space what are you seeking that I should depart from the countess of sharney you are silent that is your meaning I am ready to obey you but reflect that she is alone in the world Andrea is an orphan her father the baron having died last year like a good old nobleman of the former time who did not wish to see the present her brother the knight of red castle only appears once a year at court to bow to your majesty kiss his sister and go away without anybody knowing with her reflect madam that this lady of sharney might be called unto god as a maiden without the purest of the angels surprising in her mind any womanly memory yes I know your Andrea is an angel on earth and deserves to be loved that is why I think the future will be hers when it flees from me no no but I am not speaking like a queen I forget myself but there is a voice in my heart singing of love and happiness while without roars war misery and death it is the voice of my youth which I have outlived forgive one sharney who is no longer young and will smile and love no more the unhappy woman pressed her long thin fingers to her burning eyes and tears regal diamonds more becoming than the finest in the diamond necklace trickled between them oh order me to quit you but do not let me see you weep I completed the count again falling on one knee the dream is over said Marie Antoinette rising with a witching movement she tossed back her thick powdered tresses unrolling down her white and swan like neck I shall afflict you no more let us drop such folly is it odd that a woman should be so weak when a queen stands in such need of comfort let us talk of serious matters such as you bear from Paris from Paris madame where I witnessed the ruin of royalty this is serious with a vengeance you call a successful revolt the ruin of royalty because the best deal is taken Lord sharney do you say royalty is abolished you do not reflect that the best deal has been built but in the 14th century while royalty struck in its roots 6,000 years ago all over the globe I would I could deceive said the lieutenant sadly and proclaim consoling news instead of saddening your majesty unfortunately the instrument gives forth no other sounds than it was shaped to send stay I will set you to a cheerier tune though I am but a woman you say the pelicans have revolted in what proportion 12 out of 15 the calculation is easy the populace stand in that proportion to the classes the other two fifteenths being the nobility and the clergy but six of the rate are women and women and children are not the least of your foes you are proud and courageous yourself do not omit the women and the children one day you may reckon them as demons what do you mean count do you not know the part the women and children play in civil commotions I will tell you and you will own that a woman is equal to soldiers are you mad my lord had you seen your sex at the taking of the best steel he said with a mournful smile hounding the men on to arm themselves while under the fire you missed your swiss soldiers comparison for war yelling maledictions over the slain in a voice which made the living bound unto death had you seen them boiling pitch rolling cannon giving the fighting men cartridges and the more timid a kiss with the cartridges do you know that as many women as men dashed across the best steel draw bridges and that if its stones are coming down the picks are wielded by female hands oh my lady you must include the women and the children who cast the bullets sharpen the swords and hurl paving stones from the roofs the bullet cast by a boy will kill your best general from afar the sword he sharpened will hamstring your finest war horse the blind pebble from this David sling will put out the eye of your Dragoon Samson and your lifeguards Goliath count the old men too for they who have no strength to swing the saber serve as buckler for the active fighters at the taking of the best steel old men were on hand they stood so that the younger ones could rest their guns on their shoulder so that the balls of your switzers might be buried in the useless old body the rampart of the able men include them among your foes for they have been relating in the chimney corner for ever so many years what affronts their mothers endured the poverty of the estates over which the nobles hunted the shame of their cast humbled under feudal privileges when the sons took up the gun they found it loaded with the curses of the aged as well as with powder and shot in Pali now women and children as well as the men are cheering for liberty and independence count them all as 800,000 warriors 300 Spartans vanquished Xerxes army retorted the queen yes but the Spartans are nearly a million and it is your army that is Xerxes oh i would rather be hurled from the throne as she rose with clenched fists and face flaming with shame and ire i would rather your Pali's yens hewed me to pieces than hear from a Charney one of my supporters such speech as this Charney would not so address your majesty unless every drop of blood in his veins were worthy of his sires and given to you then let us march upon Paris and let us die together shamefully without any battle said the noble we shall not fight but disappear entirely like Philistines march on Paris when as soon as we enter within her walls all the houses will tumble down upon us like the red sea waves overwhelming pharaoh and you will leave a cursed name and your children will be hunted down like wolf cubs how must i fall pray tell me count demanded the sovereign hodlily teach me as a victim was the answer like a Christian queen smiling and forgiving those who strike you if i had 500,000 like myself i might say let us have at them this night and tomorrow you would sleep in the twilleries the throne conquered woe is me you despair on whom was set your final hope i despair because all france thinks like paris and your army if victorious in the capital will be engulfed by the other towns have courage enough my lady to sheath the sword is this why i have gathered brave men around me why i have breathed courage into them wailed the queen if you are not of my opinion madame order speak so much devotion was in this offer that the hearer was appalled she threw herself disconsolate on a sofa where she struggled for a long time with her pride count she said at length i shall remain inactive as you desire i am not cross though i have one thing to scold you for i only learn by chance that you have a brother in the military service valence is in bershenny's hussars yes madame why have you never spoken of the young man he deserves a higher grade in the regiment he is young and inexperienced he is not fit to command if your majesty deigned to lower your view upon me that is no reason for me to elevate my family at the expense of brave gentlemen worthier than brothers of mine you have other brothers is a door is another two ready to die for your majesty does he need nothing nothing we are lucky enough to place not merely life but wealth at your majesty's feet as he spoke the queen thrilled with this delicate probity a moan from the next room aroused them rising the queen ran to the door and screamed loudly she saw a woman writhing on the carpet in dreadful spasms it is the countess your wife she faltered can she have overheard us no said he otherwise she would have let us know that she could hear us he sprang towards andria and caught her up in his arms two paces off the queen stood pale and cold with anxiety end of chapter 19 chapter 20 of Taking the Best Steel 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 Rita Boutros Taking the Best Steel by Alexander Dumas chapter 20 The Trio of Love without knowing who was helping her Andrea began to recover consciousness but instinctively she knew help had come at length with open but ghostly eyes she stared at charney without yet recognizing him she pushed him away with a scream then the queen averted her eyes although she ought to have played the woman's part of comforter she cast off her sister instead of supporting her pardon her my lady said charney again taking his wife in his strong arms but something out of the way causes this my lady is not subject to fainting fits and this is I believe the first time she has had one in your presence she must have felt much pain return the queen going back to her first impression had overheard them no doubt said the count and you might let me have her carried to her own rooms the queen rang a bell but at the first tinkle Andrea stiffened in a convulsion and screamed in delirium oh our Gilbert the queen shuddered to hear the name and the astonished count placed his wife on a sofa the servant who ran at the call was dismissed queen and nobleman looked at each other as the sufferer seemed with closed eyes to have another fit charney kneeling by her had hard work to keep her on the lounge I think I know this name said Marie Antoinette from it's not being the first time the countess has used it but as though the recollection was a menace Andrea opened her eyes and made an effort by which she stood up her first intelligent glance fondly upon charney who was now upright as if this involuntary manifestation of her mind was unworthy her spartan soul she turned her gaze only to meet the queens she bowed at once good heavens what is the matter inquired the count you alarm me for you are usually so brave and strong to be prey to such a swoon such dreadful things have happened at Pali where you were if men are trembling at them women may be excused for fainting I am so glad you came away from the city is it on my account that you felt so ill queried the noble why certainly count said Marie Antoinette as the lady made no sound why do you doubt it the countess is not a queen she has a right to be afraid for those she loves oh madame rejoined charney in the slur I am sure that the countess feels more fear for her sovereign than for herself still why do we find you in the swoon in the next room inquired the royal lady I cannot tell for I am ignorant but in this life of fatigue and terror led these three days a woman's fainting is natural enough me seems true said the queen knowing that Andrea could not be driven for that matter your majesty has weeping eyes retorted the countess with that recovered calmness which was the more embarrassing as it was pure effort of her will and was felt to be a screen over her real feelings charney thought he perceived the same ironical tone that had marked the queen speaking a while ago it is not astonishing reproved he with slight sternness to which his voice was accustomed that a queen should weep who loves her people and knows that their blood had flowed happily god have spared yours said Andrea as coldly and impenetrably as ever but her majesty is not in question we are talking about you you have been frightened I frightened you cannot deny you were in pain had some mishap befallen you is there anybody you want to complain of this gilbert whom you mentioned for example did I utter that name said Andrea with such a tone of dread that the count was more startled by the outcry than by the swoon strange for I did not know it till the king mentioned it as that of a learned physician freshly arrived from America I believe and who was friendly there with general Lafayette they say he is a very honorable man concluded Andrea with perfect simplicity then why this emotion my dear said the queen you spoke this gilbert's name as though it were rung from you by torture very likely when I went into the royal study I beheld a stern man clad in the grim black who was narrating the most somber and hard things with frightful realism the murders of Flacel and Launay I was frightened and dropped insensible I may have spoken in my spell and the name of gilbert would be uttered it is likely said sharny evidently disposed to let the discussion drop at least you are recovered now completely I have only one thing to entreat said the queen to her life guardsmen go and tell the generals to camp where their troops are stationed and the king will issue orders tomorrow the count bowed but darted an affectionately anxious look on Andrea which the queen remarked will you not return to the king with me inquired she of the countess oh no replied the latter eagerly I beg leave to retire oh the king has been pleasant but you would rather not see him again I understand you may go and let the count carry out the instructions she glanced at the lord as much as to say return soon and his look replied as soon as possible Andrea with a heaving and oppressed bosom watched her husband's movements but as soon as he had disappeared her forces failed her and the queen had to run to her with the smelling salts as she sank on a stool apologizing for the breach of etiquette in sitting in a royal presence the feeling between the pair was strange the queen seemed to have affection for her attendant and the latter respect for her mistress but they were like enemies at times you know dear countess that etiquette is not made for you but you have nothing to say to me about this doctor guild bear whose sight made so profound an impression on you the woman had reflected in an instant whatever the relation between the queen who was suspected of having paramours and the king perhaps not so gullible as he looked Marie Antoinette might draw from her royal consort the particulars of the mesmeric trance in which guild bear had thrown the lady of sharny better her relation than the kings with the energy of lunacy she ran from one door to another fastened them all and when assured that nobody could hear or see she flung herself on her knees before her mistress save me in heaven's name save me she wailed and I will tell you everything end of chapter 20