He was deeply
offended at Montanelli's treatment of him, and
showed it by unusual ceremoniousness.
"At what time does Your Eminence wish to
visit the prisoner?" he asked.
"I will go to him at once."
"As Your Eminence pleases. If you will kindly wait a
few moments, I will send someone to prepare him."
The Governor had come down from his official
pedestal in a great hurry. He did not want Montanelli
to see the straps.
"Thank you; I would rather see him as he is,
without preparation. I will go straight up to the
fortress. Good-evening, colonel; you may expect
my answer to-morrow morning."
CHAPTER VI.
HEARING the cell-door unlocked, the Gadfly
turned away his eyes with languid indifference.
He supposed that it was only the Governor, coming
to worry him with another interrogation.
Several soldiers mounted the narrow stair, their
carbines clanking against the wall; then a deferential
voice said: "It is rather steep here, Your Eminence."
He started convulsively, and then shrank down,
catching his breath under the stinging pressure of
the straps.
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