Страница 459 из 1118

"But, worthy young man," said the notary, "it is the only way to

come off well in these affairs. It is troublesome, I confess, but

it will soon be over; and since I see you so well disposed, I

feel an inclination to serve you, and will give you another piece

of advice for your good, which is, to pass on quietly, looking

neither to right nor left, so as to attract notice. If you do

this, no one will pay any attention to you, and you will preserve

your honour. In one hour you will be at liberty. There are so

many other things to be done, that your business will soon be

despatched; and then I will tell them--. You shall have your

liberty, and no one will know you have been in the hands of the

law. And you," pursued he, addressing his followers in a tone of

severity, "do him no harm, because I take him under my

protection. You must do your duty, I know; but remember that this

is a worthy and honest youth, who in a little while will be at

liberty, and who has a regard for his honour.