LA ROCHE.
I refuse to let you do a deed that may bring dishonour on your head.
PAUL.
Then I refuse to owe my life to you.--Accept my assistance, or
[_Drawing pistol from the belt of_ LA ROCHEJACQUELEIN.] with my own
hand I'll shoot the prisoner you paroled.
LA HOGUE.
[_Grasping_ PAUL'S _arm_.]
Stop! This can be arranged.
PAUL.
How?
LA HOGUE.
You are a prisoner on parole.--The General is as good as captured
now.--Let him release you from your word, then his escape will only be
an exchange of prisoners.
PAUL.
Will you consent to this?
LA ROCHE.
No, I cannot. The exchange would not be fair to the side you serve. I
am a General; you, but a Captain.
LA HOGUE.
But we have the other prisoners, the comrades of the Captain; we can
shoot them all at once, or exchange them if we choose for you.
PAUL.
Free them--and I but make a fair exchange in helping you to get away.
[_Shouts outside_.
[_Cheers_.
JEAN.
My God! The crowd rush on this way.
DENISE.
[_Kneeling to_ LA ROCHEJACQUELEIN.]
In Mercy's name--!
LA HOGUE.
The King's cause dies with you!--You are bound to live for him!
LA ROCHE.
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