[With a cry—­quivering, incredulous.]

Paul!—­Alive!

PAUL.

Heaven is merciful at last!

[He takes her in his arms.

POTIN.

By the gods, it is!—­The Citizen Kauvar!

GOUJON.

Then La Rochejacquelein has got away?

CARRAC.

[Rising, to PAUL.]

If you are a soldier of the Republic, how is it we find you in the coat of a brigand?

PAUL.

That’s my affair, not yours.

CARRAC.

What!  You refuse to answer? [Coming close to PAUL.] Do you know who
I am?

PAUL.

[With quiet, increasing intensity, before which CARRAC is utterly cowed.]

Yes,—­Carrac—­an anarchist—­a fiend—­in the name of liberty invoking the tyranny of terror!  An assassin—­shouting fraternity and committing fratricide!  A libertine—­claiming equality with the good, while ravishing the pure!  A monster—­part vulture, part toad—­who, in the holy name of progress, makes our Country and our Cause revolting to the world!

BOURDOTTE.

Ha!  See!  Carrac recoils!  He’s found his match at last!—­

[MOB laugh and jeer.

SCARLOTTE.

[Appearing.]

Room there!—­Room for General Kleber.

MOB.

[Falling back on both sides.]

Kleber!—­Kleber!—­Long live Kleber!

KLEBER.

[Entering with three OFFICERS.]

I am told there is mutiny—­treason here.  Who and where are the accused?

CARRAC.

[Pointing at PAUL.]

There stands the worst of them!

KLEBER.

[Astounded]

Captain Kauvar!—­Of what is he accused?

CARRAC.

Treachery to France!  He has worn the colours of the Royal Cause.

GOUJON.

We arrested him as Rochejacquelein.

CARRAC.

Whom he has aided to escape.

KLEBER.

A terrible charge!  The punishment is instant death.—­Captain Kauvar, what have you to say?