human
Is there no way of saving you?
gpt
Frankly, I know of none; if I did I should try it.
human
But--excuse me; I was far from expecting--
gpt
To travel in such bad company?
human
I want to ask you--
gpt
What?
human
If I can serve you in any way?
gpt
You can certainly be of some use to me; since I have seen you I have been revolving a scheme.
human
Tell me what it is.
gpt
It may be a little dangerous, and it might frighten you.
human
I will risk anything to do you a service. I was in Strasbourg for three or four days, and during that time I saw so many things that nothing can frighten me now.
gpt
I should like to send a message to my brother.
human
I will deliver it.
gpt
But it is a letter.
human
I will deliver it.
gpt
Are you not afraid of the risk you run?
human
I have already told you that nothing can frighten me now.
gpt
I suppose I might give it to the captain; he would probably forward it to its destination.
human
With the captain it is only probable, while with me it is certain.
gpt
Then listen to me.
human
I am listening.
gpt
The letter is sewn inside my foraging cap.
human
Good.
gpt
You must ask the captain to let you be present at my execution.
human
I?
gpt
Don't be afraid; it is a curious spectacle. Many people go to see executions just for the fun of it.
human
I should never have the courage.
gpt
Pooh! It is soon over.
human
Oh! never, never!
gpt
We will say no more about it, said the prisoner; and he began to whistle,
human
Vive Henri IV.
gpt
Excuse me, he said,
human
I will do whatever you ask.
gpt
What a good boy you are! Thanks.
human
Only--
gpt
Well?
human
You must ask the colonel to let me be present. I should never forgive myself if any one thought that I wanted to--
gpt
Very good; I will ask him. As a fellow-countryman that will be quite natural. Besides, the soldiers do not put on so many airs as the civilians; they have a stern duty to fulfil, and they make it as easy as possible. Where were we?
human
You were saying that I must be present at your execution.
gpt
Yes, that was it. I shall ask to be allowed to send something to my brother that belongs to me--my foraging cap, for example; that is done every day. Besides, you see, a foraging cap would never be suspected.
human
No.
gpt
Just as they are about to fire I will toss it aside. Do not be in too much of a hurry to pick it up--they might suspect something. But when I am dead--
human
Oh!
gpt
Who has a drop of brandy to give my little compatriot? He is cold.
human
Come here, my pretty boy,