human
And the young man? she asked presently.
gpt
The one who is innocent? What about _him?_
human
He is in prison, he will be tried.
gpt
And then? They have evidence against him, you said so--the footprints, the pistol, perhaps more that this man can manufacture. Paul, he will be found guilty?
human
I--I don't know.
gpt
But you think so?
human
It's possible, mother, but--I've done all I can.
gpt
He will be found guilty, she repeated,
human
That's unfair. I give up the case because your life is more precious to me than the lives of fifty young men.
gpt
My son, do you think your life is less precious to me than mine is to you?
human
Why--why, no,
gpt
It isn't, but we can't shirk our burdens, Paul. She pointed simply to the picture of a keen-eyed soldier over the fireplace, a brave, lovable face.
human
If we are men we do our work; if we are women, we bear what comes. That is how your father felt when he left me to--to--you understand, my boy?
gpt
Yes, mother.
human
I want you to decide in that spirit. If it's right to drop this case, I shall be glad, but I don't want you to drop it because you are afraid--for me, or--for anything.
gpt
But mother----
human
Listen, Paul; I know how you love me, but you mustn't put me first in this matter, you must put your honor first, and the honor of your father's name.
gpt
I've decided the thing --he frowned--
human
he went on eagerly,
gpt
I'm going to take you with me.
human
I couldn't go, Paul; I could never bear that long sea journey, and I should be unhappy away from these dear old mountains. If you go, you must go alone. I don't say you mustn't go, I only ask you to think, _to think_.
gpt
I have thought, he answered impatiently.
human
I've done nothing but think, ever since Ernestine sent that telegram.
gpt
You have thought about me, she chided.
human
Have you thought about the case? Have you thought that, if you give it up, an innocent man will suffer and a guilty man will go unpunished?
gpt
Hah! The guilty man! It's a jolly sure thing _he'll_ go unpunished, whatever I do.
human
I don't believe it, cried the old lady, springing forward excitedly in her invalid's chair,
gpt
I can't fight the whole of France, he retorted sharply.
human
You don't understand this man's power, mother; I might as well try to conquer the devil.
gpt
I don't ask you to do that, she laughed,
human
She paused and then went on more earnestly:
gpt
Paul, I'm so proud of you, and--you _can't_ rest under this wrong that has been done you. I want the Government to make amends for putting you off the force. I want them to publicly recognize your splendid services. And they will, my son, they must, if you will only go ahead now, and--there I'm getting foolish. She brushed away some springing tears.
human
Come, we'll talk of something else.