They contented
themselves with saying "It was madness to brave victorious insurgents
like that, and such useless heroism would bring the greatest misfortunes
upon Plassans." Then, at about three o'clock, they organised a
deputation. Pierre, though he was burning with desire to make a display
of his devotion before his fellow-citizens, had not ventured to reckon
upon such a fine opportunity.
He spoke sublimely. It was in the mayor's private room that the
president of the Provisional Commission received the deputation from the
new town. The gentlemen of the deputation, after paying homage to his
patriotism, besought him to forego all resistance. But he, in a loud
voice, talked of duty, of his country, of order, of liberty, and various
other things. Moreover, he did not wish to compel any one to imitate
him; he was simply discharging a duty which his conscience and his heart
dictated to him.
"You see, gentlemen, I am alone," he said in conclusion. "I will take
all the responsibility, so that nobody but myself may be compromised.
And if a victim is required I willingly offer myself; I wish to
sacrifice my own life for the safety of the inhabitants."
A notary, the wiseacre of the party, remarked that he was running to
certain death.
"I know it," he resumed solemnly. "I am prepared!"
The gentlemen looked at each other. Those words "I am prepared!" filled
them with admiration. Decidedly this man was a brave fellow. The notary
implored him to call in the aid of the gendarmes; but he replied that
the blood of those brave soldiers was precious, and he would not have
it shed, except in the last extremity.
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