书城公版The Scarlet Pimpernel
19469200000363

第363章 CHAPTER XXIVTHE DEATH-TRAP(8)

"The roads and the beach are patrolled as usual, citoyen, and Captain Jutley awaits further orders.""Go back to him at once, then. Tell him to send reinforcements to the various patrols; and especially to those along the beach--you understand?"Chauvelin spoke curtly and to the point, and every word he uttered struck at Marguerite's heart like the death-knell of her fondest hopes.

"The men," he continued, "are to keep the sharpest possible look-out for any stranger who may be walking, riding, or driving, along the road or the beach, more especially for a tall stranger, whom I need not describe further, as probably he will be disguised; but he cannot very well conceal his height, except by stooping. You understand?""Perfectly, citoyen," replied Desgas.

"As soon as any of the men have sighted a stranger, two of them are to keep him in view. The man who loses sight of the tall stranger, after he is once seen, will pay for his negligence with his life; but one man is to ride straight back here and report to me. Is that clear?""Absolutely clear, citoyen."