After
this military execution, the general ordered as many gibbets planted
on the terrace as there were members of the family of Leganes, and he
sent for the executioner of the town.
Victor Marchand took advantage of the hour before dinner, to go and
see the prisoners. Before long he returned to the general.
"I have come," he said in a voice full of feeling, "to ask for mercy."
"You!" said the general, in a tone of bitter irony.
"Alas!" replied Victor, "it is only a sad mercy. The marquis, who has
seen those gibbets set up, hopes that you will change that mode of
execution. He asks you to behead his family, as befits nobility."
"So be it," replied the general.
"They also ask for religious assistance, and to be released from their
bonds; they promise in return to make no attempt to escape."
"I consent," said the general; "but I make you responsible for them."
"The marquis offers you his whole fortune, if you will consent to
pardon one of his sons."
"Really!" exclaimed the general. "His property belongs already to King
Joseph.
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