The Elusive Pimpernel | Page 9

your
government is involved in this renewed attempt to capture the Scarlet
Pimpernel," retorted Chauvelin drily.
"And your head, Citizen Chauvelin," concluded Robespierre.
"Nay! I know that well enough, and you may believe me, and you will,
Citizen, when I say that I care but little about that. The question is, if I
am to lure that man to France what will you and your government do to
help me?"
"Everything," replied Robespierre, "provided you have a definite plan
and a definite purpose.
"I have both. But I must go to England in, at least, a semi-official
capacity. I can do nothing if I am to hide in disguise in out-of-the- way
corners."
"That is easily done. There has been some talk with the British
authorities anent the security and welfare of peaceful French subjects
settled in England. After a good deal of correspondence they have
suggested our sending a semi-official representative over there to look
after the interests of our own people commercially and financially. We
can easily send you over in that capacity if it would suit your purpose."

"Admirably. I have only need of a cloak. That one will do as well as
another."
"Is that all?"
"Not quite. I have several plans in my head, and I must know that I am
fully trusted. Above all, I must have power--decisive, absolute,
illimitable power."
There was nothing of the weakling about this small, sable-clad man,
who looked the redoubtable Jacobin leader straight in the face and
brought a firm fist resolutely down upon the table before him.
Robespierre paused a while ere he replied; he was eying the other man
keenly, trying to read if behind that earnest, frowning brow there did
not lurk some selfish, ulterior motive along with that demand for
absolute power.
But Chauvelin did not flinch beneath that gaze which could make every
cheek in France blanch with unnamed terror, and after that slight
moment of hesitation Robespierre said quietly:
"You shall have the complete power of a military dictator in every town
or borough of France which you may visit. The Revolutionary
Government shall create you, before you start for England, Supreme
Head of all the Sub-Committees of Public Safety. This will mean that
in the name of the safety of the Republic every order given by you, of
whatsoever nature it might be, must be obeyed implicitly under pain of
an arraignment for treason."
Chauvelin sighed a quick, sharp sigh of intense satisfaction, which he
did not even attempt to disguise before Robespierre.
"I shall want agents," he said, "or shall we say spies? and, of course,
money."
"You shall have both. We keep a very efficient secret service in
England and they do a great deal of good over there. There is much
dissatisfaction in their Midland counties--you remember the

Birmingham riots? They were chiefly the work of our own spies. Then
you know Candeille, the actress? She had found her way among some
of those circles in London who have what they call liberal tendencies. I
believe they are called Whigs. Funny name, isn't it? It means perruque,
I think. Candeille has given charity performances in aid of our Paris
poor, in one or two of these Whig clubs, and incidentally she has been
very useful to us."
"A woman is always useful in such cases. I shall seek out the Citizeness
Candeille."
"And if she renders you useful assistance, I think I can offer her what
should prove a tempting prize. Women are so vain!" he added,
contemplating with rapt attention the enamel-like polish on his finger-
nails. "There is a vacancy in the Maison Moliere. Or--what might prove
more attractive still--in connection with the proposed National fete, and
the new religion for the people, we have not yet chosen a Goddess of
Reason. That should appeal to any feminine mind. The impersonation
of a goddess, with processions, pageants, and the rest. ... Great
importance and prominence given to one personality. ... What say you,
Citizen? If you really have need of a woman for the furtherance of your
plans, you have that at your disposal which may enhance her zeal."
"I thank you, Citizen," rejoined Chauvelin calmly. "I always
entertained a hope that some day the Revolutionary Government would
call again on my services. I admit that I failed last year. The
Englishman is resourceful. He has wits and he is very rich. He would
not have succeeded, I think, but for his money --and corruption and
bribery are rife in Paris and on our coasts. He slipped through my
fingers at the very moment when I thought that I held him most
securely. I do admit all that, but I am prepared to redeem my failure of
last year, and ... there is nothing more to discuss.--I am