The-Scarlet-Pimpernel

Percy’s fate might still be hanging in the balance.Desgas left Chauvelin moodily pacing up and down theroom, whilst he himself waited outside for the return of theman whom he had sent in search of Reuben. Thus severalminutes went by. Chauvelin was evidently devoured withimpatience. Apparently he trusted no one: this last trickplayed upon him by the daring Scarlet Pimpernel had madehim suddenly doubtful of success, unless he himself wasthere to watch, direct and superintend the capture of thisimpudent Englishman.About five minutes later, Desgas returned, followed by anelderly Jew, in a dirty, threadbare gaberdine, worn greasyacross the shoulders. His red hair, which he wore after thefashion of the Polish Jews, with the corkscrew curls each sideof his face, was plentifully sprinkled with grey—a generalcoating of grime, about his cheeks and his chin, gave him apeculiarly dirty and loathsome appearance. He had the habitualstoop, those of his race affected in mock humility inpast centuries, before the dawn of equality and freedom inmatters of faith, and he walked behind Desgas with the peculiarshuffling gait which has remained the characteristicof the Jew trader in continental Europe to this day.Chauvelin, who had all the Frenchman’s prejudiceagainst the despised race, motioned to the fellow to keepat a respectful distance. The group of the three men werestanding just underneath the hanging oil-lamp, and Margueritehad a clear view of them all.‘Is this the man?’ asked Chauvelin.‘No, citoyen,’ replied Desgas, ‘Reuben could not be found,276The Scarlet Pimpernel