Segmuller, whose mother-tongue was
German.
The prisoner ceased his mocking manner, assumed an air of comical
importance, and without the slightest hesitation began to speak as
follows, in very emphatic tones: "Mit Be-willigung der hochloeblichen
Obrigkeit, wird heute, vor hiesiger ehrenwerthen Burgerschaft, zum
erstenmal aufgefuhrt--Genovesa, oder--"
This opening of the prisoner's German harangue may be thus rendered:
"With the permission of the local authorities there will now be
presented before the honorable citizens, for the first time--Genevieve,
or the--"
"Enough," said the magistrate, harshly. He rose, perhaps to conceal his
chagrin, and added: "We will send for an interpreter to tell us whether
you speak English as fluently."
On hearing these words, Lecoq modestly stepped forward. "I understand
English," said he.
"Very well. You hear, prisoner?"
But the man was already transformed. British gravity and apathy were
written upon his features; his gestures were stiff and constrained,
and in the most ponderous tones he exclaimed: "Walk up! ladies and
gentlemen, walk up! Long life to the queen and to the honorable mayor
of this town! No country, England excepted--our glorious England!--could
produce such a marvel, such a paragon--" For a minute or two longer he
continued in the same strain.
M. Segmuller was leaning upon his desk, his face hidden by his hands.
Lecoq, standing in front of the prisoner, could not conceal his
astonishment.
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