Formerly they used to have their noses cut off, as well as their
ears; but this was found to breed infection, and now they are merely
slit--besides, of course, being branded with the fleur-de-lis on
either cheek. But what matters their appearance to them, seeing that
their sentence is for life?"
Tristram shuddered. "This King of yours," said he, "must be the
first-cousin to the devil."
"They are all alike, _mon cher_. What, for instance, has your King
done for you? But speak not so loud." He took a few steps in
silence, and added: "After all, one must distinguish between crimes.
If the poor _faussoniers_ are treated to the galleys it is absurd to
suppose that nothing worse must befall a deserter."
"What is a _faussonier?_"
"There is one yonder, comrade--that young peasant who walks like a
calf and seems to know not whither he is bound. He is condemned
because he bought some salt for his young wife, who was ill."
"Is that a crime?"
"It depends where you buy it. You must know, my friend, that in most
of the provinces of France salt is very dear. A pint will cost you
four francs and a little over. Therefore the poor cannot afford it
for their soup, and some, for lack of it, go fasting most of the
week.
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