Claude Gueux; The Last Day of a Condemned Man - Tapa blanda

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1869 edition. Excerpt: ... on my arm, and to cry in my ears^ " Get up! get up!" to announce his presence. I opened my eyes, and sat up, bewildered. At this moment, through the narrow and lofty window of my cell, I saw on the ceiling of the neighboring corridor --- the only sky granted me -- that yellow tint in which the dwellers in the darkness of prison-walls learn so well to recognize as the sun. I love the sun! " The weather is fine," said I to the jailor. He remained a moment without replying to me, as if uncertain whether it was worth while to waste any words on me. Then, with an effort, he muttered roughly,-- " That may be." I remained motionless, my spirit still half asleep, my lips smiling, my eye fixed upon that mild, golden reflection, which mottled the ceiling. " We have a beautiful day," I repeated. "Yes," replied the man, "they are waiting for you." These few words, like the thread which checks the flight of an insect, brought me back violently to the reality. I saw again, as if in a lightning's flash, the sombre court-room, the judges' horse-shoe desk, loaded with bloody rags, the three rows of stupidfaced witnesses, the two guards at the ends of my bench, the black robes rustling and agitated, the heads of the crowd, the back-ground, and turned on me the fixed looks of those twelve, jurymen who had watched while I slept. I rose. My teeth chattered; my hands trembled, and could not reach my clothing; my limbs failed under me. The first steps that I made I staggered like a porter under a too heavy burden. Nevertheless, I followed the jailor. The two guards awaited, me at the door of my cell. They put on my handcuffs again. They had a little complicated lock which was shut with care. I made no resistance. Their handcuffs were a machine upon another...