The Horseman on the Roof Page #5

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It was like a voice softly speaking,

seducing me.

I couldn't move,

as if I was accepting it,

as though I agreed.

I opened my eyes,

it jumped on me... and pecked me!

Where did it peck you?

Here.

Come!

You found water?

I can make tea.

No, not here. Later.

I hadn't thought about the birds.

They don't fear men

since they eat them.

You touched it?

The bird? Just a little.

Get up. Stick your hands out!

Rub. Rub them together!

What are you doing?

Don't get close! Stay where you are.

Listen!

I can hear you!

No need to breathe in my face.

- Where does that path go?

- To the main road.

- That leads where?

- Anywhere!

But don't go there.

You'll be robbed by the soldiers.

And that way?

To Sorbiers.

Don't take that road either.

They're all dead!

They didn't want the cure.

What cure?

My cure! My elixir!

Want some?

Made with faraway herbs.

I've saved many lives!

- Do you sell it?

- You expect me to give it away?

Three francs.

Not much to save your ass!

I have given some for free,

but it doesn't work.

Got to pay for it to work.

Like everything.

Here.

I'll buy some and add ten francs.

Which is the safest route to Gap?

Gap is far away.

Two gold coins.

That's too much. Don't accept.

I accept.

It's a dirt track that leads to a fork.

There's a mill. Then, careful.

Take the right road, not the left.

The left goes to Montjay.

That's bad.

Montjay?

We're going there?

- No. Avoid it.

- Why?

Full of soldiers.

They haven't had a single case.

- They're sealed off.

- I have to go there.

You'll be quarantined.

Is there a Mr. Peyrolle there?

He's the mayor.

Do you know where he lives?

Well, that's a big detour.

May I?

May I speak with you?

No more Thus?

- Later. But, first, Montjay.

- Right now?

It's very important, you see.

No, I don't! It's full of soldiers.

Please keep going.

You've wasted enough time on me.

Your friends await you.

He'll take me.

Right? You'll take me to Montjay?

Well, it depends.

I'll pay. Can you get me in town?

Well, I don't know.

- It depends.

- Here!

Don't touch it!

You're out of your mind!

Two coins was too much,

but now you give your ring!

I have no money.

- How much to Montjay?

- Not that. I refuse!

I'm not leaving you with him.

He'll sell you out.

- So, how much?

- Hundred francs.

Get your box out.

In Marseilles,

bodies are piling up!

People have gone mad,

yelling and running.

They say it's the flies.

Flies! What a laugh!

If it were only that.

In Saint-Cyrice it rained toads,

and at Motte a dog read the catechism.

Wait!

What are you doing?

Leave that behind.

Let's go.

They're here. I can see lights.

I'll be leaving.

- Don't you touch me!

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