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Neither Gwynplaine nor Ursus pronounced a word. They had both the same
thought--not to frighten Dea. It may have struck the wolf as well, for
he ceased growling. True, Ursus did not loose him.
Homo, however, was a prudent wolf when occasion required. Who is there
who has not remarked a kind of intelligent anxiety in animals? It may be
that to the extent to which a wolf can understand mankind he felt that
he was an outlaw.
Gwynplaine rose.
Resistance was impracticable, as Gwynplaine knew. He remembered Ursus's
words, and there was no question possible. He remained standing in front
of the wapentake. The latter raised the iron staff from Gwynplaine's
shoulder, and drawing it back, held it out straight in an attitude of
command--a constable's attitude which was well understood in those days
by the whole people, and which expressed the following order: "Let this
man, and no other, follow me. The rest remain where they are. Silence!"
No curious followers were allowed. In all times the police have had a
taste for arrests of the kind. This description of seizure was termed
sequestration of the person.
The wapentake turned round in one motion, like a piece of mechanism
revolving on its own pivot, and with grave and magisterial step
proceeded towards the door of the Green Box.
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