Finally, the count was captured, but all efforts to persuade him to reveal the names of his associates failed. He was offered life imprisonment, plus the safety of his family. Still, he would not answer. They tried the rack, but he continued to refuse to talk. Finally, he was taken to the guillotine. At the very last moment, his nerve failed and he cried out, "I'll talk! I'll talk! I'll tell all!" Alas, the blade had already been released, and it severed the count's head clean as a whistle.

Robespierre was outraged by the news and gave his executioner a terrific bawling out. "How often do I have to caution you," he thundered, "Don't hatchet your counts before they chicken!"

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