"Sire," the old man continued, "I would not act till I had your orders." "Whence comes the mockery ?" Valmond asked quietly.
The other shook his head.

"Sire, I do not know.

But I remember of such a thing happening to the Emperor.

It was in the garden of the Tuileries, and twenty-four battalions of the Old Guard filed past our great chief.
Some fool sent out a gamin dressed in regimentals in front of one of the bands, and then--" "Enough, General," said Valmond; "I understand.

I will go down into the village--eh, monsieur ?" he added, turning to Parpon with impressive consideration.
"Sire, there is one behind these mockers," answered the little man in a low voice.
Valmond turned towards Madame Chalice.