Bonaparte continued his way.
At the foot of the stairs he met Lefebvre.
"Here I am, general!" said Lefebvre.
"You?
And where is the 17th military division ?" "I am waiting for my appointment to bring it into action." "Haven't you received your appointment ?" "From the Directory, yes.

But as I am not a traitor, I have just sent in my resignation, so that they may know I am not to be counted on." "And you have come for me to appoint you, so that I may count on you, is that it ?" "Exactly." "Quick, Roland, a blank commission; fill in the general's name, so that I shall only have to put my name to it.

I'll sign it on the pommel of my saddle." "That's the true sort," said Lefebvre.
"Roland." The young man, who had already started obediently, came back to the general.
"Fetch me that pair of double-barrelled pistols on my mantel-piece at the same time," said Bonaparte, in a low tone.

"One never knows what may happen." "Yes, general," said Roland; "besides, I shan't leave you." "Unless I send you to be killed elsewhere." "True," replied the young man, hastening away to fulfil his double errand.
Bonaparte was continuing on his way when he noticed a shadow in the corridor.

He recognized Josephine, and ran to her.
"Good God!" cried she, "is there so much danger ?" "What makes you think that ?" "I overheard the order you gave Roland." "Serves you right for listening at doors.