He realized that Milliere was indeed condemned, and that God, who had thrice seemed to approve his judgment, alone could save him.

But one last question occurred to him.
"How will you strike him ?" he asked.
"Oh!" said Georges, "I do not trouble myself about that; he will be executed." One of the two men who had brought in the supper table now entered the room.
"Brise-Bleu," said Cadoudal, "tell Coeur-de-Roi that I wish to speak to him." Two minutes later the Breton presented himself.
"Coeur-de-Roi," said Cadoudal, "did you not tell me that the murderer Thomas Milliere was at Roche-Bernard ?" "I saw him enter the town side by side with the Republican colonel, who did not seem particularly flattered by such companionship." "Did you not add that he was followed by his guillotine ?" "I told you his guillotine followed between two cannon, and I believe if the cannon could have got away the guillotine would have been left to go its way alone." "What precautions does Milliere take in the towns he visits ?" "He has a special guard about him, and the streets around his house are barricaded.

He carries pistols always at hand." "In spite of that guard, in spite of that barricade and the pistols, will you undertake to reach him ?" "I will, general." "Because of his crimes, I have condemned that man; he must die." "Ah!" exclaimed Coeur-de-Roi, "the day of justice has come at last!" "Will you undertake to execute my sentence, Coeur-de-Roi ?" "I will, general." "Go then, Coeur-de-Roi.

Take the number of men you need; devise what stratagem you please, but reach the man, and strike." "If I die, general--" "Fear not; the curate of Leguerno shall say enough masses in your behalf to keep your poor soul out of purgatory.

But you will not die, Coeur-de-Roi." "That's all right, general.