"I expected that request," he said.
"Then you will grant it ?" cried Roland, his eyes sparkling with joy.
"Yes; but, first, I have a favor to ask of you," said the royalist leader, with supreme dignity.
"Ask it, sir." "To bear my flag of truce to General Hatry." "For what purpose ?" "I have several proposals to make to him before the fight begins." "I presume that among those proposals which you deign to intrust to me you do not include that of laying down his arms ?" "On the contrary, colonel, you understand that that is the first of my proposals." "General Hatry will refuse it." "That is probable." "And then ?" "Then I shall give him his choice between two others, either of which he can, I think, accept without forfeiting his honor." "What are they ?" "I will tell you in due time.

Begin with the first." "State it." "General Hatry and his hundred men are surrounded by a triple force.

I offer them their lives; but they must lay down their arms, and make oath not to serve again in the Vendee for five years." Roland shook his head.
"Better that than to see his men annihilated." "Maybe so; but he would prefer to have his men annihilated, and be annihilated with them." "Don't you think," asked Cadoudal, laughing, "that it might be as well, in any case, to ask him ?" "True," said Roland.
"Well, colonel, be so good as to mount your horse, make yourself known to him, and deliver my proposal." "Very well," replied Roland.
"The colonel's horse," said Cadoudal, motioning to the Chouan who was watching it.

The man led it up.

The young man sprang upon it, and rapidly covered the distance which separated him from the convoy.
A group of men were gathered on its flank, evidently composed of General Hatry and his officers.