Bonaparte had hoped for but had not dared to expect this return.
This heart of iron, which had seemed insensible to grief, was now melted with joy.

He opened his arms to Roland, as on the day when he had found him, and two tears, two pearls--the tears of Bonaparte were rare--fell from his eyes.
But Roland, strange as it may seem, was sombre in the midst of the joy caused by his return.

He confirmed the Arab's tale, insisted upon his liberation, but refused all personal details about his capture by the Bedouins and the treatment he had received at the hands of the doctor.
As for Sulkowsky, he had been killed and beheaded before his eyes, so it was useless to think more of him.

Roland resumed his duties, but it was noticeable his native courage had become temerity, and his longing for glory, desire for death.
On the other hand, as often happens with those who brave fire and sword, fire and sword miraculously spared him.

Before, behind and around Roland men fell; he remained erect, invulnerable as the demon of war.