In Bernier the priest, Bonaparte discerned diplomatic gifts of a high order, which were soon to be tested in a far more important negotiation.

The nobles, too, received flattering attentions which touched their pride and assured their future insignificance.

Among them was Count Bourmont, the Judas of the Waterloo campaign.
In contrast with the priest and the nobles, Georges Cadoudal stood firm as a rock.

That suave tongue spoke to him of glory, honour, and the fatherland: he heeded it not, for he knew it had ordered the death of Frotte.

There stood these fighters alone, face to face, types of the north and south, of past and present, fiercest and toughest of living men, their stern wills racked in wrestle for two hours.