"I'll bring one of our best men." Then, unable to suppress his curiosity any longer, he added: "I suppose the message you brought was one of life or death for France." "I think so," said Lannes, "but I know little of its nature, myself." "I would not ask you to say any more.

I know that you cannot speak of it.

But you can tell me this.

Are the Germans before Paris ?" "As nearly as I could tell, their vanguard was within fifteen miles of the capital." "Then if we strike at all we must strike quickly.

I think we're going to strike." Lannes was silent, and they entered the tent, where blankets were spread for him.