"What are you saying ?" "I am saying that the great hour of decision is approaching," replied the baron solemnly.

"I mean that ere a week has passed, the world will be released from the yoke which oppresses it--released from the evil demon, Napoleon." The colonel, without answering even by a word, crossed the large apartment, and with a swift jerk opened the door leading into the anteroom.

Then, after convincing himself that no one was near, he closed it, and made a tour of the spacious room, carefully examining every _portiere_, every article of furniture, and at last approached the baron, who had been watching him with a quiet, scornful smile.
"Now, my dear baron, speak," he said, taking his seat in an armchair opposite to him.

"We are really alone and without listeners, so I am ready to hear you.

Do you bring news from our friends?
News from France, especially ?" "Yes, news from France.