"I do not understand the military situation, but my friends----" "Will monsieur allow me the favor of a word ?" interposed the chief Russian officer courteously.
"If it is not to summon assistance you may speak," replied Marteau.
"As a soldier you know the situation as well as I," continued the Russian.

"Prince Von Schwarzenberg has Napoleon in his grasp.

He will hold him until he is ready to seize him, while Field-Marshal Bluecher takes Paris." "The Emperor yet lives," said Marteau, repeating his former remark with more emphasis and smiling somewhat scornfully.

"It is not wise to portion the lion's skin while it covers his beating heart," he added meaningly.
"Not even the genius of your Emperor," persisted the Russian more earnestly, "will avail now, monsieur.

He is lost, his cause as well.
Why, this very convoy tells the story.