But stop.

I must do my duty.
What have you in that parcel ?" Marteau looked about him, moved a step away from the sentries and the corporal and sergeant of the guard, and whispered a word into the ear of the officer.

He threw up his hands in astonishment.
"Mon Dieu!" he exclaimed.

"Is it possible ?" "The same," said Marteau, "but say nothing about it until I have seen our comrades." "Of course not." "And that carriage and four that just passed ?" "The governor of the town, the Marquis d'Aumenier, the new commander of the regiment." "I see; and our old Colonel ?" "Dead.

The Major commanding the first battalion has been in command until they sent this old noble down here yesterday." "And the lady ?" "His niece." "You have met her ?" "Not I.