He went to the War Office with the governor's letter.

It seemed to create some little sensation; one functionary came and said a polite word to him, then another.

At last to his infinite surprise the minister himself sent down word he wished to see him; the minister put several questions to him, and seemed interested in him and touched by his relation.
"I think, captain, I shall have to send to you: where do you stay in Paris ?" "Nowhere, monsieur; I leave Paris as soon as I can find an easy-going horse." "But General Bretaux tells me you are wounded." "Not dangerously." "Pardon me, captain, but is this prudent?
is it just to yourself and your friends ?" "Yes, I owe it to those who perhaps think me dead." "You can write to them." "I grudge so great, so sacred a joy to a letter.

No! after all I have suffered I claim to be the one to tell her I have kept my word: I promised to live, and I live." "HER?
then I say no more, only tell me what road you take." "The road to Brittany." As the young officer was walking his horse by the roadside about a league and a half from Paris, he heard a clatter behind him, and up galloped an aide-de-camp and drew up alongside, bringing his horse nearly on his haunches.
He handed him a large packet sealed with the arms of France.

The other tore it open; and there was his brevet as colonel.