But as you were not there, and as my letters were urgent, I have been compelled to ride for the past six hours through that infernal deluge.

Enfin, here you are, and here is my letter--from the Citizen-deputy Maximilien Robespierre--and here I'll rest me for the next six hours." Bidding the fellow by all means rest and refresh himself, La Boulaye broke the seal, and read the following: Dear Caron, My courier should deliver you this letter as you are on the Point of reentering France, on your return from the mission which you have discharged with so much glory to yourself and credit to me who recommended you for the task.

I make you my compliments on the tact and adroitness you have employed to bring this stubborn Dumouriez into some semblance of sympathy with the Convention.
And now, my friend, I have another task for you, which you can discharge on your homeward journey.

You will make a slight detour, passing into Artois and riding to the Chateau d'Ombreval, which is situated some four miles south of Arras.

Here I wish you not only to Possess yourself of the person of the ci-devant Vicomte d'Ombreval, bringing him to Paris as your Prisoner, but further, to make a very searching investigation of that aristocrat's papers, securing any documents that you may consider of a nature treasonable to the French Republic, One and Indivisible.
The letter ended with the usual greetings and Robespierre's signature.
La Boulaye swore softly to himself as he folded the epistle.
"It seems," he muttered to Charlot, "that I am to turn catch-poll in the service of the Republic." "To a true servant of the Nation," put in the courier, who had overheard him, "all tasks that may tend to the advancement of the Republic should be eagerly undertaken.