The first interpolation had succeeded so well that I ventured on a second one. Thanks to my second interpolation the order read as follows:—
"The military authorities of the town of Soissons are asked to hand over to M. Alexandre Dumas instantly all the powder that can be found either in the powder magazine or in the town.
Minister for War,
GÉRARD"PARIS, 30 July 1830"
But my readers must not suppose this was all. I had an order for the military authorities signed Gérard; but I also wanted a similar invitation to the civil authorities signed La Fayette. I laid great store by General Gérard's military reputation, but I counted still more upon General La Fayette's popularity; besides, one of the signatures would supplement the other.
When I returned to the Hôtel de Ville I sent to ask to see La Fayette, and he came to me.
"Well," he said to me, "haven't you gone to bed yet?"
"No, general, I am just off."
"To what place?"
"Soissons."
"Without an order?"
"I have one from General Gérard."