"It is signed by himself, monsieur."
"I warn you that I have just been a member of the general's staff, and therefore know his signature."
"I am very pleased to hear it, colonel, as it will, I hope, make my negotiations with you all the easier."
The colonel came towards me, and I handed him the paper, taking advantage of the moment's time thus given me, while the other soldiers collected round him, to get between them and the door of the house. I was, it is true, alone, but the three men I had to deal with were unarmed.
"Well, colonel?" I asked in a minute or two.
"I can say nothing, monsieur, seeing the order is indeed signed by General Gérard."
"On the contrary, colonel," I observed, laughing, "that seems to me a reason why you should say something."
He exchanged a few words with the captain and sergeant.
"What was it you were asking from these gentlemen when I came out?"
"Your neutrality, colonel. I do not presume to use intimidation or to urge you against your conscience. If your opinions incline you towards the movement afoot, hold out your hand to me frankly and give me your word not to oppose my mission; if, on the contrary, you wish to oppose it, make up your minds at once and do what you like to get rid of me, for I mean to do all I can to rid myself of you."