Sebastiani did not wait to be told twice. Bonaparte continued his way. At the foot of the stairs he met Lefebvre.
“Here I am, general!” said Lefebvre.
“You? And where is the 17th military division?”
“I am waiting for my appointment to bring it into action.”
“Haven’t you received your appointment?”
“From the Directory, yes. But as I am not a traitor, I have just sent in my resignation, so that they may know I am not to be counted on.”
“And you have come for me to appoint you, so that I may count on you, is that it?”
“Exactly.”
“Quick, Roland, a blank commission; fill in the general’s name, so that I shall only have to put my name to it. I’ll sign it on the pommel of my saddle.”
“That’s the true sort,” said Lefebvre.