“I shall report it all to Cadoudal,” he said.
“And add that the First Consul said these very words: ‘I hold the Vendée in the hollow of my hand, and if I choose in three months not another shot will be fired.’”
“It’s a good thing to know.”
“You know it; let Cadoudal know it, and take measures.”
Just then the music ceased; the hum of the dancers died away; complete silence prevailed; and, in the midst of this silence, four names were pronounced in a sonorous and emphatic voice.
These four names were Morgan, Montbar, Adler and d’Assas.
“Pardon me,” Morgan said to Tiffauges, “they are probably arranging some expedition in which I am to take part. I am forced, therefore, to my great regret, to bid you farewell. Only before I leave you let me look closer at your waistcoat and trousers, of which I have heard—curiosity of an amateur; I trust you will excuse it.”
“Surely!” exclaimed the young Vendéan, “most willingly.”