The two young men wrapped themselves in their cloaks and went out. At the door Roland collided against a small group of five men. These five men wore Republican uniforms; one of them had sergeant stripes on his sleeve.
“What is all this?” asked Roland.
“Nothing,” replied Cadoudal, laughing.
“But who are these men?”
“Coeur-de-Roi and his party; they are starting on that expedition you know of.”
“Then they expect by means of this uniform—”
“Oh! you shall know all, colonel; I have no secrets from you.” Then, turning to the little group, Cadoudal called: “Coeur-de-Roi!”
The man with the stripes on his sleeves left the group, and came to Cadoudal.
“Did you call me, general?” asked the pretended sergeant.
“Yes, I want to know your plan.”