“Well,” asked the Chouan, after a moment’s silence, “do you think my dispositions well taken?”
“You might better say your precautions, general,” replied Roland, with a sarcastic smile.
“Isn’t it the First Consul’s way to make the most of his advantages when he gets them?” asked Cadoudal.
Roland bit his lips; then, instead of replying to the royalist leader’s question, he said: “General, I have a favor to ask which I hope you will not refuse.”
“What is it?”
“Permission to let me go and be killed with my comrades.”
Cadoudal rose. “I expected that request,” he said.
“Then you will grant it?” cried Roland, his eyes sparkling with joy.
“Yes; but, first, I have a favor to ask of you,” said the royalist leader, with supreme dignity.
“Ask it, sir.”