“You will compare them with those against whom you have fought. But, once out of France, colonel—”
Bonaparte paused.
“I am waiting,” said Cadoudal.
“Do not return without warning me, or, if you do, do not be surprised if I treat you as an enemy.”
“That would be an honor, general. By treating me so you will show that you consider me a man to be feared.”
So saying, Georges bowed to the First Consul, and retired.
“Well, general,” asked Roland, after the door had closed on the Breton leader, “is he the man I represented him to be?”
“Yes,” responded Bonaparte, thoughtfully; “only he sees things awry. But the exaggeration of his ideas arises from noble sentiments, which must give him great influence over his own people.” Then he added, in a low voice, “But we must make an end of him. And now what have you been doing, Roland?”
“Making an end of my work,” replied Roland.
“Ah, ha! Then the Companions of Jehu—”