The young man, overawed, did as he was told and put down the general at the foot of the oak.
"There! now," said Charette, "listen to me. The king who made me general-in-chief must be told how his general died. Return to his Majesty Louis XVIII., and tell him all that you have seen; I demand it."
Charette spoke with such solemnity that the marquis did not dream of disobeying him.
"Go!" said Charette, "you have not a minute to spare; here come the Blues. Fly!"
As he spoke the republicans had reached the edge of the woods. Souday took the hand which Charette held out to him.
"Kiss me," said the latter.
The young man kissed him.
"That will do," said the general; "now go."
Souday cast a look at Jean Oullier.