"What is it?" asked Pichegru.
"Nothing, general, except the unfortunate Eisemberg and his staff on their way to the guillotine."
"But," said Pichegru, "are they not going straight to the citadel? We have always been spared this sight hitherto."
"That is true, general, but they have resolved to strike a blow this time that will send terror to the hearts of the soldiers. The execution of a general and his staff is such a good example for all the other generals and their staffs, that it has been judged advisable to have us all present at the spectacle."
"But," hazarded Charles timidly, "those were not sounds of sorrow but bursts of laughter that I heard."
A soldier coming from the same direction as the procession chanced to pass at this moment; the general recognized in him a man from the village of Arbois. He was a chasseur in the eighth regiment named Falou. The general called him by name.
The chasseur stopped short, looked to see who had called him, turned on his heel, and saluted.
"Come here," said the general.
The chasseur approached him.