"When can I bring you my report?"
"Any time. If you are never tired, I at least never sleep."
"Au revoir, general."
"Au revoir."
Then turning to the group that had stood aside while he was talking with Stephan, he looked vainly around for the landlord of the Golden Lion.
"Charles," he said, "have the goodness to find our host, citizen Bauer, and ask him for me to sup with us. Take no refusal, and accept no excuse."
Charles bowed and went in search of Prosper Bauer.
Pichegru went upstairs and the rest of the staff followed him. He placed the mayor on his right, the deputy-mayor at his left, and left the seat opposite him for the landlord of the Golden Lion. At length Charles appeared, almost dragging the embarrassed innkeeper after him.
"General," he said, "I come, not at your invitation, of which I am not worthy, but at your command."
"Very well, citizen," said Pichegru, pointing to the empty chair, "sit down there, and after supper we will settle that."