"Yes, unfortunately, the Republic is in poor hands just now; but poor as they are, it still lives."
"And the Directory?"
"Is divided," replied Bonaparte. "Carnot and Barthélemy incline toward royalty, and they have with them, it must be confessed, the majority of the councils. But Barras, Rewbell, and La Reveillière-Lepaux stand firm for the Republic and the Constitution of the Year III., and they have us behind them."
"I thought," said Augereau, "that they had thrown themselves into Hoche's arms."
"Yes; but it will not do to leave them there. There must be no arms in the country that are longer than ours; and ours must reach beyond the Alps, and if necessary bring about another 13th Vendémiaire at Paris."
"Well, why do you not go yourself?" asked Augereau.
"Because if I went it would be to overthrow the Directory and not to sustain it. And I have not done enough yet to play the part of Cæsar."
"And you send me to play the part of your lieutenant. Well! that satisfies me. What is there to be done?"
"Make an end of the enemies of France, who were only half wiped out on the 13th Vendémiaire. As long as Barras pursues a Republican course, second him to the best of your ability and courage; if he hesitates, resist him; if he betrays, collar him as you would the meanest citizen. If you fail, I shall be in Paris within the week with twenty-five thousand soldiers."
"Well," said Augereau, "I will try not to fail. When shall I start?"