Yes, he knew him. They had lived together in Corsica. And as the Incorruptible asked what were the sentiments of the young soldier, he replied—
"Excellent. He is Republican to the core."
"Well, we shall see," said Robespierre, favourably inclined to a change, adverse as he was to the idea of a military commander remaining too long in the same post.
And he began his letter to Saint-Just, at the same time lending an ear to Lebas, who was telling Duplay of certain rumours coming from the army of the aspiration of some of its chiefs to the dictatorship. But Duplay interrupted him—
"Sapristi! I had almost forgotten!"
Robespierre raised his eyes inquiringly.
"I have a letter also to give you."
"From whom?" asked the Incorruptible, reassured as soon as he knew it was only a letter.
"From a prisoner, I think, who very innocently confided it to one of our spies. It was given to me just now at the Tribunal."
Duplay searched in his pockets, and having found the letter, handed it to Robespierre, who continued writing.