"I think," said Lepage, "that you're capable of looking after that department yourself, General. But aren't you making the Colonel go a little too fast?"
"No, no; the barges will do about that."
"But he has a large force to move, I suppose?"
"Oh, dear, no! A large force? No, no! Only a company—just about a hundred strong, Lepage." He rose. "Just about a hundred, I think."
"Ah, then he might keep time!" Lepage agreed, still very thoughtfully.
"You'll start at once?" the General asked.
"Within an hour."
"That's right. We must run no unnecessary risks; delay might mean new troubles."
He held out his hand and shook Lepage's warmly. "You must believe that I respect and share your grief at the King's death."
"Which King, General?"