'He is the dangerous man. It was he and my father who led Lucien on. If an example must be made it should be an example of the guilty rather than of the innocent.'
'They are both guilty. And, besides, we have our hands upon the one but not upon the other.'
'But if I could find him?'
Napoleon thought for a moment.
'If you do,' said he, 'Lesage will be forgiven!'
'But I cannot do it in a day.'
'How long do you ask?'
'A week at the least.'
'Then he has a respite of a week. If you can find Toussac in the time, Lesage will be pardoned. If not he will die upon the eighth day. It is enough. Monsieur de Laval, remove your cousin, for I have matters of more importance to attend to. I shall expect you one evening at the Pont de Briques, when you are ready to be presented to the Empress.'