During the same day he had a second interview with some of the insurgents. One of their leaders sent to request a parley; they met in the centre of the same bridge of Aisnay, Capt. de —— alone with only his sabre, the adverse worthy accompanied by four comrades, and armed to the teeth. Capt. de —— desired he would order them to retire. The other repeated his words rather scornfully: “You will either give the command this moment,” exclaimed Capt. de ——, who was very much exasperated, “or I will fling you over the parapet.”
The workman looked at him, and judging, I suppose, that he was sufficiently powerful, and besides seemed quite willing to do so, he was intimidated, and obeyed.
“And now,” said Capt. de ——, “what do you want with me?”
“You must yield the arsenal.”
“That is out of the question.”
“Then we will take it.”
“Impossible; look there,” said Capt. de ——, pointing to the empty cannon, which had an imposing aspect behind him; “I might, had I pleased, have exterminated you long since, I was only restrained by mercy. Who are you who make such a demand of me?”
“I was in the Imperial Guard.”
“That is untrue,” said Capt. de ——, coolly; “an old soldier of the empire would not act such a part, or command a drunken rabble.”
The man looked at him for a few moments, and said after a pause, “You seem a ‘bon enfant;’ you should come and dine with us.”