EMPEROR. Indeed! What proof have you of that?

PIERRE. This, sire.

(Handing a small piece of cloth to Emperor.)

'T is the color of the enemy's uniform.

EMPEROR. It is, my lad. How came you by it?

PIERRE. I found it on a thorn-bush. It was torn from his cloak, sire.

EMPEROR. And why from his cloak?

PIERRE. The thorn-bush was at least three feet from the man's line of travel. The wind blew the cloak about.

EMPEROR (handing the cloth to an aide; whispering to him). Take this to Ludwig.

(The Aide goes.)