"What have you to suggest?"
"Speak!"
"Be quick."
"This. I will take the Eagle, I, who brought it."
"You will throw it into the Isère?"
"No. I know this town like a book. The regiment was once stationed here for a few months. I had time on my hands. I explored many of the ancient buildings. I will—— But ask me nothing. Trust the Eagle to me. I have periled my life for it as have you all. Trust it to me. It shall come to no dishonor in my hands. Say to the Governor that I came here, that I brought the Eagle, that I was asked to surrender it, that I refused, that I took it away, that you know not where I concealed it, nor whither I am gone. Let Monsieur St. Laurent make his report. You can simply tell the truth. Nothing will be done."
"It is well thought on," said Captain Grenier.
"The danger is to you," said another.
"What of that? I have looked danger in the face often since I have been in the army, like all the rest of you."
"I like not to shift the responsibility upon this young man," said the old port-aigle dubiously. "He is saving our lives at the risk of his own if they should find him—which is likely."