"It still has its Emperor."
"Death!" cried the Russian impatiently. "Must we kill him in order to teach you a lesson?"
"You will not kill him while there is a soldier in France to interpose his body."
"Very heroic, doubtless," sneered the Russian, beginning to get angry. "But you know your cause is lost."
"And if it were?"
"Be reasonable. There are many Frenchmen with the allied armies. Your rank is——?"
"I am a Major on the Emperor's staff if you are interested to know."
"Major Marteau, I have no doubt that my interest with my Emperor, the Czar Alexander, with whom I am remotely connected—I may say I am a favorite officer in his guard—would doubtless insure you a Colonel's commission, perhaps even that of a General of Brigade, with my gracious master, or in the army of King Louis after we have replaced him on his throne if——"
"If what?"
"If you release us, restore us to our command. Permit us to send for horses to take the place of those we have killed to take the wagons of the valuable convoy to our own army."