"It has not appeared, Sire."
"Has anything been heard of it?"
"Nothing yet, your Majesty."
"Have you scouted for it, sent out parties to find it? Where is the Comte de Grouchy?"
"I come from him, Sire. He is ahead of the Duke of Ragusa's corps."
"Has he come in touch with the enemy?"
"Not yet, Sire."
"The roads?"
"Worse than those we have passed over."
"Marshal Marmont?"