"Pardon, Sire," said the Russian bluntly, "we children of the white Czar will dispute that honor with them."
"And you sought to kill me?" said the Emperor, turning upon the other. "You are a brave man," he added.
"And I would have done so but for——"
"Bah!" interrupted Napoleon contemptuously. "The bullet is not molded that is destined for me. My career is not to be cut short by the hand of any young boy who wears the uniform of the Russian guard. Silence, monsieur! Take him prisoner. See that he be kept under close guard. When we have taken Olsuvieff's division to-morrow and then Sacken's there will be many of his comrades to bear him company to Paris. Did any of the men outside escape?"
"No, Sire," answered General Maurice, entering the room just in time to hear the question. "The wood around the château was completely filled with my men. Those we have not killed here we have taken prisoner. Most of them were shot down as they strove to break through."
"That is well," said the Emperor.
"And the convoy?" asked General Maurice.
"Detach a regiment to escort it back to Sézanne. Let it be distributed to the regiments and divisions as they arrive."
"And those who have gone on ahead?"
"Their arms, equipment and provisions are in the hands of the Prussians. We shall march immediately. As for you, mademoiselle, what is your name?"