"One moment, count; you must listen to me. I have learned by accident something you ought to know. The city is up in arms"--Latour smiled--"and the grenadiers are to be prevented from marching."
"I have issued the order," he said, as if that settled the matter.
"It will not be obeyed. The leaders of the insurrection met last night in secret, and made their arrangements. A revolution has been decided on, and you, count, are to be the first victim."
"Why do you tell me this?"
"That you may be prepared."
"Are you on our side?"
"No. I must fight for my own country."
He took a sheet of note-paper from a drawer, and placing it in my hand, said, "Read!"
It was an anonymous letter, warning him that unless he recalled the order, the people would put him to death.
"It came this morning," he remarked quietly. "The writer will learn my answer to-morrow."