"Why should they do that, sir?"
"To keep me out of my rights. It is the English Government that has done it. Of course, you know who I am."
"No, sir, I don't think I do."
"Look well at me!" and the dark man threw himself back in his chair for inspection.
"I am afraid I don't recognize you, monsieur," said Ben.
"Bah! where are your eyes?" said the other, contemptuously. "I am Napoleon Bonaparte!"
"But I thought you died at St. Helena," said Ben.
"Quite a mistake, I assure you. The English Government so asserted, but it was a deception. They wished my memory to die out among my faithful French. They buried my effigy, but smuggled me off in a vessel late at night. They placed me here, and here they mean to keep me—if they can. But some day I shall escape; I shall re-enter France; I shall summon all to my banner, and at the head of a great army I shall enter Paris. Do you know what I will do then?"
"What will you do, sir?" asked Ben, with some curiosity.