The general took the pen, cast a last despairing glance toward heaven and then toward his soldiers, bent over the paper to sign it.
The pen dropped from his hand, and he had to lean against the table in order not to sink to the ground. Major Teimer drew a white handkerchief from his pocket and waved it in the air. The Tyrolese ceased firing immediately, and deafening cheers burst forth on all sides.
"You see, general, you have saved the lives of your soldiers," said
Teimer.
Bisson only sighed, and turned to his officers. "Now, gentlemen," he faltered out, "give orders to the troops to lay down their arms on the spot now occupied by them."
The officers hastened away, and General Bisson started to leave likewise, when Teimer quickly laid his hand on his arm and detained him.
"General," he said, "pray issue still another order."
"What order, sir?"
"You have of course brought your carriage with you; order your coachman to drive up with it, and permit me and these gentlemen here to enter it with you, and ride to Innspruck."
"That is to say, I am your prisoner, and you wish to make your triumphal entrance into the city with me?"
"That is about my intention. I should like to return to the city seated by your side; and as the good inhabitants of Innspruck are very anxious to see a French general, one of Bonaparte's generals, who does not come with his troops to devastate the city, to rob and plunder, I request you to let us make our entrance in an open, uncovered carriage."