"You have read a good deal, I suppose?" asked the emperor. "And it seems books have excited your imagination. What were your favorite works?"
"Sire, historical works," said Staps, calmly. "I derived from them the courage required for my deed."
"You know something of Brutus, then?" asked Napoleon, with a compassionate smile.
"There were two Brutuses. The last Brutus killed the tyrant, and died for liberty. Mankind have not ceased admiring him, as France has not ceased admiring the Maid of Orleans. She delivered her country from its enemies, but she was captured, and perished. I intended to do what that heroic maid did—save my native land from oppression, but God decreed that her destiny, and not her deed, should be mine."
"Does your father know of your folly?"
"Neither he nor my betrothed, nor any one else, knew of my purpose. I came hither alone, and alone I intended to accomplish it. Not until I had succeeded was its revelation to be made. And the news would have come to those I love as a pledge of peace—that the deluge of blood was over, and Germany saved!"
"Your father and your betrothed will now receive bad tidings of you. Are you not afraid of grieving them?"
"Both of them will weep for me—so will many other Germans, and their tears will water the flowers upon my grave."
"You believe, then, that I shall have you executed?"
"I should consider it but natural for you."