“You had my orders to defend your position.”
M. de Montbas broke out desperately—
“Before God I was misled! I asked for orders and none came. I wrote to the Deputies, they said this and that——”
“I never said but the one thing.”
M. de Montbas answered wretchedly—
“Your Highness must be merciful … I had no one to consult … and after the fall of Wesel——”
“M. le Vicomte,” interrupted the Prince sternly, “the captains who delivered Wesel to the French have been dismissed the Army and their swords broken over their heads.”
“Your Highness—I did what I could.”
M. de Montbas protested vehemently but impotently.