"You are sure of that?"
"Absolutely sure, my Lord."
"Were you never able to get into the castle even a scant supply from outside our lines?"
"We tried it often enough, but never succeeded."
"Ah," ejaculated the Archbishop with satisfaction; then turning to his Lordship of Cologne, he added:
"That is a compliment to our united forces, my Lord. I like to see a thing well done, when it is attempted, although I confess a more active campaign would have pleased me better. This close blockade, therefore, I look upon as a triumph more personal to yourself, perhaps, than to me."
"I trust my natural humility of mind will keep me from being too proud of it," replied his Lordship of Cologne, in dubious tones.
"You think, then, that Thuron cannot hold out many days longer?" continued Treves, again addressing Steinmetz.
"If the surrounding line is held as tightly as it has been," answered the captain, "Count Heinrich must surrender or starve."
"I see you are exhausted and will question you no more. You may retire."