Hullin stood for a moment silent and thoughtful.
"And how do we stand now, sergeant?" said he, at length.
"We have been driven across the Rhine, and all our fortresses on the German side are blockaded. All Europe is advancing upon us. The emperor is at Paris, arranging his plan of campaign. Would to heaven we could get breathing time until the spring!"
At this moment Wittmann arose, and, going to the window, said:
"Here comes the governor, making his tour of inspection."
The commandant Jean-Pierre Meunier, in his three-cocked hat, with a tri-colored sash around his waist, had indeed just made his appearance in the street.
"Ah!" said the sergeant, "I must get him to sign my marching papers. Excuse me, messieurs, I must leave you."
"Good-by, then, sergeant, and thank you. If you see Gaspard, embrace him for Jean-Claude Hullin, and tell him to write."
"I shall not fail."
The sergeant departed, and Hullin emptied his glass.