"I think there is," said the old man.
"Be good enough to give the orders," returned Boisberthelot.
"It is for you to give them. You are the captain."
"But you are the general," answered Boisberthelot.
The old man looked at the gunner.
"Approach," said he.
The gunner moved forward a step. The old man turned toward Count du Boisberthelot, detached the cross of Saint-Louis from the captain's uniform and fastened it on the jacket of the gunner.
"Hurrah!" cried the sailors.
The marines presented arms. The old passenger, pointing with his finger toward the bewildered gunner, added:
"Now let that man be shot."