"I tell you," said one voice, "that to-night he is expected from the country. It is the best chance we have yet had."
"But," said another voice, "he is always guarded; it will be useless."
"Not to-night. He and Bertrand return alone to meet ——," St. Just could not catch the name—"who brings intelligence from Pauline."
"And where do you propose to stop him?"
"At the ——" again the word was inaudible to St. Just.
"You will take your stand, hat in hand, in the middle of the road; take this dog with you, leading it with a string, as though you were blind, and beg alms of the Emperor. Then, when the carriage has stopped to avoid running over you, lean forward and fire both pistols at him. He will be seated on the right side, remember."
"And what part do you take?"
"We cover your retreat."
"Is it certain that this man has promised us a ship?"
"Yes, yes; an hour ago, when the fog lifted, I saw her standing off the shore. And a boat to take us to her is at this moment waiting at the spot arranged."