"Between twenty and thirty, Sir."
"Good." Then, rising, Buonaparte walked up and down his tent for a few minutes, his brows together, thinking deeply and evidently forgetful of St. Just's presence. Finally he turned to his impromptu table and wrote a few lines. These he sealed and addressed to the General in command at Alexandria, then handed the paper to St. Just. "Deliver this; join me again as soon as possible."
"Alone, Sir?"
"Yes, unless you can find an escort from Alexandria. Stay! When did you leave General Dessaix?"
"On the 8th in the evening, Sir."
"This is the 10th. You halted last at 11 to-day. Have you a good horse?"
"Yes, sir."
"Set off at six in the morning; it is now ten."
"Yes, sir."
"Go then, in the name of France." St. Just bowed and left the tent.