"The committee has chosen you as eminently fitted for the work. The confidence that General Hoche places in you makes you the best agent the committee could employ."
"Then tell your committee, citizen president, that it must find some less fitting agent to do its dirty work. My business is to fight the enemies of France, not to spy upon its patriots."
Robespierre's sallow face became a shade more yellow. "Have a care how you speak of the committee. In the service of the Republic all employment is sacred and honorable."
"I prefer my own interpretation of the words," answered Tournay, with a look of scorn.
"And yet you yourself have somewhat strange ideas of what is honorable," remarked Robespierre sneeringly.
"I do not understand what you mean," replied Tournay.
Robespierre stepped to the wall and pulled the bell-rope. "Perhaps when it is made clear to you, your mind may change."
The colonel made no reply, but the next moment uttered an exclamation of surprise as the Marquis de Lacheville entered the room. Robespierre turned toward Tournay with the shadow of a smile hovering on his thin lips.
"You know this citizen?" he asked in his harsh voice.
Tournay looked at the marquis curiously, wondering why he had jeopardized his own safety by returning to Paris. The look of hatred which the nobleman shot at him served as an explanation.