"I understand," said General Leflô, "you are a traitor."

The Commissary stammering out the words, "Plot against the safety of the
State," displayed a warrant. The General, without pronouncing a word,
struck this infamous paper with the back of his hand.

Then dressing himself, he put on his full uniform of Constantine and of
Médéah, thinking in his imaginative, soldier-like loyalty that there were
still generals of Africa for the soldiers whom he would find on his way.
All the generals now remaining were brigands. His wife embraced him; his
son, a child of seven years, in his nightshirt, and in tears, said to the
Commissary of Police, "Mercy, Monsieur Bonaparte."

The General, while clasping his wife in his arms, whispered in her ear,
"There is artillery in the courtyard, try and fire a cannon."

The Commissary and his men led him away. He regarded these policemen with
contempt, and did not speak to them, but when he recognized Colonel
Espinasse, his military and Breton heart swelled with indignation.

"Colonel Espinasse," said he, "you are a villain, and I hope to live long
enough to tear the buttons from your uniform."

Colonel Espinasse hung his head, and stammered, "I do not know you."

A major waved his sword, and cried, "We have had enough of lawyer
generals." Some soldiers crossed their bayonets before the unarmed
prisoner, three _sergents de ville_ pushed him into a _fiacre_, and a
sub-lieutenant approaching the carriage, and looking in the face of the
man who, if he were a citizen, was his Representative, and if he were a