Kent. The landlord had many a hogshead of untaxed French brandy from
the Normandy coast, and the letter had found its way by the same hands.

'My dear nephew Louis,' said the letter, 'now that your father is dead,
and that you are alone in the world, I am sure that you will not wish to
carry on the feud which has existed between the two halves of the
family. At the time of the troubles your father was drawn towards the
side of the King, and I towards that of the people, and it ended, as you
know, by his having to fly from the country, and by my becoming the
possessor of the estates of Grosbois. No doubt it is very hard that you
should find yourself in a different position to your ancestors, but I am
sure that you would rather that the land should be held by a Bernac than
by a stranger. From the brother of your mother you will at least always
meet with sympathy and consideration.

'And now I have some advice for you. You know that I have always been
a Republican, but it has become evident to me that there is no use in
fighting against fate, and that Napoleon's power is far too great to be
shaken. This being so, I have tried to serve him, for it is well to
howl when you are among wolves. I have been able to do so much for
him that he has become my very good friend, so that I may ask him what
I like in return. He is now, as you are probably aware, with the army
at Boulogne, within a few miles of Grosbois. If you will come over at
once he will certainly forget the hostility of your father in
consideration of the services of your uncle. It is true that your name
is still proscribed, but my influence with the Emperor will set that
matter right. Come to me, then, come at once, and come with confidence.
'Your uncle,
'C. BERNAC.'