The date was no longer blank; but still the duke did not comprehend.

"Well, what of it?" he demanded.

Chupin tore his hair.

"They are on the way," he repeated. "I speak of the peasants--they
intend to take possession of Montaignac, dethrone Louis XVIII.,
bring back the Emperor, or at least the son of the Emperor--miserable
wretches! they have deceived me. I suspected this outbreak, but I did
not think it was so near at hand."

This terrible blow, so entirely unexpected, stupefied the duke for a
moment.

"How many are there?" he demanded.

"Ah! how do I know, Monsieur? Two thousand, perhaps--perhaps ten
thousand."

"All the towns-people are with us."

"No, Monsieur, no. The rebels have accomplices here. All the retired
officers stand ready to assist them."

"Who are the leaders of the movement?"

"Lacheneur, Abbe Midon, Chanlouineau, Baron d'Escorval----"