THE LIEUTENANT (importantly, rather pleased than otherwise at
having some remarkable news). I don't know.

NAPOLEON (unable to believe his ears). You don't know!

LIEUTENANT. No more than you do, General. Now I suppose I shall
be court-martialled. Well, I don't mind being court-martialled;
but (with solemn determination) I tell you, General, if ever I
catch that innocent looking youth, I'll spoil his beauty, the
slimy little liar! I'll make a picture of him. I'll--

NAPOLEON (advancing from the hearth to the table). What innocent
looking youth? Pull yourself together, sir, will you; and give an
account of yourself.

LIEUTENANT (facing him at the opposite side of the table, leaning
on it with his fists). Oh, I'm all right, General: I'm perfectly
ready to give an account of myself. I shall make the
court-martial thoroughly understand that the fault was not mine.
Advantage has been taken of the better side of my nature; and I'm
not ashamed of it. But with all respect to you as my commanding
officer, General, I say again that if ever I set eyes on that son
of Satan, I'll--

NAPOLEON (angrily). So you said before.

LIEUTENANT (drawing himself upright). I say it again. just wait
until I catch him. Just wait: that's all. (He folds his arms
resolutely, and breathes hard, with compressed lips.)