o
did not seem particularly flattered by such companionship."

"Did you not add that he was followed by his guillotine?"

"I told you his guillotine followed between two cannon, and I believe if
the cannon could have got away the guillotine would have been left to go
its way alone."

"What precautions does Milliere take in the towns he visits?"

"He has a special guard about him, and the streets around his house are
barricaded. He carries pistols always at hand."

"In spite of that guard, in spite of that barricade and the pistols,
will you undertake to reach him?"

"I will, general."

"Because of his crimes, I have condemned that man; he must die."

"Ah!" exclaimed Coeur-de-Roi, "the day of justice has come at last!"

"Will you undertake to execute my sentence, Coeur-de-Roi?"

"I will, general."

"Go then, Coeur-de-Roi. Take the number of men you need; devise what
stratagem you please, but reach the man, and strike."

"If I die, general--"

"Fear not; the curate of Leguerno shall say enough masses in your
behalf to keep your poor soul out of purgatory. But you will not die,
Coeur-de-Roi."

"That's all right, general. Now that I am sure of the masses, I ask
nothing more. I have my plan."

"When will you start?"

"To-night."

"When will he die?"

"To-morrow."

"Go. See that three hundred men are ready to follow me in half an hour."

Coeur-de-Roi went out as simply as he had entered.

"You see," said Cadoudal, "the sort of men I command. Is your First
Consul as well served as I, Monsieur de Montrevel?"

"By some, yes."

"Well, with me it is not some, but all."

Benedicite entered and questioned Georges with a look.

"Yes," replied Georges, with voice and nod.

Benedicite went out.

"Did you see any one on your way here?" asked Cadoudal.

"Not one."

"I asked for three hundred men in half an hour, and they will be here
in that time. I might have asked for five hundred, a thousand, two
thousand, and they would have responded as promptly."

"But," said Roland, "you have, in number at least, a limit you cannot
exceed."

"Do you want to know my effective? It is easily told, I won't tell you
myself, for you wouldn't believe me. Wait. I will have some one tell
you."

He opened the door and called out: "Branche-d'Or!"

Two seconds later Branche-d'Or appeared.

"This is my major-general," said Cadoudal, laughing. "He fulfils the
same functions for me that General Berthier does for the