mmission, perhaps even that of a General of Brigade, with my gracious
master, or in the army of King Louis after we have replaced him on his
throne if----"

"If what?"

"If you release us, restore us to our command. Permit us to send for
horses to take the place of those we have killed to take the wagons of
the valuable convoy to our own army."

"And you would have me abandon my Emperor?"

"For the good of France," urged the Russian meaningly.

"Will you answer me a question, monsieur?" continued the young man
after a moment's deep thought.

"Certainly, if it be not treason to my master."

"Oh, you have views on treason, then," said the Frenchman adroitly and
not giving the other time to answer he continued. "To what corps are
you attached?"

"Count Sacken's."

"And whose division?"

"General Olsuvieff's."

"Monsieur," said the young Frenchman calmly, "it is more than probable
that before to-morrow your division will be annihilated and the next
day the corps of General Sacken may meet the same fate."

The Russian laughed scornfully at what seemed to him the wildest
boasting.

"Are you mad?"

"Not so mad as you will be when it happens."

The Russian controlled himself with difficulty in the face of the
irritating observations.

"And who will do this?" he asked, at last.

"The Emperor."

"Does he command the lightning-flash that he could hurl the
thunder-bolt from Troyes?"

"Upon my word, I believe he does," laughed the Frenchman.

"This is foolish jesting, boy," broke out the Englishman. "I am a man
of consideration in my own country. The lady here will bear me out. I
offered you fifty pounds. I will give you five hundred if you will
release us and----"

"And I offer you my--friendship," said the Countess, making a long
pause before the last word.

How much of it she meant or how little no one could say. Any ruse was
fair in war like this. Marteau looked at her. The color flamed to her
cheek and died away. It had flamed into his cheek and died away also.

"Gentlemen," he said, "you offer me rank, money----" he
paused--"friendship----" he shot a meaning glance at the young girl.
He paused again.

"Well?" said the Russian.

"Speak out," said the Englishman. "Your answer, lad?"

"I refuse."

"Don't be a fool," roared Sir Gervaise bluntly.

"I refuse, I repeat," said Marteau. "While the Emperor lives I am his
man. Not rank, not money, not friendship, not love itself even c