f you. Free passage
for Monsieur St. Laurent. Back, I say. Let him go unharmed, as he
came."

"My orders were to request your presence before the Governor of the
town immediately," said the aide.

"I attend him at once, young gentleman," returned the old soldier,
seizing his cloak and covering his head with his chapeau. "Gentlemen,"
he added, turning to the rest, "I leave the Eagle in your hands.
Before he departs let me say that Monsieur St. Laurent has borne
himself like a brave man, a gallant officer, and a true gentleman.
Monsieur, you will not take amiss this heartfelt tribute from so old a
soldier as I."

"I thank you, sir, and you, gentlemen," said the young aide, surveying
the men, their sudden temper abated, now looking at him with
admiration, some of them with hands raised in salute. "The duty you
have imposed upon me by your choice is the most painful I shall ever be
called upon to perform."

"This way, Monsieur St. Laurent," said old Lestoype, stepping through
the door with his head high, beckoning the young aide to follow him.

The door had scarcely closed behind the two when the wild confusion
broke out again.

"What shall be done now?" cried Captain Grenier, the senior officer
present, as soon as he could be heard.

"Messieurs," said Marteau, striving to gain the attention of all, "let
me speak a moment. I have a plan. Be silent, I beg of you."

"We will hear Marteau."

"What have you to suggest?"

"Speak!"

"Be quick."

"This. I will take the Eagle, I, who brought it."

"You will throw it into the Isere?"

"No. I know this town like a book. The regiment was once stationed
here for a few months. I had time on my hands. I explored many of the
ancient buildings. I will---- But ask me nothing. Trust the Eagle to
me. I have periled my life for it as have you all. Trust it to me.
It shall come to no dishonor in my hands. Say to the Governor that I
came here, that I brought the Eagle, that I was asked to surrender it,
that I refused, that I took it away, that you know not where I
concealed it, nor whither I am gone. Let Monsieur St. Laurent make his
report. You can simply tell the truth. Nothing will be done."

"It is well thought on," said Captain Grenier.

"The danger is to you," said another.

"What of that? I have looked danger in the face often since I have
been in the army, like all the rest of you."

"I like not to shift the responsibility upon this young ma