?' 'Easily. I will cut the cable of your
galley, and Antony and Lepidus are prisoners.' 'You should have done so
without telling me,' replied Sextus. 'Now I charge you on your life not
to do it.' I remembered those words, general: '_You should have done so
without telling me_.'"

Bonaparte thought an instant; then he said: "You are mistaken; it was
Octavius and not Antony who was on Sextus' galley with Lepidus." And he
went on his way to the courtyard, confining his blame to the historical
blunder.

Hardly had the general appeared on the portico than cries of "Vive
Bonaparte!" echoed through the courtyard into the street, where they
were taken up by the dragoons drawn up in line before the gate.

"That's a good omen, general," said Roland.

"Yes. Give Lefebvre his commission at once; and if he has no horse,
let him take one of mine. Tell him to meet me in the court of the
Tuileries."

"His division is already there."

"All the more reason."

Glancing about him, Bonaparte saw Moreau and Beurnonville, who were
waiting for him, their horses held by orderlies. He saluted them with
a wave of his hand, already that of a master rather than that of a
comrade. Then, perceiving General Debel out of uniform, he went down the
steps and approached him.

"Why are you in civilian's dress?" he asked.

"General, I was not notified. I chanced to be passing along the street,
and, seeing the crowd before your house, I came in, fearing you might be
in danger."

"Go and put on your uniform quickly."

"But I live the other side of Paris; it would take too long." But,
nevertheless, he made as if to retire.

"What are you going to do?"

"Don't be alarmed, general."

Debel had noticed an artilleryman on horseback who was about his size.

"Friend," said he, "I am General Debel. By order of General Bonaparte
lend me your uniform and your horse, and I'll give you furlough for
the day. Here's a louis to drink the health of the commander-in-chief.
To-morrow, come to my house for your horse and uniform. I live in the
Rue Cherche-Midi, No. 11."

"Will nothing be done to me?"

"Yes, you shall be made a corporal."

"Good!" said the artilleryman; and he quickly handed over his uniform
and horse to General Debel.

In the meantime, Bonaparte heard talking above him. He raised his head
and saw Joseph and Bernadotte at a window.

"Once more, general," he said to Bernadotte, "will you come with me?"

"No," said the latter, firmly.