instantly.

"Conduct this gentleman to the street," said Bonaparte. "Until then you
are responsible for him."

Roland bowed in sign of obedience, let the young man, who said not a
word, pass before him, and then followed. But before leaving, Morgan
cast a last glance at Bonaparte.

The latter was still standing, motionless and silent, with folded arms,
his eyes fixed upon the dagger, which occupied his thoughts far more
than he was willing to admit even to himself.

As they crossed Roland's room, the Chief of the Companions of Jehu
gathered up his cloak and pistols. While he was putting them in his
belt, Roland remarked: "The citizen First Consul seems to have shown you
a dagger which I gave him."

"Yes, monsieur," replied Morgan.

"Did you recognize it?"

"Not that one in particular; all our daggers are alike."

"Well," said Roland, "I will tell you whence it came."

"Ah! where was that?"

"From the breast of a friend of mine, where your Companions, possibly
you yourself, thrust it."

"Possibly," replied the young man carelessly. "But your friend must have
exposed himself to punishment."

"My friend wished to see what was happening at night in the Chartreuse."

"He did wrong."

"But I did the same wrong the night before, and nothing happened to me."

"Probably because some talisman protects you."

"Monsieur, let me tell you something. I am a straight-forward man who
walks by daylight. I have a horror of all that is mysterious."

"Happy those who can walk the highroads by daylight, Monsieur de
Montrevel!"

"That is why I am going to tell you the oath I made, Monsieur Morgan.
As I drew the dagger you saw from my friend's breast, as carefully
as possible, that I might not draw his soul with it, I swore that
henceforward it should be war to the death between his assassins and
myself. It was largely to tell you that that I gave you a pledge of
safety."

"That is an oath I hope to see you forget, Monsieur de Montrevel."

"It is an oath I shall keep under all circumstances, Monsieur Morgan;
and you would be most kind if you would furnish me with an opportunity
as soon as possible."

"In what way, sir?"

"Well, for example, by accepting a meeting with me, either in the Bois
de Boulogne or at Vincennes. We don't need to say that we are fighting
because you or one of your friends stabbed Lord Tanlay. No; we can say
anything you please." (Roland reflected a moment.) "We can say the duel
is on account