had just received was indeed a matter for deep
reflection.

General Brune, the conqueror of Alkmaar and Castricum, the savior of
Holland, had just been appointed to the command of the Republican forces
in the West. He had reached Nantes three days previous, intending, at
any cost, to annihilate Cadoudal and his Chouans.

At any cost, therefore, Cadoudal and his Chouans must prove to the
commander-in-chief that they knew no fear, and had nothing to expect
from intimidation.

Just then the gallop of a horse was heard; the rider no doubt had
the countersign, for he passed without difficulty the various patrols
stationed along the toad to La Roche-Bernard, and entered the village of
Muzillac, also without difficulty.

He stopped before the door of the cottage in which Georges was sitting.
The latter raised his head, listened, and, by way of precaution, laid
his hands on his pistols, though it was probable that the new-comer was
a friend.

The rider dismounted, strode up the path, and opened the door of the
room where Georges was waiting.

"Ah! it's you, Coeur-de-Roi," said Cadoudal. "Where do you come from?"

"From Pouance, general."

"What news?"

"A letter from Tiffauges."

"Give it to me."

Georges snatched the letter hastily from Coeur-de-Roi's hand and read
it.

"Ah!" he exclaimed.

Then he read it a second time,

"Have you seen the man whose coming he speaks of?" inquired Cadoudal.

"Yes, general," replied the courier.

"What sort of a man is he?"

"A handsome young fellow of twenty-six or seven."

"What manner?"

"Determined."

"That's it. When does he arrive?"

"Probably to-night."

"Did you safe-guard him along the road?"

"Yes; he'll come safely."

"Do it again. Nothing must happen to him; he is protected by Morgan."

"That's understood, general."

"Anything more to say?"

"The advanced guard of the Republicans has reached La Roche-Bernard."

"How many men?"

"About a thousand. They have a guillotine with them, and the
commissioner of the executive power, Milliere."

"Are you sure?"

"I met them on the road. The commissioner was riding near the colonel,
and I recognized him perfectly. He executed my brother, and I have sworn
he shall die by my own hand."

"And you'll risk your life to keep your oath?"

"At the first opportunity."

"Perhaps it won't be long coming."

The gallop of a horse echoed through the street.

"Ah!" said Coeur-de-Roi, "that is probably the m