known uniform, of which the color had given its name
to the Republican forces, Roland sprang hastily to his feet. As for
Cadoudal, he remained where he was, nonchalantly finishing his meal. Of
the hundred men surrounding the general, not one seemed to perceive the
spectacle that was now before their eyes; it seemed almost as if they
were waiting for Cadoudal's order to look at it.

Roland had only to cast his eyes on the Republicans to see that they
were lost. Cadoudal watched the various emotions that succeeded each
other on the young man's face.

"Well," asked the Chouan, after a moment's silence, "do you think my
dispositions well taken?"

"You might better say your precautions, general," replied Roland, with a
sarcastic smile.

"Isn't it the First Consul's way to make the most of his advantages when
he gets them?" asked Cadoudal.

Roland bit his lips; then, instead of replying to the royalist leader's
question, he said: "General, I have a favor to ask which I hope you will
not refuse."

"What is it?"

"Permission to let me go and be killed with my comrades."

Cadoudal rose. "I expected that request," he said.

"Then you will grant it?" cried Roland, his eyes sparkling with joy.

"Yes; but, first, I have a favor to ask of you," said the royalist
leader, with supreme dignity.

"Ask it, sir."

"To bear my flag of truce to General Hatry."

"For what purpose?"

"I have several proposals to make to him before the fight begins."

"I presume that among those proposals which you deign to intrust to me
you do not include that of laying down his arms?"

"On the contrary, colonel, you understand that that is the first of my
proposals."

"General Hatry will refuse it."

"That is probable."

"And then?"

"Then I shall give him his choice between two others, either of which he
can, I think, accept without forfeiting his honor."

"What are they?"

"I will tell you in due time. Begin with the first."

"State it."

"General Hatry and his hundred men are surrounded by a triple force. I
offer them their lives; but they must lay down their arms, and make oath
not to serve again in the Vendee for five years."

Roland shook his head.

"Better that than to see his men annihilated."

"Maybe so; but he would prefer to have his men annihilated, and be
annihilated with them."

"Don't you think," asked Cadoudal, laughing, "that it might be as well,
in any case, to ask him?"

"True," said Roland.

"Well