ent you with full powers to
judge of our services, and we say that they ought to be recognized and
rewarded, for we risk our heads upon the scaffold daily. I know, so far
as I am concerned, that the rank of brigadier-general--"

"You mean colonel."

"No, monsieur le marquis; Charette made me a colonel. The rank I mention
cannot be denied me. I am not arguing for myself, I speak for my brave
brothers-in-arms, whose services ought to be recorded. Your signature
and your promise will suffice them for the present; though," he added,
in a low voice, "I must say they are satisfied with very little. But,"
he continued, raising his voice, "when the sun rises on the chateau of
Versailles to glorify the return of the monarchy after the faithful have
conquered France, _in France_, for the king, will they obtain favors
for their families, pensions for widows, and the restitution of their
confiscated property? I doubt it. But, monsieur le marquis, we must
have certified proof of our services when that time comes. I will never
distrust the king, but I do distrust those cormorants of ministers and
courtiers, who tingle his ears with talk about the public welfare, the
honor of France, the interests of the crown, and other crochets. They
will sneer at a loyal Vendean or a brave Chouan, because he is old
and the sword he drew for the good cause dangles on his withered legs,
palsied with exposure. Can you say that we are wrong in feeling thus?"

"You talk well, Monsieur du Vissard, but you are over hasty," replied
the marquis.

"Listen, marquis," said the Comte de Bauvan, in a whisper. "Rifoel has
really, on my word, told the truth. You are sure, yourself, to have the
ear of the king, while the rest of us only see him at a distance and
from time to time. I will own to you that if you do not give me your
word as a gentleman that I shall, in due course of time, obtain the
place of Master of Woods and Waters in France, the devil take me if I
will risk my neck any longer. To conquer Normandy for the king is not
an easy matter, and I demand the Order for it. But," he added, coloring,
"there's time enough to think of that. God forbid that I should imitate
these poor mercenaries and harass you. Speak to the king for me, and
that's enough."

Each of the chiefs found means to let the marquis know, in a more
or less ingenious manner, the exaggerated price they set upon their
services. One modestly demanded the governorship of Brittany; another