human
What news, Henri? asked Toussaint.
gpt
How are affairs at Cap? What is doing about the proclamation there?
human
Affairs are going badly at Cap. The mulattoes will no more bear our proclamation than the whites would bear theirs. They have shut up General Laveaux in prison; and the French, without their military leader, do not know what to do next. The commissary has no authority, and talks of embarking for France; and the troops are cursing the negroes, for whose sake, they say, their General is imprisoned, and will soon die of the heats.
gpt
We must deliver General Laveaux, said Toussaint.
human
Our work already lies straight before us. We must raise a force. Henri, can you bring soldiers?
gpt
Ay, Henri, said Jacques,
human
General, said Jacques,
gpt
Six thousand, did you say, Jacques? said Henri.
human
I can rally two thousand this night, and more will join on the way.
gpt
We must free Laveaux before sunrise, said Toussaint.
human
Will our troops be fit for a march after this supper of theirs, Jacques--after supper and three hours' rest?
gpt
They are fit at this moment to march over the island--to swim from Saint Domingo to France, if you will only lead them, replied Jacques.
human
Go to them, and they will do what you will.
gpt
So be it! said Toussaint, his bosom for a moment heaving with the thought that his career, even as viewed by Father Laxabon, was not ended.
human
Henri, what is the state of the plain? Is the road open?
gpt
Far from it. The mulattoes are suspicious, and on the watch against some danger--I believe they are not clear what. I avoided some of their scouts; and the long way they made me go round was the reason of my being late.
human
I imagine there is no force in the plain that could resist your numbers, if you are sure of your troops. The road is open, if they choose that it be so.
gpt
I am sure of only half of them; and then there is the town. It seems to me, Jacques, that I may more depend upon my troops, in their present mood, for a merry night march, though it be a long one, than for a skirmish through the plain, though it be a short one.