human
Long live the Republic!
gpt
Now, my young pupil, we must think of your safety.
human
What! of my safety? Didn't you just say that I had nothing to fear and that you would answer for my safety?
gpt
Certainly, I will answer for you, but on the condition that you do what I say.
human
And what do you want me to do? I hope you don't intend to suggest some act of cowardice.
gpt
Monsieur le Marquis, said Augereau,
human
I must have no more of those suspicions, or, by the Republic, you and I will quarrel.
gpt
Come, my good Pierre, don't get angry. What do you want me to do?
human
I have no confidence in a man who disguises himself with a nose like that when it is not carnival time. In the first place, he will not fight.
gpt
Why won't he fight?
human
Because he looks to me like a great coward.
gpt
Yes, but suppose he does fight?
human
If he fights, there is nothing more to say; you risk only a ball or a sword-thrust. But if he doesn't, you risk having your head cut off, and that is what I wish to prevent.
gpt
How?
human
By taking you with me to the barracks of the volunteers of Paris: he won't come after you there, I warrant.
gpt
Hide? Never.
human
Tush! My little friend, said the sergeant-major,
gpt
What shall I wait for?
human
Citizen Tétrell's seconds.
gpt
His seconds? He will send them here, and I won't know that they have come, since I won't be here.
human
And little Charles? He runs no danger, and what was he put on earth for except to bring us word of what happens? Heavens! what a hard customer you are, and what difficulties you put in a fellow's way.
gpt
And the first thing that happens, no matter how insignificant, you will come to the barracks and tell us, won't you, Charles?
human
I give you my word of honor.
gpt
And now, said Augereau,
human
Where are we going?
gpt
To the barracks.
human
Through the court?
gpt
Through the court.
human
And why not by the door?
gpt
Because if we go by the door some curious fellow might be watching, who would follow us just for fun, to see where we were going; while if we go by the court, I know of a certain little gate that leads to a lane where nothing passes, not even a cat. From lane to lane we will reach the barracks, and no one will know where the turkeys perch.
human
You will remember your promise, Charles?
gpt
Although I am two years younger than you, Eugene, my honor is as good as yours; and, besides, the experiences of to-day have made me feel as old as you. Good-by and sleep well; Augereau will take care of your person and I of your honor.