human
There, said he,
gpt
Alone, general?
human
Let us play above-board.
gpt
I ask nothing better.
human
Your name is not Fenouillot, you are not related to the lawyer at Besançon, you were not the Prince de Condé's prisoner, you are his agent.
gpt
That is true, general.
human
And you remained by his order to make me some proposals from the royalists at the risk of being shot.
gpt
That is also true.
human
But you said to yourself, 'General Pichegru is brave and he will understand that it requires a certain degree of courage to do what I am doing; perhaps he will not shoot me, though he may refuse; and then he will send me back to the prince with his refusal.'
gpt
That is also true; but I hope that after having heard me--
human
After having heard you there is just one case in which I shall have you shot; of that I warn you.
gpt
What is that?
human
If you should put a price on my treason.
gpt
Or your devotion.
human
We will not discuss the words, but the thing. Are you disposed to answer all my questions?
gpt
I am, general.
human
I am going to cross-examine you, I warn you.
gpt
Go on.
human
General, said the pretended clerk, laughing,
gpt
I hope those are not your cards that you are laying on the table.
human
Have the goodness to put my pistols on the mantel-shelf, since you are nearer to it than I am, replied Pichegru,