human
Long live the Republic! The ranks opened, and the two representatives, Saint-Just and Lebas, appeared. It had occurred to them that, as the enemy might be in greater force at Weissembourg, their presence would be encouraging to the soldiers. Charles was the first to recognize the deputy from the Aisne, and cried:
gpt
Ah! there is citizen Saint-Just!
human
Do not tell him about the foraging-cap.
gpt
Oh! indeed, no! replied Charles,
human
You are right to do so.
gpt
Ah! it seems that between the toga and arms you have chosen arms. Don't let him get killed, citizen Pichegru; he is a good boy, and bids fair to become a good man, a rare thing in these days. Then taking Pichegru aside, he said:
human
My police tell me--though I would not believe them--that you had an interview with an emissary from the Prince de Condé. I don't believe a word of it.
gpt
It is true, nevertheless, citizen Saint-Just.
human
What did he have to say?
gpt
He came to make me some treasonable propositions.
human
What were they?
gpt
I do not know; my pipe had just gone out, so I lighted it again with the Prince de Condé's letter without taking the trouble to read it.
human
And you had the messenger shot?
gpt
Indeed I did not.
human
Why not?
gpt
If he had been dead, how could he tell his prince what I had done with his propositions?
human
Pichegru, you did not conceal some other motive beneath this clemency?
gpt
Yes, that of beating the enemy the next day at Froeschwiller; of taking Woerth the day following, and of forcing the lines to-day.
human
Then you and Hoche are ready to march upon the enemy?
gpt
We are always ready, citizen representative, particularly when we are honored with your company.
human
Then forward!