human
It is--no, said Pascal;
gpt
Is it possible that you are Jacques?
human
I am Dessalines,
gpt
Why come yourself, in this state!
human
I could more easily come than write my news, replied Dessalines;
gpt
Shall I go?
human
No. Stay and hear. Tell us your tidings, Jacques.
gpt
I am as well here as down in the south-west, or you would not have seen me.
human
You mean that all is lost there?
gpt
All is lost there.
human
While the enemy is beguiling us with letters, and talk of truce! observed Toussaint to Pascal.
gpt
Where was your battle, Jacques? How can all the west be lost?
human
The French have bought La Plume. They told him your cause was desperate, and promised him honours and office in France. Get me cured, and let me win a battle for you, and I have no doubt I can buy him back again. Meantime--
gpt
Meantime, what has Domage done? Is he with me or La Plume? And is Chaney safe?
human
Domage never received your instructions. La Plume carried them, and no doubt, your aide-de-camp also, straight to the French. Chaney has not been seen: he is traitor or prisoner.
gpt
Then Cayes is not burned, nor Jeremie defended?
human
Neither the one nor the other. Both are lost; and so is Port-au-Prince. My troops and I did our best at the Croix de Bosquets: but what could we do in such a case? I am here, wounded within an inch of my life; and they are in the fastnesses. You were a doctor once, L'Ouverture. Set me up again; and I will gather my men from the mountains, and prick these whites all across the peninsula into the sea.
gpt
I will be doctor, or nurse, or anything, to save you, Jacques.
human
What if I have more bad news? Will you not hate me?
gpt
Lose no time, my friend. This is no hour for trifling.
human
There is no room for trifling, my friend. I fear--I am not certain-- but I fear the east is lost.
gpt
Is Clerveaux bought too?
human
Not bought. He is more of your sort than La Plume's. He is incorruptible by money; but he likes the French, and he loves peace. He would be a very brother to you, if he only loved liberty better than either. As it is, he is thought to have delivered over the whole east, from the Isabella to Cap Samana, without a blow.
gpt
And my brother!
human
He has disappeared from the city. He did not yield; but he could do nothing by himself, or with only his guard. He disappeared in the night, and is thought to have put off! by water. You will soon hear from him, I doubt not. Now I have told my news, and I am faint. Where is Therese?
gpt
She is here. Look more like yourself, and she shall be called. You have told all your news?
human
All; and I am glad it is out.
gpt
Keep up your heart, Dessalines! I have you and Henri; and God is with the faithful.--Now to your bed, my friend.