human
And then?
gpt
That is all.
human
But Captain Morandi?
gpt
Blew himself up, general,
human
And you?
gpt
Oh, I did not wait until he blew himself up; I blew away before that, after carefully concealing my despatch in my tobacco-box. Then I swam under water to a place where I hid in the tall grass. When it was dark I came out from under the water, and crawled on all fours to the camp where I came upon a sleeping Arab. I put a dagger into him, and taking his dromedary I started off at a gallop.
human
And you have come from Beyrout?
gpt
Yes, citizen-general.
human
Without accident?
gpt
If you call shots fired at or by me accidents, then I have had plenty and my camel also. Between us we have been hit four times. He three times in the side, and I once in the shoulder. We have been hungry and thirsty; he has eaten nothing at all, and I have eaten horseflesh. But here we are. You are well, citizen-general; that is all that is necessary.
human
But Morandi?
gpt
The deuce! as he put the match to the powder himself, I rather think that it would be difficult to find any of him, even a piece as big as a nut.
human
And the 'Italie'?
gpt
There is not enough of the 'Italie' left to make matches.
human
You were right, my friend; this is indeed bad news. Bourrienne, you will say that I am superstitious; but did you notice the name of the vessel?
gpt
The 'Italie.'
human
Well, now listen, Bourrienne. Italy is lost to France; that is beyond doubt; my presentiments never deceive me.
gpt
What connection do you find between a ship which is blown up twenty-four hundred miles from France, on the Nile, and Italy?
human
I have said it, replied Bonaparte with a prophetic accent,
gpt
Then, after a moment's silence, he said, pointing to the messenger:
human
Take this good fellow with you, Bourrienne; give him thirty talaris, and get him to tell you the story of the battle of Beyrout.