human
Well, Stephan?
gpt
Well, general, replied the spy,
human
I know nearly all that you bade me find out.
gpt
Then put aside your organ and come here. Listen, Hoche; this is some information in regard to the enemy. I am afraid, he added, turning to Stephan,
human
I do not know about Woerth, because an inhabitant of that town has agreed to give us information about it when we arrive at Froeschwilier; but I can tell you all you want to know about Froeschwiller and Reichsoffen.
gpt
Go on.
human
The enemy have abandoned Reichsoffen, in order to concentrate upon Froeschwiller and Woerth. Having learned that the junction of your two armies has been effected, they have concentrated upon those two points, which they intend to defend to the utmost. These two positions, which have excellent natural fortifications, have been covered with fresh works; intrenchments have been dug and bastions and redoubts have been erected. The enemy, both at the bridge of Reichsoffen, which they intend to defend as well, and on the heights of Froeschwiller and Woerth, number about twenty-two thousand men, and have thirty pieces of artillery, five of which have been detached for use at the bridge. And now, continued Stephan,
gpt
Upon my word, general, said Hoche,
human
My dear Hoche, said Pichegru,
gpt
Then, turning to Stephan, he said:
human
Thanks! you have kept your word, and amply; but your work is only half accomplished. Will you engage to find us two guides who know their way so thoroughly that they could not lose it, even on the darkest night? You will walk near one of them, and you will kill him on the first sign of hesitation on his part; I will walk near the other. As you probably have no pistols, here are two.
gpt
I will find guides to be depended upon, he said, with his customary laconism.
human
How much time can you give me?
gpt
Half an hour; three-quarters at the outside.