[_Aside, as he goes out_.]
Now I know that I shall triumph!
LA ROCHE.
[_To_ LA HOGUE.]
When and where were these prisoners secured?
LA HOGUE.
At dawn this morning, in the centre of the Faubourg. They fought like
fiends! Their leader is a veritable lion.--Though overcome by numbers,
he don't seem conquered in the least!--Hang my hide! I cannot help but
like him!
[_Howls renewed outside_.
ORDERLY.
[_Entering_.]
The prisoner is here, General.
LA ROCHE.
Bring him in.
[ORDERLY _beckons.--Yells outside_. GUARDS _enter and form on terrace
behind entrance.--Enter_ PRISONER, _who strides haughtily in_.]
[_To_ ORDERLY.]
Retire and guard the doors.
[ORDERLY _right-faces_.--GUARD _goes of with_ ORDERLY.]
[_Politely to_ PRISONER.]
I see, sir, you're an officer.
PRISONER.
Yes.--Captain of Volunteers in the ranks of the Republic.
LA ROCHE.
To what corps do you belong?
PRISONER.
Kleber's--who waits upon the banks of the river to cut off your
retreat.
LA ROCHE.
[_Smiling_.]
We do not propose to retreat, but to advance.
PRISONER.
Before another day you will be driven, routed, into the heart of
Vendee.
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