Mention was made of General Ducrot, who was taken prisoner at Sedan, and who, being allowed greater liberty on pledging his word not to escape, disgraced himself by absconding on the way to Germany. The Chief remarked: “When one catches scoundrels of that kind who have broken their word (of course, I don’t blame those who get away without it) they ought to be strung up in their red breeches with the word _Parjure_ written on one leg, and _Infâme_ on the other. In the meantime that must be put in its proper light in the press. The fellow must be shown up.” The barbarous manner in which the French were conducting the war having been again referred to, the Minister said: “If you peel the white hide off that sort of Gaul you will find a Turco under it.” _Added later._--Von Suckow, the Würtemberg Minister of war, has been a considerable time with the Chief to-day, and it is understood that the German cause is making excellent progress amongst the Suabians. Things appear to be going less well in Bavaria, where the Minister, Bray, seems to be as hostile to the national cause as he well can be in the present circumstances. _Monday, September 19th._--It is said to be certain that Favre will arrive here to-day at noon for the purpose of negotiating with the Chief. He will have fine weather for his business. About 10 o’clock Count Bismarck-Bohlen comes from the Chief. We are to start immediately for the Château of Ferrières, four or five hours’ journey from here. So we pack up in all haste. CHAPTER VIII BISMARCK AND FAVRE AT HAUTE-MAISON--A FORTNIGHT IN ROTHSCHILD’S CHÂTEAU Jules Favre not having arrived up to midday on the 19th of September, our party started. The Minister, however, left a letter for Favre at the Mairie, and told a servant to mention the fact to him in case he came. The Chief and the Councillors rode on ahead of the carriages, of which I had one entirely to myself. We first passed by the residence of the King, who was quartered in a handsome château on the Promenade, and between the villages of Mareuil and Montry we met a two-horse hackney, in which a Prussian officer sat with three civilians. One of the latter was an elderly gentleman with a grey beard and a protruding under lip. “That’s Favre,” I said to Kruger, the Chancery attendant who sat behind me. “Where is the Minister?” He was not to be seen, but had probably gone on before us, and the long train of conveyances cut off our view in front. We drove on rapidly, and after a while I met the Chief and Keudell riding back in the opposite direction. “Favre has driven by, Excellency,” I said. “I know,” he replied, smiling, and trotted on.