"Could you promise to guide them, Giorgio," said Massena. "Yes, every step of the way; up to the very wall of the fort." "There, then," cried the general, "one great difficulty is got over already." "Not so fast, general mio," said the dwarf; "I said I could, but I never said that I would." "Not for a liberal present, Giorgio: not if I filled that leather pouch of yours with five-franc pieces, man?" "I might not live to spend it, and I care little for my next of kin," said the dwarf, dryly. "I don't think that we need his services, general," said I: "I saw the place this evening, and however steep it seems from the walls, the descent is practicable enough--at least I am certain that our Tirailleurs, in the Black Forest, would never have hesitated about it." I little knew that when I uttered this speech I had sent a shot into the very heart of the magazine, the ruling passion of Massena's mind being an almost insane jealousy of Moreau's military fame; his famous campaign of Southern Germany, and his wonderful retreat upon the Rhine, being regarded as achievements of the highest order. "I've got some of those regiments you speak of in my brigade here, sir," said he, addressing himself directly to me, "and I must own that their discipline reflects but little credit upon the skill of so great an officer as General Moreau; and as to light-troops, I fancy Colonel de Vallence yonder would scarcely feel it a flattery, were you to tell him to take a lesson from them." "I have just been speaking to Colonel de Vallence, general," said Colonel de Barre. "He confirms every thing Mons. de Tiernay tells us of the practicable nature of these paths; his fellows have tracked them at all hours, and neither want guidance nor direction to go." "In that case I may as well offer my services," said Giorgio, tightening his belt; "but I must tell you that it is too late to begin to-night--we must start immediately after nightfall. It will take from forty to fifty minutes to descend the cliff, a good two hours to climb the ascent, so that you'll not have much time to spare before daybreak." Giorgio's opinion was backed by several others, and it was finally resolved upon that the attempt should be made on the following evening. Meanwhile, the dwarf was committed to the safe custody of a sergeant, affectedly to look to his proper care and treatment, but really to guard against any imprudent revelations that he might make respecting the intended attack. CHAPTER XXXVI. GENOA DURING THE SIEGE.