You are a prisoner on parole.--The General is as good as captured now.--Let him release you from your word, then his escape will only be an exchange of prisoners. PAUL. Will you consent to this? LA ROCHE. No, I cannot. The exchange would not be fair to the side you serve. I am a General; you, but a Captain. LA HOGUE. But we have the other prisoners, the comrades of the Captain; we can shoot them all at once, or exchange them if we choose for you. PAUL. Free them--and I but make a fair exchange in helping you to get away. [_Shouts outside_. [_Cheers_. JEAN. My God! The crowd rush on this way. DENISE. [_Kneeling to_ LA ROCHEJACQUELEIN.] In Mercy's name--! LA HOGUE. The King's cause dies with you!--You are bound to live for him! LA ROCHE. [_Stripping off his coat_.] Enough--I consent. DENISE. Thank God! PAUL _and_ LA ROCHEJACQUELEIN _exchange uniforms_. LA ROCHE. By heavens! I never thought to wear this colour on my back! I do it for King Louis' sake. PAUL. And I wear this in honour of the King of Kings, who is our common Father. LA ROCHE. My saviour! PAUL. Nay, your brother! PAUL _and_ LA ROCHEJACQUELEIN _look in each other's eyes a moment, then part in silence_. JEAN _and_ DENISE _cross to panel in wall_. LA ROCHEJACQUELEIN _crosses and turns_. LA ROCHE. [_Saluting_ PAUL.] Long live the King! PAUL. [_Saluting_ LA ROCHEJACQUELEIN.] Long live the Republic! LA HOGUE. [_As_ LA ROCHEJACQUELEIN _goes out,_.] Your comrades are there. [_Pointing_.] This key will set them free. PAUL. [_Taking_ LA HOGUE'S _hand_.] Our lives are yours!--Farewell! LA HOGUE. Damme! I never thought I'd live to love a Sans Culotte! [_As_ LA HOGUE _goes out_, JEAN _crosses to_ PAUL. JEAN. When you are recognized, our pursuit will recommence. PAUL. How much time is needed to make sure your escape? JEAN. At least one hour.--If your disguise is discovered in less time, you will have risked your life in vain. PAUL. Don't fear! JEAN. I have your word, and no matter what happens, you will play your part for one whole hour? PAUL. You have my word, however tragic this comedy may become. JEAN. When the General is free, I shall return. [_A bell tolls the hour of Two_.] Listen! Remember, you have pledged your honour to endure all things for an hour. Till then--God help you! [_Exit_. _Shouts and yells outside from Republican soldiers_; PAUL _sits near the fire and pays no attention. Firing outside, followed by cries and cheers_. POTIN. [_Outside_.] This way!--This way!--That's his nest!--We'll find the bird in there! [_Rushes on, followed by_ SOLDIERS.] [_Looking around_.] Deserted! The rogue of a royal General is hiding like a mouse! We'll unearth him!--Come on! [_He is going toward door, followed by his_ MEN, _when he sees_ PAUL, _and starts back_.] Halt! [_Points at_ PAUL.] See!--There is La Rochejacquelein! [_To the_ MEN.] Make ready--Aim!