That letter was already on the way to England, whence it would be sent to Mittau; and since the First Consul would not accept peace on the terms dictated by Louis XVIII., Cadoudal, commander-in-chief of Louis XVIII. in the West, renewed his warfare against Bonaparte, intending to carry it on alone, if necessary, with his friend Tiffauges. For the rest, the latter was at Pouancé, where conferences were being held between Châtillon, d’Autichamp, the Abbé Bernier, and General Hédouville. He was reflecting--this last survivor of the great warriors of the civil war--and the news he had just received was indeed a matter for deep reflection. General Brune, the conqueror of Alkmaar and Castricum, the savior of Holland, had just been appointed to the command of the Republican forces in the West. He had reached Nantes three days previous, intending, at any cost, to annihilate Cadoudal and his Chouans. At any cost, therefore, Cadoudal and his Chouans must prove to the commander-in-chief that they knew no fear, and had nothing to expect from intimidation. Just then the gallop of a horse was heard; the rider no doubt had the countersign, for he passed without difficulty the various patrols stationed along the toad to La Roche-Bernard, and entered the village of Muzillac, also without difficulty. He stopped before the door of the cottage in which Georges was sitting. The latter raised his head, listened, and, by way of precaution, laid his hands on his pistols, though it was probable that the new-comer was a friend. The rider dismounted, strode up the path, and opened the door of the room where Georges was waiting. “Ah! it’s you, Coeur-de-Roi,” said Cadoudal. “Where do you come from?” “From Pouancé, general.” “What news?” “A letter from Tiffauges.” “Give it to me.” Georges snatched the letter hastily from Coeur-de-Roi’s hand and read it. “Ah!” he exclaimed. Then he read it a second time, “Have you seen the man whose coming he speaks of?” inquired Cadoudal. “Yes, general,” replied the courier. “What sort of a man is he?” “A handsome young fellow of twenty-six or seven.” “What manner?” “Determined.” “That’s it. When does he arrive?” “Probably to-night.” “Did you safe-guard him along the road?” “Yes; he’ll come safely.” “Do it again. Nothing must happen to him; he is protected by Morgan.” “That’s understood, general.” “Anything more to say?” “The advanced guard of the Republicans has reached La Roche-Bernard.” “How many men?” “About a thousand. They have a guillotine with them, and the commissioner of the executive power, Millière.” “Are you sure?” “I met them on the road. The commissioner was riding near the colonel, and I recognized him perfectly. He executed my brother, and I have sworn he shall die by my own hand.” “And you’ll risk your life to keep your oath?” “At the first opportunity.” “Perhaps it won’t be long coming.” The gallop of a horse echoed through the street.