"Oh! as to the latter," said Canolles, "I don't consider them very terrible, and I confess that I am a little ashamed to have no worthier antagonist. Unfortunately, I am for his Majesty body and soul, and I must be content with a tradesmen's war." "They'll give you that, never fear," said Richon. "Have you any basis for conjecture on that subject?" queried Canolles. "I have something better than that," said Richon. "I have certain knowledge. The council of citizens has decided to take Île Saint-Georges first of all." "Good," said Canolles, "let them come; I am ready for them." The conversation had reached this stage and the dessert had just been served, when they heard drums beating at the entrance of the fortress. "What does that mean?" said Canolles. "_Pardieu!_" exclaimed the young officer who had brought the news from court, "it would be curious if they should attack you at this moment; an assault and escalade would be a delightful after-dinner diversion!" "Deuce take me! it looks very much like it," said the old officer; "these wretched cads never fail to disturb you at your meals. I was at the outposts at Charenton at the time of the war in Paris, and we could never breakfast or dine in peace." Canolles rang; the orderly on duty in the antechamber entered. "What is going on?" Canolles asked. "I don't know yet, Monsieur le Gouverneur; some messenger from the king or from the city, no doubt." "Inquire, and let me know." The soldier hastened from the room. "Let us return to the table, messieurs," said Canolles to his guests, most of whom had left their seats. "It will be time enough to leave the table when we hear the cannon." All the guests resumed their seats with smiling faces. Richon alone, over whose features a cloud had passed, still seemed restless, and kept his eyes fixed upon the door, awaiting the soldier's return. But an officer with drawn sword appeared in his stead. "Monsieur le Gouverneur," said he, "a flag of truce." "A flag of truce from whom?" "From the princes." "Coming from where?" "From Bordeaux." "From Bordeaux!" all the guests save Richon repeated in chorus. "Oho! so war is really declared, is it," said the old officer, "that they send flags of truce?" Canolles reflected a moment, and during that moment his features assumed as grave an expression as the circumstances demanded. "Messieurs," said he, "duty before everything. I shall probably find myself confronted with a question not easy to solve in connection with this message from my Bordeaux friends, and I cannot say when I shall be able to join you again--" "No! no!" cried the guests as one man. "Allow us to take our leave, commandant; this incident is notice to us to return to our respective posts, and we must separate at once." "It was not for me to suggest it, messieurs," said Canolles, "but as the suggestion comes from you I am bound to say that it would be the more prudent course. Bring out the horses or carriages of these gentlemen."