France -- History -- Revolution, 1789-1799 -- Fiction; Napoleon I, Emperor of the French, 1769-1821 -- Fiction
The last orders had just been issued when an organ-grinder began to play
the first strains of the "Marseillaise," "Allons enfants de la patrie,"
beneath the general's window.
Hoche paid no attention to the serenade, but Pichegru, at the first
notes of the organ, listened attentively, then went to the window and
opened it. An organ-grinder was persistently turning the handle of a box
which he carried in front of him; but as darkness had set in, he could
not distinguish the man's features. On the other hand, as the courtyard
was full of persons going and coming, Pichegru probably did not care to
run the risk of exchanging a word with him. He therefore drew back, and
closed the window, although the tune still went on. But, turning to his
young secretary, he said: "Charles, run down to the organ-grinder. Say
'Spartacus' to him, and if he replies 'Kosciusko' bring him up here. If
he makes no reply, I have made a mistake, and you can leave him where he
is."
Charles rose and went out without asking any questions.
The organ continued to play the "Marseillaise" perseveringly and
Pichegru listened attentively. Hoche looked at Pichegru, expecting some
explanation of this mystery. Then the organ stopped suddenly in the
midst of a measure.
Pichegru nodded smilingly to Hoche. A moment later the door opened, and
Charles entered, followed by the organ-grinder. Pichegru looked at him
for a moment without speaking; he did not recognize the man.
The person whom Charles had brought into the room was a little below
medium height and wore the Alsatian peasant's costume. His long black
hair hung straight down over his forehead, and he wore a broad-brimmed
hat. He looked about forty-five years old.
"My friend," said Pichegru to the musician, "I think this child has made
a mistake, and that I have no business with you."
"General, there can be no mistake in a watchword, and if you have any
business with Stephan Moinjski, here he is." With these words he raised
his hat, threw back his hair, and drew himself up to his full height;
and, save for the hair and the black beard, Pichegru saw before him the
same man with whom he had talked at Auenheim.
"Well, Stephan?" asked the general.
"Well, general," replied the spy, "I know nearly all that you bade me
find out."
"Then put aside your organ and come here. Listen, Hoche; this is some
information in regard to the enemy. I am afraid," he added, turning to
Stephan, "that you have not taken enough time to make your search very
thorough."
"I do not know about Woerth, because an inhabitant of that town has
agreed to give us information about it when we arrive at Froeschwilier;
but I can tell you all you want to know about Froeschwiller and
Reichsoffen."
"Go on."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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