But when the last one was gone, when the door was shut behind them, and the shutters closed so carefully that not even a ray of light could escape through them, Augereau grew very grave, and turning to Eugene said: "Now, my young pupil, we must think of your safety." "What! of my safety? Didn't you just say that I had nothing to fear and that you would answer for my safety?" "Certainly, I will answer for you, but on the condition that you do what I say." "And what do you want me to do? I hope you don't intend to suggest some act of cowardice." "Monsieur le Marquis," said Augereau, "I must have no more of those suspicions, or, by the Republic, you and I will quarrel." "Come, my good Pierre, don't get angry. What do you want me to do?" "I have no confidence in a man who disguises himself with a nose like that when it is not carnival time. In the first place, he will not fight." "Why won't he fight?" "Because he looks to me like a great coward." "Yes, but suppose he does fight?" "If he fights, there is nothing more to say; you risk only a ball or a sword-thrust. But if he doesn't, you risk having your head cut off, and that is what I wish to prevent." "How?" "By taking you with me to the barracks of the volunteers of Paris: he won't come after you there, I warrant." "Hide? Never." "Tush! My little friend," said the sergeant-major, "don't say such things before Pierre Augereau, whose courage cannot be questioned. No, you will not hide, you will simply wait there. That's all." "What shall I wait for?" "Citizen Tétrell's seconds." "His seconds? He will send them here, and I won't know that they have come, since I won't be here." "And little Charles? He runs no danger, and what was he put on earth for except to bring us word of what happens? Heavens! what a hard customer you are, and what difficulties you put in a fellow's way." "And the first thing that happens, no matter how insignificant, you will come to the barracks and tell us, won't you, Charles?" "I give you my word of honor." "And now," said Augereau, "to the left!" "Where are we going?" "To the barracks." "Through the court?" "Through the court." "And why not by the door?" "Because if we go by the door some curious fellow might be watching, who would follow us just for fun, to see where we were going; while if we go by the court, I know of a certain little gate that leads to a lane where nothing passes, not even a cat. From lane to lane we will reach the barracks, and no one will know where the turkeys perch." "You will remember your promise, Charles?" "Although I am two years younger than you, Eugene, my honor is as good as yours; and, besides, the experiences of to-day have made me feel as old as you. Good-by and sleep well; Augereau will take care of your person and I of your honor."