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LABOULAY ES PATRY BOOK the general’s tent and fell into a chair. Tonto was little less disheartened. ‘Sire,’ said Bayonet, "permit me to speak to you with the frankness of a soldier and the freedom of an old friend. The army is murmuring and hesitating; we must secure it, or all is lost. The enemy is in sight; we must attack him. Five minutes sometimes decide the fate of empires; 1t 1s so with us now. Do not wait till it is too late." " Very well,” said the king. "To horse! in an instant I will be with you.” Left alone with Tonto and Rachimburg, the king exclaimed, in despair, “My good friends, quit a master who can do no more for you. I shall not dispute my wretched life with my enemies. Betrayed in friendship and treacherously assassinated, I recognize in my misfortune the hand of an avenging God. It is in punishment for my crime. I killed the queen in my stupid vengeance; the hour has come to expiate my fault, and I am ready." “Sire,” said Tonto, trying to smile, “shake off these sad thoughts. If the queen were here she would tell you to defend yourself. Believe me,” he added, twisting his budding mustache, “I am acquainted with women! Were they dead, they would still love to avenge themselves. Besides, you did not kill the queen; and perhaps she is not so dead as you Imagine.” 188
