"I speak of the peasants--they intend to take possession of Montaignac, dethrone Louis XVIII., bring back the Emperor, or at least the son of the Emperor--miserable wretches! they have deceived me.

I suspected this outbreak, but I did not think it was so near at hand." This terrible blow, so entirely unexpected, stupefied the duke for a moment.
"How many are there ?" he demanded.
"Ah! how do I know, Monsieur?
Two thousand, perhaps--perhaps ten thousand." "All the towns-people are with us." "No, Monsieur, no.

The rebels have accomplices here.

All the retired officers stand ready to assist them." "Who are the leaders of the movement ?" "Lacheneur, Abbe Midon, Chanlouineau, Baron d'Escorval----" "Enough!" cried the duke.
Now that danger was certain, his coolness returned; and his herculean form, a trifle bowed by the weight of years, rose to its full height.
He gave the bell-rope a violent pull; a valet appeared.
"My uniform," commanded M.de Sairmeuse; "my pistols! Quick!" The servant was about to obey, when the duke exclaimed: "Wait! Let someone take a horse, and go and tell my son to come here without a moment's delay.

Take one of the swiftest horses.