The fact is, that short 'Leblanc' was a little too short." "Thunderation!" cried Fougas, "that's splendid! I swear, Leblanc, that I'm not jealous of your good fortune! It's seldom enough that one soldier rejoices over the promotion of another; but indeed, from the bottom of my heart, I assure you that I do now.

It's all the better, since you deserved your honors, and the blind goddess must have had a glimpse of your heart and talents, over the bandage that covers her eyes!" "You're very kind! But let's talk about yourself now: where were you going when I met you ?" "To see the Emperor." "So was I; but where the devil were you looking for him ?" "I don't know; somebody was showing me the way." "But he is at the Tuilleries!" "No!" "Yes! There's something under all this; tell me about it." Fougas did not wait to be urged.

The Marshal soon understood from what sort of danger he had extricated his friend.
"The _concierge_ is mistaken," said he; "the Emperor is at the Palace; and, as we've reached there now, come with me; perhaps I can present you after my audience." "The very thing! Leblanc, my heart beats at the idea of seeing this young man.

Is he a good one?
Can he be counted upon?
Is he anything like the other ?" "You can see for yourself.

Wait here." The friendship of these two men dated from the winter of 1812.