"Do you know positively that they have a million and a half?" asked Lannes.
"I did not count them," replied Weber, smiling a little, "but I have heard from many certain sources that such are their numbers. I fear, gentlemen, that Paris is doomed."
"Scott and I don't think so," said Lannes firmly. "We've gained new courage today."
Weber was silent for a few moments. Then he said, giving Lannes his title as an officer:
"I've heard of you, Lieutenant Lannes. Who does not know the name of France's most daring aviator? And doubtless you have information which is unknown to me. It is altogether likely that one who pierces the air like an eagle should bear messages between generals of the first rank."
Lannes did not answer, but looked at Weber, who smiled.
"Perhaps our trades are not so very different," said the Alsatian, "but you shoot through clouds while I crawl on the ground. You have a great advantage of me in method."
Lannes smiled back. The little tribute was pleasing to the dramatic instinct so strong in him.
"You and I, Mr. Weber," he said, "know enough never to speak of what we're going to do. Now, we'll bid you good night and wish you good luck. I'd like to be a prophet, even for a day only, and tell what the morrow would bring."
"So do I," said Weber, "and I must hurry on my own errand. It may not be of great importance, but is vital to me that I do it."
He slid away in the darkness and both John and Lannes spoke well of him as they returned to the house. Picard admitted them.
"May I ask, sir, if there is any news that favors France?" he said to Philip.
"Not yet, my good Antoine, but it is surely coming."
John heard the giant Frenchman smother a sigh, but he made no comment, and walked softly with Lannes to the little room high up that had been assigned to him. Here when he was alone with his candle he looked around curiously.
The room was quite simple, not containing much furniture, in truth, nothing of any note save on the wall a fine picture of the great Marshal Lannes, Napoleon's dauntless fighter, and stern republican, despite the ducal title that he took. It was a good portrait, painted perhaps by some great artist, and John holding up the candle, looked at it a long time.