It is agreed between us that when at midnight he shall
see our signal-fire he shall light his own as an answer, and
shall then at once fall back upon the main army. If he does not
start at once I must go without him. For two days I have
endeavoured to send him his message. It must reach him to-day,
or his army will be left behind and destroyed."
Ah, my friends, how my heart swelled when I heard how high was
the task which Fortune had assigned to me!
If my life were spared, here was one more splendid new leaf for
my laurel crown. If, on the other hand, I died, then it would be
a death worthy of such a career. I said nothing, but I cannot
doubt that all the noble thoughts that were in me shone in my
face, for Massena took my hand and wrung it.
"There is the hill and there the beacon," said he.
"There is only this guerilla and his men between you and it. I
cannot detach a large party for the enterprise and a small one
would be seen and destroyed. Therefore to you alone I commit it.
Carry it out in your own way, but at twelve o'clock this night
let me see the fire upon the hill.
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