(Triumphantly, seeing
that he has reduced Napoleon to blank stupefaction.) Was THAT
nothing?
NAPOLEON (enfeebled by astonishment). What did he do that for?
LIEUTENANT (as if the reason were obvious). To show his
confidence in me. (Napoleon's jaw does not exactly drop; but its
hinges become nerveless. The Lieutenant proceeds with honest
indignation.) And I was worthy of his confidence: I brought them
all back honorably. But would you believe it?--when I trusted him
with MY pistols, and MY horse, and MY despatches--
NAPOLEON (enraged). What the devil did you do that for?
LIEUTENANT. Why, to show my confidence in him, of course. And he
betrayed it--abused it--never came back. The thief! the swindler!
the heartless, treacherous little blackguard! You call that
nothing, I suppose. But look here, General: (again resorting to
the table with his fist for greater emphasis) YOU may put up with
this outrage from the Austrians if you like; but speaking for
myself personally, I tell you that if ever I catch--
NAPOLEON (turning on his heel in disgust and irritably resuming
his march to and fro).
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