Whew! The regiment won't like that, I can tell you.
NAPOLEON. Personally, I am sorry for you. I would willingly
conceal the affair if it were possible. But I shall be called to
account for not acting on the despatches. I shall have to prove
to all the world that I never received them, no matter what the
consequences may be to you. I am sorry; but you see that I cannot
help myself.
LIEUTENANT (goodnaturedly). Oh, don't take it to heart, General:
it's really very good of you. Never mind what happens to me: I
shall scrape through somehow; and we'll beat the Austrians for
you, despatches or no despatches. I hope you won't insist on my
starting off on a wild goose chase after the fellow now. I
haven't a notion where to look for him.
GIUSEPPE (deferentially). You forget, Lieutenant: he has your
horse.
LIEUTENANT (starting). I forgot that. (Resolutely.) I'll go after
him, General: I'll find that horse if it's alive anywhere in
Italy. And I shan't forget the despatches: never fear. Giuseppe:
go and saddle one of those mangy old posthorses of yours, while I
get my cap and sword and things.
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