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They were all armed, though two of them were not in uniform, and the manner in which they had their arms disposed, showed that they did not quite conceive themselves to be in security in these their convivial moments. The men were Barrere, Westerman, and Santerre, and two of the republican Generals, Chouardin and Bourbotte.
"By the same argument, I presume, you would refrain from knocking an adder on the head, because he rose boldly in your path." "Who talked of sparing?" said Chouardin. "I only said that I would sooner that a brave enemy should die in battle than be handled by an executioner. Talk as you will, you cannot disgrace such a man as Cathelineau."
"Bon voyage, my dear Cathelineau," said Bourbotte, following his example. "Cathelineau was a brave man," said Chouardin. "I am glad he died of his wounds; I should have been sorry that so gallant a fellow should have had to submit his neck to the sharp embraces of Mademoiselle Guillotine." "That is hardly a patriotic sentiment, citizen General," said Barrere.
"My fidelity to the Republic will not be doubted, I believe," said Chouardin, "because, as a soldier, I admire high courage when I find it in a soldier." "If your fidelity be unimpeachable, your utility will be much questioned, if you wish to spare a royalist because he is a brave man," said Barrere.
General Chouardin made no reply to the rebuke which these words conveyed; he did not dare to do so; he did not dare to repeat the opinion that there was anything admirable in the courage of a royalist.
"If your anger can wait till the revolt in La Vendee has been quelled," said Chouardin, "my friend Bourbotte will be ready enough to satisfy your wishes as a citizen. Barrere truly says, this is no time for private quarrels." "So be it," said Westerman. "Let General Bourbotte remember that he owes me an apology or redress."
I will leave it to Barrere to say who first taunted the other. Nonsense, Santerre, leave hold of me I say: you do not think I am going to murder the man, do you?" General Chouardin also got up and put himself between the two armed men.
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