a queer lot. Be careful how you treat them. If you behave like a
Christian you're lost. I don't want to go back to France, but I
must. I got a view of the next three years from the top of Cheops
last night just before sunset, and if that view is to be carried out
my presence in Paris is positively required. The people are tired of
the addresses given by the old Directory, and they're seriously
thinking of getting out a new one, and I want to be on hand either to
edit it or to secure my appointment to some lucrative consulship."

"You!--a man of your genius after a consulship?" queried Kleber,
astonished.

"Yes, I have joined the office-seekers, General; but wait till you
hear what consulship it is. The American consul-generalship at
London is worth $70,000 a year, but mine--mine in contrast to that is
as golf to muggins."

"And what shall I tell the reporters about that Jaffa business if
they come here? That poison scandal is sure to come up," queried
Kleber.

"Treat them well. Tell the truth if you know it, and--ah--invite
them to dinner," said Bonaparte. "Give them all the delicacies of
the season. When you serve the poisson, let it be with one 's,' and,
to make assurance doubly sure, flavor the wines with the quickest you
have."

"Quickest what?" asked Kleber, who was slightly obtuse.

"Humph!" sneered Napoleon. "On second thoughts, if reporters bother