NAPOLEON (shouting furiously for the innkeeper). Giuseppe! (To
the Lieutenant, out of all patience.) Hold your tongue, sir, if
you can.

LIEUTENANT. I warn you it's no use to try to put the blame on me.
(Plaintively.) How was I to know the sort of fellow he was? (He
takes a chair from between the sideboard and the outer door;
places it near the table; and sits down.) If you only knew how
hungry and tired I am, you'd have more consideration.

GIUSEPPE (returning). What is it, excellency?

NAPOLEON (struggling with his temper). Take this--this officer.
Feed him; and put him to bed, if necessary. When he is in his
right mind again, find out what has happened to him and bring me
word. (To the Lieutenant.) Consider yourself under arrest, sir.

LIEUTENANT (with sulky stiffness). I was prepared for that. It
takes a gentleman to understand a gentleman. (He throws his sword
on the table. Giuieppe takes it up and politely offers it to
Napoleon, who throws it violently on the couch.)

GIUSEPPE (with sympathetic concern). Have you been attacked by
the Austrians, lieutenant? Dear, dear, dear!

LIEUTENANT (contemptuously). Attacked! I could have broken his
back between my finger and thumb. I wish I had, now. No: it was
by appealing to the better side of my nature: that's what I can't
get over. He said he'd never met a man he liked so much as me. He