[Exit.

Shouts and yells outside from Republican soldiers; PAUL sits near the fire and pays no attention.  Firing outside, followed by cries and cheers.

POTIN.

[Outside.]

This way!—­This way!—­That’s his nest!—­We’ll find the bird in there!

[Rushes on, followed by SOLDIERS.]

[Looking around.]

Deserted!  The rogue of a royal General is hiding like a mouse!  We’ll unearth him!—­Come on!

[He is going toward door, followed by his MEN, when he sees PAUL, and starts back.]

Halt!

[Points at PAUL.]

See!—­There is La Rochejacquelein!

[To the MEN.]

Make ready—­Aim!

[SOLDIERS aim at PAUL, who does not move]

[To PAUL.]

General La Rochejacquelein, we recognize your uniform.  Surrender!

[PAUL does not move.]

General, your sword, or we fire!

PAUL.

[Rising coolly.]

Fire!

POTIN.

We do not want to kill you.

[Advancing with extended hand.]

We’d rather have your sword.

PAUL.

[Recognizing POTIN, speaks aside.]

Potin!—­The wretch!—­He may recognize me before the hour is up!

[He draws his sword and extends it backward.

POTIN.

[Taking the sword.]

General, you are our prisoner.

[To SOLDIERS.]

Comrades, to us—­a squad of the battalion of the Bonnet Rouge—­is due the glory of taking the leader of these Royalist Brigands!—­Hurrah for our Battalion!

[All cheer.

VOICES.

[Outside.]

Long live the Republic!

POTIN.

[Looking off]

Bah!  Here come the rabble—­a crowd of anarchists!

GOUJON.

Who never share the fighting.

POTIN.

But claim all the glory fighting brings.

GOUJON.

Curse these civil shouters!

SOLDIERS all groan.  Cries of “Carrac!  Carrac!” with cheers heard outside.

POTIN.

Here they come, led on by Scarlotte—­

GOUJON.

Scarlotte!  A woman in form—­a fury in nature!