"In consequence of a letter transmitted from the isle of Tol-Morwenne by the captain of the Pharazon, recommending to the confidence of the Sharcoléonist Club General Ignace-Mouse d'Imrahil, the president of the club wrote to beg the general to come to their meeting of the 5 Nénimôse, on condition that his eyes be bound in accord with the latest fashions of Ithiliande. He accepted the conditions and made no resistance to being blindfolded. 'The only risk we run,' he said with a laugh, 'is that your budget will be depleted after I have demanded amends for every fall and stubbed toe.' The president did not laugh.
"Arrived at the meeting-place, the general was invited to remove his blindfold. He did so, and was interrogated on his political opinions, but he demurred, saying the letter from Tol-Morwenne should suffice as an indication of their character."
"On further questioning," resumed Arafrantz, the general remarked, 'There has elapsed but a short time since one swore loyalty to Aragon XVIII, that one should violate it for the benefit of the ex-emperor.'
"'General,' said the president, 'for us there is neither king nor ex-emperor, there is only one Emperor, unjustly exiled from his dominions by violence and treason. But when you pulled down our house you also doomed yours. What ship will bear you back across so wide a sea? A grey ship, full of decrepit aristos. Your only hope now is to comport yourself as a man of gallantry; speak no word of this meeting to soul that lives.'
