Monsieur De Treville decides to retire from his position as head of the Royal Guard, as he believes that a younger man should take over his difficult task. Widimer tries to apply for the post, claiming the glory for a series of successes, including the capture of Blancbec; but the appointment falls to Dogtanian. At first, he is reluctant to accept such a high honour, and tries in turn to persuade his three friends to accept the post.