ng heartily;
'I only pray that all our requisitions may be as easily obtained in
future.--Well, Monsieur le Guide, what are we to do with you?'

'Not refuse me, I hope, general,' said I diffidently.

'Not refuse you, certainly; but in what capacity to take you, lad,
that's the question. If you had served--if you had even walked a
campaign----'

'So I have, general--this will show you where I have been'; and I handed
him the _livret_ which every soldier carries of his conduct and career.

He took the book, and casting his eyes hastily over it, exclaimed--

'Why, what's this, lad? You've been at Kehl, at Emmendingen, at
Rorschach, at Huningen, through all that Black Forest affair with
Moreau! You have seen smoke, then. Ay! I see honourable mention of you
besides, for readiness in the field and zeal during action. What!
more brandy, Girard. Why, our Irish friends must have been exceedingly
thirsty. I've given them credit for something like ten thousand "velts"
already! No matter, the poor fellows may have to put up with short
rations for all this yet--and there goes my signature once more. What
does that blue light mean, Girard?' said he, pointing to a bright blue
star that shone from a mast of one of the ships of war.

'That is the signal, general, that the embarkation of the artillery is
complete.'

'_Parbleu!_' said he with a laugh, 'it need not have taken long; they've
given in two batteries of eights, and one of them has not a gun fit for
service. There goes a rocket, now. Isn't that a signal to heave short on
the anchors? Yes, to be sure. And now it is answered by the other! Ha!
lads, this does look like business at last!'

The door opened as he spoke, and a naval officer entered.

'The wind is drawing round to the south, general; we can weigh with the
ebb if you wish it.'

'Wish it!--if I wish it! Yes, with my whole heart and soul I do! I am
just as sick of La Rochelle as is La Rochelle of me. The salute that
announces our departure will be a _feu de joie_ to both of us! Ay, sir,
tell your captain that I need no further notice than that he is ready.
Girard, see to it that the marauders are sent on board in irons. The
fellows must learn at once that discipline begins when we trip our
anchors. As for you,' said he, turning to me, 'you shall act upon my
staff with provisional rank as sous-lieutenant: time will show if the
grade should be confirmed. And now hasten down to the quay, and put
yourself under Col