coarseness of a savage, seasoning
his talk with oaths, and curses, and low expressions, De Barre had
something of the _petit-maitre_ in his address, which nothing short of
his well-proved courage would have saved from ridicule. His voice was
low and soft, his smile perpetual; and although well bred enough to have
been dignified and easy, a certain fidgety impulse to be pleasing
made him always appear affected and unnatural. Never was there such
a contrast to his chief; but indeed it was said, that to this very
disparity of temperament he owed all the influence he possessed over
Massena's mind.

I might have been a general of division at the very least, to judge from
the courteous deference of the salute with which he approached me--a
politeness the more striking, as all the others immediately fell back,
to leave us to converse together. I was actually overcome with the
flattering terms in which he addressed me on the subject of my escape.

'I could scarcely at first credit the story,' said he, 'but when they
told me that you were a "Ninth man," one of the old Tapageurs, I never
doubted it more. You see what a bad character is, Monsieur de Tiernay!'
It was the first time I had ever heard the prefix to my name, and I
own the sound was pleasurable. 'I served a few months with your corps
myself, but I soon saw there was no chance of promotion among fellows
all more eager than myself for distinction. Well, sir, it is precisely
to this reputation I have yielded my credit, and to which General
Massena is kind enough to concede his own confidence. Your advice is
about to be acted on, Monsieur de Tiernay.'

'The _coup de main_----'

'A little lower, if you please, my dear sir. The expedition is to be
conducted with every secrecy, even from the officers of every rank
below a command. Have the goodness to walk along with me this way. If I
understand General Massena aright, your information conveys no details,
nor any particular suggestions as to the attack.'

'None whatever, sir. It was the mere talk of a gunroom--the popular
opinion among a set of young officers.'

'I understand,' said he, with a bow and a smile--'the suggestion of
a number of high-minded and daring soldiers, as to what they deemed
practicable.'

'Precisely, sir.'

'Neither could you collect from their conversation anything which
bore upon the number of the Austrian advance guard, or their state of
preparation?'

'Nothing, sir. The opinion of the Eng