When I say, gentlemen,
that it was he who saved the citadel of Turin to our arms, by
undertaking and carrying out the perilous work of passing through the
city and the Spanish lines to carry word to the half starved garrison
that succour would arrive in a fortnight's time, and so prevented their
surrendering, you will admit that Turenne has not spoken too highly of
his courage and ability. I have heard the full details of the affair
from Turenne's own lips, when he paid a short visit to Paris after that
campaign closed; and I should feel proud indeed had I accomplished such
an enterprise. Captain Campbell is a member of an old Scottish family,
and his father died fighting for France at the siege of La Rochelle, a
captain in the Scottish regiment. And now, gentlemen, to supper."

It was a joyous meal, and of a character quite new to Hector. Grave
himself, Turenne's entertainments were marked by a certain earnestness
and seriousness. He set, indeed, all his guests at ease by his courtesy
and the interest he took in each; and yet all felt that in his presence
loud laughter would be out of place and loose jesting impossible.
Enghien, on the other hand, being a wild and reckless young noble, one
who chose not his words, but was wont to give vent in terms of unbridled
hatred to his contempt for those whom he deemed his enemies, imposed no
such restraint upon his guests, and all talked, laughed, and jested as
they chose, checked only by the presence of the gallant old marshal,
who was nominally Enghien's guide and adviser. Next to Hector was
seated General Gassion, one of the finest soldiers of the time. He, like
Hector, had no family influence, but had gained his position solely by
his own merits. He was enterprising and energetic, and eager to still
further distinguish himself, and Hector was not long in perceiving that
Enghien had his cordial support in combating the prudent and cautious
counsels of the marshal. He spoke very cordially to the young captain.
He saw in him one who, like himself, was likely to make his way by merit
and force of character, and he asked him many questions as to his past
history and the various services in which he had been engaged.

"I hope some day to win my marshal's baton, and methinks that if you
have as good fortune as I have had, and escape being cut off by bullet
or sabre, you, too, may look forward to gaining such a distinction. You
see all these young men around us have joined rather in