said, "and must therefore have had good opportunities of distinguishing
himself. Still, it is seldom indeed that any save one of royal blood or
of the very highest families obtains such a rank so quickly. Turenne,
however, was himself a colonel after less than four years service."

"Yes, cardinal, but he had the advantage of belonging to the family of
an almost independent sovereign."

"Conde said that he had himself asked the young man how it was that he
had won it, and he replied that it was solely due to the kindness of the
Duc d'Enghien, who had been pleased to consider a small service he had
rendered as worthy of recognition. It is like enough, your majesty, that
we shall see his name mentioned in one of these documents. It is certain
that he would not have been chosen to carry the despatches--a duty which
is regarded as a reward of the most distinguished service--unless he had
done something of marked importance."

The two French officers on leaving the palace at once went off to pay
their respects in the first place to the heads of their families, and
afterwards to visit the various circles and coteries with which they
were connected, and where they would be sure of a flattering welcome and
attentive listeners. Hector, for his part, rode direct to the quarters
of the colonel of the Scottish regiment. A soldier came out and took the
bridle of his horse as he saluted, while a sergeant asked what name he
should announce.

"Then you do not remember me, Sergeant Macfarlane?"

The soldier looked at him earnestly. "Why," he exclaimed suddenly, "it's
Hector Campbell!"

"Right enough, sergeant."

"You have changed mightily, sir; you were but a laddie when you went
away nigh four years ago. The news came to the regiment that you had
been made a captain, and proud we all were. The colonel will be right
glad to see you," and he led the way into the house.

"Then the regiment has not been on service just lately?"

"We had two years on the Rhine; but we came back here last autumn.
The Red Cardinal was not fond of us, but he knew that he could trust
us--which is more than he could have done some of the regiments--so
he had us back again; and we were not sorry, for it was but dull work
there--sieges and nought else."

He was just going to open the door of the inner room when Hector said,
"You can announce me, Macfarlane, as Colonel Campbell."

"Gude Lord," the sergeant ejaculated, "ye dinna say that ye are a
colone