claims to be in favour of the king, we have simply to fight for whoever
happens to have the king's signature. If they both have it, then it
is the general who commands our division who gives us orders, and it
matters nought to us whom he takes his orders from."

"At any rate, MacIntosh, it is not for soldiers to inquire too deeply
into these matters; if we did, we should have one half of the regiment
firing into the other."

"So we should, lad, so we should; therefore we soldiers do wisely in
leaving the matter to our officers. If the colonel says 'Charge!' we
charge; if he says 'Dismount and take to your musketoons!' we do so,
without troubling our heads as to whether it is Germans or Spaniards or
Frenchmen whom we have to aim at. Ah, here come your four men!"

As the four troopers entered the cabaret and saw who was speaking to
MacIntosh they hesitated, and would have turned, but the sergeant called
out, "Attention! salute!" and they stood as motionless as statues till
Hector ordered them to stand easy.

"I have been talking about you men to Sergeant MacIntosh, who tells me
that you have taken your discharge and the reason for your so doing. I
think that you acted hastily; however, that is your affair. The matter
that concerns me is this:--I am appointed colonel of an infantry
regiment and I want four good men as orderlies. They will be mounted,
and I shall see that they draw rations when there are any rations to be
had; but they will be my troopers and not soldiers of the regiment. I
want good men, who can be relied upon in any emergency; they will ride
behind me in battle, act as scouts if necessary, and they will receive
double the pay of ordinary troopers. In peacetime, or when the regiment
is in winter quarters, I shall pass my time either in Paris or on my
estate in Poitou, and they will of course accompany me. I may tell
you that I am now Baron de la Villar, but I should wish to be always
addressed as Colonel Campbell. I know you all of old, and that your only
failing is somewhat too great a love for the wine flask; that must only
be indulged in at times when you are not only off duty, but when there
is no possibility of your services being required. Now, what do you
think, men; will my service suit you?"

"That it would, sir," burst from them simultaneously.

"Of course, there will be some other advantages beyond that of pay. When
the time comes that you get beyond active service in the field, I shall