so rapidly in consequence; but one
morning, some three weeks after the departure of the party of the
baroness' from Mezieres, he was agreeably surprised by Doctor Carl
giving him permission to rejoin his corps.

"I don't quite think you exactly strong enough yet, you know; but I've
received orders to clear out the hospitals here, sending forward all
such as are fit to their respective regiments, while those not
sufficiently recovered I am to invalid to Germany. Now, which is it to
be, Herr Lieutenant? I candidly don't believe you're quite up to the
mark for campaigning again yet; but still, perhaps, you would not like
being put on the shelf, and no doubt you'd gain strength from the change
of air as you moved on with the army. Which course will you select,
Herr Lieutenant? I give you the choice."

"To rejoin my regiment, certainly, doctor!" answered Fritz, without a
moment's hesitation. "I'm tired of doing nothing here, and I fancy I've
been well enough to move for the past fortnight."

"Ah, permit me to be the best judge of that, young man," said the other.
"No doubt you feel wonderfully strong just now! Can you lift this
chair, do you think, eh?"

"Certainly," replied Fritz, laying his hand on the slight little article
of furniture the doctor had pointed out with his cane, and which he
could have easily held up with one finger when in the possession of his
proper strength. He was quite indignant, indeed, with Doctor Carl for
suggesting such a feeble trial for him, as if he were a child; but, much
to his astonishment, he found that he was utterly unable to raise the
chair from the ground. Besides which, he quite panted after the
exertion, just as if he had been endeavouring to lift a ton weight!

"Ha, what did I say, Herr Lieutenant?" said the surgeon with a laugh.
"You will now allow, I suppose, that we doctors know best as to what is
good for our patients! But, come, you will not be wanted to raise or
carry about a greater weight than yourself until you come up with your
regiment, which is now with Manteuffel's division near Amiens, for, by
that time, you'll be yourself again. I'll now go and sign your
certificate and papers, so that you may get ready to start as soon as
you like."

"Hurrah!" exclaimed Fritz. "It is `Forwards' again--the very word puts
fresh life in me!" and, trying once more, he lifted the chair this time
with ease. "You see, Herr Doctor, I can do it now!"

"Ah, there's nothing l