By the regulations of the army, I believe that the superior
officer is as much bound to return a salute as the inferior officer
is to render it. As you have not chosen, upon any one of those
twelve occasions, to return my salute, I see no reason why I should
continue to give it."

Sackville looked at him as he shouted in English, with astonishment
and rage:

"And who the devil are you?"

"I am Major Fergus Drummond, a companion of the order of the Black
Eagle, and an aide-de-camp of the King of Prussia."

"The deuce you are!" Sackville said insolently. "I did not know
that the King of Prussia promoted lads to be majors, chose them for
his aides-de-camp, and made them companions of his order."

"Then, sir, you know it now," Fergus said quietly; "and for an
explanation of my rank, I beg to refer you to the Duke of
Brunswick; who will, I doubt not, be not unwilling to explain the
matter to you."

"I shall report your insolence to the duke, at any rate, sir. Were
it not for my position here, I would myself condescend to give you
the lesson of which you seem to me to be in want."

"I should doubt, sir, whether I could receive any lesson at your
hands; but after this affair has terminated, I shall be happy to
afford you an opportunity of endeavouring to do so."

Lord Sackville was on the point of replying, when the colonel of
his staff, whom Fergus had met at dinner at the duke's, and who
spoke German fluently, came up and said:

"Pardon me, general. Can I speak to you for a moment?"

Fergus reined back his horse a length or two, while the officer
spoke rapidly to Lord Sackville.

"I don't care a fig," the latter burst out passionately.

The officer continued to speak. The general listened sullenly, then
turning to Fergus, he said:

"Well, sir, we shall leave the matter as it is. As soon as this
battle is over, I shall waive my rank and meet you."

"I shall be ready at any time," Fergus said; and then, formally
saluting, he rode away.

"I suppose you have no answer, Major Drummond," the duke said, when
he returned to his quarters; "but indeed, there is none needed."

"I have no answer, sir, and indeed did not wait for one. Lord
Sackville and I had a somewhat hot altercation;" and he related,
word for word, what had passed.

"It is a pity, but I cannot blame you," the duke said, when Fergus
had finished. "The man has given me a great deal of trouble, ever
since he joined us with his force. He is always s