aven!" cried the officer, after a long stare, "is it--it is
Captain Marteau!"

"The same."

"We thought you dead. Your name is honored in the regiment. We knew
how you rallied the line; how you took the Eagle; how you threw it into
the river rather than permit it to be taken. We thought you were
killed."

"My life was spared," was the solemn answer.

"But why did you not rejoin the regiment?"

"I was in prison at Salzburg, and for some reason was overlooked,
perhaps because it was thought I was dead, and then for some months I
was helpless, ill of a horrible fever. It was only two months ago that
I was set free, with this lad here, who stood beside me before the
bridge at Arcis. We learned through unofficial sources that the
regiment was here. Having nowhere else to go, I came back, and----"

"They will be glad to see you," said the officer. "The regiment lost
heavily. It was almost cut to pieces at Arcis."

"I know."

"But many officers and men of the old regiment have come back, like
you, from Russia, from Prussia and from Austria, where they had been
held prisoners. They will be glad to welcome you at the barracks
yonder. You are permitted to pass. But stop. I must do my duty.
What have you in that parcel?"

Marteau looked about him, moved a step away from the sentries and the
corporal and sergeant of the guard, and whispered a word into the ear
of the officer. He threw up his hands in astonishment.

"Mon Dieu!" he exclaimed. "Is it possible?"

"The same," said Marteau, "but say nothing about it until I have seen
our comrades."

"Of course not."

"And that carriage and four that just passed?"

"The governor of the town, the Marquis d'Aumenier, the new commander of
the regiment."

"I see; and our old Colonel?"

"Dead. The Major commanding the first battalion has been in command
until they sent this old noble down here yesterday."

"And the lady?"

"His niece."

"You have met her?"

"Not I. They care nothing for such as we. He treats us as if we were
of the scum of the earth, dogs. Oh, if only----"

"Hush," said Marteau. "It is dangerous."

"I know. And he brought with him an Englishman, one of the Duke of
Wellington's officers."

"Is he married to the young lady?"

"Not yet, I believe, but betrothed."

"And his name?"

"He has a barbarous name. I can't pronounce it. He had us out
inspecting us yesterday--he and that Englishman. Bah! To think of the
Fifth-of