l return."

"God grant it may be so."

"And we shall be ready for him, we who have not taken the oath, and
who----"

"I am afraid I shall be a forsworn man, in that case," said the
veteran, smiling grimly. "Should the Emperor again set foot in France
his presence would absolve us from all vows. I only serve under the
King's colors because no others fly in France."

"Be it so."

"And you will be with us again in the regiment?"

"How can I?"

"Be advised," said the old soldier, laying his hand upon the arm of the
younger, "we must keep together. We must keep our regimental
organizations intact. The army must be ready for him. Take the oath
as well nigh every soldier high and low in France has done, and----"

"Well, I shall see. Meanwhile, the Eagle there. You won't give it up?"

"Give it up!" laughed Lestoype. "I feel just as you do about it, but
we must conceal it. The Seventh, Labedoyere's regiment, in garrison
here, concealed their Eagle. At least it has not been found. There
was a terrible to do about it."

"Do you vouch for the officer at the main gate? I had to tell him in
order to be passed. I know him but slightly."

"The Sub-Lieutenant Drehon."

"He is safe?"

"Beyond doubt. Meanwhile, you require----"

"Everything," said Marteau simply.

"The King's paymasters are a long time in coming. We are left to make
shift as best we can. But I am not yet penniless," returned the old
Major. He threw a purse on the table. "You will be my guest. With
these you can get proper clothes and uniform."

"And the boy?"

"I will turn him over to the men. They will be glad to welcome him.
He should have the Legion of Honor for rescuing the Eagle. But stop."

"What is it?"

"He won't talk?"

"I have tested that lad. He will be as close-mouthed as the grave.
You understand, Pierre, you are not to say a word about the Eagle until
I give you leave," said Marteau to his young comrade. "About our other
adventures you can tell."

"I understand. Monsieur knows that I can be silent."

"I know. Good-by. I shall see you to-morrow. Now," began Marteau, as
the orderly who had been summoned had taken Pierre away with
instructions to see that he was clothed and fed, "let me ask some
questions. Who was in command of the regiment?"

"I was until yesterday."

"And yesterday?"

"The King sent down an old officer to take the command, a
Lieutenant-Colonel."

"And the Colonel?"

"Monsieur