was taken prisoner, omitting only the incident of the attempt to
assassinate Mazarin.

"You have certainly been fortunate," he said, "but it is equally
certain that you have deserved it. The fact that, in addition to
your military duties, you have learned Italian and German, besides
transforming a newly raised regiment into one of the best in the
French service, shows how assiduous you have been in your work.
I trust that when the campaign is over you may be exchanged, and
I think it is foolish of you not to give me your parole, for you
must know well that you have no chance of escape from here."

"They say everything comes to those who wait, colonel," Hector
laughed, "and if I see a chance I shall certainly avail myself of
it. Even if no such chance comes I shall still be a gainer by not
giving my parole. I am exceedingly comfortable as it is, and can
wish for nothing better. The one drawback is that I have nothing
to do, except perhaps to improve my German, and it would be just
the same if I were living in the town. But if I were on my parole
I should lose the amusement of planning methods for escape, which
I do unceasingly; but up till now, I may tell you in confidence,
I am as far from having hit upon a plan as I was when I entered.
By the way, colonel, although it is clear that I cannot be allowed
to go outside the castle gate, I should be glad if my lackey
could be given leave to do so. He is not a soldier, neither is he
a Frenchman, and can scarce be counted as a prisoner of war. He
is a willing and cheerful fellow, and would enjoy a run in the
city much more than I should. Besides, occasionally I may want a
book or some other little thing which I cannot get here."