who, although strong young men, do not seem to have your power of
endurance. I find, too, that you always carry out your instructions
with intelligence, and that your reports on matters touching which
I have sent you to inquire are always clear and full. It may be
that ere long I may find employment for you in which courage as
well as intelligence is required. There is but one drawback, namely,
that you do not speak Italian. I know that there are few officers
in our service who do so; but it would be so much the more valuable
were you able to master it."

"I had intended to study the language, general, as soon as I got
here, but have had no time to begin it."

"That you certainly have not," Turenne said with a smile.

"Do you think that it would be of any use, sir, if I were to take
a Savoyard servant? I find that many of them who come from places
near the frontier speak French as well as their own language."

"That would be useful, certainly; but you would have to be careful
in your choice, and see that you get one whose sympathies are with
the duchess; not only for your own safety, but because a chance
word heard here, or an order given and conveyed to the Spaniards,
might involve the loss of a battle."

"I see that, general, and will be very careful."

Hector had formed the acquaintance of several young officers
attached to the household of the duchess, and on the day following
his return from his mission he was supping with a party of four of