this and the pork afforded an excellent supper even though the
bread was of the worst possible quality. When the meal was over,
de Thiou stood up and proposed the health of the colonel, and
congratulated him most warmly upon his escape from the enemy,
expressing the extreme satisfaction of all the men as well as
officers at his return. The toast was drunk with enthusiasm, and
Hector briefly returned thanks. Then, in accordance with the general
request, he related the particulars of his escape from Ingoldstadt
and of his journey. Paolo, who had been waiting behind his master's
chair, came in for warm praise for the share he had taken in the
matter.

"I certainly did not think when I first, against the advice of
everyone, took Paolo as my lackey five years ago, that he would
turn out so valuable a servant as he has done," Hector said as de
Thiou handed a goblet of wine to the man. "He has been more than
a servant, he has taken part in all my adventures, and truly I
regard him as my friend. Indeed, gentlemen, had it not been for
him I certainly should not be here tonight, for my own money gave
out altogether at Hall, and I had to borrow from his store the
means of buying clothes and horses."

"By the way, colonel," de Thiou said, "from the day that you were
captured I have drawn your pay for you, knowing that if it fell
into arrear you would have had hard work in getting it, so that I
have now three months of your money in the regimental chest."

"Thank you, de Thiou, it will be very welcome; though Paolo would
not have been a very hard creditor."