of life so long as he carries his point, and rather than lose a day
in turning the enemy's position and so forcing him to relinquish
it, will sacrifice whole regiments by marching straight against
the most formidable entrenchments. Had he but patience in addition
to his own splendid qualities, I think he would be the greatest
military genius the world has ever seen. And now let me hear what
happened to you after you left my side that night after Marienthal."

Hector again related his adventures. Turenne laughed at the account
of his escape, hidden under the flour bags.

"It was a good scheme," he said; "and it was well that you had that
lackey of yours with you, for I do not think that you could ever
have managed it unaided."

"I am sure I could not, marshal; it was entirely his suggestion, and
he arranged all the details splendidly. He was equally valuable in
another way afterwards;" and he described the fight in the cabaret.

"That was more dangerous than taking part in a pitched battle; seven
against two are heavy odds indeed, though you had the advantage
of weapons. The fellow has a ready wit to think of rolling against
the man who was waiting for a chance of running in and stabbing
you; he would have made his fortune somehow even if he had not had
the good luck to fall in with you. In some respects you resemble
each other; you both have enterprise, quickness, and daring,
but he lacks your studious habits, your determination to master
everything connected with your profession, and your ability to turn
your knowledge to account. He would have made a good soldier, an
excellent leader of an irregular corps, but he would never have