and forgave me, and I would do anything for her. I would indeed,
sir, and I swear that I would be always honest and truthful with
you. I should like you as a master. You don't speak to me as if
I were dirt under your feet, and I am sure by your voice that you
would be kind. Try me, sir; my brother will tell you that I have
never said as much before to anyone to whom he has taken me, for
indeed I never meant to stay with them, preferring my liberty,
rough though my fare may sometimes be."

"I will try you, Paolo. I believe that you are in earnest, and that
I can trust you; but mind, there must be no monkey tricks here.
The general must not be disturbed by the antics of a servant boy.
You are likely, in my service, to have as much excitement and
adventure as you can wish for, and you must behave yourself, for
if you do not do so you will be lucky if you escape with a flogging
and being turned out of camp. I am younger than you are, and am
just as fond of a piece of fun, but I know when it is good to enjoy
one's self and when one must put aside boyish pranks. I have my
duties to perform, and do them to the best of my power, and shall
expect you to do the same."

"I will, sir," the boy said respectfully. "I will give you no cause
to complain of me, at least no wilful cause."

"Then that is settled. Here," he said to the boy's brother, "are
five pistoles; see that he is decently clad so as to make a fair
appearance by my side. When he is so, let him return here. It were
best that he should come this evening, for it is likely that I
shall be away on duty tomorrow."