"This is my thirteenth and last," said he, with a smile. "They say that
thirteen is an unlucky number. Could you spare me a drink from your
flask?"

The Major had some brandy and water. De Lissac supped it up eagerly.
His eyes brightened, and a little fleck of colour came back in each of
his haggard cheeks.

"It was Jim did this," said he. "I heard someone calling my name, and
there he was with his gun against my tunic. Two of my men cut him down
just as he fired. Well, well, Edie was worth it all! You will be in
Paris in less than a month, Jock, and you will see her. You will find
her at No. 11 of the Rue Miromesnil, which is near to the Madeleine.
Break it very gently to her, Jock, for you cannot think how she loved
me. Tell her that all I have are in the two black trunks, and that
Antoine has the keys. You will not forget?"

"I will remember."

"And madame, your mother? I trust that you have left her very well.
And monsieur, too, your father? Bear them my distinguished regards!"

Even now as death closed in upon him, he gave the old bow and wave as he
sent his greetings to my mother.

"Surely," said I, "your wound may not be so serious as you think.
I could bring the surgeon of our regiment to you."

"My dear Jock, I have not been giving and taking wounds this fifteen
years without knowing when one has come home. But it is as well, for I