warmed his sword in the blood of the British on many a
battle-field. The young man is himself a born soldier, as brave as
he is tall and handsome. He has been but a month in the army, yet
I have not before seen a man who could handle horse and sword as if
they were part of him. He is a gentleman, also, and one after your
own heart, I know, my dear count, you will do everything you can to
further the work intrusted to him.

"Your obedient servant,
"DARIUS HAWKINS."


From a letter of Joseph Bonaparte, Comte de Survilliers,
introducing his friend Colonel Ramon Bell to Napoleon III of
France:--


"He has had a career romantic and interesting beyond that of any
man I have met in America. In the late war with England he was the
master of many situations most perilous and difficult. The scars
of ten bullets and four sabre-thrusts are on his body. It gives me
great pleasure, my dear Louis, to make you to know one of the most
gallant and chivalrous of men. He has other claims upon your
interest and hospitality, with which he will acquaint you in his
own delightful way."




D'RI AND I