"Monsieur le mousquetaire," said he, "are you a gentleman?"

"I have that honor."

"Very well! I also am one, and between gentlemen some
consideration ought to be observed."

The soldier lowered his arms, overcome by the dignity with
which these words were pronounced.

"Speak, monsieur," said he; "and if you ask me anything in
my power ---- "

"Thank you. You have an officer, have you not?"

"Our lieutenant? Yes, monsieur."

"Well, I wish to speak to him."

"Oh, that's a different thing. Come up, monsieur."

The unknown saluted the soldier in a lofty fashion, and
ascended the staircase; whilst a cry, "Lieutenant, a visit!"
transmitted from sentinel to sentinel, preceded the unknown,
and disturbed the slumbers of the officer.

Dragging on his boots, rubbing his eyes, and hooking his
cloak, the lieutenant made three steps towards the stranger.