"Twenty-nine," replied Georges, whereupon all the passengers looked at
him. "At eighteen I enlisted as a private for the famous campaign of
1813; but I was present at only one battle, that of Hanau, where I was
promoted sergeant-major. In France, at Montereau, I won the rank of
sub-lieutenant, and was decorated by,--there are no informers here,
I'm sure,--by the Emperor."

"What! are you decorated?" cried Oscar. "Why don't you wear your
cross?"

"The cross of 'ceux-ci'? No, thank you! Besides, what man of any
breeding would wear his decorations in travelling? There's monsieur,"
he said, motioning to the Comte de Serizy. "I'll bet whatever you
like--"

"Betting whatever you like means, in France, betting nothing at all,"
said Mistigris's master.

"I'll bet whatever you like," repeated Georges, incisively, "that
monsieur here is covered with stars."

"Well," said the count, laughing, "I have the grand cross of the
Legion of honor, that of Saint Andrew of Russia, that of the Prussian
Eagle, that of the Annunciation of Sardinia, and the Golden Fleece."

"Beg pardon," said Mistigris, "are they all in the coucou?"

"Hey! that brick-colored old fellow goes it strong!" whispered Georges
to Oscar. "What was I saying?--oh! I know. I don't deny that I adore