entirely free; and he as good as defied the boldest and strongest
to succeed. We were relieved from this dead-lock by our sergeant-
major of dragoons.

'Comrades,' said he, 'I believe I rank you all; and for that
reason, if you really wish it, I will be the first myself. At the
same time, you are to consider what the chances are that I may
prove to be the last, as well. I am no longer young--I was sixty
near a month ago. Since I have been a prisoner, I have made for
myself a little bedaine. My arms are all gone to fat. And you
must promise not to blame me, if I fall and play the devil with the
whole thing.'

'We cannot hear of such a thing!' said I. 'M. Laclas is the oldest
man here; and, as such, he should be the very last to offer. It is
plain, we must draw lots.'

'No,' said M. Laclas; 'you put something else in my head! There is
one here who owes a pretty candle to the others, for they have kept
his secret. Besides, the rest of us are only rabble; and he is
another affair altogether. Let Champdivers--let the noble go the
first.'

I confess there was a notable pause before the noble in question
got his voice. But there was no room for choice. I had been so
ill-advised, when I first joined the regiment, as to take ground on
my nobility. I had been often rallied on the matter in the ranks,
and had passed under the by-names of Monseigneur and the Marquis.
It was now needful I should justify myself and take a fair revenge.