die of fatigue and hardship. Which do you choose?"

"Oh, sir, how can I thank you for your goodness? There is nothing
in the world that I should like so much as to be in your service."

"So be it," the general said. "I shall obtain an appointment for
you as lieutenant attached to my household. At first, you will
simply have to carry messages for me; but when I have learnt more
of your character I shall employ you as one that I can trust.

"Sergeant, here is a purse, use the contents in furnishing the lad
with clothes suitable for his position, and let him call on me in
three days at the hotel of the Duc de Bouillon, where I am staying.

"Can you ride?" he asked suddenly.

"Yes, sir."

"I will see to the matter of a horse for you. I shall be leaving at
the end of a week to join the army in Italy. And remember always,
lad," he added with a smile, "that I am still but a learner in the
art of war."

So saying he nodded kindly to him and the sergeant, went out,
returned the salute of the soldiers, mounted his horse, which his
orderly was holding for him, and rode off.

"Well, well," said the sergeant, who with Hector had followed
him out, "the like of this I never saw before: to think that the
Viscount of Turenne should visit the cabaret of a soldier, and