"I do not say that either England or France has altogether forgotten
the long wars between them, but that is a very old story now, and
as long as Spain threatens to extend her power over all Europe, so
long are we likely to remain good friends. If the power of Spain
is once broken, old quarrels may break out again, but I trust that
that will not be in my time, for assuredly the regiment, although
willing to fight against all other enemies of France, would refuse
to march against our countrymen. Now, Sergeant MacIntosh, I know
that you must be anxious to get back to your inn. You will have
a busy time this afternoon unless I am greatly mistaken. Leave
Campbell with me.

"In the first place, it will be as well that he should not be down
there, for the fun is likely to get fast and furious. There is
not a man in the regiment who knew his father but will be drinking
the lad's health, and it were better that he should go tomorrow
through the barracks and shake their hands, than that he should
be among them there. You can tell them that I have taken the boy
off, so that they may not think that he stayed away on his own
account. We will see him fitted out. It is a matter that touches
the honour of the regiment that the son of our old comrade should
make a fair show in the household of the viscount."

"The general has left me a purse for that purpose, colonel."

"It was a kindly thought, but let the lad start with it in his
pocket. It is our duty to see that he has everything befitting
his father's son."

As soon as the sergeant left, the colonel said, "Now, Campbell, do