"He was a bundle of inconsistencies," added Carlton, smiling at his
friend's description.

The truth was, he had accurately described a certain class of that
versatile nation, the French, which are often met with in every
country, wanderers or exiles from home. While we write, we have one
in our own mind, well known to our good citizens who is familiarly
designated by the sobriquet of "the Emperor."

"Well, Carlton, what of our little knight of the snuff-box, eh?"

"You remember that I was poor in those days, and the clever little
Frenchman offered to teach me the sword exercise, if I could teach
him to speak English. It was a bargain, and so did he, and so did I,
until I flatter myself both became proficients in their distinctive
branches of learning. Carnot taught the exercise in the Grand Army;
so he graduated in a good school, and was indeed an excellent master
of the weapon. It has been my only recreation and exercise for
nearly a year; and I confess I feel quite at home with a good blade
in my hand."

"You use it with wondrous skill."

"Do you think so?"

"Certainly; even his second complimented you, and said blade was
never more skilfully handled."

"This Petro Giampetti is also a good swordsman," said Carlton, "and
with a little more coolness would carry a sure point. The pistol is