"My faith, Sir John! I admit that the moment when you knocked
at the door I was wondering of whom I could ask this service."

"Of me, if you wish," said the Englishman. "I will be your second."

"On my honor!" exclaimed Roland, "I accept with all my heart."

"That is the service I wished to render you!"

Roland held out his hand, saying: "Thank you!"

The Englishman bowed.

"Now," continued Roland, "as you have had the good taste, my
lord, to tell me who you were before offering your services,
it is but fair that, since I accept them, I should tell you who
I am."

"Oh! as you please."

"My name is Louis de Montrevel; I am aide-de-camp to General
Bonaparte."

"Aide-de-camp to General Bonaparte. I am very glad."

"That will explain why I undertook, rather too warmly perhaps,
my general's defence."

"No, not too warmly; only, the plate--"