My DEAR GENERAL--It is as I told you; I am living and he is
dead. You must admit that this seems like a wager. Devotion
to death.

Your Paladin

ROLAND.

Then he sealed the letter, addressed it to General Bonaparte,
Rue de la Victoire, Paris, and handed it to the chambermaid,
bidding her lose no time in posting it. Then only did he seem
to notice Sir John, and held out his hand to him.

"You have just rendered me a great service, my lord," he said.
"One of those services which bind men for all eternity. I am
already your friend; will you do me the honor to become mine?"

Sir John pressed the hand that Roland offered him.

"Oh!" said he, "I thank you heartily. I should never have dared
ask this honor; but you offer it and I accept."

Even the impassible Englishman felt his heart soften as he brushed
away the tear that trembled on his lashes. Then looking at Roland,
he said: "It is unfortunate that you are so hurried; I should
have been pleased and delighted to spend a day or two with you."

"Where were you going, my lord, when I met you?"