over, or that you will get some one to write if you are disabled."

"Oh, don't worry, general. You will have a letter from me personally
in less than four days," replied Roland, adding, in a tone of
profound bitterness: "Have you not perceived that I am protected
by a fatality which prevents me from dying?"

"Roland!" exclaimed the general in a severe tone, "Again!"

"Nothing, nothing," said the young man, shaking his head and
assuming an expression of careless gayety which must have been
habitual with him before the occurrence of that unknown misfortune
which oppressed his youth with this longing for death.

"Very well. By the way, try to find out one thing."

"What is that, general?"

"How it happens that at a time when we are at war with England
an Englishman stalks about France as freely and as easily as
if he were at home."

"Good; I will find out."

"How?"

"I do not know; but when I promise you to find out I shall do
so, though I have to ask it of himself."

"Reckless fellow! Don't get yourself involved in another affair