The door opened with a steady mechanical motion and the Englishman
appeared upon the threshold.

"Ah!" exclaimed Roland, enchanted with this visit, in view of
his general's recommendation; "is it you?"

"Yes," said the Englishman, "it is I."

"You are welcome."

"Oh! if I am welcome, so much the better! I was not sure that
I ought to come."

"Why not?"

"On account of Aboukir."

Roland began to laugh.

"There are two battles of Aboukir," said he; "one which we lost;
the other we won."

"I referred to the one you lost."

"Good!" said Roland, "we fight, kill, and exterminate each other
on the battlefield, but that does not prevent us from clasping
hands on neutral ground. So I repeat, you are most welcome,
especially if you will tell me why you have come."

"Thank you; but, in the first place, read that." And the Englishman