'He comes back to-night from Milan, and if he doesn't fight me to-morrow, I post him a coward.

Well, about that business! My good Weisspriess, the fellows had got into a thick crowd all round, and had begun to knead me.
Do you understand me?
I felt their knuckles.' 'Ah, good, good!' said the captain.

'Then, you didn't draw, of course.
What officer of the Imperial service would, under similar circumstances! That is my reply to the Emperor, if ever I am questioned.

To draw would be to show that an Austrian officer relies on his good sword in the thick of his enemies; against which, as you know, my Jenna, the Government have issued an express injunction button.

Did you sell it dear ?' 'A fellow parted with his ear for it.' Lieutenant Jenna illustrated a particular cut from a turn of his wrist.
'That oughtn't to make a noise ?' he queried somewhat anxiously.
'It won't hear one any longer, at all events,' said Captain Weisspriess; and the two officers entered into the significance of the remark with enjoyment.
Meantime General Pierson had concluded an apparently humorous dialogue with his brother General, and the later, now addressing Lieutenant Jenna, said: 'Since you prefer surrendering your person rather than your sword--it is good! Report yourself at the door of my room to-night, at ten.