But what did I do?
I informed Monsieur George von Potzdorff of the fact; and we made out, in concert, a list of little debts, so moderate, that they actually appeased the old uncle instead of irritating, and he paid them, being glad to get off so cheap.
And a pretty return I got for this fidelity.

One morning, the old gentleman being closeted with his nephew (he used to come to get any news stirring as to what the young officers of the regiment were doing: whether this or that gambled; who intrigued, and with whom; who was at the ridotto on such a night; who was in debt, and what not; for the King liked to know the business of every officer in his army), I was sent with a letter to the Marquis d'Argens (that afterwards married Mademoiselle Cochois the actress), and, meeting the Marquis at a few paces off in the street, gave my message, and returned to the Captain's lodging.

He and his worthy uncle were making my unworthy self the subject of conversation.
'He is noble,' said the Captain.
'Bah!' replied the uncle (whom I could have throttled for his insolence).

'All the beggarly Irish who ever enlisted tell the same story.' 'He was kidnapped by Galgenstein,' resumed the other.
'A kidnapped deserter,' said M.Potzdorff; 'la belle affaire!' 'Well, I promised the lad I would ask for his discharge; and I am sure you can make him useful.' 'You HAVE asked his discharge,' answered the elder, laughing.

'Bon Dieu! You are a model of probity! You'll never succeed to my place, George, if you are no wiser than you are just now.