On entering the Scottish Soldier, Hector found that, as he hoped, the cabaret was deserted, for it was the hour at which the regiment was assembled for drill.

It would have been a little embarrassing for him as a colonel to come upon a number of private soldiers at the cabaret.
Separately he might have chatted with each, but a general greeting when a number of them were there together would have been embarrassing.
The old sergeant as he entered ran up to him.

"Well done, my lad, well done! 'Tis a delight to me indeed to know that you have so grandly made your way, and already won the rank of colonel." "Why, how did you know, MacIntosh ?" "The guard at the colonel's was changed just after you went into his quarters, and you may be sure that they lost no time in spreading the news that you had returned, and returned a colonel.

In ten minutes this place was as full as it would hold, and there was such a crowd outside the door that a sergeant-de-ville came in to inquire what was the matter, thinking, perhaps, that the regiment was in mutiny.

I was right glad when I heard the trumpet sound the assembly a few minutes ago, and they had to rush off in a hurry, for I felt that it would be awkward for you were you to come in when they were all so excited." "Yes, I was glad myself when I found that they were gone.