I was often called to play the part of an interpreter, whether of orders or complaints, and thus brought in relations, sometimes of mirth, sometimes almost of friendship, with the officers in charge.

A young lieutenant singled me out to be his adversary at chess, a game in which I was extremely proficient, and would reward me for my gambits with excellent cigars.

The major of the battalion took lessons of French from me while at breakfast, and was sometimes so obliging as to have me join him at the meal.

Chevenix was his name.

He was stiff as a drum-major and selfish as an Englishman, but a fairly conscientious pupil and a fairly upright man.