It was not very genteel of you not to say so, considering how we've been talking our little secrets together." "Certainly, Mr O'Brien, not more necessary," replied the officer, smiling, "than for you to tell me that you understood French." "O, bother!" cried O'Brien, "how nicely I'm caught in my own trap! You're an Irishman, sure ?" "I'm of Irish descent," replied the officer, "and my name, as well as yours, is O'Brien.

I was brought up in this country, not being permitted to serve my own, and retain the religion of my forefathers.

I may now be considered as a Frenchman, retaining nothing of my original country, except the language, which my mother taught me, and a warm feeling towards the English wherever I meet them.

But to the question, Mr O'Brien, will you give your parole ?" "The word of an Irishman, and the hand to boot," replied O'Brien, shaking the colonel by the hand; "and you're more than doubly sure, for I'll never go away and leave little Peter here; and as for carrying him on my back, I've had enough of that already." "It is sufficient," replied the colonel.

"Mr O'Brien, I will make you as comfortable as I can; and when you are tired of attending your friend, my little daughter shall take your place.