After that, the force of the English fleet, and a great many other questions relative to them; all of which were put in French by the person who came with him, and the answer translated, and taken down in a book.

Some of the questions O'Brien answered correctly, to others he pleaded ignorance; and to some, he asserted what was not true.

But I did not blame him for that, as it was his duty not to give information to the enemy.

At last they asked my name, and rank, which O'Brien told them.

"Was I noble ?" "Yes," replied O'Brien.
"Don't say so, O'Brien," interrupted I.
"Peter, you know nothing about it, you are grandson to a lord." "I know that, but still I am not noble myself, although descended from him; therefore pray don't say so." "Bother! Pater, I have said it, and I won't unsay it; besides, Pater, recollect it's a French question, and in France you would be considered noble.