News that he was alive, but a prisoner, had reached the German lines and already an exchange for him had been arranged, the Germans, owing to his rank, being willing to return a French brigadier in his place.

The prospect filled him with happiness and he talked much.
John noticed once more how very young he was, not much more than seventeen, and with manners decidedly boyish.

He had the utmost confidence in the success of Germany and Austria, despite the check at the Marne, and talked freely of another advance.

John led him adroitly to his cousin of Auersperg, of whom he wished to hear more.

He soon discovered that Auersperg was a very great prince to Kratzek.
"I stand in some awe of him.