The general put his hand in the most kindly fashion upon John's shoulder.
"You are one of the bravest of my children," he said, "and I have an affection for thee, thou stalwart American youth.

See to it that thou comest back again.

Thy hand, Monsieur Jean Castel, for such, I hear, is to be your name." John's hand was engulfed in the huge palm.

General Vaugirard gave it a great shake and turned away.

Then John and Captain Colton walked back to the place that had been allotted to the Strangers, where it soon became known to Wharton and Carstairs that their comrade would depart that night upon a quest, seemingly hopeless.