I don't know whether, as I only hold temporary rank, I have a right to wear the uniform of a field officer; but, as the duke wishes me to be able to speak with some authority, there can be no harm in making the change, and the additions can easily be taken off, upon my return." "The duke ought to have given you the full rank, instead of the temporary one, sir.

You have done more work, since you came here, than all the colonels and majors on his staff." "As far as work goes that may be so, Mike; but as the work consisted in carrying despatches about on horseback, it certainly affords no claim for promotion.

And, indeed, I have no wish whatever for it.

I am already the youngest captain in the service, except the young nobles who got their commissions as colonels, without even serving a day in inferior rank.

I feel uncomfortable now when I go to our regiments, to see men who have been years in the service, and gone through many a desperate action, still lieutenants; while I, after two years' service, and still under nineteen, am a captain." "Yes, sir; but you know that you saved eight or ten thousand men to France at Oudenarde, and you lost a hand in the service of the country.