Rushing to the door of an adjoining room he loudly called: "Corporal, come here.

Prussians!" The room was quickly invaded by a Corporal and one of his friends with drawn sabres in their hands.

Paul and his companion, who saw that they were about to be attacked, grabbed chairs and backed into a corner, where they defended themselves against the onslaught.

Paul asked them in his best French what they meant and assured them that they were not Prussians but American volunteers.

On receiving this information the sabres were lowered and their assailants put them through an examination.