I wish that our own generals had a little of Fritz's energy and go." There was a general murmur of assent.
"Here we are, September beginning, and next to nothing done.

Now there would be enough to do, if Fritz could get away from Daun and dash off in this direction." "Yes," another said, "there would be plenty to do, but I would not mind wagering that we should not wait for him; and after all, I am not sure if it would not be the best thing to do, for these Germans with us are little better than a rabble." "That is so, Francois; but, mixed up with us as they would be, they would have to fight whether they liked it or not.

At any rate, if we don't mean to fight, what are we here for ?" "That I cannot say," another laughed; "but I own I am not so eager to fight as you seem to be.

We are very comfortable.

We ride about the country, we take pretty well what we like.