We are waiting until there is none to be had, on any terms; and then we shall send representatives to the general, to point out to him that it is absolutely impossible for us to obey the regulations.
"Ah, these are terrible times! We could not have suffered more than this, had Coburg joined Frederick; though they say that Richelieu's French army is plundering even worse, in Hanover and the country beyond it, than Soubise is doing here.
"Moreover, one would rather be plundered by an enemy than by fellows who pretend to come hither as friends.

If Frederick would march in here, I would open my house free to all comers, and would not grudge the last drop of wine in my cellar." "There is never any saying," Fergus replied.

"The King of Prussia always appears when least expected, and more unlikely things have happened than that he should appear here, some fine morning." [Illustration: As Fergus was sallying out, a mounted officer dashed by at a gallop] Having paid his reckoning, he went to the door.

As he was sallying out, a mounted officer dashed by at a headlong gallop; his horse was flecked with foam, and it was evident that he had ridden far and fast, on an important errand.
Having nothing to do until he should meet the peasant, Fergus followed the officer at a leisurely pace; and in five minutes came up with the horse, held by a soldier at the entrance gate of a very large house.

Sentries were pacing up and down in front of it, and officers going in and out.
"Is that the headquarters of the French general ?" he asked a townsman.
"Yes," and the man walked on with a muttered malediction.
A few minutes later several mounted officers rode out, and dashed off in haste in various directions.
"There is evidently something up," Fergus said to himself.