Of course he is vexed, but he always takes bad news well, unless it is the result of the blunder of one of the officers.

He does not say much, even then; but it is very bad for that officer when he sees him.

Frederick never forgives a blunder." "Well, Captain Drummond, so you have been playing the spy for us ?" "I have been doing my best, your majesty." "And the French are gone, bag and baggage ?" "Yes, sire, they have gone off west." "To perch themselves somewhere among the mountains, I suppose.
Perhaps they will get bolder, presently, when they hear that they are more than double my strength.

Did you learn anything more than what Marshal Keith has told me ?" "I heard a great deal of talk among a party of French non-commissioned officers, sire.

They expressed great dissatisfaction with their general, and at the long delays.