They also spoke with absolute contempt of the Confederacy army, both officers and men; and said that, if it had not been for the drilling by the Austrian non-commissioned officers, they would be nothing better than a rabble." "I daresay Soubise is of the same opinion," the king said, "and wants them to have a few weeks' more drill before he sets them in line of battle.

However, I have no doubt we shall manage to bring him to book, before we return.
"Well, I am obliged to you for your zeal, Captain Drummond; and although Keith tells me that you got in without being questioned, such business is always dangerous.

Mayhap next time you will have a better opportunity for distinguishing yourself.

As you managed to pass so freely among them, after you made your escape from prison, you can clearly be trusted on work of this kind." Fergus saluted, and retired.
The next morning the troops started, as usual, at daybreak.

They were to make but a short march, for they had no longer any occasion for speed, and they had made the hundred and fifty miles at a very rapid pace; but when they halted, Frederick with the cavalry rode straight on into Erfurt.
"Don't wait to put on your uniform now," Keith said to Fergus, on his return from the royal quarters; "dinner is waiting; and I am ready, if you are not.