"I knew but little of your mother, first cousin as she is; for being ten years older than my brother, she was but a little child in my eyes when I last saw her.
Were it not that I am past military work, I would gladly try to fill my brother's place to you; but if I cannot aid you in your profession, I can at least give you a share of my affection." "As to his profession, Keith, that is my business," the king said.
"He saved my life at Zorndorf, and has in so many ways distinguished himself that his success in his career is already assured.

He is, by many years, the youngest major in the service; and if this war goes on, there is no saying to what height he may rise.
"He has just returned from an Austrian prison where, as I told you when you joined me, he was carried after Hochkirch.

I don't know yet how he escaped.

He must dine with me this evening, and afterwards he shall tell us about it.

Mitchell dines with us, also.
He, too, is a friend of this young soldier, and has a high opinion of him." That evening after dinner Fergus related to the party, which consisted only of the king, Keith, and the British ambassador, how he had escaped from prison.
"The next time the Austrians catch you, Major Drummond," the king said when he had finished, "if they want to keep you, they will have to chain you by the leg, as they used to do in the old times." For months the Prussian and Austrian armies lay inactive.