As Lindsay had predicted, the marshal had, on the evening of the day Fergus joined his regiment, said to him: "I generally have half an hour's fencing the first thing of a morning, Fergus.

It is good exercise, and keeps one's muscles lissome.

Come round to my room at six.

I should like to see what the instructors at home have done for you, and I may be able to put you up to a few tricks of the sword that may be of use to you, if you are ever called upon to break his majesty's edicts against duelling." Fergus, of course, kept the appointment.
"Very good.

Very good, indeed," the marshal said, after the first rally.