[With Frederick the Great by G. A. Henty]@TWC D-Link book
With Frederick the Great

CHAPTER 3: The Outbreak Of War
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At the end of a week, however, it hardened again; and he was sustained by the commendations of his two teachers, and the satisfaction he felt in the skill he was acquiring.
"Where is your new aide-de-camp, marshal ?" the king asked, one evening.
It was the close of one of his receptions.
"As a rule, these young fellows are fond of showing off in their uniforms, at first." "He is better employed, sire.

He has the makings of a very fine swordsman and, having some reputation myself that way, I should be glad that my young cousin should be able to hold his own well, when we get to blows with the enemy.

So I and Van Bruff have taken him in hand, and for the last three weeks he has made such progress that this morning, when we had open play, it put me on my mettle to hold my own.

So, what with that and his regimental work, his hands are more than full; and indeed, he could not get through it, had he to attend here in the evening; and I know that as soon as he has finished his supper he turns in for a sound sleep, till he is woke in time to dress and get to the fencing school, at ten.

Had there been a longer time to spare, I would not have suffered him to work so hard; but seeing that in a few days we may be on the march to the frontier, we have to make the most of the time." "He has done well, Keith, and his zeal shows that he will make a good soldier.


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