The king had given strict orders about plundering, and it happened that I came upon some marauders at their work, and had the good fortune to rescue a gentleman of some importance from their hands; and the king, who was furious at his orders being disobeyed, himself promoted me.
"I had been lucky enough to get myself wounded in the affair.

As I lost a good deal of blood, I looked no doubt a good deal worse than I was, and I expect that had a good deal to do with my getting the step." "Well, you are a lucky fellow.

I was eight years a cornet before I got promoted." "I think my bad luck, in getting captured, balances my good fortune in being promoted so soon." "To some extent perhaps it does, but you will get the benefit when you return.

No doubt Fritz was watching you, as you rode.

He must have seen our cavalry coming down the slope, before the man in command of your squadrons could have done so; and must have felt that they were lost, unless his orders were received.