There were many of us who saw your charge; and I can tell you that it was the talk of the whole army, next day, and it was thoroughly recognized that it saved the cavalry; for their commander would certainly have taken them against the Austrians and, if he had, it is equally certain that none of them would have got back again; and when your name appeared in orders the next day, we all felt that no one ever better deserved promotion." "The king inquired especially, as soon as the list came, whether you were wounded, Fergus," Keith said; "and was very much pleased when he heard that you were not.
"Now, let us hear how you come to be here." The marshal laughed heartily, when Fergus told of his escape in the disguise of an Austrian field officer.
"It was most admirably managed, Fergus," he said, when the tale was finished; "and your making for Vienna, instead of for the frontier, was a masterly stroke.

Of course your finding a friend there was most fortunate; but even had you not done so, I have no doubt you would have got through, somehow.

I think the best idea of all was your taking the post horses, and then getting a fresh suit of clothes from the postmaster.
"I am glad you ordered the major's suit of clothes to be sent back to him.

I should have liked to have seen his face when he found that not only his uniform, but his prisoner, had disappeared.
"It will be a good story to tell the king.

He has sore troubles enough on his shoulders, for the difficulties are thickening round; and although Frederick is a born general, he really loves peace, and quiet, and books, and the society of a few friends, far better than the turmoil into which we are plunged.
"The French are going to open the campaign, in the spring, with an army of a hundred thousand men.