You ought to be court-martialled, sir!' "Then, in somewhat different tones, the old soldier added, his face softening into a smile: 'However, alertness and daring, my young friend, are good qualities, especially when crowned with success.

If the Austrians had once succeeded in planting a battery on that hill it might have been difficult to dislodge them.

Perhaps, under the circumstances, His Majesty may overlook your indiscretion.' "'His Majesty not only overlooked it, but bestowed upon me the Iron Cross,' concluded my friend.

'For the credit of the army, I judged it better to keep quiet and take it.

But, as you can understand, the sight of it does not recall very pleasurable reflections.'" * * * * * To return to my diary, I see that on November 14th we held another meeting.