He had been hit more times than any soldier high or low in the army.

He had distinguished himself by valor, and, but for his humble extraction and meager education, might have risen to a high command.

As it was, he was personally known to the Emperor, and was accounted as one of the favorite soldiers of the army.
He, too, had been a dweller on the Aumenier estates.

It was his tales of adventure which had kindled the martial spirit in young Marteau, whom he had known from his birth.

A warm friendship subsisted between the young officer and the old soldier, which no difference in rank or station could ever impair.