Czar Peter, it is likely, took a glance of this tiny regiment just getting into rank and file there; which would remind the Czar of his own young days.

An experienced Lieutenant-Colonel was appointed to command in chief.

A certain handy and correct young fellow, Rentsel by name, about seventeen, who already knew his fugling to a hair's-breadth, was Drill-master; and exercised them all, Fritz especially, with due strictness; till, in the course of time and of attainments, Fritz could himself take the head charge.

Which he did duly, in a year or two: a little soldier thenceforth; properly strict, though of small dimensions; in tight blue bit of coat and cocked-hat:--miniature image of Papa (it is fondly hoped and expected), resembling him as a sixpence does a half-crown.

In 1721 the assiduous Papa set up a "little arsenal" for him, "in the Orange Hall of the Palace:" there let him, with perhaps a chosen comrade or two, mount batteries, fire exceedingly small brass ordnance,--his Engineer-Teacher, one Major von Senning, limping about (on cork leg), and superintending if needful.
Rentzel, it is known, proved an excellent Drill-sergeant;--had good talents every way, and was a man of probity and sense.