In you lives the spirit of the Grand Army, which we of the sea and of the ships admire always, and always desire to emulate.

Ah, if England possessed many Englishmen like you, she would be hard to conquer." The owner of this old English castle shot a glance at the Frenchman for any sign of irony in his words.

Seeing none, he continued, in the friendly vein: "Our business here demands the greatest caution, skill, reserve, and self-denial.

We are fortunate in having no man of any keen penetration in the neighbourhood, at least of those in authority and concerned with public matters.

As one of an ancient family, possessing the land for centuries, I have every right to be here, and to pursue my private business in privacy.