"Shall we put the charge in that form, captain?
Just as the captain pleases." He gave a little shrug of his epauletted shoulders to signify his doubt whether any good could arise from it.
"No," said De Catinat, with a sudden happy thought.

"I charge them with laying their halberds down while on duty, and with having their uniforms dirty and disarranged." "That is better," answered the sergeant, with the freedom of a privileged veteran.

"Thunder of God, but you have disgraced the guards! An hour on the wooden horse with a musket at either foot may teach you that halberds were made for a soldier's hand, and not for the king's grass-plot.

Seize them! Attention! Right half turn! March!" And away went the little clump of guardsmen with the sergeant in the rear.
The Huguenot had stood in the background, grave and composed, without any sign of exultation, during this sudden reversal of fortune; but when the soldiers were gone, he and the young officer turned warmly upon each other.
"Amory, I had not hoped to see you!" "Nor I you, uncle.

What, in the name of wonder, brings you to Versailles ?" "My wrongs, Amory.