When circumstances had driven them out of their former abode, it had occurred to the major that by sharing his rooms with Von Baumser he would diminish his own expenses, and at the same time secure an agreeable companion, for the veteran was a sociable soul in his unofficial hours and had all the Hibernian dislike to solitude.
The arrangement commended itself to the German, for he had a profound admiration for the other's versatile talents and varied experiences; so he grunted an acquiescence and the thing was done.

When the major's luck was good there were brave times in the little fourth floor back.
On the other hand, if any slice of good fortune came in the German's way, the major had a fair share of the prosperity.

During the hard times which intervened between these gleams of opulence, the pair roughed it uncomplainingly as best they might.

The major would sometimes create a fictitious splendour by dilating upon the beauties of Castle Dunross, in county Mayo, which is the headquarters of all the Clutterbucks.

"We'll go and live there some day, me boy," he would say, slapping his comrade on the back.