The groom, gossiping as he attended to his duties, said that he always welcomed the beginning of a war, for they were often half starved, and had to gnaw the bones, like the dogs, in peace.

But when war was declared, vast quantities of provisions were got together, and everybody gorged at their will.

The very dogs battened; he pointed to half a dozen who were tearing a raw shoulder of mutton to pieces.

Before the campaign was over, those very dogs might starve.

To what "war" did Felix belong?
He replied to the king's levy.
The groom said that this was the king's levy where they were; but under whose command was he?
This puzzled Felix, who did not know what to say, and ended by telling the truth, and begging the fellow to advise him, as he feared to lose his liberty.