Then the colonel rode forward to meet the marshal.
"Nothing could have been better, my dear colonel," the latter said.
"As I told you yesterday, my inspection of your regiment is but a mere form, for I know well that nothing could be more perfect than its order; but I must report to the king that I have inspected all the regiments now in Berlin and Potsdam, and others that will form my command, should any untoward event disturb the peace of the country.
"But before I begin, permit me to present to you this young officer, who was yesterday appointed to your regiment.

I have already spoken to you of him.

This is Cornet Fergus Drummond, a cousin of my own, and whom I recommend strongly to you.

As I informed you, he will for the present act as one of my aides-de-camp." "You have lost no time in getting your uniform, Mr.Drummond," the colonel said.

"I am sure that you will be most cordially received, by all my officers as by myself, as a relation of the marshal, whom we all respect and love." "I will now proceed to the inspection," the marshal said, and he proceeded towards the end of the line.
The colonel rode beside him, but a little behind.