He wanted to give me money from his private purse to replace my equipments.

I answered, 'No, sire; I have a claim to recover at Dantzic; if it is paid, I shall be rich; if the debt is denied, my pay will suffice for me.' Thereupon (O Beneficence of Princes, thou art not, then, but an empty name!) he smiled slightly, and said, twisting his moustache, 'You remained in Prussia from 1813 to 1859 ?'--'Yes, sire.'-- 'Prisoner of war under exceptional conditions ?'--'Yes, sire.'-- 'The treaties of 1814 and 1815 stipulated for the release of prisoners ?'--'Yes, sire.'-- 'They have been violated, then, in your case ?'--'Yes, sire.'-- 'Well, then, Prussia owes you an indemnity.

I will see that it is recovered by diplomatic proceedings.'-- 'Yes sire.

What goodness!' Now, there's an idea which would never have occurred to me! To squeeze money out of Prussia--Prussia, who showed herself so greedy for our treasures in 1814 and 1815! _Vive l'Empereur!_ My well-beloved Clementine! Oh, may our glorious and magnanimous sovereign live forever! _Vivent l'Imperatrice et le Prince Imperial!_ I saw them! The Emperor presented me to his family! The Prince is an admirable little soldier! He condescended to beat the drum on my new hat.

I wept with emotion.