“Sit down, Jonker,” he said, pointing to a chair behind which the Captain stood as if he intended to dispute the place with me.
Francis rang the bell, and asked Fritz if the luncheon were still on the table.
The servant, with a surprised look, answered—
“It is half-past one.”
“Right, Fritz. It is the rule of the house: he who is not here at roll-call is not expected. Bring a plate of cold meat and bread into this room.”
“And a glass of port-wine for the gentleman,” put in the Captain.
When Fritz had left the room, the Captain came and stood straight before me, saying—
“Pardon me, Jonker, I must have a good look at you. There must be something peculiar in a young man who has so quickly found favour in the eyes of our Major.”
I hesitated about giving him the answer he deserved in the presence of the General; and, besides, Francis had warned me he was a man of no education.
However, the General, speaking in a soft yet authoritative voice, said—