"Colonel?"
"You haven't got it yet."
The man stood up and assumed a more respectful attitude.
"Your excellency is a lieutenant-general, perhaps?"
"You are getting nearer."
"Then your Highness must be a field-marshal?"
"Have one more guess, Commandant."
"His Imperial Majesty!" exclaimed the stupefied questioner, letting his pipe fall and breaking it in pieces.
"Exactly so," Alexander replied, with a smile.
"Ah! sire," cried the officer, clasping his hands together, "I entreat your forgiveness!"