Never did ambition display itself at a more fitting opportunity.
"Oh! monsieur," Lothon replied, "you will indeed render me a welcome service!"
Then, addressing the crowd, he asked—
"You want a general-in-chief?"
"Yes, yes!" was repeated on all sides.
"Well, then, I introduce this gentleman to you ... he is an ex-captain who is covered with wounds and who would much like to be your general-in-command."
"Bravo!" a hundred voices shouted.
"Pardon me for covering you with wounds, my dear monsieur," said Lothon, as he stepped to the ground and presented his horse to the newly elected chief; "but I thought it the surest method of getting you promoted above the intermediate ranks."
"Oh! monsieur," the delighted captain said, "there is no harm done!"
Then he addressed the crowd—