"Who does not know the hero of Dubienka?" exclaimed Pichegru.
"Then read that," said the Pole, handing him the note.
Pichegru took it and read as follows:
I recommend to all men who struggle for independence and the liberty of their country, this brave man, son of a brave man, brother of a brave man.
He was with me at Dubienka.
T. Kosciusko.
"You have a fine brevet of bravery there, sir," said Pichegru; "will you do me the honor to become my aide-de-camp?"
"I should not do you much service, and I should not be avenging myself; it is vengeance that I seek."
"And against whom—Russians, Austrians or Prussians?"
"Against all three, since they are all oppressing and devouring unhappy Poland; but I hate the Prussians most."
"Where do you come from?"
"Dantzic. I belong to the old Polish race which, after having lost Poland in 1308, reconquered it in 1454, and defended it against Etienne Battori in 1575. From that day Dantzic has always held a Polish party ready to revolt, and which did revolt at Kosciusko's first call. My brother, my father and I seized our guns and placed ourselves under his orders.