"But, my good lad, I don't want your services; so where's the good?"
Giuseppe raised his eyebrows; then replied, "A little training, the Signor Barone thought, would be desirable for your men, and some small knowledge of tactics for their chief."
"Ah, my dear youth, you mean to flatten our backs, I suppose, and turn out our toes; but when you have lived as long in a mountainous country as I have, you will find it more convenient, clambering about among the crags, to round your shoulders and turn your toes in. Meanwhile, do as we do—nulla ceremonia!—dine first, and talk afterwards. One thing at a time will last the longer."
The young adjutant looked at first as if he hardly knew how to take this; but at the same instant, three rosy children ran in and flew into their father's arms. While Hofer was embracing and kissing them, Giuseppe looked on with some sympathy; then, drawing a stool towards the table, he prepared to accept the Sandwirth's invitation.
"So Baron Hormayr sent you to me?" said Hofer presently. "Well, I wonder he said nothing about you when I saw him."
"He has written," said Giuseppe, taking a note out of his cap.
"Why didn't you tell me that before?" said Hofer. "Were you keeping it for dessert?"
"You said one thing at a time would last the longer."
Hofer smiled, as he opened the note. "Well," said he, when he had read it; "it seems I had hardly need to come home. Here am I wanted again at head-quarters, to receive orders for immediate action. We must put off our drilling, my good friend, till another time. Why is this recall?"
"Since you left, we have received news of the Archduke John's having won a brilliant victory at Sacile."