“'Ah, how unfortunate I always am!' said I, sighing. 'If I had only the good luck to be the prisoner now, and you the escort—'
“'What then?' said he.
“'How easily, and how pleasantly too, could we settle this little affair. The ground is smooth as velvet; there is no sun; all still, and quiet, and peaceful.'
“'No, no,' said the Austrian; 'I couldn't do what you propose,—I should be dishonored forever if I took such an advantage of you. You must know, François,' for he called me so, recurring at once to his tone of kindliness, 'I am the first swordsman of my brigade.'
“I could scarcely avoid throwing myself into his arms as he spoke; never was there such a piece of fortune. 'And I,' cried I, in ecstasy, 'I the first of the whole French army!' You know, Comrades, I only said that en gascon, and to afford him the greater pleasure in our rencontre.
“We soon measured our swords and threw off our jackets. 'François,' said he, 'I ought to mention to you that my lunge en tierce is my famous stroke; I rarely miss running my adversary through the chest with it.'
“'I know the trick well,' said I; 'take care of my “pass” outside the guard.'
“'Oh! if that's your game,' said he, laughing, 'I'll make short work of it. Now, to begin.'
“'All ready,' said I; 'en garde!' And we crossed our weapons. For a German he was a capital swordsman, and had a very pretty trick of putting in his point over the hilt, and wounding the sword-arm; but if it had not been for all the wine I drank the affair would have been over in a second or two. As it was, we both fenced loose, and without any judgment whatever.
“'Ah! you got that,' said I, 'at last!' as I pierced him in the back, outside the guard.