"He is a young comrade, a faithful companion of my own."
"And you are come back——"
"To rejoin the regiment. I have been months in an Austrian prison, and afterward, ill."
"Pass freely, monsieur. You rallied us with the Eagle. We saw it go into the river. The Emperor himself commended us, those who were left. He said we should have another Eagle, but alas, we never got it."
"Have patience," said Marteau. "What is lost may be found."
He touched the small, well-wrapped parcel, which even in his agitation he had not allowed to fall to the ground. The soldier looked at him wonderingly.
"You mean——"
"Never mind. Be silent. Will you call your officer?"
"Corporal of the guard," shouted the sentry, and, when that official appeared, the lieutenant in command of the gate was soon summoned through the usual military channels.
"Monsieur," said Marteau, walking up to him, "do you not know me?"