"A Lieutenant-Colonel, by personal appointment that day at Arcis."
"Well, you will be lucky enough if they make you a subaltern. Look at me. I am older than you. I am a veteran of Italy and I am only a sub-lieutenant, I, who was Captain when I was captured."
"Patience, my friend," said Marteau again.
"Here," said the officer, hailing a cabriolet, which suddenly turned the corner.
"I have no money," said Marteau quickly.
"The King pays ill enough," answered the officer, "but what I have is ever at the service of a good comrade."
He assisted Marteau into the cabriolet, allowed Pierre to climb up beside him, paid the driver his fare, and bade him take the two to the headquarters in the barracks.