"An old Guardsman?" inquired Denis.
"An old Grenadier, sir!" cried the policeman. "And I would give ten years of my life to be with them now!"
"Do you suppose they have lost very heavily?" Denis was searching the old soldier's face.
"If the losses altogether are fourteen hundred I'll back ours to run well into three figures!"
"But they'll keep the regiment up to strength, I take it?"
"No doubt they'll send out a draft as soon as possible."
"Of course there'd be no chance for a recruit in such a draft?"
Denis had hesitated, and then forced a grin. The old Grenadier shook his head.
"I doubt it, sir; but a very good man, who knew his drill, they might take him over the heads of others. They want all the good men they can get in time of war. Why, sir, that's a sovereign!"
"It was meant to be; it's not a night for less. And now can you tell me where the rest of the Grenadiers are?"