"But how did you come to be spared?" I queried.
"Because I was good to them."
"Bah! How could you?"
"I didn't intend to, but, you see, they tricked me. It was early morning when half a dozen officers on horseback rode up to the door. 'Where are our Allies?' they asked.
"I thought of course they were Englishmen. The uniform was unfamiliar to me, but they all spoke perfect French. Unwittingly I gave them the requested information, and they asked me to bring up some good wine. Then they threw a gold piece on to the table, and when I had poured out my Burgundy, they begged me to touch glasses with them.
"'Ah, gentlemen, it is a pleasure to offer you the best I have. Thank
God, it is not for German stomachs!'
"To my surprise, an uproarious laugh greeted my statement and brought my glass down with a shock.
"'Poor fellow!' they tittered. 'Come, drink to our success and the
Kaiser's health!'
"I think they realized my fright and agony. They did not force me—but laughed anew, drank and were gone."
"What regiments drove them out?"