"Nothing further? He seems a promising fellow! Where have we put him?"
"In Room IX., Corporal Wiegandt."
"Does he know----?"
"Yes, sir, I've mentioned it to him."
"Right. Call him in; I'll speak to him, and afterwards to Frielinghausen."
"Very good, sir."
In a few minutes the little bearded corporal was in the room and awaiting his captain's pleasure.
The officer appealed to the honour of his subordinate, in whom he was placing a special trust, and impressed upon him in carefully chosen language the necessity for keeping a watchful eye on the new recruit Weise, without, however, treating him differently from his comrades.
Wiegandt thereupon felt called on to describe and commend Weise's smartness and good humour.
Wegstetten listened, a fleeting smile once passing over his face. At the end he said: "Well, that's another proof that this sort often turn out good soldiers. You understand what I have said, Wiegandt? A sharp eye, and a firm grip on the rein; otherwise--just as with the rest of them."