He cursed his luck, but lost no time in girding his loins with his sabre; shoved his cap on his bald brow, and went rattling down the stairs.
The gracious one received him very ungraciously.
“Sergeant-major, is everything in readiness for to-morrow?”
“I think so, but will once more examine to-night.”
“To-night? You are crazy. At once. Loafing must stop. And, mark you, I demand a more respectful tone from you, or I shall report your case to the colonel. Now bring me my horse!”
“Horse, my gracious lady? That is out with the rest of them. All horses were ordered out, except these two lame ones,” and he pointed at the two sorry steeds.
“What? My horse ordered out? What new insolence is this? Let it be brought to me instantly. One of the corporals can go on foot.”
But this moment she heard steps approaching, and seeing Borgert she called out to him in dulcet tones:
“Ah, what a pleasure, my dear First Lieutenant! So early out on duty? I was just about to give some sugar to my husband’s horses, but find them already gone. My dear husband is so excessively punctual in all that concerns the service.”
“Your interest for the squadron is most praiseworthy, my gracious lady,” said Borgert with a malicious twinkle in his eye. “I have often remarked you with secret admiration when issuing orders to the men about the stable.”