"That we know," said Count Bourgneuf, brusquely, "there is a troop of your Scottish Grey Horse in each of the six villages along the Lahn; but what is their numerical strength?"
"I have had no means of knowing since our rapid pursuit at Minden," said I, with reserve.
De Bourgneuf eyed me fiercely through his glass; but the Duke smiled, and asked,
"Where are the other regiments of milord Granby's Cavalry division?"
"I beg to be excused giving such information," replied I.
"Then, monsieur," said the Duke, suavely, "have you any idea of when Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick proposes to break up from winter quarters and take the field?"
"Happily I have no means of knowing—being merely a subaltern officer; but," added I, haughtily, "if I did know, most assuredly I should decline informing the General of the enemy!"
"Très bien—of course," said the old Duke, shrugging his shoulders.
"Beware, sir!" said the Comte de Bourgneuf, with a dark frown on his stern visage; "you would not tell, even if you knew, say you?"
"No, by Heaven!" said I, loftily.