"The orderly sergeant, sir."
"Who is orderly?"
"Just my ainsel, sir. Hoomh!"
"Stupid! Could you not have said so at once. '—Command of the detachment proceeding to the Château de Marielle, to relieve the Hanoverian regiment of Kloster Zeven.' Does anybody know where the Château de Marielle is?"
"Two days' march from this," said Macildhui; "near Melun. I know the place. Archy Douglas and I have shot and coursed over it for a whole week, without leave or license. 'Tis the property of the Marquis of Laurieston."
"What!" exclaimed one, "old Clappourknuis's brother?"
"The same. You remember him at Merida."
"And what do the wiseacres at head-quarters mean, in sending a detachment there?"
"I suppose they scarcely know themselves. But obedience— We all know the adage."
"Wellington is the man to keep us in mind of that; and old Pack too, with his drills for five hours every Sunday after divine service."