"Perhaps he will be dead."
"I think not so."
"Perhaps he will ask for his money."
"I mean to offer it to him."
The captain smiled, and said:
"You are a strange legionary; you do not care for money."
"On the contrary, my captain, I do like money and what it buys; but Nicholas is my friend."
"You may go; stay away an hour if you like. Tell the sergeant that I, the captain, have given you permission."
"A thousand thanks, my captain."
After some further questions and answers the captain ordered me to go. I saluted, and was just turning to leave when he called me back. Pointing to a cigar-box on a rickety table, he told me to give it to him. I did so. He opened it and took out two cigars.