'I have laid the alternative before you, gentlemen,' he said, 'the cards or the dice.'
This was the story that rose in the minds of the men round the mess table, and a minute later they joined in a simultaneous shout of laughter. Adiron's big face was flushed as he called for a special brand of champagne wherein to drink the Colonel's health.
'He's magnificent—the old man!' he said when he could speak. 'Let him alone. He's equal to any mortal occasion! He reminds me of the day when his Imperial Majesty over the border complimented him on the appearance of the Guard, saying he should feel proud to number us amongst the regiments of the German army. "And I can assure your Majesty that the feeling of admiration is entirely reciprocal," says the C.O. "We should be happy to incorporate your army in ours!"'
The men had heard the story often before, but it was greeted with all the relish of novelty, a quality which lives eternally in any anecdote that tells on one's own side.
Before the laughter had subsided another man entered the room. He was, perhaps, nearer thirty than twenty, and the face under his dull, colourless hair was singularly pale, but there was promise of great strength in the long angular body.
'My congratulations, Unziar.' Colendorp turned to the new-comer.
'Thanks. By the way, have you heard of Insermann? Gone out, they tell me.'
'Yes. And have you heard of the new appointment?'
'No. But it's Abenfeldt, of course. The Colonel as good as promised him last year.'
'Ever heard of Lieutenant Rallywood of the frontier?' demanded Colendorp in his slow way.