“Perhaps not,” replied Somers, bewildered at the suggestion.
“I know you are, my dear boy. I was sent for just four weeks after the battle of Solferino, and made a brigadier-general,” persisted the captain.
“Ah! then you are General de Banyan?”
“No, no; I dropped the title when I ceased to hold the office.”
“That was modest, general.”
“Captain, if you please.”
“You are entitled by courtesy to the use of the title, and you shall not be robbed of any of your honors.”
“As a particular favor, Somers, never call me general. I do not wish to rise above my actual rank. I have never mentioned the little circumstance of my promotion before. Your good fortune was so similar to my own, that I was surprised into doing so.”
“What do you mean by my good fortune, captain?”
“Why, you are promoted again. I will bet my year’s pay you have had another lift.”