“Yes, sir. I did not go to Lafitte’s place of my own accord; but when I saw that I could do some good for my country, I worked as hard as I could.”
The general waved his hand and nodded approvingly.
“Yes,” he continued; “I have heard how you acted from Governor Claiborne and Judge Livingston and General Villere. You are a sailor, I believe?”
“Yes, sir. I have been a sailor for four years.”
“Do you like the life?”
“I have not had such success that I should like it. I think I would rather be a soldier.”
“Well said, lad,” and the grim general chuckled. “You shall be a soldier. They will listen to me after this work, and I promise you a lieutenantcy in one of the regular regiments. In the meantime I take you on my staff as a volunteer, and you may go to any tailor in New Orleans and be fitted out.”
“There is one thing I would like to say, general.”
“What is it? Speak quickly, for I have much to do.”
“There is a Danish youth, older than I am, who served in the battery, and was taken out of the brig with me. I should like to see what becomes of him.”