The man of the pipe scanned him from head to foot, apparently surprised at the presumption of a pedestrian, in speaking to such a dignitary as himself, and between two puffs of smoke he growled out very disdainfully the ungracious reply, "The right."
"Thank you, sir," said the emperor, raising his hat with the respect this uncivil personage seemed by his manner to command. "Will you permit me to ask you another question?"
"What do you want to know?"
"Your rank in the army, if you please."
"Guess," returned he of the pipe.
"Lieutenant, perhaps?"
"Go higher."
"Captain?" rejoined the emperor.
"Much higher;" and the smoker gave a consequential puff.