"Of this fact, then, you are quite certain?—Bonaparte is on his march hither?"
"I have heard it spoken of every day for the last week," replied I; "and it was in consequence of this that the English officers used to remark, if Massena but knew it he'd make a dash at them, and clear his way through at once."
"They said this, did they?" said he, in a low voice, and as if pondering over it.
"Yes; one and all agreed in thinking there could not be a doubt of the result."
"Where have you served, sir?" asked he, suddenly turning on me, and with a look that showed he was resolved to test the character of the witness.
"With Moreau, sir, on the Rhine and the Schwarzwald; in Ireland with Humbert."
"Your regiment?"
"The Ninth Hussars."
"The 'Tapageurs,'" said he, laughing. "I know them, and glad I am not to have their company here at this moment; you were a lieutenant?"
"Yes, sir."