“Colonel of the Munkholm musketeers,” replied the fellow, with an odd look, “follow me for a moment; I have news for you.”
At this singular request, the baron paused for a moment in silent surprise.
“Important news, Colonel!” repeated the man with the thick gloves.
This persistence decided Baron Vœthaün. At such a crisis, and with such a mission as his, no information was to be despised. “So be it,” said he.
The little man preceded him, and as soon as they were outside the town, he stopped. “Colonel, would you really like to destroy all the insurgents at a single blow?”
The colonel laughed, saying, “Why, that would not be a bad way to open the campaign.”
“Very well! Then station your men in ambush this very day, in Black Pillar Pass, two miles distant from the town; the rebels are to encamp there to-night. When you see their first fire blaze, fall upon them with your troops. Victory will be easy.”
“Excellent advice, my good man, and I thank you for it; but how did you learn all this?”
“If you knew me, Colonel, you would rather ask me how I could fail to know it.”
“Who are you, then?”