"Yes, your Majesty."
"And no one has mentioned you for promotion?"
"My colonel has promised to remember me."
"Your king never forgets a real service. Gustaf Bertila, I have just signed your commission as sub-lieutenant. Take it, and continue to serve with honour."
"Your Majesty," said the young man.
"I have something more to say to you. Your action yesterday was against orders."
"Yes, your Majesty."
"I want my soldiers to obey implicitly. I have been told that you dismounted at the foot of the steepest hill, so that you could get up quicker."
"It is true your Majesty."
"And that you reached the top of the hill first, whilst the others had to ride round; and that you killed two of the enemy, and took the first cannon."