The vicinity was well guarded--several regiments being encamped round that select group of habitations. It was only with a silver key one could open the doors of the field kitchens and _popottes_, which key was always to be found at the regimental canteen. A few bottles of wine, glasses of absinthe or vermouth, were enough to initiate me in less than two hours in all that I required to know relating to my mission. After settling my account with three or four coquettish and cavalier-like _vivandières_, wishing them all the commercial prosperity imaginable, and shaking hands with several companies of the various regiments, including those of the Imperial Guard, who had just arrived, I cheerfully retired with the gratification of having conquered a portion of the _élite_ of the French armies--of course, I only mean in pure friendship. Moreover, I gained most honourable titles, from lieutenant to captain, colonel, and now and then general. At all events, my passport through that important part of the French camp was signed by several hundreds of those brave fellows, as well as by innumerable smiles from the fair and dark heroines, the _cantinières_ of the first French division. With a promise to return soon, I retired, having experienced much gratification and enriched my budget of anecdote. In this interesting visit to the French camp, head-quarters, canteens, &c., and becoming well acquainted with the officers’ and soldiers’ _popottes_--which name I immediately added to my gastronomic bill of fare--the three hours I had to spare nearly expired. The sun was rapidly descending to the level of the ocean in the direction of Kamiesch. Having paid my bill at the canteen, and shaken hands with nearly a whole regiment, I jumped on my pony and galloped all the way home, perfectly satisfied with my day’s work, which at the time I felt was one of the most interesting of my life. CHAPTER XVIII. A UNIVERSAL CALAMITY. Miss Nightingale dangerously ill--Her removal to the Sanatorium--Worst form of Crimean fever--General consternation--Conversation with the Captain--Better news--Visit the Sanatorium--Disembarkation of the Sardinians--Bridge over the _London_--Admiral Boxer--Act as interpreter--Overwhelmed with complaints--Soda-water for horses--All right at last--Alexandrian horse-flesh--A character--An interesting ride--The General Hospital--Reasons for my return to Turkey--Letters--Head-quarters again--Lord Raglan’s anxiety for Miss Nightingale--Return to Balaklava--Admiral Boxer and the Sardinians--All in the wrong--Quieted at last.