In uttering the last word he gave an extra pull at the rope, which caused it to break, and bang went my Zouave flat upon his back. A general laugh was heard upon deck. He picked himself up quickly, and, rubbing his back, said, “By the explosion of a thousand shells, here is a stunning piece of straw.” A gentleman present asked him if he had hurt himself. “Very well,” he replied, being all the English he knew, except “yes” and “no.” Seeing everybody laugh, he went on working at the box, and singing his favourite refrain-- J’aime le vin, l’amour et la gaîté, Les plaisirs, la gloire, Et je suis, sans vanité, L’enfant de la gaîté. I perceived some spots of blood on his shirt-sleeve, and pointed them out to him. “Oh,” said he, “that’s no novelty. I’ve seen a sample of my blood before this, many times.” On pulling up his sleeve, we found a deep scratch in his arm, from which the blood flowed pretty freely. “You had better have it attended to,” said I. “Bah! bah! nonsense! We Zouaves never trouble any one, particularly the doctor, about such trifles. Be kind enough to tie my pocket-handkerchief round it.” This done, he kept at his work. Thus I discovered the determined character of these wild soldiers. They made up their minds to care for nothing--were ready either to fight or sing--be out all night without sleep, or comfortable under their tents--were content with much to eat and drink, or little--but so long as they had sufficient to sustain life, be gay, or at least appear so--never making a direct complaint, whatever might happen to them. In fact, though French soldiers like the rest of the army, they had created themselves a body of invincibles, and a company of very odd fellows, who would at all times much prefer robbing a man to wronging him; this being one of their mottoes:--“Nous aimons mieux voler que faire du tort.” All on board the _Ottawa_ was bustle and confusion. Although not half unloaded, they were receiving the sick, expecting to sail the same evening. We were busy removing to the _Baraguay d’Hilliers_. She was a transport, and full of hospital provisions. Captain Heath advised me to select her, as she was the vessel likely to remain the longest in harbour, and I should require a _pied à terre_ in Balaklava. Under the direction of my Zouave, all our luggage was soon put on board; and about ten o’clock he was in full dress, it being Sunday. The horses were ready, and we started for head-quarters. CHAPTER XXVII. CAMP LIFE AT HEAD-QUARTERS.