"It is always pleasant, Monsieur de Cerons, to receive new friends and companions, but still more pleasant to receive one who bears back to our camp an illustrious name, which has been too long banished from the roll of arms. I take it for granted I speak to the son of that Monsieur de Cerons who, just twenty years ago, distinguished himself in the attack upon the forts at Boulogne, and, to the regret of the whole army, fell upon the occasion. I grieve to say that I knew little of him, for that was my first campaign, and I was not worthy of the notice of so distinguished a soldier; but my friend, Monsieur d'Andelot here, was his companion in many a well-fought field." "I was indeed, young gentleman," said D'Andelot; "and, I must say, a better soldier or a braver man never existed. You are very like him, and, I trust, are as like him in character as you are in person." "It is with the hope of proving that I am so, sir, that I come here," I replied; and, judging it more respectful to the distinguished officers with whom I was speaking to say as little as possible, I ceased there. "I doubt not that you will completely fill his place among us," replied the prince, after a moment's thought. "Indeed, Monsieur de Cerons, we have every reason to believe so, from the account these good merchants have given us of your conduct on the road. You do not know what an obligation you have laid upon us by bringing them safely hither; for, on my faith and honour, I think, without their help, we should not have been able to carry on the campaign: for, though very one here fights for good-will, yet men must have food, and cannons and arquebuses are poor contrivances without powder and shot. These merchants tell us you have a troop with you, Monsieur de Cerons?" I now evidently saw that it was the design of the prince to give me notice, in a quiet, passing manner, that I was to expect no pay for my services, and, at the same time, to ascertain with what views and purposes I came. "My troop is not a large one, my lord," I replied; "at present it comprises but ten men. They are all, however, stout men-at-arms, and have some experience; and I hope to increase my troop to double that number. It is fit, my lord, however, that I should tell you that my father left nothing but his sword; and it is needful to myself that I should raise myself by arms, and to my men that I should be enabled to maintain them by the sword."