" The words passed along the lines and an adjutant ran to look for the missing officer.

When the eager but misrepeated words had reached their destination in a cry of: "The general to the third company," the missing officer appeared from behind his company and, though he was a middle-aged man and not in the habit of running, trotted awkwardly stumbling on his toes toward the general.

The captain's face showed the uneasiness of a schoolboy who is told to repeat a lesson he has not learned.

Spots appeared on his nose, the redness of which was evidently due to intemperance, and his mouth twitched nervously.

The general looked the captain up and down as he came up panting, slackening his pace as he approached.