ge; while if we had
moved round and threatened their line of retreat the enemy must have
fallen back at once, we should have obtained our object without the loss
of a man, and might possibly have fallen upon Merci in his retreat, and
well nigh annihilated his army. Do not think, Campbell, that I am for a
moment underestimating Enghien's genius. It is extraordinary, and in the
hour of battle he is superb, not only from his extreme personal bravery,
but from the quickness with which he grasps every point, seizes upon
the spot where a blow can be best delivered, and snatches victory, where
another would see only defeat before him. But he is reckless of life so
long as he carries his point, and rather than lose a day in turning the
enemy's position and so forcing him to relinquish it, will sacrifice
whole regiments by marching straight against the most formidable
entrenchments. Had he but patience in addition to his own splendid
qualities, I think he would be the greatest military genius the world
has ever seen. And now let me hear what happened to you after you left
my side that night after Marienthal."

Hector again related his adventures. Turenne laughed at the account of
his escape, hidden under the flour bags.

"It was a good scheme," he said; "and it was well that you had that
lackey of yours with you, for I do not think that you could ever have
managed it unaided."

"I am sure I could not, marshal; it was entirely his suggestion, and he
arranged all the details splendidly. He was equally valuable in another
way afterwards;" and he described the fight in the cabaret.

"That was more dangerous than taking part in a pitched battle; seven
against two are heavy odds indeed, though you had the advantage of
weapons. The fellow has a ready wit to think of rolling against the man
who was waiting for a chance of running in and stabbing you; he would
have made his fortune somehow even if he had not had the good luck to
fall in with you. In some respects you resemble each other; you both
have enterprise, quickness, and daring, but he lacks your studious
habits, your determination to master everything connected with your
profession, and your ability to turn your knowledge to account. He would
have made a good soldier, an excellent leader of an irregular corps, but
he would never have gained distinction. Well, I am very glad to have had
a quiet talk with you; it takes one out of one's worries and anxieties.
By the way, I had a