roffered. The letters which accredited them to
each other lay open on the table; but as this preliminary conversation
had not assumed the formal tone of business, neither seemed to know
the name or title of the other. In fact, it appeared like a part of
the necessary etiquette that they were simply to regard each other as
representatives of two powers, neither caring to know or recognize any
personal claims.

Lists of names were produced on both sides. Master-rolls of regiments,
showing the precise ranks of individuals, and their standing in the
service, all arranged with such care and accuracy as to show that
the conference itself was little more than a formality. A case of
brevet-rank, or the accident of a staff appointment, might now and then
call for a remark or an explanation, but, except at these times, the
matter went on in a mere routine fashion; a mark of a pencil sufficing
to break a captivity, and change the whole fate of a fellow-man!

"Our task is soon ended, sir," said the Austrian, rising at last. "It
would seem that officers on both sides prefer death to captivity in this
war."

"The loss has been very great indeed," said the other. "The peculiar
uniform of your officers, so distinct from their men, has much exposed
them."

"They met their fate honorably, at least, sir; they wore the colors of
their Emperor."

"Very true, General," replied the other, "and I will own to you our
surprise at the fact that there have been no desertions, except from
the ranks. The popular impression was, that many of the Hungarians would
have joined the Italian cause. It was even said whole regiments would
have gone over."

"It was a base calumny upon a faithful people and a brave soldiery,"
said the other. "I will not say that such a falsehood may not have
blinded their eyes against their truth in their national struggle,--the
love of country might easily have been used to a base and treacherous
purpose,--but here, in this conflict, not a man will desert the cause of
the Emperor!" The emotion in which he spoke these words was such that he
was obliged to turn away his face to conceal it.

"Your words have found an illustration amongst the number of our wounded
prisoners, General," said the other--"a young fellow who, it was said,
broke his arrest to join the struggle at Goito, but whose name or rank
we never could find out, for, before being taken, he had torn every mark
of his grade from cuff and collar!"

"You kn