y to pass the honeymoon in the
field; while his aide-de-camp, a certain Monsieur Burke, whose name you
may remember figuring in the affair of Pichegru and George--'"

"Perhaps it were as well, sir," said I, quietly, "that I should tell
you the person alluded to is myself. I have no desire to learn how
your correspondent speaks of me; nor, I take it for granted, do these
gentlemen desire to canvass me in my own hearing. With your leave, then,
I shall withdraw."

"A word. Monsieur; one word, first," said the officer, whose insolent
taunt had already offended the veteran major. "We are most of us here
staff-officers, and I need not say accustomed to live pretty much
together. Will you favor us, then, with a little explanation as to the
manner in which you escaped a trial in that business. Your name, if I
mistake not, did not figure before the tribunal after the first day?"

"Well, sir; and then?"

"And then? Why, there is one only explanation in such a circumstance."

"And that is? if I may be so bold--"

"That the _mouchard_ fares better than his victim."

"I believe, sir," said I, "I comprehend your meaning; I hope there will
be no fear of your mistaking mine."

With that I drew off the long gauntlet glove I wore, and struck him
across the face.

Every man sprang backwards as I did so, as though a shell had fallen
in the midst of us; while a deep voice called out from behind, "Le
Capitaine Amedee Pichot is under arrest."

I turned, and beheld the provost-marshal with his guard approach, and
take my adversary's sword from him.

"What charge is this, Marshal?" said he, as a livid color spread over
his cheek.

"Your duel of yesterday, Capitaine; you seem to forget all about it
already."

"Whenever and wherever you please, sir," said I, passing close beside
him, and speaking in a whisper.

He nodded without uttering a word in reply, and moved after the guard,
while the others dispersed silently, and left me standing alone in the
Place.

What would I not have given at that moment for but one friend to counsel
and advise me; and yet, save the general, to whom I dared not speak on
such a subject, I had not one in the whole world. It was, indeed, but
too true, that life had little value for me; yet never did I contemplate
a duel with more abhorrence. The insult I had inflicted, however, could
have no other result. While I reasoned thus, the door of the cafe,
opened, and the general appeared.

"Burke," cried