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128 designated the four red companies, how many angry prejudices the luxury and rank of these corps of officers had created in the army at large.

"However," he added, "I will not accept your offer, considering that I do not know how to mount a horse, and that, for my part, that is not my business."

"But, commandant, you superior officers are obliged to."

"Bah! once a year for inspection, and then a hired hack. As for me, I was always a sailor, and afterwards in the infantry; so that I know nothing about riding."

He went on for about twenty steps, looking sideways at me, as if expecting a question; but as he heard none, he presently continued himself:

"You are not very inquisitive, that's a fact! That ought to astonish you a little, what I said there."

"I am not often astonished," said I.

"Ah, but if I were to tell you how I came to quit the sea, then we should see."

"Very well," I answered, "why don't you try? That will warm us, and make me forget the rain that is pouring in at my back, and only stopping at my heels."

The good chef-de-bataillon prepared himself deliberately to speak, with all the pleasure of a