BLUCHER 169 



before, eased me of my four dollars, a fine cutter-rigged 

 vessel ; and had given the command to my friend the 

 lieutenant, who mancEUvred her so Avell, as constantly to 

 keep us in view of all the remarkable doings of the day. 

 On one occasion, by his superior knowledge of naval 

 tactics, he succeeded in placing us in full view of the 

 sovereio:ns, to the exclusion of another vessel, laden with 

 officers and ladies of distinction : which elicited the praise 

 of all around, evinced by waving of handkerchiefs and 

 other expressions of unalloyed delight. 



My friend, in spite of his independent spirit, was 

 infected with the same desire to prove his exultation and 

 partake of the general joy ; but the old Prussian com- 

 mander was his favourite object, and I need not say I 

 ao-reed with him in all his sentiments. Relvino- on his 

 tact and address for an interview with this brave old 

 man, Avhom I had seen from the street smoking his pipe 

 at the window. I waited outside, when, watchino- his 

 opportunity, he said, — 



" Come along with me." 



Entering the house, we ascended the staircase, and met 

 the veteran on the landing alone. My friend, with his 

 usual self-possession, addressed him thus briefly, — 



" Monsieur, fait mois Ihonneur a prenner le main d'un 

 tel grand homme." 



" Avec plaisir, monsieur," said his Highness, extending 

 his hand. 



" Et mois aussi, monsieur le Marechal, si volis plait," 

 said I: 



" De tout mon coeur," rejDlied the old soldier, and gave 

 me a hearty shake ; then, with an '• Allons done," he 



