' I have been amused to hear them
cry '_Avez bitie sur moi!_' You know, doubtless, who it is who addresses
you."
"The Count of Chateau Noir."
"Precisely. It would have been a misfortune if you had visited my
chateau and I had been unable to have a word with you. I have had to do
with many German soldiers, but never with an officer before. I have
much to talk to you about."
Captain Baumgarten sat still in his chair. Brave as he was, there was
something in this man's manner which made his skin creep with
apprehension. His eyes glanced to right and to left, but his weapons
were gone, and in a struggle he saw that he was but a child to this
gigantic adversary. The count had picked up the claret bottle and held
it to the light.
"Tut! tut!" said he. "And was this the best that Pierre could do for
you? I am ashamed to look you in the face, Captain Baumgarten. We must
improve upon this."
He blew a call upon a whistle which hung from his shooting-jacket.
The old manservant was in the room in an instant.
"Chambertin from bin 15!" he cried, and a minute later a grey bottle,
streaked with cobwebs, was carried in as a nurse bears an infant.
The count filled two glasses to the brim.
"Drink!" said he. "It is the very best in my cellars, and not to be
matched between Rouen and Paris.
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