Note 20 — Chapter XXIX · THE EIGHTH OF SEPTEMBER.
Reading edition
He related the following anecdote of something that had passed between him and Sir John Campbell, on the eve of the attack of the 18th of June. Sir John had for some time inquired after him, and at last meeting him going to his master’s quarters, called out and said, “François, how much am I in your debt?”
“Why, Colonel, it is only the middle of the month; I will give you your small bill at the end.”
“No, no,” said Sir John, “I want it now, François.”
“Have I offended you, Colonel?”
“Offended me, no! on the contrary, I am much obliged to you for your kind services; but the end of this month may be to-morrow for me, as we shall have a terrible attack upon the Redan; so I want to settle all my little affairs to-day.”
“Oh, I’m sure, General, it will be all right.”
“Indeed I must have it—how much does it amount to?”
“Well, General, if I must, I must—it is one pound seventeen, or somewhere thereabouts.”
The General wished him good night, and with a smile upon his countenance returned to his cave, and François to his duty. That noble-hearted man seemed to have a presentiment that he should not survive the attack. The tears stood in his eyes while he was relating this to me, and I found my own in much the same state in listening to the recital.