"Why didn't you mention it, Prince? I would have offered you something.

" They dismounted and entered the tent.

Several officers, with flushed and weary faces, were sitting at the table eating and drinking.

"Now what does this mean, gentlemen?" said the staff officer, in the reproachful tone of a man who has repeated the same thing more than once.

" You know it won't do to leave your posts like this.