Won by the Sword | Page 6

ready to go out with you in half an
hour."
Orderlies were then despatched to the various officers' lodgings, and in
a few minutes they assembled. The colonel told them what had
happened, and said that in his opinion it concerned the honour of the
regiment to see that their comrade's son was properly equipped.
All those who had known Captain Campbell were greatly pleased with
the news, and there was not a dissenting voice when the colonel
proposed that there should be a general subscription of two days' pay.

He himself, however, and Captain Campbell's friends, gave a much
larger amount, and the total was amply sufficient for the equipment of a
young man of good family joining the army. Hector was then called in
and informed of what had taken place, and heartily congratulated by the
officers. He was greatly affected by their kindness and the proof of the
estimation in which his father had been held.
"We had always intended to do this," the colonel said, "when the time
came for your entering the army, for we felt that it would indeed be a
discredit to the regiment were you to go into the world without the
equipment that a Scottish gentleman should have. Now, Captain
Mackenzie and Captain Home, I will ask you to act as furnishers. You
know what is required for a young officer on the staff of a general like
Viscount Turenne, who would be called upon to accompany him to
court, and must do him no discredit; besides which, he must of course
have clothes for a campaign. He will not need arms, for I have kept for
him his father's sword and pistols. See that the tailors undertake to get
his clothes ready quickly, for he is to accompany Turenne to Italy in
four or five days. One suit at least must be finished in two days, for on
the third he is to wait upon Turenne, who is staying at the hotel of the
Duc de Bouillon, and he may possibly be presented to the cardinal."
The dress of a French gentleman in the reign of Louis XIII differed but
slightly from that worn at the same time by the cavaliers of Charles I. It
consisted of a loose cloak of cloth, silk, satin, or velvet, according to
the occasion and the wealth of the wearer. It generally hung loosely on
the shoulders, but two or three of the top buttons were sometimes
fastened; the sleeves were loose and open from the elbow. Sometimes
the cloak was richly embroidered. Over it fell a collar of rich lace, with
Vandyke border. Beneath it was worn a short tightly fitted doublet
embroidered in front, with puffed sleeves, and with a belt or sash round
the waist. The breeches were very full, reaching to the knee. For
walking or riding, loose high boots turned down at the top and trimmed
with lace or frillings joined the breeches; while in court dress, silk
stockings and shoes with rosettes were worn. The swords hung from a
richly embroidered baldrick going over the right shoulder.

Officers of the different regiments were distinguished by the colour of
their sashes, which was the only point of regimental uniformity. When
on a campaign doublets were usually worn of thick buff leather; armour
was still used, but was far less cumbrous than it had been, consisting
for the most part solely of shoulder pieces and cuirass, with plates
covering the upper part of the arm, thick buff leather gauntlets being
considered sufficient protection below the elbow. Four suits were
ordered for Hector: one for court, another for general use when in Paris
or other large towns, the third for travelling and when in attendance
with the general, the fourth for actual service in the field.
Almost as expensive as the suits were the shirts, with their deep lace
collars and ruffle; while for service in the field half a dozen plain shirts
were purchased. The headdress on ordinary occasions was a broad
beaver hat with plumes, and in the field a close fitting helmet with
cheek pieces. Visors had been almost entirely given up. On the third
day Hector presented himself at the appointed hour at the hotel of the
Duc de Bouillon. He was dressed in the second best of his costumes,
and wore for the first time his father's sword. In the hall were numbers
of soldiers and lackeys. One of the latter came up to him.
"I am here to see the Viscount Turenne by appointment," he said.
The lackey led the way to a large chamber, where several officers and
gentlemen were waiting. Here Hector gave his name to a chamberlain,
who took it into another apartment. He waited for half an hour, and
observed that while the