On entering the house, which he did with a slight misgiving as to the quality of reception he would meet, the priest greeted him warmly, and made known to him the anxiety he had felt at his absence.  “For,” said he, “prayers were postponed, and breakfast has waited your excellency nearly an hour.”  Being told that his secretary was in the next room, he immediately repaired thither, and was much concerned to find him in great grief of mind.  “If your excellency will but discharge me here, and put me in a way to get the trifle that is due me, that I may not starve while seeking my way home, he shall have my prayers all the rest of his life,” spoke the secretary, looking up with so solemn a countenance that no man of heart could have withheld his pity.

“Pray, friend Tickler, what has befallen you?” inquired the general, with an air of astonishment.

“Yes! what has befallen me?  That’s neither here nor there!  If instead of assisting you in making treaties, going to court, and enjoying ladies of distinction, the functions of a secretary consist in his being the victim of everybody’s jokes, and getting trundled about like a Connecticut bumpkin, then I have no love for the office, and am resolved to return to my profession of critic; for I hold it better a man starve to death, than to be killed outright by these tortures.”  Not satisfied with this explanation, the general demanded that he should proceed.  Tickler thereupon gave him an account of what had occurred; saying that when he came to his senses, he found the Indian facing him, with a poised spear; and indeed everything that took place, except the fury exited by his fears, and the manner in which he alternately shouted and prayed until he was released; to all of which the general listened attentively, but lisped not a word concerning his own troubles.  In short, it was no difficult matter to see that Mr. Tickler had been harshly dealt with.  “Friend Tickler!” exclaimed the general, “being a man of strong understanding, it is not becoming of you to take these trifles so to heart.  And you are mistaken if you set it down to those young gentlemen, for I can swear it was done by the Tutack robbers, who were bent on having your money.  But remember, that the more fortitude you display during the assaults of your enemies, the better will you be prepared to enjoy the luxuries that are in store for us both.  Pray remember what glory there is in being a great diplomatist, which I warrant to make you.  As to money, why, your pockets shall be full when we get to Nezub.  Drive these trifles from your mind, let your thoughts be on your country, and when the time comes, I will make you a major, for I see you have gallantry!”

“It is well your excellency says that, since no man can say aught against my gallantry.  And if it be to put it to this test, then I stick to your excellency, if he go to the devil.”  They now returned and took breakfast with the priest, receiving his blessing when it was over, and then proceeded to make preparations for the journey.