Now you wouldn't believe it, but I'm a
baker--you wouldn't take me to be a baker by my trade, would you now?"
Michael Stein looked at him, and told him he couldn't well give an
opinion, as he knew nothing about bakers.
"I knew you wouldn't," said the other; "no one on earth would take me
to be a tradesman--that's what they all say; I have that kind of manner
about me, that I look like a soldier--I did when I hadn't been at it
above a week. Every one used to say, Plume, you were born to be an
officer; Plume, you will live to be a General: and if I don't get killed
in the wars, I think I shall. Now it's only three months since I joined,
and I am already second in command in the whole army."
Michael Stein stared at him, as he repeated his words, "Second in
command in the whole army!"
"Indeed I am, my friend, the second in command. You wouldn't believe it,
now, but I was sticking loaves of bread into an oven three or four
months ago."
"The second in command!" said Michael, still regarding his companion
with a look in which incredulous surprise and involuntary reverence were
blended.
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