The Sentinel. [volume] (Trenton, N.J.) 1880-1882, 1881-03-26

may imagine, l could not love him
much. But I reflected afterward that
if Puvioux was with me | could at least
talk about her. That consoled me. Well
1 said to myself, am in for seven years
of it. After all, one gets over it.
"In the regiment l became a fast
friend of Pierre Puvioux. He proved tc
be an excellent good fellow, and al
night, in order to kill time, we used
often to talk of Mezieres, of Father Ser.
van and of Marguerite. We used to
write to Mezieres often, but each told
the other the contents Of his letters. II
was struggle, it is true, but it was
loyal. When Marguerite or old Servan
replied, the letter was for both of us.
An equal dose of hope was given to each
OF us, and SO we went on hoping.
Gone day the colonel took it into his
head to appoint me corporal. I was
vexed and proud at the same time. You
see, was no longer the equal of Pu-
vloux. My stripes gave me the right to
command him, and in the eyes of our
Ardennais that was no small advantage.
But did not glory in my rank; on the
contrary, it made me i'll at ease. did
not dare to talk to Puvioux any more.
Then | reflected that there were more
ways than one Of getting rid of my new
rank. neglected my duty and was
forthwith degraded But who should
be made corporal in my stead but Pu-
vioux. But Puvioux was not to be out
done at the end of week he resigned.
After that there was no danger of any
propositions being made to us to make
any change in our uniform. We were
condemned to remain common soldiers.
So much the better, said Puvioux.
What luck 2 said I.
When We had served seven years
for do not mean to tell yon our history
day by day. said to Puvioux:
Well, now is the time to start,
ehy
s. Yes, he replied. we are expected.
g You know / said, the game will
not be finally won until both of us arrive
at Mezieres, and until the loser has de-
clared that the combat has been loyal.
Agreed, said Puyioux
And so one morning, with good
shoes on our feet, and stick in hand,
we set out for Mezieres from Anglers,
where we were in garrison. At first we
walked along IN company, not saying
much, thinking good deal and walk
ing above everything. The weather
was terribly hot and dusty. Half way
on one of our marches I sat down on
the roadside overwhelmed with fatigue.
"'Are you going to stay there?' said
Puvloux to me.
Yes
"'Adieu he said, continuing his
march.
Au revoir.'
81 watched him as he went on with
a firm step, as if he had only just started
When I saw him disappear at the bend
of the road and when I was once alone,
as it were abandoned, I felt a great
despair. ! made an effort. 7 rose and
began to walk again. That little halt
had done me good. I walked,
walked and walked until I had caught
up to Puvioux and passed him.
" At night, too, I was we'll ahead, but
/ was worn out. I entered an inn to
sleep little. I slept all night. In
the morning l woke up. / saw that the
day was getting on; / was furious and
called some one.
"' You have not seen soldier pass on
foot?'
"' Yes, monsieur la militaire, very late
last night. He asked for a glass of
water
"Ah! [ was outstripped in my turn J.
started hurriedlv. At 3 o'clock in
the afternoon [ had not caught up to
Puvioux, nor at 6 o'clock either. At
night I took my rest while I ate, and
started to walk again. walked good
part OF the night, but my strength had
limits. Once more / stopped. I
knocked at an inn. The door opened,
and there, sitting in chair, 1 saw Pu-
vioux, pale as death. He made move
ment of displeasure when he saw me
that was natural. We did not talk
much. What could we say? We were
both tired. The great thing was to
know who should get up first for the
next morning. 1t was I.
"The next morning was this morning.
Since this morning I have been walking,
taking rest now and then, but only a
short one We are getting close. Rethel
is the last stage between Anglers and
Meneres. I know my map of France
now. The last stage Good heavens,
if I arrived too late p
"And Pierre Puvioux," asked my
father, "has he caught you up?"
"No," replied Chevaucheux, II am
ahead. Ii I could start now l should
be saved"
"Start In this state? Impossible !"
{" / know-my feet are swollen and
provided that tomorrow"
"To-morrow you will be rested-you
will be able to walk"
"Do you think so q said the soldier,
with look ardent as lightning
II promise you"
My father then advised the soldier to
go to bed. Chevaucheux did not refuse.
The bed was ready. He shook hands
with US and went up to his room. 1t
was 10 o'clock.
81 will wake you at 5o'clock," said
my father.
It was not yet daylight on the follow
ing morning when my father, already
up, looked out of the window to see
how the weather was. While he was at
the window he heard some heavy foot