The herald., 1896-08-02
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! COWARD AND HERO :



Son-Tay. For two days we had splashed
in the nire of the riceflelds, the water up
70 our knees. l knew we'll we should get
used to 1t, but it was worrying all the
same. Nevertheless we marched steadily
on. as regular and attentive as II we were
on drill.
tell YOU this is true. I am an old
TRUMP. l have been nine years in the serv-
ice and six with the rank of sergeant, and
the number of young soldiers L have
trained and commanded fright about
face" is incalculable, but never have
seen men march like these, shoulder TO
shoulder. as exact as II drawn by line,
and that, 1 tell you, in two feet of mud.
Sapristi, but it was superb
was jubilant and yet little vexed to
see how we'll the scamps could keep step
when they chose. All, well, had nothing
to complain of that day. Haiti Well, not
a bit too soon, l thought and yet droll
place to halt in. No matter. filled my
nine and looked around to see where we
were. Ricefields to the right, to the left,
and behind us thick slush made by our
trampling feet. a little corporal, who has
a tongue we'll hung--indeed, too we'll hung
called out TO me-
Sergeant Bertrand, Sergeant Bertrand,
/
they will light it for you"
The jaokanapesl AS If I didn't know
we would soon be under the fire Of the en-
emy! Suddenly heard them calling the
roll of my company and saw my brave fell
lows break ranks and trot like rabbits
across the riceflelds to meet the baggage
master. who was returning with q great
package under his arm.
Letters Now, ask you, was this good
time to distribute letters? There they were
running like so many madmen. l was tho
only one to remain tranquil. 1t is true, l
| have no one to write to me, no family, no
friends, nobody-all alone in the world,
like an old bear. Heaven help mel
At last 1 see my men return to their
places, holding up their hands to keep the
letters from being soiled by the water, and
carefully, as if they were guarding the last
words and testimony of their dying moth
ers. All, Jacque has letter.
"News from home, Jaoque?"
Jaooue is the sergeant Of my company.
| I am chief of the first section, he Of the
second, handsome young fellow, with q
bright boyish face, beardless chin and
cheeks as smooth as girls.
Nevertheless l hold q little grudge
against him. 1t is always vexing to see
these brats of 2e promoted alongside OF an
old trooper like me. But for all that he Is
a nice boy, and the men would go through
fire and water for him. He is we'll con-
nected, of good family and often receives
letters with the seal Of the war depart
ment. But that Is his business, not mine.
watched him out of the corner Of my
eve as he ran through the letter. Then 1
saw him wipe away q tear, a little tear
which glistened on the end of his eyelash
! / pretended not to see 1t, even joked a lit
tie to mako him laugh.
"What has she written to you, Jacquef
What says my fair lady?"
He turned to me without smile and
gravely said: Il have no lady fair, Ber-
trand 1t Is from my mother"
"Ahl" felt as if / had made fool OF
myself and said no more.
But Jacque continued "Do you see
these letters, Bertrand? 1t would be better
not to receive them in times like these"
That was my opinion, as have already
said. 1t was not good to allow them to
break ranks, the scanps; they ask nothing
better. But out of politeness to Jacque
said: at is always pleasant to receive
good news from home, no matter where.
hope you rad nothing disagreeable. :"
Jacque shook his head.
"Oh, no, to the contrary"
That was all. Really Master Jacque was
not talkative this morning. His eyes were
fixed on the horizon far away, where there
was nothing to be seen but bit Of blue
sky. wondered what he could see over
there.
Forward, march," I repeat at last.
forward, marchl' for my section.
Jacque, no doubt, was still dreaming
and did not hear the command, for l heard
the lieutenant behind me say, "Ah, we'll,
Sergeant Jacque tagging behind already"
Jacque said not a word; he simply re-
peated, Forward, march," In dragging
tone as if he were weary-that is to say, il
was not the tone a French sergeant uses
when he ounmands Forward march I!
They never humble those two words, but
shout them out with enthusiasm. What i:
the matter with Sergeant Jacque this
morning? He is not like himself.
All, that was rough day, l tell you
When night came, we were still in thu
water, but up to our waists this time
And all around us little fieldpieces were
splitting fire, bike SO many demons. Blu
we marched steadily on until we wer'
within 90 meters of the citadel. Not
gunshot not movement; the rascals wer
said to myself: wait old fellow. YoI
will have something to warm you up b.
and by. Don't be discouraged"
When, behold, we were again command
ed to halt.
The captain stepped in front Of tn
ranks and demanded in low voice-al
the same it was distinctly understood"
subofficer willing to undertake a score
and dangerous missiOnE'
Naturally l stepped forward. Now
have the misfortune to be a little too wei
appreciated by my captain, an old toug
skin like myself, who had been my lieu
tenant in Africa.
, mot you, Bertrand. I know you we
and when 1 want you will find you out
Just be kind enough to remain quiet"
You see, some officers will not gran
| you the least favor. Then L said to myself
''This is just the thing for Jacque."
The captain seemed to be of the sam
opinion, for he stopped exactly in front c
| him and repeated under his nose, "a SUI
, officer willing to undertake dangerou
mission.
1t was plainly to be seen that he wa
making advances to Jacque and you wi
, think am hooking you when / tell 20
/ my fine fellow lowered his eyes under tn
gaze Of the captain and said not a word
, You may be sure the captain was angry
. for you know it is not pleasant to max
advances to any one and have them throw