The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1917-09-20

taxable language, direct from the
shoulder, that sometimes fairly
crisped and cracked.
During his trip of inspection the
general was accompanied by General
Sibert and Il distinguished French Of
ficer who has been attached to his
staff. Notes were made on all the
points he suggested, and what he didn't
like was Immediately remedled.
The French soldiers here are Just
as fond Of the "Sammies," rs they
Insist on calling the boys, as Of their
own "copains,' or comrades in arms.
The few American troopers who can
speak French are indeed "the fair
haired boys so far MS the French are
concerned. They are invited to share
in the "plnard," or red wine, issued to
the "poilus,' to try their smoking to-
bacco, and, whenever the hour permits,
to have drink of something in the
cafes.
With champagne at eight francs
(about $l.50) bottle, many a French
soldier, on his five cents day, has
squandered whole months pay In or
der TO buy this little luxury for some
Of his American friends,
All Kinds Of Frenchmen.
Swarthy sons Of France from the
Bnsse Pyrences, bue-eycd Normans,
who resemble Englshmen to start
Hing degree, laniy men from Pitou,
the nearest approach to our own
rangy Westerners or long-limbcd
Yankees, all take part in these gather
ings and drink in every word of the
conversation along with their beyer-
ages that cheer
one stocky Frenchman from Pau.
who spoke with throaty burr and
gargled his words, dropped into the
cafe reeking with iodoform. He was
just out of the hospital and his right
arm was still in n sling while his
bandnged head gave him the appear
ance of II turbaned Mohummedan. He
took one look Mt the crowd saluted
and dropped into a chair on the OPP
poste side Of the room.
One of his comrades, at the sugges-
ton Of the Americans, called to him,
saying, come and have drink with
the Americans"
The wounded man started violently
and jumped TO his feet.
81 .g Atupriaufp. nxrnI,I,,,I
"AmercNlns? Vraimcnt? (TrulyO"
why, yes" explained his COM
patriot. "Didn't you know the Ameri-
cans were here? Where have you
bccn|
"Thls is my first day out" apollo
sized the other Are you really Amer
icans2' he demanded, turning toward
the soldiers.
They assured him that such was the
case.
but what are you. doctors, ambu-
lance menu asked the Frenchman n
little tmldly. "Not real soldlersY"
His friend replied llttle impatient
by they were lnfantrymen. fighting men.
soldiers Of the line who would soon be
doing their share In the trenches.
she man from Pau was visibly NJ.
fccted He breathcd deeply ana then
two tcnrdrupS wellcd into his eyes.
IT is great plcnsure," he finally
hammered in his own tongue. "They
told me the Americans were here but
! didn't know they were soldiers.
poilus Ike myself"
Learning TO Embrace.
lie stretched ont his one good hnnd
70 The interpreter for the party n
tau, bronzed corporal from Colorado.
"Will you embrace me, my cor.
porulf' he asked.
The corporal took the outstrntcbed
hand but shifted rather uneaslly. The
French embrace consists of kiss
on either cheek. But he hcsItated for
I only moment
with pleasure. mon brave" soId
be, using the familiar form. ana rls.
ing to his fun six feet he inclined M.
head and saluted the lrenchnnn I'm tbo
manner Of the country.
The rest Of the company both
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