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We found Pistre making a careful toilet with the aid of a tin pail full of water. "This is a surprise, on my soul!" We hastened to give him news of his family and friends. Presently he turned towards Nourrigat. "How about your regiment? Stationary?" "I fancy so. We were pretty well thinned out. We're waiting for reinforcements." "What's become of Chenu, and Morlet and Panard?"
I think the little chap felt it, for he soon left us, pleading that he must be present at a conference of officers. "A brave fellow and a real man," commented Nourrigat, as the boy moved away. "His whole company has absolute confidence in him. You can't imagine the calm and prestige that kid possesses in the face of danger. He's the real type of leader, he is!
During this involuntary monologue we had strolled along the road which Nourrigat had originally indicated as the direction of our friend Pistre. Presently he led us into the church, a humble little village sanctuary. A shell had carried away half the apse, and sadly damaged the altar.
The lad blushed scarlet on seeing us, for he doubtless recalled, as did I, the times not long gone by, when I used to meet him at a music teacher's, his long curls hanging over his wide sailor collar. The idea that this mere infant should have command over such a man as our friend Nourrigat, double his age, and whose life of work and struggle had been a marvel to us all, somewhat shocked me.
An old bent and withered woman, leaning on a cane, issued from this office-chapel as we approached. "Why that's mother Tesson," exclaimed Nourrigat. "Good evening, mother; how's your man to-day?" "Better, sir. Much better, thank you. They've taken very good care of him at your hospital." The old couple had absolutely refused to evacuate their house.
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