"Buttheywillfindthewireless，"saidthewoman。"Theyaresuretousethetowersforobservation，andtheywillfindit。"
　　"Inthatcase，"saidtheofficer，"youwillsuggesttothemthatwefledinsuchhastewehadnotimetodismantleit。Ofcourse，youhadnoknowledgethatitexisted，or，asaloyalFrenchwoman，youwouldhaveatoncetoldthem。"Toemphasizehisnextwordstheofficerpointedather："Undernocircumstances，"hecontinued，"mustyoubesuspected。IftheyshouldtakeBriandintheact，shouldtheyhaveeventheleastdoubtconcerninghim，youmustrepudiatehimentirely。Ifnecessary，tokeepyourownskirtsclear，itwouldbeyourdutyyourselftodenouncehimasaspy。"
　　"Yourfirstorders，"saidthewoman，"weretotellthemBriandhadbeenlonginmyservice；thatIbroughthimfrommyhomeinLaon。"
　　"Hemightbeinyourserviceforyears，"returnedthecolonel，"andyounotknowhewasaGermanagent。"
　　"IftosavemyselfIinformuponhim，"saidMarie，"ofcourseyouknowyouwilllosehim。"
　　Theofficershruggedhisshoulders。"Awirelessoperator，"heretorted，"wecanreplace。Butforyou，andfortheserviceyouaretorenderinParis，wehavenosubstitute。Youmustnotbefoundout。Youareinvaluable。"
　　Thespyinclinedherhead。"Ithankyou，"shesaid。
　　Theofficersputteredindignantly。
　　"Itisnotacompliment，"heexclaimed；"itisanorder。Youmustnotbefoundout！"
　　WithdrawnsometwohundredyardsfromtheParisroad，thechateaustooduponawoodedhill。Exceptdirectlyinfront，treesofgreatheightsurroundedit。Thetipsoftheirbranchesbrushedthewindows；interlacing，theycontinueduntiltheyoverhungthewalloftheestate。Whereitranwiththeroadthewallgavewaytoaloftygateandironfence，throughwhichthosepassingcouldseeastretchofnobleturf，aswideasapolo-field，bordersofflowersdisappearingundertheshadowsofthetrees；
　　andthechateauitself，withitsterrace，itsmanywindows，itshigh-pitched，slopingroof，brokenbytowersandturrets。
　　Throughtheremainderofthenighttherecamefromtheroadtothoseinthechateautheroarandrumblingofthearmyinretreat。
　　Itmovedwithoutpanic，disorder，orhaste，butunceasingly。Notforaninstantwasthereabreathing-spell。Andwhenthesunrose，thethreespies——thetwowomenandthechauffeur——whointhegreatchateauwerenowalone，couldseeaswellashearthegraycolumnofsteelrollingpastbelowthem。
　　ThespiesknewthatthegraycolumnhadreachedClaye，hadstoodwithinfifteenmilesofParis，andthenuponParishadturneditsback。TheyknewalsothatthereverberationsfromthedirectionofMeaux，thateachmomentgrewmoreloudandsavage，weretheFrench"seventy-fives"whippingthegraycolumnforward。OfwhattheyfelttheGermansdidnotspeak。Insilencetheylookedateachother，andintheeyesofMariewasbitternessandresolve。
　　TowardnoonMariemetAnfossiinthegreatdrawing-roomthatstretchedthelengthoftheterraceandfromthewindowsofwhich，throughtheparkgates，theycouldseetheParisroad。
　　"This，thatispassingnow，"saidMarie，"isthelastofourrear-guard。
　　Gotoyourtower，"sheordered，"andsendwordthatexceptforstragglersandthewoundedourcolumnhasjustpassedthroughNeufchelIes，andthatanymomentweexpecttheFrench。"Sheraisedherhandimpressively。"Fromnow，"shewarned，"wespeakFrench，wethinkFrench，weareFrench！"
　　Anfossi，orBriand，asnowhecalledhimself，addressedherinthatlanguage。Histonewasbitter。"Pardonmylese-majesty，"hesaid，"butthischiefofyourIntelligenceDepartmentisadummerMensch。Heisthrowingawayavaluablelife。"
　　Marieexclaimedindismay。Sheplacedherhanduponhisarm，andthevioleteyesfilledwithconcern。
　　"Notyours！"sheprotested。
　　"Absolutely！"returnedtheItalian。"Icansendnothingbythisknapsackwirelessthattheywillnotlearnfromothers；fromairmen，Uhlans，thepeasantsinthefields。AndcertainlyIwillbecaught。
　　DeadIamdead，butaliveandinParistheopportunitiesareunending。
　　FromtheFrenchLegionEtrangerIhavemyhonorabledischarge。I
　　amanexpertwirelessoperatorandintheirSignalCorpsIcaneasilyfindaplace。Imagineme，then，ontheEiffelTower。FromtheairI
　　snatchnewsfromallofFrance，fromtheChannel，theNorthSea。
　　YouandIcouldworktogether，asinRome。Buthere，betweenthelines，withapassfromavillagesous-prefet，itisridiculous。Iamnotafraidtodie。Buttodiebecausesomeoneelseisstupid，thatishard。"
　　Marieclaspedhishandinbothofhers。
　　"Youmustnotspeakofdeath，"shecried；"youknowImustcarryoutmyorders，thatImustforceyoutotakethisrisk。Andyouknowthatthoughtofharmtoyoutorturesme！"
　　Quicklytheyoungmandisengagedhishand。Thewomanexclaimedwithanger。
　　"Whydoyoudoubtme？"shecried。
　　Briandprotestedvehemently。
　　"Idonotdoubtyou。"
　　"Myaffection，then？"InawhisperthatcarriedwithitthefeelingofacaressMarieaddedsoftly："Mylove？"
　　Theyoungmanprotestedmiserably。"Youmakeitveryhard，mademoiselle，"hecried。"Youaremysuperiorofficer，Iamyourservant。WhoamIthatIshouldsharewithothers——"
　　Thewomaninterruptedeagerly。
　　"Ah，youarejealous！"shecried。"Isthatwhyyouaresocruel？
　　ButwhenItellyouIloveyou，andonlyyou，canyounotfeelitisthetruth？"
　　Theyoungmanfrownedunhappily。
　　"Myduty，mademoiselle！"hestammered。
　　WithanexclamationofangerMarielefthim。Asthedoorslammedbehindher，theyoungmandrewadeepbreath。Onhisfacewastheexpressionofineffablerelief。
　　InthehallMariemetherelderlycompanion，Bertha，nowheraunt，MadameBenet。
　　"Iheardyouquarrelling，"Berthaprotested。"Itismostindiscreet。
　　ItisnotinthepartoftheCountessd'Aurillacthatshemakeslovetoherchauffeur。"
　　Marielaughednoiselesslyanddrewherfartherdownthehall。"Heisimbecile！"sheexclaimed。"Hewillkillmewithhissolemnfaceandhisconceit。Imakelovetohim——yes——thathemayworkthemorewillingly。Buthewillhavenoneofit。Heisjealousoftheothers。"
　　MadameBenetfrowned。
　　"Heresentstheothers，"shecorrected。"Idonotblamehim。Heisagentleman！"
　　"Andtheothers，"demandedMarie；"weretheynotofthemostnoblefamiliesofRome？"
　　"IamoldandIamugly，"saidBertha，"buttomeAnfossiisalwaysasconsiderateasheistoyouwhoaresobeautiful。"
　　"AnItaliangentleman，"returnedMarie，"doesnotserveinBelgianCongounlessitis——thechoiceofthatorthemarblequarries。"
　　"Idonotknowwhathispastmaybe，"sighedMadameBenet，"nordoIask。Heisonlyanumber，asyouandIareonlynumbers。
　　AndIbegyoutoletusworkinharmony。Atsuchatimeyourlove-affairsthreatenoursafety。Youmustwait。"
　　Marielaughedinsolently。"WiththeDuBarry，"sheprotested，"I
　　canboastthatIwaitfornoman。"
　　"No，"repliedtheolderwoman；"youpursuehim！"
　　Mariewouldhaveansweredsharply，butontheinstantherinterestwasdiverted。Foroneweek，bydayandnight，shehadlivedinaworldpeopledonlybyGermansoldiers。Besideherintherailroadcarriage，onthestationplatforms，atthewindowsofthetrainsthatpassedtheoneinwhichsherode，atthegradecrossings，onthebridges，intheroadsthatparalleledthetracks，chokingthestreetsofthevillagesandspreadoverthefieldsofgrain，shehadseenonlythegray-greenuniforms。Evenherprofessionaleyenolongerdistinguishedregimentfromregiment，dragoonfromgrenadier，UhlanfromHussarorLandsturm。
　　Stripes，insignia，numerals，badgesofrank，hadlosttheirmeaning。
　　Thosewhoworethemnolongerwereindividuals。Theywerenotevenhuman。Duringthethreelastdaystheautomobile，likeamotor-boatfightingthetide，hadcreptthroughagray-greenriverofmen，stained，asthoughfromthebanks，bymudandyellowclay。Andforhours，whilethecarwasblocked，andinfurytheengineracedandpurred，thegray-greenriverhadrolledpasther，slowlybutasinevitablyaslavadowntheslopeofavolcano，bearingonitssurfacefaceswithstaringeyes，thousandsandthousandsofeyes，somefierceandbloodshot，othersfilledwithweariness，homesickness，pain。Atnightshestillsawthem：
　　thewhitefacesunderthesweatanddust，theeyesdumb，inarticulate，askingtheanswer。ShehadbeensuffocatedbyGermansoldiers，bythemassofthem，engulfedandsmothered；shehadstifledinalandinhabitedonlybygray-greenghosts。
　　Andsuddenly，asthoughamiraclehadbeenwrought，shesawuponthelawn，ridingtowardher，amaninscarlet，blue，andsilver。Onemanridingalone。
　　Approachingwithconfidence，butalert；hisreinsfallen，hishandsnursinghiscarbine，hiseyessearchedtheshadowsofthetrees，theemptywindows，eventhesun-sweptsky。Hiswasthenewfaceatthedoor，thenewsteponthefloor。Andthespyknewhadshebeheldanarmycorpsitwouldhavebeennomoresignificant，nomoremenacing，thanthesolitarychasseurachevalscoutinginadvanceoftheenemy。
　　"Wearesaved！"exclaimedMarie，withirony。"Goquickly，"shecommanded，"tothebedroomonthesecondfloorthatopensuponthestaircase，sothatyoucanseeallwhopass。Youaretooilltotravel。Theymustfindyouinbed。"
　　"Andyou？"saidBertha。
　　"I，"criedMarierapturously，"hastentowelcomeourpreserver！"
　　Thepreserverwasapeasantlad。Underthewhitedusthischeekswereburnedabrown-red，hiseyes，honestandblue，throughmuchstaringattheskiesandathorizonlines，werepuckeredandencircledwithtinywrinkles。Responsibilityhadmadehimolderthanhisyears，andinspeechbrief。Withthebeautifulladywhowithtearsofjoyrantogreethim，andwhoinanecstasyofhappinesspressedhercheekagainstthenoseofhishorse，hewasunimpressed。Hereturnedtoherherpapersandgravelyechoedheranswerstohisquestions。"Thischateau，"herepeated，"wasoccupiedbytheirGeneralStaff；theyhaveleftnowoundedhere；
　　yousawthelastofthempassahalf-hoursince。"Hegathereduphisreins。
　　Marieshriekedinalarm。"Youwillnotleaveus？"shecried。
　　Forthefirsttimetheyoungmanpermittedhimselftosmile。
　　"Othersarrivesoon，"hesaid。
　　Hetouchedhisshako，wheeledhishorseinthedirectionfromwhichhehadcome，andaminutelaterMarieheardthehoofsechoingthroughtheemptyvillage。
　　Whentheycame，theothersweremoresympathetic。Evenintimesofwarabeautifulwomanisstillabeautifulwoman。AndthestaffofficerswhomovedintothequarterssolatelyoccupiedbytheenemyfoundinthepresenceoftheCountessd'Aurillacnothingtodistressthem。Intheabsenceofherdearfriend，MadameIverney，thechatelaineofthechateau，sheactedastheirhostess。Herchauffeurshowedthecompanycooksthewaytothekitchen，thelarder，andthecharcoal-box。She，herself，inthehandsofGeneralAndreplacedthekeysofthefamouswine-cellar，andtothesurgeon，thatthewoundedmightbefreshlybandaged，intrustedthoseofthelinen-closet。Aftertheindignitiesshehadsufferedwhile"detained"bylesBoches，herdelightandreliefatagainfindingherselfundertheprotectionofherownpeoplewouldhavetouchedaheartofstone。Andtheheartsofthestaffwerenotofstone。Itwaswithregrettheygavethecountesspermissiontocontinueonherway。Atthissheexclaimedwithgratitude。Sheassuredthem，wereherauntabletotravel，shewouldimmediatelydepart。
　　"InParisshewillbemorecomfortablethanhere，"saidthekindsurgeon。Hewasareservist，andintimesofpeaceafashionablephysicianandasmuchathiseaseinaboudoirasinafieldhospital。"PerhapsifIsawMadamBenet？"
　　Atthesuggestionthecountesswasoverjoyed。ButtheyfoundMadameBenetinastateofcompletecollapse。TheconductoftheGermanshadbroughtaboutanervousbreakdown。
　　"ThoughthebridgesaredestroyedatMeaux，"urgedthesurgeon，"evenwithadetour，youcanbeinParisinfourhours。Ithinkitisworththeeffort。"
　　ButthemerethoughtofthejourneythrewMadameBenetintohysterics。Sheaskedonlytorest，shebeggedforanopiatetomakehersleep。Shebeggedalsothattheywouldleavethedooropen，sothatwhenshedreamedshewasstillinthehandsoftheGermans，andwokeinterror，thesoundofthedearFrenchvoicesandthesightofthebelovedFrenchuniformsmightreassureher。
　　Sheplayedherpartwell。ConcerningherMariefeltnottheleastanxiety。ButtowardBriand，thechauffeur，thenewarrivalswerelesseasilysatisfied。
　　Thegeneralsenthisadjutantforthecountess。WhentheadjutanthadclosedthedoorGeneralAndrebeganabruptly：
　　"ThechauffeurBriand，"heasked，"youknowhim；youcanvouchforhim？"
　　"But，certainly！"protestedMarie。"HeisanItalian。"
　　Asthoughwithsuddenenlightenment，Marielaughed。Itwasasifnowinthesuspicionoftheofficershesawacertainreasonableness。"BriandwassolongintheForeignLegioninAlgiers，"sheexplained，"wheremyhusbandfoundhim，thatwehavecometothinkofhimasFrench。AsmuchFrenchasourselves，Iassureyou。"
　　Thegeneralandhisadjutantwereregardingeachotherquestioningly。
　　"PerhapsIshouldtellthecountess，"beganthegeneral，"thatwehavelearned——"
　　Thesignalfromtheadjutantwassoslight，soswift，thatMariebarelyinterceptedit。
　　Thelipsofthegeneralshuttogetherliketheleavesofabook。
　　Toshowtheinterviewwasatanend，hereachedforapen。
　　"Ithankyou，"hesaid。
　　"Ofcourse，"promptedtheadjutant，"Madamed'Aurillacunderstandsthemanmustnotknowweinquiredconcerninghim。"
　　GeneralAndrefrownedatMarie。
　　"Certainlynot！"hecommanded。"Thehonestfellowmustnotknowthatevenforamomenthewasdoubted。"
　　Marieraisedthevioleteyesreprovingly。
　　"Itrust，"shesaidwithreproach，"ItoowellunderstandthefeelingsofaFrenchsoldiertolethimknowhisloyaltyisquestioned。"
　　WithamurmurofappreciationtheofficersbowedandwithagestureofgraciouspardonMarieleftthem。
　　Outsideinthehall，withnonebutorderliestoobserve，likeacloakthegraciousnessfellfromher。Shewasdrawntwoways。InherworkAnfossiwasvaluable。ButAnfossisuspectedwaslessthanofnovalue；hebecameamenace，adeath-warrant。
　　GeneralAndrehadsaid，"Wehavelearned——"andtheadjutanthadhaltedhim。Whathadhelearned？Toknowthat，Mariewouldhavegivenmuch。Still，oneimportantfactcomfortedher。
　　Anfossialonewassuspected。Hadtherebeenconcerningherselftheslightestdoubt，theycertainlywouldnothaveallowedhertoguesshercompanionwasundersurveillance；theywouldnothaveaskedonewhowasherselfsuspectedtovouchfortheinnocenceofafellowconspirator。Mariefoundthecoursetofollowdifficult。
　　WithAnfossiundersuspicionhisusefulnesswasforthemomentatanend；andtoacceptthechanceofferedhertocontinueontoParisseemedmostwise。Ontheotherhand，if，concerningAnfossi，shehadsucceededinallayingtheirdoubts，theresultsmosttobedesiredcouldbeattainedonlybyremainingwheretheywere。
　　Theirpositioninsidethelineswasofthegreateststrategicvalue。Theroomsoftheservantswereundertheroof，andthatBriandshouldsleepinoneofthemwasnatural。Thattoreachorleavehisroomheshouldconstantlybeascendingordescendingthestairsalsowasnatural。Thefield-wirelessoutfit，or，ashehaddisdainfullydescribedit，the"knapsack"wireless，wassituatednotinthebedroomhehadselectedforhimself，butinoneadjoining。AtothertimesthiswasoccupiedbythemaidofMadameIverney。TosummonhermaidMadameIverney，fromherapartmentonthesecondfloor，hadbuttopressabutton。AnditwasintheapartmentofMadameIverney，andonthebedofthatlady，thatMadameBenetnowreclined。Whenthroughtheopendoorshesawanofficerorsoldiermountthestairs，shepressedthebuttonthatrangabellintheroomofthemaid。Inthisway，longbeforewhoeverwasascendingthestairscouldreachthetopfloor，warningofhisapproachcametoAnfossi。Itgavehimtimetoreplacethedustboardoverthefireplaceinwhichthewirelesswasconcealedandtoescapeintohisownbedroom。Thearrangementwasideal。AndalreadyinformationpickedupinthehallsbelowbyMariehadbeenconveyedtoAnfossitorelayinaFrenchciphertotheGermanGeneralStaffatRheims。
　　Mariemadeanalertandcharminghostess。Toallwhosawheritwasevidentthathermindwasintentonlyuponthecomfortofherguests。Throughoutthedaymanycameandwent，buteachshemadewelcome；toeachashedepartedshecalled"bonnechance。"
　　Efficient，tireless，tactful，shewaseverywhere：inthedining-room，inthekitchen，inthebedrooms，forthewoundedfindingmattressestospreadinthegorgeoussalonsoftheChampagneprince；forthesoldier-chauffeurscarryingwineintothecourtyard，wheretheautomobilespantedandgrowled，andthearrivinganddepartingshriekedforrightofway。Atalltimesanalluringperson，nowtheonewomaninatumultofmen，hersmartfrockcoveredbyanapron，herheadandarmsbare，undismayedbythesightofthewoundedorbythedistantrumbleoftheguns，theCountessd'Aurillacwasaninspiringandbeautifulpicture。
　　Theeyesoftheofficers，youngandold，informedherofthatfact，oneofwhichalreadyshewaswellaware。Bythemorningofthenextdayshewasacceptedastheownerofthechateau。
　　Andthoughcontinuallysheremindedthestaffshewaspresentonlyasthefriendofherschoolmate，MadameIverney，theydeferredtoherastoahostess。Manyofthemshealreadysalutedbyname，andtothosewhowithmessageswereconstantlymotoringtoandfromthefrontatSoissonsshewasparticularlykind。Overnightthelegendofhercharm，ofherdevotiontothesoldiersofallranks，hadspreadfromSoissonstoMeaux，andfromMeauxtoParis。ItwasnoonofthatdaywhenfromthewindowofthesecondstoryMariesawanarmoredautomobilesweepintothecourtyard。Itwasdrivenbyanofficer，youngandappallinglygood-looking，and，aswasobviousbythewayhespunhiscar，onewhoheldincontemptboththelawofgravityanddeath。Thathewassomeoneofimportanceseemedevident。Beforehecouldalighttheadjutanthadracedtomeethim。WithhereyefordetailMarieobservedthattheyoungofficer，insteadofimpartinginformation，receivedit。Hemust，sheguessed，havejustarrivedfromParis，andhisbrotherofficereitherwastellinghimthenewsorgivinghimhisorders。Whicheveritmightbe，inwhatwastoldhimthenewarrivalwasgreatlyinterested。Oneinstantinindignationhisgauntletedfistbeatuponthesteering-wheel，thenexthesmiledwithpleasure。Tointerpretthispantomimewasdifficult；and，thebettertoinformherself，Mariedescendedthestairs。
　　Asshereachedthelowerhallthetwoofficersentered。Tothespythemanlasttoarrivewasalwaystheoneofgreatestimportance；andMarieassuredherselfthatthroughherfriend，theadjutant，tomeetwiththisonewouldproveeasy。
　　Butthechauffeur-commanderofthearmoredcarmadeitmostdifficult。AtsightofMarie，muchtoheralarm，asthoughgreetingadearfriend，hesnatchedhiskepifromhisheadandsprangtowardher。
　　"Themajor，"hecried，"toldmeyouwerehere，thatyouareMadamed'Aurillac。"Hiseyesspokehisadmiration。Indelighthebeameduponher。"Imighthaveknownit！"hemurmured。Withtheconfidenceofonewhoissurehebringsgoodnews，helaughedhappily。"AndI，"hecried，"am'Pierrot'！"
　　Whothedevil"Pierrot"mightbethespycouldnotguess。SheknewonlythatshewishedbyaGermanshell"Pierrot"andhiscarhadbeenblowntotinyfragments。Wasitatrap，sheaskedherself，orwasthehandsomeyouthreallysomeonetheCountessd'Aurillacshouldknow。But，asfromhisintroducinghimselfitwasevidenthecouldnotknowthatladyverywell，Marietookcourageandsmiled。
　　"Which'Pierrot'？"sheparried。
　　"PierreThierry！"criedtheyouth。
　　TothereliefofMarieheturnedupontheadjutantandtohimexplainedwhoPierreThierrymightbe。
　　"Pauld'Aurillac，"hesaid，"ismydearestfriend。WhenhemarriedthischarmingladyIwasstationedinAlgiers，andbutforthewarImightneverhavemether。"
　　ToMarie，withhishandonhisheartinamostcharmingmanner，hebowed。Hisadmirationhemadenoefforttoconceal。
　　"Andso，"hesaid，"Iknowwhythereiswar！"
　　Theadjutantsmiledindulgently，anddepartedonhisduties，leavingthemalone。ThehandsomeeyesofCaptainThierrywereraisedtothevioleteyesofMarie。Theyappraisedherboldlyandasboldlyexpressedtheirapproval。
　　Inburlesquetheyoungmanexclaimedindignantly："Pauldeceivedme！"hecried。"HetoldmehehadmarriedthemostbeautifulwomaninLaon。HehasmarriedthemostbeautifulwomaninFrance！"
　　ToMariethiswasnotimpertinence，butgallantry。
　　Thiswasalanguagesheunderstood，andthiswasthetypeofman，becausehewastheleastdifficulttomanage，sheheldmostincontempt。
　　"ButaboutyouPauldidnotdeceiveme，"sheretorted。Inapparentconfusionhereyesrefusedtomeethis。"Hetoldme'Pierrot'wasamostdangerousman！"
　　Shecontinuedhurriedly。WithwifelysolicitudesheaskedconcerningPaul。Sheexplainedthatforaweekshehadbeenaprisonerinthechateau，and，sincethemobilization，ofherhusbandsavethathewaswithhisregimentinParisshehadheardnothing。CaptainThierrywasabletogiveherlaternews。Onlythedayprevious，ontheboulevards，hehadmetCountd'Aurillac。
　　HewasattheGrandHotel，andasThierrywasatoncemotoringbacktoParishewouldgivePaulnewsoftheirmeeting。HehopedhemighttellhimthatsoonhiswifealsowouldbeinParis。Marieexplainedthatonlytheillnessofherauntpreventedherfromthatsamedayjoiningherhusband。Hermannerbecameserious。
　　"Andwhatothernewshaveyou？"sheasked。"Hereonthefiring-lineweknowlessofwhatisgoingforwardthanyouinParis。"
　　SoPierreThierrytoldherallheknew。TheywerepreparingdespatcheshewasatoncetocarrybacktotheGeneralStaff，and，forthemoment，histimewashisown。HowcouldhebetteremployitthanintalkingofthewarwithapatrioticandcharmingFrenchwoman？
　　InconsequenceMarieacquiredamassoffacts，gossip，andguesses。Fromtheseshementallyselectedsuchinformationas，toheremployersacrosstheAisne，wouldbeofvitalinterest。
　　AndtoridherselfofThierryandonthefourthfloorseekAnfossiwasnowheronlywish。But，inattemptingthis，bythereturnoftheadjutantshewasdelayed。ToThierrytheadjutantgaveasealedenvelope。
　　"Thirty-one，BoulevarddesInvalides，"hesaid。WithasmileheturnedtoMarie。"Andyouwillaccompanyhim！"
　　"I！"exclaimedMarie。Shewassickwithsuddenterror。
　　Butthetolerantsmileoftheadjutantreassuredher。
　　"Thecount，yourhusband，"heexplained，"haslearnedofyourdetentionherebytheenemy，andhehasbesiegedtheGeneralStafftohaveyouconvoyedsafelytoParis。"Theadjutantglancedatafieldtelegramheheldopeninhishand。"Heasks，"hecontinued，"thatyoubepermittedtoreturninthecarofhisfriend，CaptainThierry，andthatonarrivingyoujoinhimattheGrandHotel。"
　　Thierryexclaimedwithdelight。
　　"Buthowcharming！"hecried。"To-nightyoumustbothdinewithmeatLaRue's。"Hesalutedhissuperiorofficer。"Somepetrol，sir，"hesaid。"AndIamready。"ToMarieheadded："Thecarwillbeatthestepsinfiveminutes。"Heturnedandleftthem。
　　ThethoughtsofMarie，snatchingatanexcusefordelay，racedmadly。ThedangerofmeetingtheCountd'Aurillac，hersupposedhusband，didnotalarmher。TheGrandHotelhasmanyexits，and，evenbeforetheyreachedit，forleavingthecarshecouldinventanexcusethatthegallantThierrywouldnotsuspect。Butwhatnowconcernedherwashow，beforeshewaswhiskedawaytoParis，shecouldconveytoAnfossitheinformationshehadgatheredfromThierry。First，ofawomanovercomewithdelightatbeingreunitedwithherhusbandshegaveanexcellentimitation；thensheexclaimedindistress："Butmyaunt，MadameBenet！"shecried。"Icannotleaveher！"
　　"TheSistersofSt。Francis，"saidtheadjutant，"arrivewithinanhourtonursethewounded。Theywillcarealsoforyouraunt。"
　　Marieconcealedherchagrin。"ThenIwillatoncepreparetogo，"
　　shesaid。
　　Theadjutanthandedheraslipofpaper。"Yourlaissez-passertoParis，"hesaid。"Youleaveinfiveminutes，madame！"
　　AstemporaryhostessofthechateauMariewasfreetovisitanypartofit，andasshepassedherdoorasignalfromMadameBenettoldherthatAnfossiwasonthefourthfloor，thathewasatwork，andthatthecoastwasclear。Softly，inthefeltslippersshealwayswore，assheexplained，inordernottodisturbthewounded，shemountedthestaircase。Inherhandshecarriedthehousekeeper'skeys，andasanexcuseitwasherplantoreturnwithanarmfuloflinenforthearrivingSisters。ButMarieneverreachedthetopofthestairs。Whenhereyesrosetothelevelofthefourthfloorshecametoasuddenhalt。Atwhatshesawterrorgrippedher，boundherhandandfoot，andturnedherbloodtoice。
　　AtherpostforaninstantMadameBenethadslept，andanofficerofthestaff，ledbycuriosity，chance，orsuspicion，had，unobservedandunannounced，mountedtothefourthfloor。WhenMariesawhimhewasinfrontoftheroomthatheldthewireless。Hisbackwastowardher，butshesawthathewasholdingthedoortotheroomajar，thathiseyewaspressedtotheopening，andthatthroughithehadpushedthemuzzleofhisautomatic。WhatwouldbethefateofAnfossiMarieknew。Nordidsheforaninstantconsiderit。Herthoughtswereofherownsafety；thatshemightlive。
　　NotthatshemightstillservetheWilhelmstrasse，theKaiser，ortheFatherland；butthatshemightlive。InamomentAnfossiwouldbedenounced，thechateauwouldringwiththealarm，and，thoughsheknewAnfossiwouldnotbetrayher，byothersshemightbeaccused。Toavertsuspicionfromherselfshesawonlyonewayopen。ShemustbethefirsttodenounceAnfossi。
　　Likeadeer，sheleapeddownthemarblestairsand，inapanicshehadnoneedtoassume，burstintothepresenceofthestaff。
　　"Gentlemen！"shegasped，"myservant——thechauffeur——Briandisaspy！ThereisaGermanwirelessinthechateau。Heisusingit！
　　Ihaveseenhim。"Withexclamations，theofficersrosetotheirfeet。GeneralAndrealoneremainedseated。GeneralAndrewasaveteranofmanyColonialwars：Cochin-China，Algiers，Morocco。
　　Thegreatwar，whenitcame，foundhimondutyintheIntelligenceDepartment。Hisaquilinenose，bristlingwhiteeyebrows，andflashing，restlesseyesgavehimhisnicknameofl'Aigle。
　　Inamazement，theflashingeyeswerenowturneduponMarie。Heglaredatherasthoughhethoughtshesuddenlyhadflownmad。
　　"AGermanwireless！"heprotested。"Itisimpossible！"
　　"Iwasonthefourthfloor，"pantedMarie，"collectinglinenfortheSisters。Intheroomnexttothelinen-closetIheardastrangebuzzingsound。Iopenedthedoorsoftly。IsawBriandwithhisbacktomeseatedbyaninstrument。Therewerereceiversclampedtohisears！MyGod！Thedisgrace！Thedisgracetomyhusbandandtome，whovouchedforhimtoyou！"Apparentlyinanagonyofremorse，thefingersofthewomanlacedandinterlaced。"Icannotforgivemyself！"
　　Theofficersmovedtowardthedoor，butGeneralAndrehaltedthem。Stillinatoneofincredulity，hedemanded："Whendidyouseethis？"
　　Marieknewthequestionwascoming，knewshemustexplainhowshesawBriand，andyetdidnotseethestaffofficerwho，withhisprisoner，mightnowatanyinstantappear。Shemustmakeitplainshehaddiscoveredthespyandlefttheupperpartofthehousebeforetheofficerhadvisitedit。Whenthatwasshecouldnotknow，butthechancewasthathehadprecededherbyonlyafewminutes。
　　"Whendidyouseethis？"repeatedthegeneral。
　　"Butjustnow，"criedMarie；"nottenminutessince。"
　　"Whydidyounotcometomeatonce？"
　　"Iwasafraid，"repliedMarie。"IfImovedIwasafraidhemighthearme，andhe，knowingIwouldexposehim，wouldkillme-andsoescapeyou！"Therewasaneagerwhisperofapproval。Forsilence，GeneralAndreslappedhishanduponthetable。
　　"Then，"continuedMarie，"Iunderstoodwiththereceiversonhisearshecouldnothaveheardmeopenthedoor，norcouldhehearmeleave，andIrantomyaunt。Thethoughtthatwehadharboredsuchananimalsickenedme，andIwasweakenoughtofeelfaint。
　　Butonlyforaninstant。ThenIcamehere。"Shemovedswiftlytothedoor。"Letmeshowyoutheroom，"shebegged；"youcantakehimintheact。"Hereyes，wildwiththeexcitementofthechase，sweptthecircle。"Willyoucome？"shebegged。
　　Unconsciousofthecrisisheinterrupted，theorderlyondutyopenedthedoor。
　　"CaptainThierry'scompliments，"herecitedmechanically，"andishetodelaylongerforMadamed'Aurillac？"
　　WithasharpgestureGeneralAndrewavedMarietowardthedoor。
　　Withoutrising，heinclinedhishead。"Adieu，madame，"hesaid。
　　"Weactatonceuponyourinformation。Ithankyou！"
　　Asshecrossedfromthehalltotheterrace，theearsofthespywereassaultedbyasuddentumultofvoices。Theywereraisedinthreatsandcurses。Lookingback，shesawAnfossidescendingthestairs。
　　Hishandswereheldabovehishead；behindhim，withhisautomatic，thestaffofficershehadsurprisedonthefourthfloorwasdrivinghimforward。Abovetheclinchedfistsofthesoldiersthatrantomeethim，theeyesofAnfossiwereturnedtowardher。Hisfacewasexpressionless。
　　Hiseyesneitheraccusednorreproached。Andwiththejoyofonewhohaslookeduponandthenescapedtheguillotine，Marierandownthestepstothewaitingautomobile。WithaprettycryofpleasuresheleapedintotheseatbesideThierry。Gaylyshethrewoutherarms。"ToParis！"
　　shecommanded。ThehandsomeeyesofThierry，eloquentwithadmiration，lookedbackintohers。Hestooped，threwintheclutch，andthegreatgraycar，withthemachinegunanditscrewofprivatesguardingtherear，plungedthroughthepark。
　　"ToParis！"echoedThierry。
　　IntheorderinwhichMariehadlastseenthem，AnfossiandthestaffofficerenteredtheroomofGeneralAndre，anduponthesoldiersinthehallthedoorwasshut。Thefaceofthestaffofficerwasgrave，buthisvoicecouldnotconcealhiselation。
　　"Mygeneral，"hereported，"Ifoundthismanintheactofgivinginformationtotheenemy。Thereisawireless-"
　　GeneralAndreroseslowly。Helookedneitherattheofficernorathisprisoner。Withfrowningeyeshestareddownatthemapsuponhistable。
　　"Iknow，"heinterrupted。"Someonehasalreadytoldme。"Hepaused，andthen，asthoughrecallinghismanners，butstillwithoutraisinghiseyes，headded："Youhavedonewell，sir。"
　　Insilencetheofficersofthestaffstoodmotionless。Withsurprisetheynotedthat，asyet，neitherinangernorcuriosityhadGeneralAndreglancedattheprisoner。Butofthepresenceofthegeneralthespywasmostacutelyconscious。Hestooderect，hisarmsstillraised，buthisbodystrainedforward，andontheavertedeyesofthegeneralhisownwerefixed。
　　Inanagonyofsupplicationtheyaskedaquestion。
　　Atlast，asthoughagainsthiswish，towardthespythegeneralturnedhishead，andtheireyesmet。AndstillGeneralAndrewassilent。Thenthearmsofthespy，likethoseofarunnerwhohasfinishedhisraceandbreaststhetapeexhausted，felltohissides。
　　Inavoicelowandvibranthespokehisquestion。
　　"Ithasbeensolong，sir，"hepleaded。"MayInotcomehome？"
　　GeneralAndreturnedtotheastonishedgroupsurroundinghim。Hisvoicewashushedlikethatofonewhospeaksacrossanopengrave。
　　"Gentlemen，"hebegan，"mychildren，"headded。"AGermanspy，awoman，involvedinascandalyourbrotherinarms，HenriRavignac。
　　Hishonor，hethought，wasconcerned，andwithouthonorherefusedtolive。ToprovehimguiltlesshisyoungerbrotherCharlesaskedleavetoseekoutthewomanwhohadbetrayedHenri，andbyuswasdetailedonsecretservice。Hegaveuphome，family，friends。Helivedinexile，inpoverty，atalltimesindangerofaswiftandignobledeath。
　　IntheWarOfficeweknowhimasonewhohasgiventohiscountryservicesshecannothopetoreward。Forshecannotreturntohimtheyearshehaslost。Shecannotreturntohimhisbrother。ButshecanandwillclearthenameofHenriRavignac，anduponhisbrotherCharlesbestowpromotionandhonors。"
　　Thegeneralturnedandembracedthespy。"Mychildren，"hesaid，"welcomeyourbrother。Hehascomehome。"
　　Beforethecarhadreachedthefortifications，MarieGesslerhadarrangedherplanofescape。Shehaddepartedfromthechateauwithoutevenahand-bag，andshewouldsaythatbeforetheshopsclosedshemustmakepurchases。
　　LePrintempslayintheirway，andsheaskedthat，whentheyreachedit，foramomentshemightalight。CaptainThierryreadilygavepermission。
　　Fromthedepartmentstoreitwouldbemosteasytodisappear，andinanticipationMariesmiledcovertly。NorwasthepictureofCaptainThierryimpatientlywaitingoutsideunamusing。
　　ButbeforeLePrintempswasapproached，thecarturnedsharplydownanarrowstreet。Ononeside，alongitsentirelength，ranahighgraywall，grimandforbidding。Initwasagreengatestuddedwithironbolts。Beforethistheautomobiledrewsuddenlytoahalt。
　　Thecrewofthearmoredcartumbledofftherearseat，andoneofthembeatuponthegreengate。Mariefeltahandoficeclutchatherthroat。Butshecontrolledherself。
　　"Andwhatisthis？"shecriedgayly。
　　AthersideCaptainThierrywassmilingdownather，buthissmilewashateful。
　　"ItistheprisonofSt。Lazare，"hesaid。"Itisnotbecoming，"
　　headdedsternly，"thatthenameoftheCountessd'AurillacshouldbemadecommonastheParisroad！"
　　Fightingforherlife，Mariethrustherselfagainsthim；herarmthatthroughoutthejourneyhadrestedonthebackofthedriving-seatcaressedhisshoulders；herlipsandthevioleteyeswereclosetohis。
　　"Whyshouldyoucare？"shewhisperedfiercely。"Youhaveme！LettheCountd'Aurillaclookafterthehonorofhiswifehimself。"
　　ThecharmingThierrylaughedathermockingly。
　　"Hemeansto，"hesaid。"IamtheCountd'Aurillac！"
　　THEDESERTER
　　InSalonika，theAmericanconsul，theStandardOilman，andthewarcorrespondentsformedtheAmericancolony。Thecorrespondentswerewaitingtogotothefront。Incidentally，aswewaited，thefrontwascomingrapidlytowardus。Therewas"Uncle"Jim，theveteranofmanywars，andofallthecorrespondents，inexperiencetheoldestandinspirittheyoungest，andtherewastheKid，andtheArtist。TheKidjeeredatus，andproudlydescribedhimselfastheonlyBoyReporterwhojumpedfromaCityHallassignmenttocoveraEuropeanWar。"Idon'tknowstrategy，"hewouldboast；"neitherdoestheManatHome。Hewants'humaninterest'stuff，andIgivehimwhathewants。Iwriteexclusivelyforthesubwayguardandthefarmersinthewheatbelt。Whenyoufellowswriteaboutthe'Situation，'theydon'tunderstandit。Neitherdoyou。NeitherdoesVenizelosortheKing。Idon'tunderstanditmyself。So，Iwritemypeopleheart-to-hearttalksaboutrefugeesandwounded，andwhatkindofploughstheServianpeasantsuse，andthatSt。PaulwrotehisletterstotheThessaloniansfromthesamehotelwhereIwritemine；andItell'emtopronounceSalonika'eeka，'andnotputtheaccentonthe'on。'ThismorningattherefugeecampIfoundallthelittleServiansoftheFrothinghamunitinAmericanBoyScoutuniforms。That'smymeat。That's'homeweek'stuff。Youfellowswritefortheeditorialpage；andnobodyreadsit。IwriteforthemanthatturnsfirsttoMuttandJeff，andthenlookstoseewheretheyarerunningthenewCharlieChaplinrelease。Whenthatmanhastochoosebetween'ourmilitarycorrespondent'andtheCityHallReporter，hechoosesme！"
　　ThethirdmanwasJohn，"OurSpecialArtist。"Johncouldwriteanewsstory，too，butitwasthecartoonsthathadmadehimfamous。Theywerenotcomicpage，butfrontpagecartoons，andbeforemakinguptheirmindswhattheythought，peoplewaitedtoseewhattheirArtistthought。So，itwasfortunatehisthoughtswereasbraveandcleanastheywereclever。HewastheoriginalLittleBrothertothePoor。Hewasalwaysgivingawaymoney。
　　Whenwecaughthim，hewouldprevaricate。Hewouldsaythemanwasacollegechum，thathehadborrowedthemoneyfromhim，andthatthiswasthefirstchancehehadhadtopayitback。TheKidsuggesteditwasstrangethatsomanyofhiscollegechumsshouldatthesamemomentturnup，deadbroke，inSalonika，andthathalfofthemshouldbewomen。
　　Johnsmileddisarmingly。"Itwasalargecollege，"heexplained，"andcoeducational。"TherewereotherAmericans；RedCrossdoctorsandnursesjustescapedthroughthesnowfromtheBulgars，andhyphenatedAmericanswhosaidtheyhadtakenouttheirfirstpapers。Theythoughthyphenatedcitizensweresopopularwithus，thatwewouldpaytheirpassagetoNewYork。
　　InSalonikatheyweretransients。Theyhadnolocalstanding。Theyhadnolocallying-downplace，either，orplacetoeat，ortowash，althoughtheydidnotlookasthoughthatworriedthem，orplacetochangetheirclothes。Orclothestochange。Itwasbecausewehadclothestochange，andahotelbedroom，insteadofabenchinacafe，thatwewererankedasresidentsandfromtheGreekpolicehelda"permissiontosojourn。"OurAmericancolonywasaveryclosecorporation。WewereonlysixAmericansagainst300，000
　　British，French，Greek，andServiansoldiers，and120，000civilianTurks，SpanishJews，Armenians，Persians，Egyptians，Albanians，andArabs，andsometwentymoreotherracesthatarenotlisted。
　　WehadarrivedinSalonikabeforetherush，andattheHotelHermesonthewater-fronthadsecuredavastroom。Theedgeofthestonequaywasnotfortyfeetfromus，theonlylandingstepsdirectlyoppositeourbalcony。EverybodywhoarrivedontheGreekpassengerboatsfromNaplesorthePiraeus，orwhohadshoreleavefromaman-of-war，transport，orhospitalship，wasrakedbyourcameras。Therewerefourwindows——oneforeachofusandhisworktable。Itwasnoteasytowork。Whatwastheuse？
　　Thepicturesandstoriesoutsidethewindowsfascinatedus，butwhenwesketchedthemorwroteaboutthem，theyonlyprovedusinadequate。Alldaylongthepinnaces，cutters，gigs，steamlaunchesshovedandbumpedagainstthestonesteps，marinescameashoreforthemail，stewardsforfruitandfish，RedCrossnursestoshop，tinymidshipmentovisitthemovies，andthesailorsandofficersoftheRussian，French，British，Italian，andGreekwar-shipstostretchtheirlegsintheparkoftheTourBlanche，ortocrampthemunderacafetable。Sometimestheambulancesblockedthequayandthewoundedandfrost-bittenwereliftedintothemotor-boats，andsometimesasquadofmarineslinedthelandingstage，andasacoffinunderaFrenchorEnglishflagwasborneupthestonestepsstoodatsalute。Socrowdedwastheharborthattheoarsoftheboatmeninterlocked。
　　Closetothestonequay，stretchedalongthethree-milecircle，werethefishingsmacks，beyondthem，sonearthattheanchorchainsfouled，werethepassengershipswithgiganticGreekflagspaintedontheirsides，andbeyondthemtransportsfromMarseilles，Malta，andSuvlaBay，blackcolliers，whitehospitalships，burninggreenelectriclights，red-belliedtrampsandfreighters，and，hemmingthemin，thegrim，mouse-coloreddestroyers，submarines，cruisers，dreadnaughts。Attimes，likeawall，thecoldfogrosebetweenusandtheharbor，andagainthecurtainwouldsuddenlyberippedasunder，andthesunwouldflashonthebrassworkofthefleet，onthewhitewingsoftheaeroplanes，onthesnow-drapedshouldersofMountOlympus。Weoftenspeculatedastohowintheearlydaysthegodsandgoddesses，dressedastheywere，orastheywerenot，survivedthesnowsofMountOlympus。Orwasitonlytheirresortforthesummer？
　　Itgotaboutthatwehadavastroomtoourselves，whereonemightobtainadrink，orasofaforthenight，orevenmoneytocableformoney。So，wehadmanystrangevisitors，somehalfstarved，halffrozen，withterribletalesoftheAlbaniantrail，oftheAustrianprisonersfallenbythewayside，ofthemountainpassesheapedwithdead，ofthedoctorsandnurseswadingwaist-highinsnow-driftsandforfoodkillingtheponies。SomeofourvisitorswantedtogettheirnamesintheAmericanpaperssothatthefolksathomewouldknowtheywerestillalive，otherswantedustokeeptheirnamesoutofthepapers，hopingthepolicewouldthinkthemdead；another，convinceditwasofpressingnewsvalue，desiredustoadvertisethefactthathehadinventedapoisonousgasforuseinthetrenches。Withdifficultywepreventedhimfromcastingitadriftinourroom。Or，hehadforsaleasecond-handmotor-cycle，orhewouldacceptapositionasbarkeeper，orforfivefrancswouldsellastatesecretthat，oncemadepublic，inamonthwouldendthewar。Itseemedcheapattheprice。
　　Eachofushadhis"scouts"tobringhimthebazaarrumor，theTurkishbathrumor，thecaferumor。SomeofourscoutsjourneyedasfarafieldasMonastirandDoiran，returningtodripsnowonthefloor，andtotellustales，one-halfofwhichwerefusedtobelieve，andtheotherhalfthecensorrefusedtopass。Witheachother'svisitorsitwasetiquettenottointerfere。Itwouldhavebeenliketappingaprivatewire。WhenwefoundJohnsketchingagiantstrangerinacapandcoatofwolfskinwedidnotseektoknowifhewereanAlbanianbrigand，oraServianprinceincognito，andwhenadarkLevantinesatclosetotheKid，whispering，andtheKidbangedonhistypewriter，wedidnotlisten。
　　So，whenIcameinoneafternoonandfoundastrangeAmericanyouthwritingatJohn'stable，andnooneintroducedus，ItookitforgrantedhehadsoldtheArtistan"exclusive"story，andaskednoquestions。ButIcouldnothelphearingwhattheysaid。
　　EventhoughItriedtodrowntheirvoicesbybeatingontheKid'stypewriter。Iwastakingmythirdlesson，andIhadprinted，"I
　　Amm5wwritjngThis，5wjthmyownlillyw？itehandS，"whenI
　　heardtheKidsaying：
　　"Youcanbeatthegamethisway。LetJohnbuyyouatickettothePiraeus。IfyougofromoneGreekporttoanotheryoudon'tneedavise。But，ifyoubookfromheretoItaly，youmustgetapermitfromtheItalianconsul，andourconsul，andthepolice。Theplotistogetoutofthewarzone，isn'tit？Well，then，mydopeistogetoutquick，andmaptherestofyourtripwhenyou'resafeinAthens。"
　　Itwasnobusinessofmine，butIhadtolookup。Thestrangerwasnowpacingthefloor。Inoticedthatwhilehisfacewasalmostblackwithtan，hisupperlipwasquitewhite。InoticedalsothathehadhishandsinthepocketsofoneofJohn'sbluesergesuits，andthatthepinksilkshirtheworewasonethatoncehadbelongedtotheKid。Exceptforthepinkshirt，intheappearanceoftheyoungmantherewasnothingunusual。Hewasofafamiliartype。HelookedlikeayoungbusinessmanfromourMiddleWest，matter-of-factandunimaginative，butcapableandself-reliant。Ifhehadhadafountainpeninhisupperwaistcoatpocket，Iwouldhaveguessedhewasaninsuranceagent，orthepublicitymanforanewautomobile。Johnpickeduphishat，andsaid，"That'sgoodadvice。Givemeyoursteamerticket，Fred，andI'llhavethemchangeit。"Hewentout；buthedidnotaskFredtogowithhim。
　　UncleJimrose，andmurmuredsomethingabouttheCafeRoma，andtea。ButneitherdidheinviteFredtogowithhim。Instead，hetoldhimtomakehimselfathome，andifhewantedanythingthewaiterwouldbringitfromthecafedownstairs。ThentheKid，asthoughhealsowasuncomfortableatbeingleftalonewithus，hurriedtothedoor。"Goingtogetyouasuit-case，"heexplained。
　　"Backinfiveminutes。"
　　Thestrangermadenoanswer。Probablyhedidnothearhim。NotahundredfeetfromourwindowsthreeGreeksteamerswerehuddledtogether，andtheeyesoftheAmericanwerefixedonthem。TheoneforwhichJohnhadgonetobuyhimanewticketlaynearest。
　　Shewastosailintwohours。Impatiently，inshortquicksteps，thestrangerpacedthelengthoftheroom，butwhenheturnedandsocouldseetheharbor，hewalkedslowly，devouringitwithhiseyes。Forsometime，insilence，herepeatedthismanoeuvre；andthenthecomplaintsofthetypewriterdisturbedhim。Hehaltedandobservedmystruggles。Underhisscornfuleye，inmyembarrassmentIfrequentlyhittherightletter。"Youanewspaperman，too？"heasked。IboastedIwas，butbeggednottobejudgedbymytypewriting。
　　"IgotsomegreatstoriestowritewhenIgetbacktoGod'scountry，"
　　heannounced。"IwasareporterfortwoyearsinKansasCitybeforethewar，andnowI'mgoingbacktolectureandwrite。Igotenoughmaterialtokeepmeatworkforfiveyears。Allkindsofstuff——
　　specials，fiction，stories，personalexperiences，maybeanovel。"
　　Iregardedhimwithenvy。Forthecorrespondentsinthegreatestofallwarsthepickingshadbeenmeagre。"Youaretobecongratulated，"Isaid。Hebrushedasidemycongratulations。"Forwhat？"hedemanded。"Ididn'tgoafterthestories；theycametome。ThethingsIsawIhadtosee。Couldn'tgetawayfromthem。I'vebeenwiththeBritish，servingintheR。A。M。C。Beenhospitalsteward，stretcherbearer，ambulancedriver。I'vebeensixteenmonthsatthefront，andallthetimeonthefiring-line。IwasintheretreatfromMons，withFrenchontheMarne，atYpres，allthroughthewinterfightingalongtheCanal，ontheGallipoliPeninsula，and，justlately，inServia。I'veseenmoreofthiswarthananysoldier。Because，sometimes，theygivethesoldierarest；theynevergivethemedicalcorpsarest。TheonlyrestI
　　gotwaswhenIwaswounded。"
　　Heseemednoworseforhiswounds，soagainItenderedcongratulations。Thistimeheacceptedthem。Therecollectionofthethingshehadseen，thingsincredible，terrible，uniqueinhumanexperience，hadstirredhim。Hetalkedon，notboastfully，butinatone，rather，ofaweanddisbelief，asthoughassuringhimselfthatitwasreallyhetowhomsuchthingshadhappened。
　　"Idon'tbelievethere'sanykindoffightingIhaven'tseen，"hedeclared；"hand-to-handfightingwithbayonets，grenades，gunbutts。I'veseen'emontheirkneesinthemudchokingeachother，beatingeachotherwiththeirbarefists。I'veseeneverykindofairship，bomb，shell，poisongas，everykindofwound。
　　Seenwholevillagesturnedintoabrickyardintwentyminutes；
　　inServiaseenbodiesofwomenfrozentodeath，bodiesofbabiesstarvedtodeath，seenmeninBelgiumswingingfromtrees；alongtheYzerforthreemonthsIsawthebodiesofmenI'dknownstickingoutofthemud，orhunguponthebarbwire，withthecrowspickingthem。
　　"I'veseensomeofthenervieststuntsthateverwerepulledoffinhistory。I'veseenrealheroes。TimeandtimeagainI'veseenamanthrowawayhislifeforhisofficer，orforachaphedidn'tknow，justasthoughitwasacigarettebutt。I'veseenthewomennursesofourcorpssteeracarintoavillageandyankoutawoundedmanwhileshellswerebreakingunderthewheelsandthehouseswerepitchingintothestreets。"Hestoppedandlaughedconsciously。
　　"Understand，"hewarnedme，"I'mnottalkingaboutmyself，onlyofthingsI'veseen。ThethingsI'mgoingtoputinmybook。Itoughttobeaprettygoodbook-what？"
　　Myenvyhadbeenwashedcleaninadmiration。
　　"Itwillmakeawonderfulbook，"Iagreed。"Areyougoingtosyndicateitfirst？"
　　YoungMr。Hamlinfrownedimportantly。
　　"Iwasthinking，"hesaid，"ofaskingJohnforletterstothemagazineeditors。So，they'llknowI'mnotfaking，thatI'vereallybeenthroughitall。LettersfromJohnwouldhelpalot。"Thenheaskedanxiously：
　　"Theywould，wouldn'tthey？"
　　Ireassuredhim。RememberingtheKid'sgibesatJohnandhisnumerousdependents，Isaid："YouanothercollegechumofJohn's？"
　　Theyoungmanansweredmyquestionquiteseriously。"No，"hesaid；
　　"JohngraduatedbeforeIentered；butwebelongtothesamefraternity。
　　Itwastheluckiestchanceintheworldmyfindinghimhere。Therewasamonth-oldcopyoftheBalkanNewsblowingaroundcamp，andhisnamewasinthelistofarrivals。ThemomentIfoundhewasinSalonika，Iaskedfortwelvehoursleave，andcamedowninanambulance。ImadestraightforJohn；gavehimthegrip，andputituptohimtohelpme。"
　　"Idon'tunderstand，"Isaid。"IthoughtyouweresailingontheAdriaticus？"
　　Theyoungmanwasagainpacingthefloor。Hehaltedandfacedtheharbor。
　　"YoubetI'msailingontheAdriaticus，"hesaid。Helookedoutatthatvessel，attheBluePeterflyingfromherforemast，andgrinned。
　　"Injusttwohours！"
　　Itwasstupidofme，butIstillwasunenlightened。"Butyourtwelvehours'leave？"Iasked。
　　Theyoungmanlaughed。"Theycantakemytwelvehours'leave，"
　　hesaiddeliberately，"andfeedittothechickens。I'mbeatingit。"
　　"Whatd'youmean，you'rebeatingit？"
　　"WhatdoyousupposeImean？"hedemanded。"WhatdoyousupposeI'mdoingoutofuniform，whatdoyousupposeI'mlyinglowintheroomfor？So'sIwon'tcatchcold？"
　　"Ifyou'releavingthearmywithoutadischarge，andwithoutpermission，"Isaid，"Isupposeyouknowit'sdesertion。"
　　Mr。Hamlinlaughedeasily。"It'snotmyarmy，"hesaid。"I'manAmerican。"
　　"It'syourdesertion，"Isuggested。
　　Thedooropenedandclosednoiselessly，andBilly，entering，placedanewtravellingbagonthefloor。Hemusthaveheardmylastwords，forhelookedinquiringlyateachofus。Buthedidnotspeakand，walkingtothewindow，stoodwithhishandsinhispockets，staringoutattheharbor。Hispresenceseemedtoencouragetheyoungman。"WhoknowsI'mdeserting？"hedemanded。"Noone'severseenmeinSalonikabefore，andinthese'cits'Icangetonboardallright。Andthentheycan'ttouchme。WhatdothefolksathomecarehowIlefttheBritisharmy？They'llbesodarnedgladtogetmebackalivethattheywon'taskifIwalkedoutorwaskickedout。Ishouldworry！"
　　"It'snoneofmybusiness，"Ibegan，butIwasinterrupted。Inhisrestlesspacingstheyoungmanturnedquickly。
　　"Asyousay，"heremarkedicily，"itisnoneofyourbusiness。
　　It'snoneofyourbusinesswhetherIgetshotasadeserter，orgohome，or——"
　　"YoucangotothedevilforallIcare，"Iassuredhim。"I
　　wasn'tconsideringyouatall。IwasonlysorrythatI'llneverbeabletoreadyourbook。"
　　ForamomentMr。Hamlinremainedsilent，thenheburstforthwithajeer。
　　"NoBritishfiringsquad，"heboasted，"willeverstandmeup。"
　　"Maybenot，"Iagreed，"butyouwillneverwritethatbook。"
　　Againtherewassilence，andthistimeitwasbrokenbytheKid。
　　HeturnedfromthewindowandlookedtowardHamlin。"That'sright！"hesaid。
　　Hesatdownontheedgeofthetable，andatthedeserterpointedhisforefinger。
　　"Son，"hesaid，"thiswarissomewar。It'sthebiggestwarinhistory，andfolkswillbetalkingaboutnothingelseforthenextninetyyears；folksthatneverwereneareritthanBayCity，Mich。
　　Butyouwon'ttalkaboutit。Andyou'vebeenallthroughit。
　　You'vebeentohellandbackagain。Comparedwithwhatyouknowabouthell，DanteisinthesameclasswithDr。Cook。Butyouwon'tbeabletotalkaboutthiswar，orlecture，orwriteabookaboutit。"
　　"Iwon't？"demandedHamlin。"Andwhywon'tI？"
　　"Becauseofwhatyou'redoingnow，"saidBilly。"Becauseyou'requeeringyourself。Now，you'vegoteverything。"TheKidwasverymuchinearnest。Histonewasintimate，kind，andfriendly。"You'veseeneverything，doneeverything。We'dgiveoureye-teethtoseewhatyou'veseen，andtowritethethingsyoucanwrite。You'vegotarecordnowthat'lllastyouuntilyou'redead，andyourgrandchildrenaredead-andthensome。Whenyoutalkthetablewillhavetositupandlisten。Youcansay'I
　　wasthere。''Iwasinit。''Isaw。''Iknow。'Whenthiswarisoveryou'llhaveeverythingoutofitthat'sworthgetting-alltheexperiences，alltheinsideknowledge，allthe'nosebag'
　　news；you'llhavewounds，honors，medals，money，reputation。
　　Andyou'rethrowingallthataway！"
　　Mr。Hamlininterruptedsavagely。
　　"Tohellwiththeirmedals，"hesaid。"Theycantaketheirmedalsandhang'emonChristmastrees。Idon'towetheBritisharmyanything。Itowesme。I'vedonemybit。I'veearnedwhatI'vegot，andthere'snoonecantakeitawayfromme。"
　　"Youcan，"saidtheKid。BeforeHamlincouldreplythedooropenedandJohncamein，followedbyUncleJim。Theoldermanwaslookingverygrave，andJohnveryunhappy。HamlinturnedquicklytoJohn。
　　"Ithoughtthesemenwerefriendsofyours，"hebegan，"andAmericans。They'refineAmericans。They'reasfullofhumankindnessandredbloodasakipperedherring！"
　　JohnlookedinquiringlyattheKid。
　　"Hewantstohanghimself，"explainedBilly，"andbecausewetriedtocuthimdown，he'ssore。"
　　"Theytalkedtome，"protestedHamlin，"asthoughIwasayellowdog。AsthoughIwasaquitter。I'mnoquitter！But，ifI'mreadytoquit，who'sgotabetterright？I'mnotanEnglishman，butthereareseveralmillionEnglishmenhaven'tdoneasmuchforEnglandinthiswasasIhave。Whatdoyoufellowsknowaboutit？Youwriteaboutit，aboutthe'braveladsinthetrenches'；butwhatdoyouknowaboutthetrenches？
　　Whatyou'veseenfromautomobiles。That'sall。That'swhereyougetoff！I'velivedinthetrenchesforfifteenmonths，frozein'em，starvedin'em，riskedmylifein'em，andI'vesavedotherlives，too，byhaulingmenoutofthetrenches。Andthat'snoairypersiflage，either！"
　　HerantothewardrobewhereJohn'sclotheshung，andfromthebottomofitdraggedakhakiuniform。Itwasstillsocakedwithmudandsnowthatwhenheflungitontheflooritsplashedlikeawetbathingsuit。"Howwouldyouliketowearoneofthose？"heDemanded。"Stinkingwithliceandsweatandblood；thebloodofothermen，themenyou'vehelpedoffthefield，andyourownblood。"
　　Asthoughcommittinghara-kiri，heslashedhishandacrosshisstomach，andthendrewitupfromhiswaisttohischin。"I'mscrapedwithshrapnelfromtheretothere，"saidMr。Hamlin。
　　"AndanothertimeIgotaballintheshoulder。Thatwouldhavebeena'blighty'forafightingman——they'realwaysgivingthemleave——butallIgotwassixweeksatHavreinhospital。ThenitwastheDardanelles，andsunstrokeandsand；sleepinginsand，eatingsand，sandinyourboots，sandinyourteeth；hidinginholesinthesandlikeadirtyprairiedog。Andthen，'OfftoServia！'Andthenextactopensinthesnowandthemud！
　　Cold？God，howcolditwas！Andmostofusinsunhelmets。"
　　Asthoughthecoldstillgnawedathisbones，heshivered。
　　"Itisn'tthedanger，"heprotested。"Itisn'tthatI'mgettingawayfrom。Tohellwiththedanger！It'sjusttheplaindiscomfortofit！It'stheneverbeingyourownmaster，neverbeingclean，neverbeingwarm。"Againheshiveredandrubbedonehandagainsttheother。"Therewerenobridgesoverthestreams，"hewenton，"andwehadtobreaktheiceandwadein，andthensleepintheopenwiththekhakifrozentous。Therewasnofirewood；notenoughtowarmapotoftea。
　　Therewerenowounded；allourcasualtieswerefrostbiteandPneumonia。Whenwetakethemoutoftheblanketstheirtoesfalloff。We'vebeenincampforamonthnownearDoiran，andit'sworsetherethanonthemarch。It'safrozenswamp。Youcan'tsleepforthecold；can'teat；theonlyrationwegetisbullybeef，andourinsidesarefrozensodamntightwecan'tdigestit。Thecoldgetsintoyourblood，getsintoyourbrains。Itwon'tletyouthink；orelse，youthinkcrazythings。Itmakesyouafraid。"Heshookhimselflikeamancomingoutofabaddream。
　　So，I'mthrough，"hesaid。Inturnhescowledateachofus，asthoughdefyingustocontradicthim。"That'swhyI'mquitting，"
　　headded。"BecauseI'vedonemybit。BecauseI'mdamnwellfeduponit。"Hekickedviciouslyatthewater-loggeduniformonthefloor。"Anyonewhowantsmyjobcanhaveit！"Hewalkedtothewindow，turnedhisbackonus，andfixedhiseyeshungrilyontheAdriaticus。Therewasalongpause。ForguidancewelookedatJohn，buthewasstaringdownatthedeskblotter，scratchingonitmarksthathedidnotsee。
　　Finally，whereangelsfearedtotread，theKidrushedin。"That'scertainlyahardluckstory，"hesaid；"but，"headdedcheerfully，"it'snothingtothehardluckyou'llstrikewhenyoucan'ttellwhyyouleftthearmy。"Hamlinturnedwithanexclamation，butBillyhelduphishand。"Nowwait，"hebegged，"wehaven'ttimetogetmussy。Atsixo'clockyourleaveisup，andthetrooptrainstartsbacktocamp，and——"
　　Mr。Hamlininterruptedsharply。"AndtheAdriaticusstartsatfive。"
　　Billydidnotheedhim。"You'vegottwohourstochangeyourmind，"hesaid。"That'sbetterthanbeingsorryyoudidn'ttherestofyourlife。"
　　Mr。Hamlinthrewbackhisheadandlaughed。Itwasamostunpleasantlaugh。"You'reafinebodyofmen，"hejeered。
　　"Americamustbeproudofyou！"
　　"Ifweweren'tAmericans，"explainedBillypatiently，"wewouldn'tgiveadamnwhetheryoudesertedornot。You'redrowningandyoudon'tknowit，andwe'rethrowingyouarope。Trytoseeitthatway。We'llcutoutthefactthatyoutookanoath，andthatyou'rebreakingit。That'suptoyou。
　　We'llgetdowntoresults。Whenyoureachhome，ifyoucan'ttellwhyyouleftthearmy，thefolkswilldarnedsoonguess。
　　Andthatwillqueereverythingyou'vedone。Whenyoucometosellyourstuff，itwillqueeryouwiththeeditors，queeryouwiththepublishers。IftheyknowyoubrokeyourwordtotheBritisharmy，howcantheyknowyou'rekeepingfaithwiththem？
　　Howcantheybelieveanythingyoutellthem？Every'story'youwrite，everystatementofyourswillmakeanoiselikeafake。
　　Youwon'tcomeintocourtwithcleanhands。You'llbelickedbeforeyoustart。
　　"Ofcourse，you'refortheAllies。Well，alltheGermansathomewillfearthat；andwhenyouwanttolectureonyour'FifteenMonthsattheBritishFront，'they'lllookupyourrecord；andwhatwilltheydotoyou？Thisiswhatthey'lldotoyou。Whenyou'veshown'emyourmovingpicturesandsay，'Doesanygentlemanintheaudiencewanttoaskaquestion？'aGermanagentwillgetupandsay，'Yes，Iwanttoaskaquestion。IsittruethatyoudesertedfromtheBritisharmy，andthatifyoureturntoit，theywillshootyou？'"
　　Iwasscared。IexpectedtheleanandmuscularMr。HamlintofallonBilly，andflinghimwherehehadflungthesoggyuniform。
　　Butinsteadheremainedmotionless，hisarmspressedacrosshischest。Hiseyes，filledwithangeranddistress，returnedtotheAdriaticus。
　　"I'msorry，"mutteredtheKid。
　　Johnroseandmotionedtothedoor，andguiltilyandonlytoogladlyweescaped。Johnfollowedusintothehall。"Letmetalktohim，"hewhispered。"Theboatsailsinanhour。Pleasedon'tcomebackuntilshe'sgone。"
　　Wewenttothemovingpicturepalacenextdoor，butIdoubtifthethoughtsofanyofuswereonthepictures。Forafteranhour，whenfromacrossthequaytherecamethelong-drawnwarningofasteamer'swhistle，wenudgedeachotherandroseandwentout。
　　NotahundredyardsfromusthepropellerbladesoftheAdriaticuswereslowlychurning，andtherowboatswerefallingawayfromhersides。
　　"Good-bye，Mr。Hamlin，"calledBilly。"Youhadeverythingandyouchuckeditaway。Icanspellyourfinish。It's'check'foryours。"
　　Butwhenweenteredourroom，inthecentreofit，underthebunchofelectriclights，stoodthedeserter。Heworethewater-loggeduniform。Thesunhelmetwasonhishead。
　　"Goodman！"shoutedBilly。
　　Headvanced，eagerlyholdingouthishand。
　　Mr。Hamlinbrushedpasthim。Atthedoorheturnedandglaredatus，evenatJohn。Hewasnotagoodloser。"Ihopeyou'resatisfied，"hesnarled。Hepointedatthefourbedsinarow。I
　　feltguiltilyconsciousofthem。Atthemomenttheyappearedsounnecessarilycleanandwarmandsoft。Thesilkcoverletsatthefootofeachstruckmeasbeingdisgracefullyeffeminate。Theymademeashamed。
　　"Ihope，"saidMr。Hamlin，speakingslowlyandpickinghiswords，"whenyouturnintothosebedsto-nightyou'llthinkofmeinthemud。Ihopewhenyou'rehavingyourfive-coursedinnerandyourchampagneyou'llremembermybullybeef。IhopewhenashellorMr。Pneumoniagetsme，you'llwriteanicelittlesobstoryaboutthe'braveladsinthetrenches。'"
　　Helookedatus，standinglikeschoolboys，sheepish，embarrassed，andsilent，andthenthrewopenthedoor。"Ihope，"headded，"youallchoke！"
　　Withanunconvincingimitationofthecollegechummanner，Johnclearedhisthroatandsaid："Don'tforget，Fred，ifthere'sanythingIcando——"
　　Hamlinstoodinthedoorwaysmilingatus。
　　"There'ssomethingyoucanalldo，"hesaid。
　　"Yes？"askedJohnheartily。
　　"Youcanallgotohell！"saidMr。Hamlin。
　　Weheardthedoorslam，andhishobnailedbootspoundingdownthestairs。Noonespoke。Instead，inunhappysilence，westoodstaringatthefloor。Wheretheuniformhadlainwasapoolofmudandmeltedsnowandthedarkerstainsofstaleblood。
　　End