My Home in the Field of Honor Part 26

"Yes. Might I ask where you come from?"

"The States."

"Do you know Cleveland?"

"Yes."

"Well, I've got a mother and three brothers buried in that cemetery.

Colonials, you know. I'm English--from Bath--oldest son. Couldn't see things their way. Done better perhaps if I'd joined the others out there."

I smiled at this unexpected and impromptu confession. The boy saw it and reddened.

"Is there anything particular you want me to say to this man for you?"

said I quickly, to cover his embarra.s.sment.

"No, thank you. But there's one thing you might be able to tell me."

"What?"

"Do you think we'll be 'home' in time to eat Christmas dinner?"

"Rather!"

"Thank you so much! Good-bye."

"Good-bye and good luck to you."

And after snapping his photograph I started on down the street in haste, for I could see George and Leon, who had gone on ahead, now running towards me.

"_Vite_, Madame. They need you!"

"Who?"

"The English. They can't make people understand."

I pressed forward, and came upon a crowd of gapers standing outside a shop. Within two English officers were arguing in their native tongue with an irate butcher, who waved one arm wildly in the air, and brandished a huge knife in the other, shouting frantically all the while,

"La' voila-la voila!" said George and Leon, almost dragging me forward, proud to exhibit my accomplishments. "_La voila! Vous etes sauves._"

My greatest desire was to turn about and run, but the crowd parted to let me through.

"Would you mind, Madame?" pleaded the lieutenant. "We need your a.s.sistance to make this man understand that we're drafting meat for the army. We'll pay cash, but be might just as well give it gracefully, for we have the right to force his ice box if he refuses."

I explained gently, and when things were calm was about to slip away.

The officer touched me on the shoulder.

"I'm sorry, Madame, but I'm afraid we'll have to draft you, too. Our time is limited and if a scene like this happen at every shop we'll be punished for tardiness! Here's my order to draft an interpreter," and he put his hand into his pocket.

I was somewhat abashed.

"Might I ask when you will release me?"

"Just as soon as we've the supply we need."

"Will you give me ten minutes to arrange my affairs here?"

"Certainly. But remember you're on parole!"

Outside I explained the situation to George and Leon, and scribbling a note to friends in Barbizon, told the boys to drive over and rea.s.sure the others--make them comfortable at the _Clef d'Or,_ and tell them to expect me that evening.

"Whatever happens, wait there until I come. There's no danger of the Germans reaching Barbizon, I fancy!"

And that is how from nine in the morning until late in the afternoon I sat perched on the front of a British Army Supply truck, much to the amus.e.m.e.nt of the other Tommy Atkins we encountered in Melun and the neighboring villages.

My officer friends very courteously drove me to the hospital where I learned that my poor wounded _cha.s.seur_ Ballandreau had pa.s.sed away in the night, and towards five o'clock, when their task was completed, they offered me tea and proposed to drive me to Barbizon. As we jolted down the hill towards the railway crossing our attention was attracted by a huge gathering of citizens and soldiers, and above the roar of our motor, we could hear the rolling of a drum. Silence reigned instantly and an officer in uniform in the middle of the group read out a short message from a paper he held in his hand. What he said we could not hear, but the mad shout of joy that went up when he had finished made us eager to learn the news. Like lightning "Paris saved--the Germans retreating" ran from mouth to mouth, and the delirious excitement that seized that crowd was absolutely indescribable. Young and old, English, and French, peasant and bourgeois, fell on each other's necks and exchanged a joyous embrace. The awful tension of the last month was broken and the word victory was uttered by thousands of throats, suddenly grown husky with emotion.

My arrival and the news I bore created a sensation among my servants and the remaining inhabitants of Millet's famous village. Barbizon was dead--literally deserted, for not a single member of that delightful summer colony remained, several hotels were closed, and the others as empty as in the heart of winter. The proprietress of the _Clef d'Or_ made me a very tempting offer for a _sejour_, but I judged, and rightly, that since the German retreat had begun, we would best follow on close behind the victorious army, for if we waited until order was restored, patrols would be organized and we who had no papers to identify us would not be allowed to pa.s.s.

Before retiring I announced my intention of starting homeward, and the joy that illuminated those anxious faces somewhat calmed my own misgivings, for now that our adventure was safely over, I couldn't help worrying about the absent.

When I touched my bed, I bethought me of my lodging the night before, and realized that I knew neither the name nor address of the generous person in whose sumptuous domicile I had been so cordially received and graciously cared for. How and whom was I to thank?

Leon, Emile and a st.u.r.dy butcher boy from Charly who had joined the others on the road, had now determined to enlist--so I could but encourage their patriotic sentiments, and went with them to the recruiting office to furnish proof of their ident.i.ty.

Evidently many other youths under military age had been inspired with the same idea, for there was a long line outside the door, and as we stood and waited, we examined with interest the mounts of the English cavalry regiment lined up in the street awaiting their riders. George and Leon were eagerly fingering a long coil of rope thrown on the pommel of one saddle, when a deep voice from behind them e.j.a.c.u.l.a.t.ed,

"Guess you ain't ever seen the likes of that before. That's a la.s.so."

I explained, and then looking round, beheld a long, lanky individual, his hands on his hips, literally taking us all in.

"Do you think you can tell 'em what that is, sister?"

"I fancy so."

"Then you must be from home!"

"If you mean the States--yes."

"To h--with the States! The State--Texas!"

I didn't find it necessary to translate that. "Say, you haven't by any chance got a razor about you?" he inquired. I replied that I was not in the habit of carrying such articles on my person.

"No offense meant--but since you speak this language, perhaps you could persuade one of them kids to go and buy me one."

I said I thought I might, and my compatriot producing an American double eagle, enjoined Leon to be quick and he'd make it worth his while.

"You see," he explained, "a razor is all I need to complete my outfit.

Got a Winchester, two revolvers, a Bowie knife, a lance and a la.s.so.

Razor's flat and easy to carry. Might be useful, too. Nothing like being properly armed. If I've got to sell my hide you bet I'll sell it dear!"