Softly, a song began to tremble from different points among the crowd.
André lifted his trumpet and began to play.
And swelling mightily over the battered roofs of Ste. Mère rolled out the song of freedom that is the voice of France—the “Marseillaise.”
Everyone sang and many wept.
After that, the gathering broke up and lunch baskets were opened. Mme. Gagnon beckoned her enlarged family party together under the shade of a wide chestnut tree. Lunch was spread out. Between them, she and Mme. Lescot had brought food enough for all.
Captain Dobie and André sat side by side.
“You will return to visit us after the war?” André asked shyly.
“I certainly will,” promised the captain. “I shall come back whenever I can. I won’t be comfortable unless I know what you’re up to.”
André laughed. “And,” he said, “I shall go to America some day to see that you have got that leg mended.”
“Vive les Americains!” shouted Raoul, who had mysteriously become one of the group.