At six o'clock, just as Desmarets laid aside his hammer, the sergeant arrived in great glee, on his return from the cantine.
"Well, Father Moses!" he exclaimed, "the work goes on! But there is still something wanting."
"What is that, sergeant?"
"Hi! It is all right, only you must put a screen up above, or look out for the shells!"
I saw that he was right, and we were all well frightened, except the neighbors, who laughed to see our surprise.
"Yes," said the sergeant, "we must have it."
This took away all my pleasure; I saw that our troubles were not yet at an end.
Sorlé, Zeffen, and I went up, while Desmarets closed the door. Supper was ready; we sat down thoughtfully, and little Sâfel brought the keys.
The noise had ceased without; now and then a citizen on patrol passed by.
The sergeant came to smoke his pipe as usual. He explained how the screens were made, by crossing beams in the form of a sentry-box, the two sides supported against the gables, but while he maintained that it would hold like an arch, I did not think it strong enough, and I saw by Sorlé's face that she thought as I did.