A change in the line brought us close to Herman. The first patrol which went out crouched over to him——
Quickly one cut the buttons from his tunic——
"Wait," said one of the men, "he's still got his canteen!"
A poilu easily detached it, then shook it close to his ear—the canteen was yet half full!——
He unscrewed the cover—he sniffed it. It was brandy!
In a low voice, he said to the others:
"Eh! les vieux, it's brandy!"
Tossing off a drink, he passed Herman's canteen to his neighbor——
I DISCOVER A COUSIN, EPARGES.
January, 1916.