One day, however, it was announced their turn had come and they could leave. At the thought of seeing France again they were thrilled. They had done their duty and could return home proud——
Quickly they were ready and began the long journey across Germany. Their train was full of grands blessés, miserable beings which the grave did not want and which it was glad to be free of. As Patachon said, "They all look like a lot of wire and rubber——" They were blind, sick, maimed and mad!
There was enough misery in that train, but all were haughty and dignified!
"What a sad air," said Cochin, "this boche country has——"
Rolling along thus during one entire day, the night was broken by very long stops that seemed endless. And these long hours of waiting made them very tired and low spirited; as soon as they started again everyone began to laugh and talk.
As they drew near to the Swiss frontier scarcely could they conceal the joy they felt on leaving this country that was killing them.
At dawn the train arrived at a station all lit up, where, in spite of the early hour, there were great throngs. It is Schaffhouse!
Along the platform Swiss officers and soldiers went to and fro, excited as if they saw Frenchmen for the first time——
"We are in Switzerland, Patachon——"