A Marine Fusilier conceived the drôle idea of unscrewing from one of the abandoned coaches in Nieuport one of these little notices that the railroad company places under each window to warn travelers of the dangers of poking their heads out. The little enameled sign had been nailed by him on a plank in one of the first-line traverses, where one could read, with profit, this notice:
"It is dangerous to stick your head out here!"
RICHARD'S GOD-MOTHER, ON THE YSER.
August, 1915.
"Listen, Richard, a pretty marquise has requested that I find her a god-son! Do you want to be elected?
"You are a husky lad like all the Marine Fusiliers, your behavior was good at Steenstraat, you are also good-looking, in short you have all the required attributes that go to make up a perfect god-son."
"With pleasure, lieutenant, thanks——"
"In that case I will take your photograph immediately, in the midst of your comrades, so that I can send one to your god-mother. She will be carried away! I forgot to tell you that the Marquise de R—— is charming and you will be spoiled as no one else——"
Some days after I sent Richard the picture which he slipped in a letter addressed to his god-mother—a very nice letter and well written.
A few days later the young chap told me that he was going on his vacation.