All the rest of the night passed without incident——
At daybreak I brought my workers and patrols back to Ornes, all satisfied with the work accomplished. On reaching the cantonment I said to them:
"Mes enfants, you have done well to-night and I am very much pleased with you——"
One of the poilus I had known for a long time, replied:
"Can I ask you a favor, lieutenant?"
"Certainly."
"Since you are pleased with us, we all would like to have god-mothers!"
"It is understood—you will have them!"
That is how the squad from Ornes got a very serious contingent of god-mothers to the great happiness of my poilus, who received that winter woolen socks and warm slippers!