M. Dubuis replied:
“No, monsieur.”
The German resumed:
“You might go and buy some for me when the train stops.”
And he began laughing afresh as he added:
“I'll give you the price of a drink.”
The train whistled, and slackened its pace. They passed a station that had been burned down; and then they stopped altogether.
The German opened the carriage door, and, catching M. Dubuis by the arm, said:
“Go and do what I told you—quick, quick!”
A Prussian detachment occupied the station. Other soldiers were standing behind wooden gratings, looking on. The engine was getting up steam before starting off again. Then M. Dubuis hurriedly jumped on the platform, and, in spite of the warnings of the station master, dashed into the adjoining compartment.