And he began laughing afresh, as he added:
"I'll let you have the price of a drink."
The train whistled, and slackened its pace. They had reached the station which had been burnt down; and here there was a regular stop.
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 looking on from behind wooden gratings. The engine was already getting up steam in order to start 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.
He was alone! He tore open his waistcoat, so rapidly did his heart beat, and, panting for breath, he wiped the perspiration off his forehead.
The train drew up at another station. And suddenly the officer appeared at the carriage-door, and jumped in, followed close behind by the two Englishmen, who were impelled by curiosity. The German sat facing the Frenchman, and, laughing still, said: