I give up the struggle and stagger away to see the lieutenant.
"Mon lieutenant, I feel ill and can scarcely stand."
"Yes, that's very evident."
"Do you think there will be anything of importance happening to-day?"
"I don't think so; the company is now in reserve. Remain here. You may go down to the hospital shortly."
I lie down again in a corner, on a pile of stones, which seems as soft as eider-down, so great is my fatigue. By candle-light my companions rapidly equip and arm themselves. Reymond and Verrier, Maxence and Jacquard, disappear; I have not even the strength to call after them au revoir! Henriot and Varlet grasp me by the hand.
"Come now, old fellow, you're not dead yet."
"I feel very near it."
"You'll soon be all right. See you again shortly."