"I hope you won't get into serious trouble," said the Alsatian.
"Not at all," chimed in the Spaniard; "he'll get off, but there must be no more drinking out of hours."
"I will take care of that," said Giulia; "will you tell your companies?" They promised to do so, and we three went away, I in the centre without belt or bayonet, and Giulia followed, after locking the door of my room. When we came before the commandant one of the escort took off my kepi. The adjutant was present, looking as stiff and unimpressionable as a block of wood. When the accusation was read out I was asked if I had anything to say. I replied that I had not. The commandant considered and considered and considered. He walked up and down for a few moments, then stood still for a second or two, and resumed his walk. After about five minutes he said:
"You are young, you have the military medal; I do not like to punish you." Here the adjutant interposed and asked permission to make a statement. When this was granted, he raked up the whole story of the quarrel at Three Fountains, as if everyone did not know about it. He laid stress upon the fact that I had been one of the ringleaders in that affair, and ended by asking was such an one as I fit to look after a canteen. Then the commandant said:
"When you came first to the battalion there was a sergeant-major in every company, and I could not find a place for you. Most commandants would have made you simple sergeant of a section. Will you now consent to give up one chevron and become sergeant? If you do, I will say no more about this affair." I jumped at the offer, the more readily as nothing was said about taking me from the society of Giulia.
"Very well," said the commandant; "present yourself here to-morrow morning with only one chevron on your sleeve."
My kepi, belt and bayonet were returned to me. Having put them on, I saluted and walked away a free man again.
Giulia was waiting for me a short distance off. I told her all about the matter as we walked towards my quarters. When we arrived there I said:
"Get your scissors and cut off the chevron."
"No, no," she cried; "I will never cut it off."