"I wish all your comrades were like you!"
I opened my mouth but he stopped me.
"I know what I'm talking about. I'm quite well aware of it. Look here, only this morning I had a talk with Descroix and Humel. I've warned them of one thing, and that is, that if during the first engagement their men flinch.... Ah! I'm not going to stand any nonsense! It'll be a case of summary justice, I can tell you!"
I put in a few words on Humel's behalf.
"Yes, he's getting himself in hand again, since he's had something to do with you others!"
Bless the man! Nothing escaped him. He continued:
"As for Playoust, nothing on earth will induce me to have him in my firing-line again. I'm going to arrange to have him sent to the ammunition-train, but I shall warn them to keep an eye on him there!"
I said nothing as I felt slightly embarrassed. It was certainly the first time that the company commander had lingered in tête-à-tête with one of his N.C. O's. Ravelli, who was a few yards off, must think I was getting a wigging. I tried to escape.
"Stop a minute," said Ribet, "if I'm not boring you...."
He smiled.