He went on:
"However, they may be tempted to keep us as a last resource."
But he could not bear this idea, and refuted it himself instantly:
"No, a thousand times no! A bad calculation. All the forces on the spot, and at the right moment! That was what was wanted!"
He interrupted himself again, with beads of perspiration on his forehead ... and suddenly said in a detached tone of voice:
"I say that to you, but I know nothing, nothing. The staffs are the only judges. Are our numbers sufficient? Is our combination assured, and the enemy's compromised?"
An aeroplane passed by. The captain raised his arm:
"Is it that bird that is bringing decisive information?"
"Or the order to attack?" I murmured.