He had a rather vulgar type of face and a complexion that was too red; but his frank eyes and his gaiety of manner made him exceedingly attractive. He began to laugh:
"To show his gratitude, Duvauchel promised me, this morning, to turn his back on the enemy, at the first shot, and to desert.... He has a chauffeur's place reserved for him in Switzerland.... And, as Duvauchel says, 'There's nothing like a French greaser.'... Hullo!... Ah, at last!... Hullo! Captain Daspry speaking.... I want the military post at Noirmont.... Yes, at once, please.... Hullo!... Is that Noirmont? The military post? I want Major Dutreuil.... Switch me on to him.... It's urgent."
Captain Daspry ceased. Instinctively, Philippe took up the other receiver:
"May I?"
"Oh, certainly!..."
And Philippe heard the following dialogue, with its swift and anxious questions and answers:
"Is that you, Daspry?"
"Yes, major."
"Did the cyclists catch you up?"