"They will cross the frontier in an hour from now, supported by two regiments of infantry."
"What!"
"That's what I sent my cyclists to tell you. Get to the Col du Diable as fast as you can."
"My men are there, major. As soon as the enemy arrives, we will fall back, keeping in touch with them as we do so."
"No."
"Eh? But I can't do otherwise, I have only my company."
"You must stand your ground, Daspry. You must stand your ground for two hours and a half or three hours. My battalion has just left barracks. The 28th are following us by forced marches. We shall be at the frontier by two o'clock in the afternoon. You must stand your ground."
"But I say, major!"
"You must stand your ground, Daspry."
With a mechanical movement, the officer drew himself up, brought his heels together and replied: