"Number 49," said Morhange in a tone scarcely more than
a whisper. "Lieutenant Woodhouse, born at Liverpool, September 16, 1870. Died at Ahaggar, October 4, 1895."
"Hardly more than a child," said M. Le Mesge.
"Number 48," I said. "Lieutenant Louis de Maillefeu, born at Provins, the...."
I did not finish. My voice choked.
Louis de Maillefeu, my best friend, the friend of my childhood and of Saint-Cyr.... I looked at him and recognized him under the metallic coating. Louis de Maillefeu!
I laid my forehead against the cold wall and, with shaking shoulders, began to sob.
I heard the muffled voice of Morhange speaking to the Professor:
"Sir, this has lasted long enough. Let us make an end of it."
"He wanted to know," said M. Le Mesge. "What am I to do?"