Fandor was not surprised to see the little priest instinctively act as would a woman.... But, would not a priest, accustomed to wear a cassock, act as a woman would? Fandor realised that, in this instance, the riddle of sex was still unsolved.
Fandor-Vinson began to undress: the priest continued to polish his nails.
"You are not going to bed, Monsieur l'Abbé?"
"Yes, I am."
The ecclesiastic took off his shoes; then his collar. Then he lay down on the bed.
"You will sleep with all your clothes on?" asked Fandor-Vinson.
"Yes, when I have to sleep in a bed I am not accustomed to!... Should I blow out the candle, Corporal?"
"Blow it out, Monsieur l'Abbé."
Fandor felt sure the little priest was a woman disguised. He dare not take off his cassock because he was she!
Wishing his strange companion a good night's rest, Fandor snuggled under the bedclothes. Determined to keep awake and alert, he tried to pass the dark hours by mentally reciting Le Cid!