"Wait till I relay this matter."
For a quarter of an hour the airman waited. Finally the operator half turned on his camp chair and made a gesture for him to resume the receiver.
"If you choose to volunteer for such service," came the message, "it is approved. But understand—you are not ordered on such duty."
"I understand. I volunteer."
"Very well. Munitions go to you immediately by automobile. It is expected that the wind will blow from the west by morning. By morning, also, all reserves will arrive in the west salient. What is to be your signal?"
"The carillon from the Nivelle belfry."
"What tune?"
"'La Brabançonne.' If not that, then the tocsin on the great bell, Clovis."
In the tiny café the crippled innkeeper sat, his aged, wistful eyes watching three leather-[pg 220]clad airmen who had been whispering together around a table in the corner all the afternoon.