He stood tall and erect in his grey, close-fitting uniform, looking curiously about him. The plastron of the tunic, or ulanka, was piped with yellow, and bore the galons and the heraldic buttons of a Feldwebel. The shoulder strap bore the number 3; the boots and belt were of tan-colored leather; all metal work was mat-silver; spurs, saber, were oxidized; and the oddly shaped helmet, surmounted by the mortar board, was covered with a brown holland slip bearing the regimental number.
The children had become deathly silent, staring with wide and frightened eyes upon these tall intruders; the Sisters of Charity stood motionless, calm, level-eyed; Warner, wondering why the Uhlans had entered the school, had drawn Sister Eila's arm through his, and remained beside her watching the Germans with undisturbed curiosity and professional interest. Afterward his well-known picture of the incident was bought by the French Government.
The Wachtmeister in charge of the peloton turned to him with a sort of insolent civility.
"Wie viel Kilometer ist es bis Ausone?" he inquired.
Warner made no reply.
"Wie heisst dieser Ort?" The Wachtmeister had raised his voice insolently.
"Saïs," replied Warner carelessly.
"Sind hier deutsche Truppen durchmarschiert?"
Warner remained silent.
"Sind deutsche Truppen im Walde?"