"You remain with me, gentlemen," I told them. "Make your men form fours and file out."
"Right! Fours! March!"
When the last four passed out—the whole of the idiots leaving their rifles and bayonets in the yard, of course—I ordered "Halt," and with the eight specimens of Hunnish officerdom swinging behind me in step, moved deliberately to the head of the column.
The enemy being now disarmed, I could afford a little more bluff; besides, through an extraordinary piece of luck, there were just enough survivors of my platoon left to make up the exact regulation number for a prisoners' escort.
"Quick march!" I ordered.
Off we moved, the Captain by my side, the lieutenants following respectfully three paces behind.
On the way towards the bridge, I thought I detected from the corner of my eye the Hauptmann giving me, once or twice, a sidelong glance. I pretended, however, not to see, looking steadily in front, watching anxiously for my supports. Here they are! The Colonel has caught sight of us and is advancing rapidly at the head of the battalion.
I heaved a deep sigh, which did not escape the Captain's attention, for he turned to me inquiringly.
"Allow me to introduce you to my commanding officer," I said, with a graceful smile, the full irony of which he probably did not fathom.
I do not think that particular Bavarian has made out to this day how it all came to pass. Let him try and tackle the mystery on the sunny Mediterranean shore, where chivalrous France affords captive officers ample and comfortable leisure.