The half-hour seemed a very long one to Roy.
“Eh bien, a little slower—oui—but we are nearly there, and M’sieu will be able to rest. At night-fall we shall start again, refreshed.”
“Will you come with me still? Jean, you are a good fellow!” gasped Roy.
“If I can see Monsieur safe off French ground, then I will let ces Messieurs know at Verdun, and it will gladden their hearts.”
“But what made you think of it? Did you come to Bitche only to see your friend?”
“M’sieu will not ask too many questions. No one at Bitche knew that we were friends. If M’sieu should be re-taken, it is well that he should know nothing.”
“You don’t think I’d betray you, Jean!”
“Non. But for the sake of M’sieu himself——”
“And I hope I’m not going to be re-taken.”
“The good God grant it, M’sieu.”