The boche general turned crimson because he had misunderstood de Marnac and when the latter had spoken of "cut suspenders" he certainly imagined some enormous thing---- He showed by his nervousness the lack of linguistic knowledge he possessed. He called an interpreter and it was explained to him. He found then that the reason for the truce was very decent and his face flushed with pleasure. During all this scene the little girl, who incessantly busied herself about the table and who had not lost a word, bit her lips to keep from giggling. Dinner over, de Marnac requested of the German general that he be allowed to retire. He got up and the general charged him with a thousand pleasant sentiments for me---- At the moment when he stepped out the door the little girl was lying in wait for him and whispered in his ear: "We count on you for Victory!" * * * * * On leaving the German general's headquarters, his eyes were bandaged and he and his bugler were led back into our lines. Having reached his post, he made out a complete report of what had taken place and forwarded it to me by the usual channels. Judge my astonishment on reading the pamphlet, I cried: "They are absolutely crazy, both of them? Ought to be put in a strait jacket." Then, I thought immediately of the scandal this story would stir up and the consequences which would follow. I was absolutely astounded. After having reflected for some time, I sent this report to General Sarrail--without comment, naturally, and then I awaited the tempest. The storm broke!--Sarrail got me on the telephone and called me a lot of pretty names. He was furious, and I swear he had reason---- "Your _protégé_ is doing nicely, I compliment you!----" "Yes, general, he is completely crazy----" "You will have that fellow executed immediately----" "You forget the story of the trousers, general----" "It was a fine idea of yours to appoint him sub-lieutenant, I compliment you----" "There is also the story of the trousers, general----" * * * * * General Sarrail sent Sub-Lieutenant de Marnac's report to great headquarters. Major Petit and de Marnac were arrested immediately and things were going entirely wrong---- I was able, nevertheless, to save the young fool, by repeating this: "Yes, but there is the story of the trousers!" Finally, Petit and de Marnac were given thirty days confinement, and I commenced to breathe. You believe my story to be ended? Not at all! The most important episode was not long in coming, to my very great confusion. January 1, 1915, at the break of day and in the same sector that the foregoing events transpired, a German lieutenant advanced toward our lines with a white flag and a bugler. The officer carried an immense package under his arm, which was wrapped in pasteboard. They bandaged the eyes of both and led them into our lines.