I sent at once for three of my friends, explained my difficulty, and asked them to accompany me. I told my butler to be ready, as well as my other manservant, and my mother’s footman. He, in his turn, invited his younger brother, who was a priest and who was very willing to go with us. We all set off in a railway omnibus. There were seventeen of us in all, and only nine who were really traveling. Our eight protectors were not too many, for they were not human beings who were taking tickets, but wild beasts, haunted by fear, and spurred on by a desire to escape. These brutes saw nothing but the little ticket office, the door leading to the train, and then the train which would insure their escape. The presence of the young priest was a great help to us, for his religious character made people refrain sometimes from blows. When once all my people were installed in the compartment which had been reserved for them, they waved their farewells, threw kisses, and the train started. A shudder of terror then ran through me, for I suddenly felt so absolutely alone. It was the first time I had been separated from the little child who was dearer to me than the whole world. Two arms were then thrown affectionately round me, and a voice murmured: “My dear Sarah, why did you not go, too? You are so delicate. Will you be able to bear the solitude without the dear child?” It was Mme. Guérard, who had arrived too late to kiss the boy, but was there now to comfort the mother. I gave way to my despair, regretting that I had sent him away. And yet, as I said to myself, there might be fighting in Paris! The idea never for an instant occurred to me that I might have gone away with him. I thought that I might be of some use in Paris. Of some use, but in what way? This I did not know. The idea seemed stupid, but nevertheless that was my idea. It seemed to me that everyone who was well ought to stay in Paris. In spite of my weakness I felt that I was well, and with reason, as I proved later on. I therefore stayed, not knowing at all what I was going to do. CHAPTER XI I ESTABLISH MY WAR HOSPITAL For some days I was perfectly dazed, missing the usual life around me, and missing the affection of those I loved. The defense, however, was being organized, and I decided to use my strength and intelligence in tending the wounded. The question was where could we install an _ambulance_? The Odéon Theater had closed its doors, but I moved heaven and earth to get permission to organize an _ambulance_ at the Odéon, and, thanks to Emile de Girardin and Duquesnel, my wish was granted. I went to the War Office and made my declaration, and my request and my offers were accepted for a military _ambulance_. The next difficulty was that I wanted food. I wrote a line to the Prefect of Police. A military courier arrived very soon after my letter, bringing me a note from the prefect, containing the following lines: