Here and there anonymous pieces of information or an article, signed by a celebrated writer or politician, were conspicuous--all great successes. It was not my smallest surprise. These people, worthy of their reputation, of their readers, of the Moment! Supple geniuses moving without effort at the zenith of eloquence. Why quote any names? They were superbly-tuned instruments, all vibrating on the same note, taking their part in the pæon, even to a certain divine flute-player, whom I had formerly admired as an artist, without considering him sincere, even without always relishing his disdainful irony--I was struck by the direct, earnest style which he suddenly displayed. I felt my soul thrill in unison with his great soul, which he unveiled with a quiver. De Valpic and I devoured the papers, and handed them on to each other. "Just read that!" I know quite well that we brought the most credulous state of mind to our reading--I was even tempted to upbraid myself with it. The world of the press was well known to me! It was turned on at a word of command. Even in face of all likelihood and reason. Perhaps all the probable sorrows of the hour were being hidden from us. De Valpic read my thoughts: "As long as it goes down...!" he said. It was true enough. They were happy lies to judge by their fruits. If those who traced these lines despaired at heart, all the more honour to them.... Who could thank them enough for the manly assurance they had inscribed on the face of the crowd? Could I not feel the benefit of their encouragement upon myself? My companion looked at his watch. "I must leave you." "Where are you going?" He smiled: "Will you come with me? There is a mass at nine o'clock, just near by." CHAPTER XIV HIGH STRATEGY I was going out into the yard, with my three or four papers spread out in my hand, when I heard myself called. I stopped. It was Captain Ribet. "Newspapers are prohibited!" he said. I was standing at attention. I gazed at him. Was he joking? In peace time, I knew they were not allowed. But to-day! Was it a pet fad of his? Or else were there special instructions? His features relaxed. He continued: "Will you lend me one?" I handed him the whole bundle. "Allow me ..." he said. "Just a glance." He ran through the first page, and was just going to turn over. I made bold to say: "There's nothing so exhilarating as that reading, I consider, sir! I confess I was thinking of letting my men profit by it...." He cut me short: "I understand, I understand you. You're a good sort, Dreher! Two or three of you have turned out to be extraordinarily useful! I was a little bit prejudiced against you young _bourgeois_. I thought you would be selfish, and not care a rap about your work or anything else. I was mistaken." He added: "I wish all your comrades were like you!" I opened my mouth but he stopped me.