"In the flesh," said Bernard. "I came along with my lieutenant; and, when I saw you getting into the motor and taking any one who turned up, you can imagine how I jumped at the chance!" And he added, in a more embarrassed tone, "The chance of doing a good stroke of work, under your orders, and the chance of talking to you, Paul . . . for I've been unlucky so far. . . . I even thought that . . . that you were not as well-disposed to me as I hoped. . . ." "Nonsense," said Paul. "Only I was bothered. . . ." "You mean, about Élisabeth?" "Yes." "I see. All the same, that doesn't explain why there was something between us, a sort of constraint . . ." At that moment, the Alsatian exclaimed: "Lie low there! . . . Uhlans ahead! . . ." A patrol came trotting down a cross-road, turning the corner of a wood. He shouted to them, as the car passed: "Clear out, Kameraden! Fast as you can! The French are coming!" Paul took advantage of the incident not to answer his brother-in-law. He had forced the pace; and the motor was now thundering along, scaling the hills and shooting down them like a meteor. The enemy detachments became more numerous. The Alsatian called out to them or else by means of signs incited them to beat an immediate retreat. "It's the funniest thing to see," he said, laughing. "They're all galloping behind us like mad." And he added, "I warn you, sergeant, that at this rate we shall dash right into Corvigny. Is that what you want to do?" "No," replied Paul, "we'll stop when the town's in sight." "And, if we're surrounded?" "By whom? In any case, these bands of fugitives won't be able to oppose our return." Bernard d'Andeville spoke: "Paul," he said, "I don't believe you're thinking of returning." "You're quite right. Are you afraid?" "Oh, what an ugly word!" But presently Paul went on, in a gentler voice: "I'm sorry you came, Bernard." "Is the danger greater for me than for you and the others?" "No." "Then do me the honor not to be sorry." Still standing up and leaning over the sergeant, the Alsatian pointed with his hand: "That spire straight ahead, behind the trees, is Corvigny. I calculate that, by slanting up the hills on the left, we ought to be able to see what's happening in the town." "We shall see much better by going inside," Paul remarked. "Only it's a big risk . . . especially for you, Alsatian. If they take you prisoner, they'll shoot you. Shall I put you down this side of Corvigny?" "You haven't studied my face, sergeant." The road was now running parallel with the railway. Soon, the first houses of the outskirts came in sight. A few soldiers appeared. "Not a word to these," Paul ordered. "It won't do to startle them . . . or they'll take us from behind at the critical moment." He recognized the station and saw that it was strongly held. Spiked helmets were coming and going along the avenues that led to the town.