The meal progressed as all meals do when young American soldiers are eating in a French home, with much misunderstanding as to the exact meaning of the things that are said in the French and English languages. Gabrielle laughed over their funny way of talking her native language and tried to help matters by using her only stock and store of English, which was represented by the words “yes” and “finish.” “I want some water myself,” admitted Jimmy, after finishing his meal, “but I’m scared to ask for it after last night.” “I’ll ask her,” volunteered Neil. “Gabrielle,” he called. She answered with a big, wonderful smile and came over to him. “_Donnay mwa_ glass _de low_,” was Neil’s way of telling her his want. Gabrielle looked helplessly at the empty dishes. A little frown of perplexity showed on her forehead. Gradually the frown was camouflaged by a spreading smile of understanding light. “Oh, finish?” she asked him. “Great Lord, ’ain’t she got wonderful blue eyes!” ejaculated Neil. “Some of these peasant girls are sure the darb. Wish I could _parley_ her talk.” “I’ll get that water myself,” said Jimmy, rising. He found a glass and went outside to look for a pump. Gabrielle watched him smilingly, wishing that she could comprehend the wants of the big, good-natured American boys with whom she found it so easy to make friends. “’Ain’t been over long, have you?” asked Neil of O. D. as Jimmy disappeared through the doorway. “Just about two months. Spent all my time down at the replacement camps waiting to be sent to some outfit.” “Well, you are gettin’ in with a darn good outfit and Jimmy’s a great guy for a friend. He’ll show you ’round the front.” “Guess I’ll feel kind of funny going up there with all you fellows that are used to it,” said O. D. “Not at all; you’ll never know the difference. Two or three days and you’ll think you’ve been there all your life. After a month you’ll hardly ever know you used to live in a house back in the States. Gets in your blood. Just like the mud up there gets all over you. Make friends with the cooties. Then you’re all set,” explained Neil. “Jerk aloose from that table and let two good men _monjay_,” shouted Pop Rigney and Joyce, pushing their door open and making for what was left in one of the dishes. [Illustration: “MAKE FRIENDS WITH THE COOTIES. THEN YOU’RE ALL SET”] “Meet Jimmy’s friend, O. D. This is Pop Rigney, the oldest man in this man’s army, and the other fellow is Joyce, our supply sergeant.” The men shook hands all around and sat down. “I got that water. Had to walk almost a mile to find it,” said Jimmy, entering. “Well, Rigney, you old bald-headed monkey, you got up, eh? Guess Joyce’s mess-hound appetite did it. Well, you can _monjay_ what I left.” Rigney and Joyce got enough by accepting odds and ends. When they finished it was agreed that the party move on and catch the outfit. “_Combien, Gabrielle?_” asked Jimmy.