we and admiration for his
devotion to France, they would exclaim, "What a good child, what a brave
fellow," etc., etc.

Finding that the time for action had arrived, Paul would approach the
farmer and while ringing his hand, would say in broken French: "Cognac
bon, cognac bon." The enthusiastic and sympathetic mistress of the house
would immediately say:

"Ah, the poor boy wants a drop of cognac! Get him some father!" The
reluctant farmer procured a big bottle and a very diminutive glass known
as the "petit verre," which held about a thimbleful. Paul would
congratulate the good dame on her keen perception. At this period
Vodry would generally object saying:

"It is not good to give him cognac as the Americans can not control
themselves when they take liquor."

His objections were over ruled and the farmer presented Paul with a
miserable little glass full to the brim. This Paul insisted that the
matron should drink first and on its being replenished he more
emphatically insisted that the farmer should drink before him. While
the farmer was drinking, Paul generally secured the bottle as if to
relieve him from its charge while drinking. The moment he secured it he
gave a wild whoop and placing it to his lips took a seemingly long
swig, after which he executed a fantastic war dance around the kitchen
to the alarm of the farmer and his worthy family who were only to
glad to see him disappear through the door, Vodry remaining to
remonstrate with them in regard to their folly in having given fire-
water to this untutored child of the forest. He assured them that if he
could procure the liquor he would return it, and then shouldering
his bag of potatoes expressed the most profound sorrow at the
occurrence. He would not proceed far until he was waylaid by Paul who
was concealed in some hedge or dyke and the two conspirators resumed
their way to the camp. That evening Paul's mess enjoyed the much
cherished coffee and cognac so dear to every French heart.

The Gardes Mobiles, a large number of which were in this part of France,
were regiments formed of clerks, lawyers, merchants and other
citizens, many of whom volunteered and were formed into an army to
assist the regulars and Franc-tireurs in repelling the invasion. They
were brave fellows but unsophisticated in the ways of war. They were
well supplied with nice blankets and abundance of provisions as they
were never camped far