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two non-commissioned officers. There was a momentary undulating movement. Then the column proceeded at the double down the slope that led to the Etang-des-Moines. And, when the last ranks had filed off below the terrace, two officers appeared, followed by a bugler. One of the two sprang briskly from his horse, flung the reins to the bugler and ran up the staircase, shouting: "I'll be with you presently, Fabregues.... Meet me in the Col du Diable.... Take up your position at Saboureux's Farm." On reaching the terrace, he raised his hand to his cap: "Can I see M. Morestal, please?" Philippe stepped forward: "My father is laid up, captain." The officer was obviously affected by the news: "Oh!" he said. "I was relying on M. Morestal. I have had the pleasure of making his acquaintance and he spoke to me of the Old Mill.... I now see what he meant. The position is really excellent. But, for the moment, monsieur, would you mind?... I know you are on the telephone here and I have an urgent message.... Excuse me ... it is such a serious time...." Philippe took him to the telephone. The officer pressed the button impatiently and, as he did not receive a reply at once, turned round: "Meanwhile, allow me to introduce myself ... Captain Daspry.... I met your father in connection with a rather funny incident, the slaughter of Farmer Saboureux's fowls.... Hullo! Hullo! Gad, how difficult it is to get put on!... Hullo! Hullo!... I even shocked M. Morestal by refusing to punish the culprit, one Duvauchel, an incorrigible anti-militarist.... An excuse like that would just have served the beggar's turn...." He had a rather vulgar type of face and a complexion that was too red; but his frank eyes and his gaiety of manner made him exceedingly attractive. He began to laugh: "To show his gratitude, Duvauchel promised me, this morning, to turn his back on the enemy, at the first shot, and to desert.... He has a chauffeur's place reserved for him in Switzerland.... And, as Duvauchel says, 'There's nothing like a French greaser.'... Hullo!... Ah, at last!... Hullo! Captain Daspry speaking.... I want the military post at Noirmont.... Yes, at once, please.... Hullo!... Is that Noirmont? The military post? I want Major Dutreuil.... Switch me on to him.... It's urgent." Captain Daspry ceased. Instinctively, Philippe took up the other receiver: "May I?" "Oh, certainly!..." And Philippe heard the following dialogu
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