THE IRREVERENT POILU.
_March_, 1917.
An élite Division was _au repos_[29] in a pretty little village on the
Meuse where the houses are gray and from where one can hear the cannon
at Verdun, like a spring thunderstorm.
General Pétain has gone to spend a few hours with these heroes,
accompanied by my worthy comrade de Buisseret.
[Illustration: The mud in Fumin-wood (Verdun)]
The brave _poilus_ do not permit themselves the pleasures of complete
inactivity. Whatever spot they may find themselves in, they organize
and "dig themselves in" as if they must remain for the rest of their
lives!
A _poilu_ is working arduously over a little board hut. He has running
around him two of his "loves," small pigs, plump and rosy. It is
understood they will be eaten, but not before the squad finds them
completely "_à point_."[30] While waiting it is necessary to keep them
in a shelter and our _poilu_ will quickly finish the sumptuous dwelling
for his favorites.
My comrade, busy looking around while awaiting the general, becomes
interested in the conscientious labors of the man----
"Is it for them you are working?"
"Yes, captain, I am making them a wonderful P.C."
THE GENDARMES' SOUP.
_March_, 1917.
I return from Fort Douaumont and am worn out. An automobile is coming
to meet me at Galavaude Bridge and I am waiting for it----
The gendarmes guarding the approaches to the bridge notice that I am
fatigued. They approach me, asking if I would not like to sit down.
"Did not someone ask you if Captain Capart had returned?"
"No, captain. Wouldn't you like to come in our home where it will be
more agreeable than in the road?"
I entered the home of the gendarmes. On the table, which had been set,
several covers had been laid with infinite care. A pot of steaming soup
simmered over a smouldering fire----
"Oh!--soup!" I cried, sniffing the air----
"If we dared, captain, we would be happy, very happy, if you would ask
for a plate--or better--two plates----"
On saying these words, he lifted the lid of the kettle on the fire;
then with a ladle filled the soup plate full to the brim----
The soup was excellent!