The last distribution of stores had just taken place—biscuits, haversack rations, and iron rations. Cartridges too, fifteen packets a head; a pretty tough load, in addition to everything else. A lot of men were grousing about where they should put them. The worst of it was that there was some surplus. The company commander who was passing said:
"You're not going to leave those behind, mind!"
I took two extra packets, and Guillaumin four. He remarked:
"This is the most necessary part of your equipment, you chaps, don't you make any mistake about that!"
He had few imitators. Playoust, who was prowling round, jeered.
"For the Bosches? But my dear fellow you won't see any for six weeks!"
It was not at all encouraging. Lamalou happened to turn up, and as an old stager, at once exclaimed:
"Shove one along, and let's 'ave a look!"
He had formerly been in one of the flying columns in Morocco where the replenishment of ammunition was a difficulty. Guillaumin threw him a packet.
"Catch!"
The other caught it in mid air, then another, and[Pg 132] another, five, ten, fifteen. That doubled his load and he went on shouting.
"Another! And another! Just to make 'em dance!"
His example was decisive. Five minutes later there was nothing left of the heap.
"The creature knows how to make himself useful!" I thought. It was a pity he drank so much! He had just got into new and serious trouble. A scandal in a pub, as usual—the officer on rounds had reported him—he had been imprisoned—and the company sergeant-major was innocently congratulating himself upon having got rid of him!
But the captain got him out, and made a point of having a heart-to-heart talk with him. What could he have threatened him with? With leaving him at the dep?t I think. The other had to promise to be good, he reappeared triumphant.
"A regular brick, the Captain."
Ravelli could not get over it.
At two o'clock I began to get ready; we were to start at four. I was fully equipped; nothing was missing. My pockets were stuffed with the endless little necessaries for which there was no room elsewhere: tooth-brush, medicine-case, string, pocket-knife, lighter, electric torch. Bouillon had conscientiously tidied me up and cleaned my equipment. In consideration of what I owed him, I had tipped him ten francs. He hesitated. It was a large sum! I insisted upon his taking it. I did not like being indebted to people.
I was alone in our room. I had just slipped my swollen pack over my shoulder. My water-bottle[Pg 133] was lying on a shelf above me. I reached out my hand to take it. Ugh! it slipped out of my hand, and fell on to the tiles.
Damn—oh, damn. Supposing it leaked!
I ran to a tap and began to fill it.
Yes, there was no doubt about it. It was done for!
I was in despair. Nothing worse could have happened to me. I knew the incomparable value of a few drops of moisture at critical moments. When you are exhausted and choked by the sun and the dust, there is nothing like a drop of water on a piece of sugar, or a thimbleful of rum to revive you. And on a route march too you are sustained by the mere thought that you are carrying with you this source of refreshment. And I who had taken such care, and was so pleased at having this clean well-corked water-bottle.... What odiously bad luck! My whole campaign seemed to me to be poisoned by it....
Bouillon arrived on the scene. Directly I had told him, distractedly, of my misfortune.
"Good heavens!" he said, "that it should 'appen just now! It's far too late to get it soldered!"
I sighed. He looked round the room.
"W'y not sneak one?"
As I shrugged my shoulders. He continued:
"I'll undertake the job if yer like?"
"But how?"
"Oh, I'll get one from someone or other."
"You mustn't touch Guillaumin's things, mind."
"No, 'e's in the section. Wot abaht this one?"
"De Valpic's?"
"All right! Wait a minute!"
"But I say, he...?"
I hesitated.
[Pg 134]
"He would notice it! The cases are marked, look...."
"Don't you go an' worry yerself abaht that now! You've only got to change them! You go an' keep an eye on the door...."
I went and watched the corridor. I was consumed by a lively remorse. But what did it matter! Each one must fend for himself! He would have to get out of the difficulty as best he could. After all there was nothing more usual in the regiment than these sly thefts. Why, someone had relieved me of one of my brushes only the day before yesterday! I ............