"It has a festal sound and uplifts the heart," said Lacrisse.
"Like the sound of bells," said Madame Worms-Clavelin.
"You are a true Frenchwoman, Madame," said the General. "Every word you utter breathes the purest patriotism."
It was four o'clock. The General could not stay a minute longer. Fortunately in "the thirty horse-power" he would reach his brigade in no time.
With the young baron, Lacrisse and the chauffeur he entered the car, and once again passed beneath his triumphal arch.
In forty minutes he was at Saint-Luchaire. But his escort was not there. In vain the four motorists looked for Captain Varnot. The village was deserted. Not a soldier to be found. A butcher was passing in his cart. They asked him where Decuir's division was: he replied:
"Try the Cagny road. Just now I heard firing in the direction of Cagny, and it was loud too, I can assure you."
"Cagny, where is that?" inquired the General.
"Don't you trouble, I know," said the Baron. "I will drive you there."
