I explained that they were neighbors and acquaintances only.
"Well," he said, "I can only repeat what I said to you this morning--I
think you are safe here. But for God's sake, don't give it to them as
coming from me. I can assure your personal safety, but I cannot take
the whole village on my conscience." I told him that I would not quote
him.
All this time he had been searching in a letter-case, and finally
selected an envelope from which he removed the letter, passing me the
empty cover.
"I want you," he said, "to write me a letter--that address will always
reach me. I shall be anxious to know how you came through, and every
one of these boys will be interested. You have given them the only
happy day they have had since they left home. As for me--if I live--I
shall some time come back to see you. Good-bye and good luck." And he
wheeled his horse and rode up the hill, his boys marching behind him;
and at the turn of the road they all looked back and I waved my hand,
and I don't mind telling you that I nodded to the French girls at the
gate and got into the house as quickly as I could--and wiped my eyes.
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