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Altsheler, Joseph A. (Joseph Alexander), 1862-1919

"The Forest of Swords A Story of Paris and the Marne"

"
"But when you fight for us we do. Isn't that so, Mademoiselle Lannes?"
"I think it is."
"War is a curious thing. While it drives people apart it also brings
them together. We learn in battle, and its aftermath, that we're very
much alike. And now, my young Yankee, I'll be here again in two hours to
change that bandage for the last time. I'll be through with you then,
and in another day you can go forward to meet the German shells."
"I prefer to run against a horse's knee," said John with spirit.
Surgeon Lucien Delorme laughed heartily.
"I'm confirmed in my opinion that you won't need me after another change
of bandages," he said. "We've a couple of hundred thousand cases much
worse than yours to tend, and Mademoiselle Lannes will look after you
today. She has watched over you, I understand, because you're a friend
of her brother, the great flying man, Philip Lannes."
"Yes," said John, "that's it, of course."
Julie herself said nothing.
Surgeon Delorme passed through the bar of brilliant light and
disappeared, his place being taken by a gigantic figure with grizzled
hair, and the stern face of the thoughtful peasant, the same Antoine
Picard who had been left as a guardian over the little house beyond the
Seine. John closed his eyes, that is nearly, and caught the glance that
the big man gave to Julie. It was protecting and fatherly, and he knew
that Antoine would answer for her at any time with his life.


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