General Bourgain-Desfeuilles also rode up. This officer, though he
owed his advancement to "influence" was wedded to the antiquated
African routine and had learned nothing by experience, sat his horse
with great composure under the storm of projectiles. He was shouting
to the men and gesticulating wildly, after the manner of Rochas: "They
are coming, they will be here right away, and then we'll let them have
the bayonet!" when he caught sight of General Douay and drew up to his
side.

"Is it true that the marshal is wounded, general?" he asked.

"It is but too true, unfortunately. I received a note from Ducrot only
a few minutes ago, in which he advises me of the fact, and also
notifies me that, by the marshal's appointment, he is in command of
the army."

"Ah! so it is Ducrot who is to have his place! And what are the orders
now?"

The general shook his head sorrowfully. He had felt that the army was
doomed, and for the last twenty-four hours had been strenuously
recommending the occupation of Illy and Saint-Menges in order to keep
a way of retreat open on Mezieres.

"Ducrot will carry out the plan we talked of yesterday: the whole army
is to be concentrated on the plateau of Illy."

And he repeated his previous gesture, as if to say it was too late.

His words were partly inaudible in the roar of the artillery, but