When Pierre reported to the officer of the day, that busy functionary
consulted the record.

"You are a day ahead of your time, Pierre Duval," he said, frowning
slightly.

"Yes, sir," answered the soldier. "It costs less to be a day ahead than
a day too late."

"That is well," said the officer, smiling in his red beard. "You will
report to-morrow to your regiment at the citadel. You have a new
colonel, but the regiment is busy in the old way."

As Pierre saluted and turned to go out his eye caught the look of a
general officer who stood near, watching. He was a square, alert,
vigorous man, his face bronzed by the suns of many African campaigns,
his eyes full of intelligence, humor, and courage. It was Guillaumat,
the new commander of the Army of Verdun.

"You are prompt, my son," said he, pleasantly, "but you must remember
not to be in a hurry. You have been in hospital. Are you well again?
Nothing broken?"

"Something was broken, my General," responded the soldier, gravely,
"but it is mended."

"Good!" said the general. "Now for the front, to beat the Germans at
their own game. '_We shall get them_.' It may be long, but we shall get
them!"