I too was orderedto the almighty
presence.
No, with soap, corrected the sergeant
seriously.
But nothing was said as to what was to be done if
the stranger didreply. Their next train meanthospital and death. Genuine feeling was
unknown in the Legion. What an ordinary soldier was supposed to do to satisfy his
physicaldesires seemed to me a problem. These and similar propositions were made to
me by the dozen. Andthe plain is treeless like the Campagna. As this was the only
photographer in thetown there was nothing to do about it.
No return to barracks was madefor a little thing
like that.
Why didnt you go to the exercises
to-day?
As this was the only photographer in thetown there
was nothing to do about it.
The Germans in the Legion were a disloyal lot. He
received no medicines, no reprieve from duties orexercises, just as if he were well.
The Arab baths were always full, the French baths mostly empty. Only the five and
ten-francbills were really safe; they were Algerian Government notes.
It depended on himself and the goodwill of
thesergeant.
The sergeantwould come first, and then an officer
for the inspection.
And yet thesepeople were indescribably rude to the
soldiers. The murdered man is buried, the murderer must notbe found
out.
No questionswere supposed to be asked, and, if
asked, the answers were notexpected to be truthful.
The little Corsican corporal made love to awidow
who had a beautiful daughter. They will tryto get everything you have away from you.
Only the five and ten-francbills were really safe; they were Algerian Government
notes. Weheard later he was condemned to only fifteen days prison, but wenever saw
him again.
After he had been in the Legion sometime he fell
ill, was taken to the hospital, and died.
There was no small coin in circulation; chits,
issued by differenttradespeople, took its place.