human
Good evening, Corporal! I should like to speak with you a minute! DeLisle cried out cheerfully in English. Max's heart gave a bound. Surely never could the word
gpt
Corporal
human
My Colonel!
gpt
I want to congratulate you on your quick promotion, said DeLisle.
human
It has come to you in spite of your resolution to take no advantage in the beginning over your comrades. I congratulate you on that, too, and on keeping it, now it has turned out so well. I hoped and believed it would be so, though I advised you for your good.
gpt
I know that, my Colonel, answered Max, determined not to presume in speech or act upon his superior officer's kindness.
human
I knew it then.
gpt
It may seem a pitifully small step up, DeLisle went on,
human
He paused for an instant, slightly hesitating, perhaps.
gpt
It is from my daughter. She is in the south, visiting the daughter of an Agha who is very loyal to France as a servant, very loyal to me as a friend. Because of the march last spring, and again this one, now coming (which I expected for this time, and on which I must go myself), I could not have a young girl like Sanda living in Sidi-bel-Abbés. She is happy and interested where she is, and she has not forgotten you. In more than one letter she has wished to be remembered to you, if possible. To-night, Corporal, it _is_ possible, and I'm glad to give the message.
human
I thank you for it, my Colonel, Max said, half ashamed of the deep feeling which his voice betrayed.
gpt
I--wish I might be able to thank Miss DeLisle. It is a great deal to me that she should remember me--my----
human
Your chivalry? It would be impossible to forget, DeLisle took him up crisply. Then he dismissed the subject, as Max felt.
gpt
Tell me, he went on in the same cheerful tone in which he had called out
human
Corporal!
gpt
Are you happy to escape the caserne, and get away to the desert?
human
I should be happy, my Colonel, but for one thing. Have I your permission to tell you what it is?
gpt
Yes, said DeLisle.
human
If I can help you in the matter, I will.
gpt
My Colonel, it's in your power to do me a favour I would repay you for with my life if necessary, though --and Max began to stammer again--
human
You mean Garcia?