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 "You see I have not had Pierre for months and he is such a comfort to me. Your proposal took me unawares. I was off my guard. I am tired to-night, General."

"We are all tired," said the general, "but better days are ahead if we endure, and we must. But what do you say about the dog?"

Madame looked straight into the bright, dancing eyes of Pierre and gently caressed his soft ears. Life danced and sparkled in his eyes. It radiated from his splendid body. He tingled and glowed with it. He was sentient, vital, and there was no fear in his splendid eyes.

Should she again let him go into the inferno of war? She knew he was not afraid. She doubted very much if he would quail, even if he knew that death