Page:The ways of war - Kettle - 1917.pdf/228

 remained at her post during an incessant bombardment in charge of a thousand wounded. She fed and cared for them, and saved them, by the calm authority of her manner, from being put to death during the German occupation. Can one read without a thrill of pride and admiration this glorious salute paid by soldiers of France to the heroic nun?

On the recapture of Gerbeviller a squadron of chasseurs halts before the hospital.... The captain asks to see Sister Julie.

"Sister, will you do us a favour? Permit me to parade my soldiers before you."

Prevailing with difficulty over her modesty, the captain has his way. Turning to his squadron, he orders the "Portez lance!"

"Comrades, you remember when we checked the Germans here on August 25th. We saw in this direction huge flames rising up into the heavens. You see what these flames meant....

"Well in the middle of this evacuated village, under the shells and bullets, even after the retreat of our heroic infantry who—one against ten—had held the bridge so long, a woman remained here at the post of charity attending to the wounded, lavishing her care on all. It was Sister Julie.

"The President of the Republic has hung on her breast the Cross of the brave. Salute it!"

So, with swords and lances at the salute, the squadron swept on to battle.