They stopped in front of the hotel, and Valmond, motioning to the garcon, gave him an order.

The old sergeant stood silent, his eyes full fixed upon Valmond.

In a moment the boy came out with the drum.

Valmond took it, and, holding it in his hands, said softly: "Soldier of the Old Guard, here is a drum of France." Without a word the old man took the drum, his fingers trembling as he fastened it to his belt.

When the sticks were in his hand, all trembling ceased, and his hands became steady.