General Vaugirard was walking up and down, his hands clasped behind his back, and whistling softly.

His huge figure looked yet more huge outlined against the flames.

He heard the tread of the two young men and looking up recognized John instantly.
"Risen from the dead!" he exclaimed with warmth, clasping the young man's hand in his own gigantic palm.

"I had despaired of ever seeing you again! There are so many more gallant lads whom I will certainly never see! Ah, well, such is life! The roll of our brave young dead is long, very long!" He reclasped his hands behind his back and walking up and down began to whistle again softly.

His emotion over the holocaust had passed, and once more he was the general planning for victory.