Because I am too old, they said.

Think of it! I, Antoine Picard, could take two of these little officers and crush them to death at once in my arms! There is not in all this army a man who could walk farther than I can! There is not one who could lift the wheel of a cannon out of the mud more quickly than I can, and they would not take me! What do a few years mean ?" "Nothing in your case, Antoine, but they'll take you, later on.

Never fear.

Before this war is over every country in it will need all the men it can get, whether old or young." "I fear that it is so," said the gigantic peasant, a shadow crossing his stern face, "but, sir, one thing is decided.

France, the France of the Revolution, the France that belongs to its people, will not fall." John looked at him with a new interest.