As he breathed it young Scott felt that he was inhaling new life and strength.
But the wind also brought upon its edge that far faint murmur which he knew was the throbbing of the great guns, miles and miles away.
"Perhaps, Monsieur had better lie down again now and sleep awhile," said Picard insinuatingly.
"Sleep! I need sleep! Why, Picard, by your own account I've just awakened from a sleep four days and four nights long." "But, sir, that was not sleep.

It was the stupor of unconsciousness.
Now your sleep will be easy and natural." "Very well," said John, who had really begun to feel a little weary, "I'll go to sleep, since, in a way, you order it, but if Mademoiselle Julie Lannes should happen to pass my cot again, will you kindly wake me up ?" "If possible, sir," said Picard, the faintest smile passing over his iron features, and forced to be content with that reply, John soon slept again.

Julie passed by him twice, but Picard did not awaken him, nor try.

The first time she was alone.

Trained and educated like most young French girls, she had seen little of the world until she was projected into the very heart of it by an immense and appalling war.