General Vaugirard was whistling, and John's heart gave a jump of joy.

He did not in the least doubt de Rougemont's assertion that an answer to the problem had been found.
General Vaugirard whistled to himself softly and happily.

Then he said twice, and in very clear tones: "Ah, well, such is life!" He began to whistle again, stopped in a moment or two and called to de Rougemont, with whom he talked a while.
"We're to march once more in a half-hour," said de Rougemont, when he returned to John and his comrades.

"It must be a great converging movement in which time is worth everything.

At least, General Vaugirard thinks so, and he has a plan to get us into the very front of the action." "I hope so," said John.