Since we are attacked, we must be united in our defensive." The carpenter, who was also anti-clerical, was now showing a more generous tolerance, an amplitude of ideas that embraced all mankind.

The day before he had met at the administration office a Reservist who was just leaving to join his regiment.

At a glance he saw that this man was a priest.
"I am a carpenter," he had said to him, by way of introduction, "and you, comrade, are working in the churches ?" He employed this figure of speech in order that the priest might not suspect him of anything offensive.

The two had clasped hands.
"I do not take much stock in the clerical cowl," Robert explained to Desnoyers.

"For some time I have not been on friendly terms with religion.