At this time Paul's knowledge of French was very limited; but the Marschal de Logis, a petty officer and a Havre pilot named Vodry could speak English after a fashion.

They acted as interpreters for him and gave him instructions in French.

In the few weeks the company was camped near Havre, Paul acquired a little knowledge of the most necessary words and learned thoroughly to understand the commands given in French.

He was instructed in the manual of arms by the Marschal de Logis.

The command from his instructor such as "portez armes," "armes a gauche," "a droit" sounded strangely in Paul's ears.