words: I escape.

A couple of hours later Laflamme rose from a hammock in his hut, and
leant over the young lad, who was sleeping. He touched him gently.

The lad waked: "Yes, yes, monsieur."

"I am going away, my friend."

"To escape like Carbourd?"

"Yes, I hope, like Carbourd."

"May I not go also, monsieur? I am not afraid."

"No, lad. If there must be death one is enough. You must stay.
Good-bye."

"You will see my mother? She is old, and she grieves."

"Yes, I will see your mother. And more; you shall be free. I will see
to that. Be patient, little comrade. Nay, nay, hush! . . . No,
thanks. Adieu!" He put his hands on the lad's shoulder and kissed his
forehead.

"I wish I had died at the Barricades. But, yes, I will be brave--be sure
of that."

"You shall not die--you shall live in France, which is better. Once
more, adieu!" Laflamme passed out. It was raining. He knew that if