held to settle the constitution of the corps, and a
quiet gray had been chosen which looked neat and workmanlike by the
side of many of the picturesque but inappropriate costumes, selected by
the majority of the Franc-tireurs. They had already had three days'
drill and had learned to form from line into column and from column into
line, to advance as skirmishers and to rally on the centres of the
companies. They now marched out through the gates and were first taught
to load the chassepots which had been bought by a general subscription
in the schools, and then spent the morning in practising, and
skirmishing, and advancing and retreating in alternate files.

When they were formed up again the old colonel said, "You are getting on
well, men. Two more mornings' work and we will go out and complete our
lessons in the face of the enemy."

When dismissed at the end of the third day, they were told to bring next
morning, the gray greatcoats and blankets that formed part of their
uniform. "Let each man bring with him three days' provisions in his
bag," the colonel said, "ammunition will be served out to you and you
will soon learn how to use it to advantage."

CHAPTER VIII.

M. Goude grumbled much when he heard that his whole class were going to
be absent for three days.

"A nice interruption to study," he said, "however, you were none of you
doing yourselves any good, and you may as well be out in the fields as
hanging about the streets gossiping. We can always talk, but during the
past six weeks Paris has done nothing but talk. Don't come back with any
of your number short. You have all got something in you and are too good
for food for Prussian powder."

Cuthbert went that evening to the Michauds, in his uniform, not for the
purpose of showing it off, but because men in plain clothes, especially
if of fair complexions, were constantly stopped and accused of being
German spies, were often ill-treated, and not unfrequently had to pass a
night in the cells before they could prove their identity. Mary gave an
exclamation of surprise at seeing him so attired, but made no remark
until after chatting for half an hour with the Michauds. The husband
presently made the excuse that he had to attend a meeting and went off,
while madame took up some knitting, settled herself in an easy chair,
and prepared for a quiet doze, then Mary said in English--

"I have no patience with you, Cuthbert, taking part with these foolis