In a quarter of an hour some twenty yards of leaden gutter pipe were brought to the Major.
Then, with innumerable prudent precautions, he had a little round hole bored in the edge of the trap-door, and having laid out an aqueduct from the pump to this opening, announced with an air of satisfaction: "We are going to give these German gentlemen something to drink." A wild cheer of admiration burst forth, followed by shouts of delight and roars of laughter. The Major organized gangs of workers, who were to be employed in relays of five minutes. Then he commanded: "Pump!"
And the iron handle having been put in motion, a little sound rustled along the pipes and slipped into the cellar, falling from step to step with the tinkle of a waterfall, suggestive of rocks and little red fishes.
They waited.
An hour passed; then two, then three.
The Major walked about the kitchen in a fever, putting his ear to the floor from time to time, trying to guess what the enemy was doing and whether it would soon capitulate.
The enemy was moving now. Sounds of rattling, of speaking, of splashing, could be heard. Then towards eight in the morning a voice issued from the grating: "I want to speak to the French officer."
Lavigne answered from the window, without putting out his head too far: "Do you surrender?"
"I surrender."
"Then pass out your guns."
A weapon was immediately seen to appear out of the hole and fall into the snow; then a second, a third—all; and the same voice declared "I have no more. Make haste. I am drowned."
The Major commanded: "Stop."
And the handle of the pump fell motionless.
"The six Germans were seen issuing forth."
Then, having filled the kitchen with soldiers, all standing armed, he slowly lifted the trap-door.
Six drenched heads appeared, six fair heads with long light hair, and the six Germans were seen issuing forth one by one, shivering, dripping, scared.
They were seized and bound. Then, as a surprise was apprehended, the troops set out in two parties, one in charge of the prisoners, the other in charge of Maloison, on a mattress, carried on poles.
Rethel was entered in triumph.
M. Lavigne received a decoration for having taken prisoner a Prussian advance-guard; and the fat baker had the military medal for wounds received in face of the enemy.
