Perinaud, who had dismounted, was standing and speaking with an air of respect and precision to a mounted officer. The latter turned as Aylmer and his companions approached, and the former could barely restrain a start of consternation and surprise. For a deep, flaming groove dinted the man's forehead from temple to temple, while the hand which he raised in salute was one huge scar from knuckles to wrist. His brown eyes inspected Aylmer with friendly attention.
"At your service, _mon Capitaine_," he said. "Sergeant Perinaud has explained your needs."
Aylmer began to express his thanks. The other nodded pleasantly and gave an order. From the rear an ambulance was trotted forward: a gray-moustached doctor in uniform swung himself from his saddle and bent over Rattier, who was still unconscious.
"Loss of blood," he said laconically. "He has a gash two fingers deep behind the shoulder. Severe, but not serious--with care. We will see to him."
The officer nodded again. He looked at Aylmer.
Aylmer made a gesture towards the forest and the distant uplands.
"With your leave, we will continue our--investigations, Major," he said.
"The forest, _mon ami_? We, do you see, have confined our operations so far to the plough lands, the open. I have no store of experience to draw upon for your advice. You will be pioneers. I shall hope to have the benefit of your experience on your return. Maillot is my name, Monsieur, and I hope to have the pleasure of seeing you at the headquarters of my regiment outside the Fedallah Gate. For the moment, then, _au revoir_!"
He smiled cheerfully, saluted, and gave an order. The tramp and jingle of the march were renewed. The dust cloud began to form again where it had settled, and the Tirailleurs swung off seawards with the elastic step which those who wear the _godillot_ acquire, and which makes them the envy of their colleagues in the regulars who are doomed to the precise lacing of the _soulier_. Perinaud made a gesture of admiration, as with Aylmer and his half score of Goumiers he watched them go.
"Monsieur has seen the bravest man and the finest leader of all the troops of France," he remarked.
"But certainly the major, Monsieur. He needs no medals to prove what he is and where he has been. His deeds are witnessed on his brow and hands."