36 HORSE, FOOT, AND DRAGOONS. 



the soldiers, excepting those detailed for special duties, was 

 over for the clay. 



Then, as the evening advanced, the cafes filled, the click of 

 billiard balls or the rattle of dominoes on the wooden tables, 

 an occasional song or shout of laughter, were heard. Some of 

 the soldiers were to be seen at the doors of their billets playing 

 with the children, chatting with Madame, or smoking an even- 

 ing pipe with Monsieur. There was no tattoo that night, for 

 it is against regulations to make more noise than absolutely 

 necessary when near the enemy. The patrol goes round, the 





■''■'''^'''' .ryi^i.-vt/i.!' 



last party of merrymakers is turned out of the cafes, and by 

 half-past nine the tired soldiers, from the general down to the 

 lowest teamster, are all in their quarters. 



Several days passed. We had frequent encounters with 

 the enemy, and many interesting events took place. The day 

 after our arrival at Yvetot was one of comparative quiet, and 

 was passed by both parties in tactical formations and recon- 

 noissances. On the following morning we attacked our oppo- 

 nents, but were repulsed, falling back upon Yvetot, and occupy- 



