Sometimes
they received an order on the houses in the poorer part of the town and
again in the most aristocratic mansions. As a general rule, when a
billet carried by two war-worn Franc-tireurs was presented at the door
of a chateau, the proprietor would gracefully excuse himself with many
suave and flattering expressions. He would present the soldiers with two
francs each and request them to get a room at the hotel, at the same
time expressing regret at his inability to oblige the gallant
defenders of Le Belle France. His house was just then filled by the
unexpected arrival of some relatives. Feigning sorrow at being deprived
of the supreme honor of sleeping under his roof, the Franc-tireurs
would make their adieux. As the door closed they kicked each other for
joy because they had obtained what they appreciated more than a nice
soft bed. They could sleep as soundly in any of the parks or on the lee
side of hogsheads, or on bales of cotton on the quay, after they had
enjoyed spending the proceeds of the "billet de logement." The army was
now quickly disbanded and Paul found himself once more a citizen. He
still retained his uniform, for without it he would have been devoid of
clothing.
At this time the Communes were causing the government great trouble in
Paris and regiment after regiment was being hurried thither.
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