M.
Guynemer no longer hesitated to speak, adding that the period of rest he
advised was in the very interest of his son's service. "You need
strengthening; you have done too much. If you should go on, you would be
in great danger of falling below yourself, or not really being
yourself."
"Father, war is nothing else. One must pull on, even if the rope should
threaten to snap."
It was the first time that M. Guynemer had given undisguised advice, and
he urged his point.
"Why not stop awhile? Your record is pretty good; you might form younger
pilots, and in time go back to your squadron."
"Yes, and people would say that, hoping for no more distinctions, I have
given up fighting."
"What does it matter? Let people talk, and when you reappear in better
condition they will understand. You know I never gave you a word of
advice which the whole world could not hear. I always helped you, and
you always found the most disinterested approval here in your home. But
you will admit that human strength has its limits."
"Yes," Georges interposed, "a limit which we must endeavor to leave
behind.
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