Summary

Mathilde opens a package given to her by Esperanza. It contains a list of the prisoners’ given names, hometowns, and military class; a picture of them; and the letters each had written to loved ones on January 6, 1917. Kleber Bouqet, Eskimo, had written to his friend Louis Teyssier and had asked Louis to speak to Vero, Kleber’s lover, on his behalf. He wanted Vero to know that he was sorry about the fight that they had had, and he wanted her to have the money he had left with Louis for safekeeping. He reminisced about good times with Louis and told Louis he had made up with his friend, Biscuit. Francis Gaignare, Six-Soux, wrote to his wife, Therese. His letter is simply full of love for his wife and two daughters. The letter that makes the least sense is the one from Benoit Notre-Dame...