The Children of France | Page 8

savings.
This purse was presented to the child by the captain, in the presence of
all his officers and many of his soldiers.
"Mathilde's eyes were bright. She held the bag of money in her arms
for a moment, then, kissing it, placed it in the hands of the captain.
"'And I, monsieur le Capitaine, give it to our beloved France. She needs
it more than does the Little Mathilde, and with it Mathilde sends her
love to the brave poilus of her beautiful France.'"
CHAPTER IV
FRANCOIS OUTWITS THE PRUSSIANS
"This morning I shall tell you what little Francois did to the Germans,
as well as what the Germans did to Francois," began Captain Favor at a
following sitting on the lawn. "Joe, you will be thrilled when you hear
the story of the desperate chances this little French boy of twelve took
for his country.
"He, like all of his youthful friends, was a noble fellow and a hero,
quick-witted and very bright. You would soon learn, were you in
France, how keen and clever these French children are. Their wits have
been greatly sharpened since the war began. But to our story--.
"The Prussians had reached a point on the west bank of the River R----,
a narrow stream some distance back and to the left of the battle front.
On the right side of the river, a few miles from it, was the little village
in which Francois lived. A detachment of French infantry had arrived at
the town, having come there on word that the Germans were
threatening the village.
"'Where are the Prussians?' demanded the captain of the mayor. He was
eager to get at them.
"'On the other side of the river. Other French detachments have driven

them away twice, but each time the Boches return. We have not seen
them here in several days now,' the mayor informed him.
"'I must know their exact location and the size of their force. I cannot
send one of my own soldiers. Have you a man in the village who can
pass the lines and obtain the information I seek?'
"'I fear there are none, sir,' replied the mayor.
"Francis, who had been an eager listener to this conversation, stepped
forward at this juncture.
"'I will go, monsieur le Capitaine,' he said.
"'Ah! You know where they are?'
"'No, sir, but I know the country for many miles.'
"'But the Germans will catch you, and if they do you will be shot. I
cannot permit one so young as you are to sacrifice himself.'
"Francois smiled. 'I have a grandmother living in the other village and
she is sick. Should a lad not be permitted to visit his grandmother who
is ill?' he asked.
"The French captain saw the point and smiled. 'Go, then, if you will,
but be careful. If you succeed you truly will be a hero, my lad.'
"'Francois will find the Boches,' was the boy's confident reply.
"Without waiting for the captain to change his mind the lad set out and
was soon out of sight of the village. Reaching the river, he crept along
the bank until he found the bridge he was looking for. Over this he
crawled on hands and knees, and, reaching the other side of the river,
he dodged along until he came to the village where the Prussians were
supposed to be. Francois halted at a farmhouse where he was known.
The farmer's wife was feeding the pigs, and she did not see him until he
said:

"'Where are the Boches?'
"'Francois! What do you here?' she exclaimed.
"'I come to see my grandmother. But I see none of the enemy.'
"'Unhappy child, there are thousands of them over yonder. Do not go
on, I beg of you. You surely will be shot.'
"'I go to see my grandmother. Good day, madame.' Francois plodded on
across the fields in the direction indicated by the farmer's wife.
Suddenly he saw a troop of Prussian cavalry approaching him at a
gallop.
"'Halt!' commanded the captain of the troop when they drew up near
the boy. 'What do you here?'
"'Walking, sir. I go to see my grandmother who is ill.'
"The Prussian laughed. 'Do you not know that the villagers have been
ordered to remain at home and that he who disobeys this order will be
shot?' questioned the commander, sternly.
"'Ah, sir, that is well for the grown men and women, but for children
who go to see their sick grandmothers--'
"'The order is for all. About face! March! You will be shot for your
disobedience.'
"'But I must see my grandmother,' insisted the lad. 'She is ill, I tell you.'
"Two soldiers swung him about and marched him to their camp. As he
neared the camp he