were only too glad to emerge with the others from the
close, steamy air of the factory into the coolness of the outdoor world.
Down by the river's bank they unpacked their luncheon, a royal feast,
for Madame Bretton had sent enough food for both hungry boys. They were
in jubilant spirits.

"If I had a line with some silk-gut on it I might perhaps land a trout,"
said Pierre mischievously.

Henri shook his head.

"There are no fish in this stream, because the waste from the mill flows
into it. But some day in the spring, when I have a holiday, I can show
you a brook up in the hills where you can catch as many trout as you
like--silk-gut or no silk-gut," he said.

[Illustration: A ROYAL FEAST]

"There are fishing-holes at Bellerivre, too," retorted Pierre proudly.
"Why should you not make the next visit? You could then see my mother
and my sister Marie; and I could show you our silk-house."

The sounding of the whistle cut short further conversation and warned
the boys that their day together was at an end. Henri had to go back to
the mill and resume work at his machine from which the kindly foreman
had released him in the morning; and Pierre must take his train home.

But what a perfect day it had been!

As the engine hurried him toward Bellerivre Pierre busied himself
thinking how much he would have to tell his mother and Marie. The
village was reached almost before he realized it, and as he descended
from the train he was surprised to find Monsieur le Cure standing on the
platform to greet him.

The face of the priest was pale, and with apprehension Pierre made his
way toward him.

"My son!" was all the old man could say.

Instantly Pierre knew.

"You have bad news, Father," he cried quickly. "It is from the war. Tell
me! Do not fear. I am no longer a child."

Trembling, the kindly friend put a hand on the boy's shoulder.

"It came this morning--the message," he said. "I did not tell your
mother, but waited for you. There has been another great battle and----"

"My father?"

"He is missing, Pierre."

"And Uncle Jacques?"

"He will come no more, my son. He has given his life for France."

[Illustration]

CHAPTER XIII

PIERRE TAKES THE HELM

Silently Pierre received the news. He neither trembled nor cried out. In
a vague way he realized that ever since that day long ago when Henri St.
Amant had first presented this possibility to his mind he had
unconsciously been bracing himself to m