ried back to the rest billet and thence to a hospital.
Everywhere the story of the boy's heroism had preceded him.

"One day as he lay in his cot, now well on the road to recovery, some
officers, guided by an orderly, entered the ward where he lay and
halted at his cot. The officer in charge of the party, who proved to
be a general, made a little speech to the wounded boy, then pinned the
Cross of War on his breast and finished by kissing him on both cheeks.

"Mattia had won his reward, and though he would never fight again, he
was a happy boy. He had served his country well and had bled for her
and had won an honor that comes to few."

CHAPTER XIII

MARIE THE COURAGEOUS

"The Padre and his little niece, an orphan of twelve, lived on the
outskirts of a French village that had been taken by the Germans,"
began Captain Favor, resuming his story telling for the children.

"Marie, for that was her name, was a patriot if there ever was one.
Every fibre of her being was for France, and one could see the fires
of patriotism flaming in her eyes. That is the sort of patriotism,
Joe, that no fear of death can dim."

Joe Funk nodded approvingly. His own patriotism had been stirred by
these tales of the heroism of the children of France.

"While the French were in possession of the village in the early days
of the war, an officer of that army made his headquarters with the
Padre and his niece," continued Captain Favor. "He became very fond of
the child. Captain Grivelet was his name and, recognizing in Marie a
true patriot, he had explained many things to her about the war, so
that, for a child so young, Marie was able to form a very clear idea
of the situation of the two armies.

"There were, of course, many army secrets of which Captain Grivelet
never spoke. He, too, was a patriot, you see, as he should be. Having
asked permission to store some of his personal equipment in the
Padre's cellar, they thought nothing of his going down there
frequently. Now and then Marie was certain she heard him talking to
some one down there.

"One day, after the Prussians had pushed the French back close to the
village--this was before the Germans took the village, you
understand--Captain Grivelet had a talk with Marie.

"'Marie, knowing that you are French in your heart and soul, I shall
confide certain secrets to you. Are you willing to serve your
country?'

"'Yes, monsieur le Capitaine. Always, and with my life, if necess