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