authorized so to do, to confer upon you the cross of war, given only
to men of proved heroism. Remi, I decorate you with this cross,' said
the colonel, stepping forward and pinning the medal to the little
soldier's breast, his aides standing at attention during the
impressive ceremony. 'Wear it with honor, my son, for our beloved
country.'

"The colonel then kissed the child on both cheeks.

"And Remi the bold, very pale and trembling, stammered his thanks, sat
down heavily, and, burying his face in his hands, burst into tears."




CHAPTER III

THE HEROINE OF FORT MONTERE


"I've been thinking about that boy Remi," said Joe Funk next day when
the children had gathered on the lawn to listen to another story. "Of
course, I know he was a hero, but wasn't he something of a baby to sit
down and cry like that?"

"Are you a baby, Joe?"

"'Course I'm not."

"Very good. You were wiping a tear out of the corner of one eye when I