"'Yes, monsieur.'

"'If you do not truthfully answer all my questions, you and all the
rest will be shot.'

"'I do not fear you, sir. I will answer you well.'

"'Good. Then tell me, are there any French soldiers here?'

"'There are none here, sir.'

"'Neither here nor elsewhere in the village?'

"'There are none here, as I have said. I know not whether there are
any in the village or not, for I have not seen any since a detachment
passed through here two days ago.'

"'Is this the truth?'

"She looked at the officer with an expression of amazement that he
should doubt her word.

"'Come, I will show you; I will prove to you that what I say is the
truth.'

"'It is well,' answered the Prussian officer, now reassured. 'We will
pass on. It is good that you have not lied to us, child,' he said.
'It were better if all the French were so truthful, but, alas, they
are not. Forward!'