"Henri easily found his way to the commander's headquarters and
delivered the letter intended for him.

"'You are going further?' questioned the officer.

"'Yes, sir. I have other orders to deliver.'

"'You had better watch closely that you are not captured,' warned the
commander. 'The country through which you go is full of Prussians, and
they are ugly. Be cautious.'

"Assuring the officer that he would use due caution, Henri went on his
way, apparently without a care in the world. He was a most innocent
appearing boy and it would be keen eyes indeed that would suspect him
of being other than what he appeared, an irresponsible child.

"Henri now began to see German uniforms on all sides. They were
increasing in numbers.

"'Henri never will get through, this with his letter,' grumbled the
lad. 'I must act while there is yet time.' Crouching down and
watching the Prussians a few moments, he finally drew the remaining
letter from his blouse; he read it carefully several times, read it
until he had memorized every word of it. Having done this, the child
tore the letter in bits and, munching them thoroughly, calmly
swallowed them with a great gulp.

"'Ugh!' he grunted, making a wry face. 'That is not pleasant food, but
if the Boches can read the letter now their eyes are sharp indeed.