into town. The villagers set up a great shout, and, running out, the
child recognized the soldiers of her own country. To the commander of
the chasseurs she quickly made known her situation.

"'Monsieur le Capitaine,' she said. 'There are in our house German
soldiers. They are in the cellar. Some of their party have taken my
father away, but the commander and some of his men I have locked in
the cellar.'

"'Bravo!' cried the commander. 'Come, we shall see.'

"'There,' said Gené, pointing to the barricaded trapdoor. 'Hear them
rage. They are furious, as they should be.'"

The officer quickly summoned some of his men to the kitchen, and,
after the trap had been uncovered and thrown open, he bade them
thrust their bayonets into the opening.

"'Come out of that cellar, you Bavarian hounds!' he shouted. 'You are
prisoners!'

"The uproar in the cellar died out instantly. After a brief hesitation
they came out one by one, being disarmed and herded in a corner as
they emerged into the kitchen.

"'Take them away,' commanded the officer.

"'Monsieur le Capitaine,' said Gené, tugging at his sleeve. 'These
soldiers not only have helped themselves to everything in the house,
but they have, as you saw, abused my sick mother and have taken away