my poor father. They have misused us. Please do not let them go until
they have returned my father to our home. If you do not it will kill
my mother, I fear.'

"'We shall do our best, my brave child.'

"'Ah, monsieur le Capitaine, I have an idea. Can you not exchange one
of your prisoners for my father?' questioned the little girl.

"The commander reflected. 'How long have they been gone with him?'

"'Only a short time, sir.'

"'Good. Step forward!' he said sharply to the German officer. The
latter obeyed silently. 'Captain,' said the Frenchman, 'you and your
men have ransacked this house, abused a sick woman and carried away
her husband. A fine business for those who call themselves men. You
deserve to be shot, you and all your hounds. However, I will spare
your life on one condition. It is that the father of this household
shall be set at liberty and returned to his home before nightfall.
Your troops will not be far from here. Who in command?'

"'A captain.'

"'Then one of you will ride and rejoin your detachment--'

"'I will go,' interjected the commander of the dragoons."

[Illustration: A FRENCH DRAGOON DRAGGED HIM IN.]