keep the tears back when she realized that already her father may have
been shot.

"It was late in the afternoon, darkness was just falling, when Gené
heard some one approaching. By the clanking sound she knew it was one
of the chasseurs, and her heart sank within her.

"The captain of the French detachment entered and halted at the door.
She searched his face and what she saw there caused Gené to utter a
little cry of joy.

"'Here,' said the officer, 'is what you have been waiting for. Here is
the father whose life you have saved. What I have done for you was
only my duty; what you have done for France is immeasurable. I salute
you, daughter of France!'

"With that the captain thrust Gené's father into the room, saluted and
strode out to join his company, who were guarding the captured
Bavarians."




CHAPTER X

A LITTLE SOLDIER OF MERCY


"Jean is the name of the hero of whom I shall tell you today. He was
only twelve, and he joined the army, unofficially, something after the