fashion that little Remi did. Remi, of course, ran away to follow the
army, which, perhaps, was not wrong in view of the fact that he had no
relatives at home. With Jean it was different, for he had a mother,"
said Captain Favor, resuming his story telling.

"A detachment of French soldiers had been stationed in this boy's home
town, and the lad, by many little acts, had endeared himself to them
very much.

"One day the detachment received orders to leave. Jean begged that
they might take him along, but the soldiers advised him to remain at
home because he was too young to go to war. 'Go ask your mother,' said
a young lieutenant, 'and if she says "yes" I shall not see you if you
should follow us.'

"Jean, most grateful for the suggestion, ran home and burst, in upon
his mother excitedly.

"'The lieutenant says I may go if you say "yes." Say "yes," mother. I
want to be a soldier.'

"'I do not understand what you mean, my son,' answered the child's
mother.

"'I mean I wish to go to war; I wish to help my beloved France.
Believe me, mother, though I am but a lad I can do much, oh, so much.
And Jean shall be so very careful that he may come back to his home,
and who knows but that he may some day come back a big, big general or
something like that.'