"Lucien hung his head. The officer jerked him to his feet.

"'Answer me! What were you doing up in that tree? Spying on us, eh?'

"'No, monsieur l'Officer, I am a Frenchman. Frenchmen do not spy on
their own people.'

"'That is true. But how do I know you are not spying on us just the
same, for the Germans have been here?'

"'Yes, monsieur le Capitaine, they have been here. See, they have
spoiled my beautiful home. I lived there with the farmer for whom I
worked--sometimes.'

"'Where were you when the Germans came?'

"'Up in the top of the apple tree. I always climb a tree when I am
scared. I saw them coming and I hid myself, and I saw them when they
beat in the windows and the door and carried away the food and tried
to burn down the house. I shall fight them some day for that.'

"'Hm-m-m-m,' mused the officer. It was his idea that Lucien was not so
stupid as he appeared.

"'Yes, monsieur, I saw them and I wish to see them again. Shall you go
and fight the Boches?'

"'Of course, when we catch them. How long since they were here?'