CHAPTER XII

THE HERO OF THE GUNS


"The patriotism of nearly all these children of France is something
that you boys and girls cannot fully understand. No one can unless he
has seen it displayed, as I have, in many instances," said Captain
Favor.

"For instance, there is a little story of 'The Hero of the Guns,' as
he was called. His name was Mattia, and though only twelve years old,
he was determined to go to war and fight for France. This boy had only
his mother left, his two brothers being already in the war and his
father having fallen a victim to the Prussians when they raided the
village in which Mattia's parents then lived.

"For a long time the lad had been studying a map of France until he
possessed a very clear idea of the territory held by the Germans, as
well as that where his countrymen were fighting. He talked over these
things with the old men of the village and learned much from them.

"One day when he thought he knew the country well enough, this little
patriot ran away from home and was well on his way to join his
brothers when his absence was discovered.

"Mattia's mother appealed to the police but it was not until the