t one for
monsieur le Capitaine.'

"'See here, child, do you know this country well?' demanded the French
Captain.

"'Yes, monsieur, I know it well, as well as I know my own pocket, and
I wait only for an opportunity to serve you and my country.'

"'Well spoken. My son, the opportunity is at hand. From what you tell
me I take it that the Germans went toward the forest yonder where the
road from Etain passes. Is that right?'

"'Yes, monsieur, the big road from Verdun. But there is still another
road to Etain. It follows along the woods to the left near the river.'

"'So?' The officer consulted a map. 'You speak truly. I thank you, my
son. Now, would you like to lead us, to show us the way?'

"'Yes, monsieur.'

"'What if we are surprised by the Germans--what will you do in that
event?'

"'I shall climb a tree,' replied the lad promptly. 'I do not fear the
Boches so long as there are trees to climb.'

"This caused a great laugh, but the officer was satisfied that Lucien
could do all and more than he had promised.

"'You shall show us the way,' he decided, and ordered his men to fall
in and proceed. They passed through the village, which they now
observed had been much abused by the Prussians, and on out into the
country, with the lad marching beside the captain with a swagger that
amused all who saw him.

"'See, the road is there to the left,' finally said the little guide.
It leads to the bridge which we shall cross and take a short cut in
that way. Thus, my officer, we may reach Etain before the Boches do.'

"'That will be fine,' said the captain.

"'Yes, monsieur. But what if the Boches should change their mind and
wait for us? Surely you will not blame the little Lucien? He cannot
read the mind of a Boche when the Boche is out of sight.'

"'No, we shall not blame you. You have told us well and we are
grateful, but what you say gives me a thought. We shall halt and send
out scouts.'

"This was done immediately. A short distance ahead of them were a
number of farm buildings. Trees were scattered all about, giving
plenty of shade, which the troops were quick to take advantage of.

"A scout came running back toward the resting detachment.

"'The Prussians are coming!' he shouted.

"Lucien made a mad dash for a tree nearby, up which he shinned and hid
far up in the foliage. There were brief smiles, but the soldiers had
other things to think of at that moment. The French moved forward
about five hundr