terested her was the massing of German troops in the forest to the
west of the village. She heard of this through a conversation between
two officers. There also was great activity behind the lines. There
the Germans were building entrenchments, which she could plainly see
from the windows of her home.

"The child knew that what she had observed was important, but just how
important, of course, she could not know.

"Promptly at ten o'clock that night, after the Padre had gone fast
asleep, Marie hastened to the cellar and again called over the
telephone. Captain Grivelet was quickly summoned.

"'It is the little Marie speaking,' she called excitedly.

"'My brave child,' answered the captain. 'I knew you would find the
way. We are defeated, but not for long, for the French are being
reinforced and are angry. Can you safely go out into the street
tomorrow and then let me know what they are doing?'

"'I already have been out, monsieur le Capitaine, and I have seen.'

"'I beg of you to be careful. You are in great peril. If the Boches
discover that you are in communication with us they will shoot you.'

"'I fear them not. But I must hasten. Listen!' Marie then told the
captain all that she had learned, interrupted frequently by
exclamations of approval from the officer at the other end.

"'Wait!' she called. 'Hold, for I hear movement above.'

"A few minutes later Marie returned to the telephone. 'Down in the
middle of the village are many soldiers. I know not why they are
gathering there, but I think perhaps they may be going to shoot some
of our noble Frenchmen.'

"'Down by the square?' questioned the captain.

"'Yes.'

"'Put away your telephone and go to the floor above. Watch the square
and you shall see what the French gunners can do. The people are in
their houses?'

"'Yes, monsieur, they dare not go out at night. It is forbidden.'

"'Good! Do as I have directed, and go no more to the telephone until
tomorrow night at this time, unless something of importance develops,
then call for me. I shall leave orders to be summoned immediately.'

"Not fully understanding what the captain was about to do, the child
hastened upstairs and, opening the door slightly, peered down the
street.

"It was at this moment that a giant shell from a French battery
exploded fairly in the middle of the square, with a terrific shock and
roar. It was followed by several other heavy explosions. Then silence
settled over the nig