ay his wires so as
not to attract attention.

The boys could admire any deed of daring that was meant to further the
cause of a soldier's heart; but to plot to blow up a whole staff in such
a treacherous way was something that could only originate in a
disordered mind, and filled them with horror.

"Now tell me who you are, and what brings you here at such a time, when
France is bleeding from ten thousand wounds, and Paris has only been
saved as through a miracle?"

It was, of course, the general who asked this. He was looking into the
expressive face of Rod while speaking, and perhaps unconsciously saying
to himself that if his oldest boy ever grew up to be such a manly
looking young fellow as this American cousin he would be contented; for
that was usually the way Rod impressed those whom he met.

Rod was just about to answer and explain as briefly as possible, for he
knew how valuable time must be with this brave officer, when something
interrupted him.

A number of men were passing and carrying a stretcher upon which lay one
of their number. Rod guessed that this must be the hero of the battle
when he saw every officer make a salute that could only stand for his
appreciation toward valor beyond all parallel.

"That's the man who threw the bomb that saved the ford!" said Josh to
Hanky Panky, as the little procession drew near.

Evidently the wounded man had received attention at the hands of the
field surgeon, and was now about to be placed in an ambulance and taken
to Paris with an escort of honor to guard him. Nothing could be too good
for him in the opinion of those who had observed his daring deed.

The general laid his hand on Rod's arm.

"Come," he said kindly, "it seems that you too witnessed the wonderful
feat performed by this hero of heroes. Perhaps you would be glad to say
you had taken his hand when you return to your native country. I am
pleased to say he will undoubtedly live to receive the honors that a
grateful France is ready to shower on his head."

"Thank you, Monsieur le General," said Rod warmly; "I speak for my
comrades as well when I say we would esteem it an honor to meet him; and
we also hope and pray he may live to see victory come to France."

Accompanying the general, they advanced toward the party with the
stretcher. The attendants had halted at a signal from the
commander-in-chief, and set their burden down. Rod saw the face of the
man who had dared all to save his fellows.