“‘How do you know this?’

“’Did I not hear them talking just before I dropped an apple on the head of the Herr Major, the apple that stuck on his helmet and made him very angry?  It was well for Lucien that the Herr Major did not know he threw the apple.  Wait while I laugh, Captain.  No, Lucien did not throw another at the Herr Major.  He saved the next 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 hundred yards and began digging themselves in; in other words, digging temporary trenches.