“One day, after the Prussians had pushed the French back close to the village—­this was before the Germans took the village, you understand—­Captain Grivelet had a talk with Marie.

“’Marie, knowing that you are French in your heart and soul, I shall confide certain secrets to you.  Are you willing to serve your country?’

“‘Yes, monsieur le Capitaine.  Always, and with my life, if necessary.’

“’Bravely spoken.  You may do as your judgment dictates about repeating what I shall tell you to the Padre, your uncle.  But for the sake of his safety I should advise that you keep your own secrets.  Such secrecy will not bring dishonor upon you, for it is in behalf of your country.’

“’I understand, monsieur.  You may trust Marie.  She is a loyal French girl and will continue to be so no matter what comes.’

“The captain nodded approvingly.

“’Whether or not we shall be able to hold our lines here seems doubtful.  At least we fear the Prussians, in large force as they are, may temporarily drive us back.  But it will not be for long.  We shall recover our ground.  Even now we are entrenching ourselves to the rear.  When that time comes, Marie, you and the Padre will be in peril, for the French probably will have to shell the village.  We hope it may not come to that.  What I would ask you is, do you and your uncle wish to go to the rear while there is yet time, so you may be safe?’

“’There is reason for believing, monsieur le Capitaine, that Marie may be of use to her beloved France here?’ she questioned.

“‘Yes; that is what I would say.’

“‘It is not necessary to ask, monsieur.’

“’You will understand that it is better that I do not speak to the Padre, your uncle.  You may do so, and you will the better be able to judge how to speak to him, though as I already have advised, for the sake of his safety he should not be involved.  You will not be afraid, Marie?’

“‘No, monsieur.’

“’It is well.  You have seen me go to the cellar, many times, where I store my equipment.  This equipment I shall remove today, but in the cellar you will find—­’

“At this instant a shell landed in the street and exploded with a roar.  It was followed by other shells that swept on to the rear and fell beyond the village.  A bugle somewhere down the street blew insistently.  The captain sprang to his feet.

“’Marie, I shall see you later.  I am called.  You will be prudent and be careful of your life?’

“‘Yes, monsieur.’

“The captain hurried out and that was the last the brave little French girl heard of him for some time afterward.  All day the battle raged and shells fell in the village, many times the Padre’s house being showered with bursting shrapnel and shell splinters.  It was a stout little stone house and withstood this storm of steel, save as now and then a splinter from a shell tore through the blinds and imbedded itself in the wall.