That night Uncle Sam and Jim made eloquent use of all the French they knew as they sat about the camp-fire, and told the story of Pierre and Pierrette to their comrades in arms.  Not only did they tell of their finding the spies and saving the camp from destruction, but of their Father, wounded at the Marne, of their experience in the Cathedral at Rheims, and of all they had suffered there, and especially of their plucky Mother whose spirit no misfortune could break.  And when they had finished the tale, the men gave such a hearty cheer for the whole Meraut family that it was heard in the village a mile away, though no one there had the least idea what the noise was about.

The next day Uncle Sam and Jim appeared in Fontanelle and told the story of the spies to the Doctor and Mademoiselle, and then they held a long private conference with Mother Meraut.  The children were on pins and needles to know what they were talking about, and why Mother Meraut looked so happy afterward, but she only shook her head when they begged her to tell them, and said, “Someday you’ll find out.”

Two days later an orderly rode into the Chateau gate on horseback, and inquired for Pierre and Pierrette Meraut.  At the moment he arrived the Twins were feeding the rabbits, but they came running to the gate when their Mother called them, and the orderly handed them an envelope with their names on it in large letters.  The Twins were so excited they could hardly wait to know what was inside.  They had never before received a letter.  Their Mother opened it and read the contents to the astonished children.  This was the note:—­

“The Commandant and men of the Foreign Legion request the pleasure of the company of Pierre and Pierrette Meraut, and of all the people of Fontanelle at a birthday party to be held at Camp (of course the exact name of the camp has to be left out on account of the Censor) “on July 14th at 4 o’clock in the afternoon.  R. S. V. P.”

The eyes of Pierre and Pierrette almost popped out of their heads with surprise.  “Why, Mother,” they cried, “that’s our birthday!  And it’s Bastille Day too!  Do you suppose it is the birthday of the Com- mandant also?”

“Maybe,” said their Mother, smiling.  “Anyway it is the birthday of our dear France.”

The orderly smiled, too, and touched his hat.  “Is there an answer?” he asked.

“There will be,” said Mother Meraut, “but first the others must be told.”

The Twins ran with their wonderful letter to the dispensary and told the Doctor.  Then they found Mademoiselle, who, with Kathleen’s assistance, was putting a new tire on one wheel of the truck.  They found Louise mending a chicken-coop, and Mary and Martha sorting supplies in the storeroom.  They found all the other people of the village, some in the garden and some working elsewhere, and every single one said they should be delighted to go.

“Now,” said Mademoiselle, when they returned to her and reported, “you must write your acceptance.”