“The Prussians had reached a point on the west bank of the River R——­, a narrow stream some distance back and to the left of the battle front.  On the right side of the river, a few miles from it, was the little village in which Francois lived.  A detachment of French infantry had arrived at the town, having come there on word that the Germans were threatening the village.

“‘Where are the Prussians?’ demanded the captain of the mayor.  He was eager to get at them.

“’On the other side of the river.  Other French detachments have driven them away twice, but each time the Boches return.  We have not seen them here in several days now,’ the mayor informed him.

“’I must know their exact location and the size of their force.  I cannot send one of my own soldiers.  Have you a man in the village who can pass the lines and obtain the information I seek?’

“‘I fear there are none, sir,’ replied the mayor.

“Francis, who had been an eager listener to this conversation, stepped forward at this juncture.

“‘I will go, monsieur le Capitaine,’ he said.

“‘Ah!  You know where they are?’

“‘No, sir, but I know the country for many miles.’

“’But the Germans will catch you, and if they do you will be shot.  I cannot permit one so young as you are to sacrifice himself.’

“Francois smiled.  ’I have a grandmother living in the other village and she is sick.  Should a lad not be permitted to visit his grandmother who is ill?’ he asked.

“The French captain saw the point and smiled.  ’Go, then, if you will, but be careful.  If you succeed you truly will be a hero, my lad.’

“‘Francois will find the Boches,’ was the boy’s confident reply.

“Without waiting for the captain to change his mind the lad set out and was soon out of sight of the village.  Reaching the river, he crept along the bank until he found the bridge he was looking for.  Over this he crawled on hands and knees, and, reaching the other side of the river, he dodged along until he came to the village where the Prussians were supposed to be.  Francois halted at a farmhouse where he was known.  The farmer’s wife was feeding the pigs, and she did not see him until he said: 

“‘Where are the Boches?’

“‘Francois!  What do you here?’ she exclaimed.

“‘I come to see my grandmother.  But I see none of the enemy.’

“’Unhappy child, there are thousands of them over yonder.  Do not go on, I beg of you.  You surely will be shot.’

“‘I go to see my grandmother.  Good day, madame.’  Francois plodded on across the fields in the direction indicated by the farmer’s wife.  Suddenly he saw a troop of Prussian cavalry approaching him at a gallop.

“‘Halt!’ commanded the captain of the troop when they drew up near the boy.  ‘What do you here?’

“‘Walking, sir.  I go to see my grandmother who is ill.’