Bumpus smiled broadly. It gave him a thrill to know that this grim monk understood the weakness of boys so well.
“Not so very, sir,” he hastened to say; “though I was just wondering whether I’d get any breakfast this morning. It’s awful kind of you to mention it, and I think I’ll accept the invitation, if you don’t mind.”
“Come with us,” said the tall Brother; “our fare is simple, but there is always plenty for any wayfarer who may happen along. And afterwards, I myself will set you on the right road that perhaps may take you once more to your comrades.”
Cheerfully did Bumpus trail along after the two monks to the “refrectory,” where the members of the Order gathered to partake of their simple repast. He mentally shook hands with himself because of the wonderful luck that seemed to have taken charge of his fortunes; for surely things could hardly have come about more happily if he had personally shaped his destiny.
CHAPTER XIV
BACK TO THE FIRING LINE
Gathered in a long, low-ceilinged room Bumpus found the other monks assembled. Upon a long deal table, destitute of cloth and other garnishings such as he was accustomed to seeing in his own well-ordered home of plenty, the American lad discovered a number of bowls of steaming gruel. There was bread in plenty, besides, and his friend who could speak English bade him take a vacant seat, where he could partake of the humble fare to his heart’s content.
It was simple enough, but, to a hungry boy, quite appetizing; and Bumpus showed no hesitation about “pitching in.” Meanwhile, as the other Brothers were fairly consumed with curiosity concerning the appearance of a strange lad in their midst, the tall monk commenced to repeat the story told by Bumpus.
Evidently all of the Brothers were intensely interested. The devotion which the boy had shown with regard to his invalid mother made them cast many benevolent glances toward Bumpus as the story proceeded. And a little later, when the edge had been taken off the guest’s appetite, he was asked further questions.
To the surprise and delight of Bumpus these touched upon the meaning of the uniform he wore; and presently he found that considerable interest was taken in the calling of the Boy Scouts of America.
It was true they had scouts in France, as in England and Germany, but always in these European countries the organization hinged upon military necessities. And when these men of peace learned how such is not the case over in America, and that scouts there only strive to be of use to their fellows, as well as build up their own moral characters, they were wonderfully pleased.