Ruth wondered at his quiet, yet forceful, manner. The corporal stood back, thankful to have the disagreeable duty taken out of his hands. And the American girl wondered, too, at the respect Monsieur Lafrane had shown this French officer. Had he saluted the uniform, or was Major Marchand a very important personage? Her brain was in a whirl of doubt.
CHAPTER XIV
MORE SACRIFICES THAN ONE
Monsieur Lafrane had stepped out of the automobile, although the wagon had now been backed so that the car could have easily passed. Its engine was still throbbing.
Ruth Fielding was giving her full attention to the little scene at the hencoop.
The tall, handsome major in his beautiful uniform made little impression upon the old woman. She backed away from him, pressing closer to the lathe coop.
"No, no! I will not come. My pullets—they will starve," she reiterated endlessly.
"But the Germans may be coming," the major said patiently. "They will kill your pullets and eat them."
"They did not do so before when they came," she shrieked. "I do not believe they are coming. These wicked Americans want my pullets. That is what it is! I will not!"