And until I stop the Germans I can't take the time to eat."
"Isn't supper so important that you'll quit your round of play?
Don't you want to eat the shortcake mother made for you to-day?"
Then I asked him, but he answered as he shook his little head:
"I don't dare to stop for shortcake, if I do they'll kill me dead!
When I drive them from their trenches, then to supper I'll come in,
But I mustn't stop a minute, 'cause this war I've got to win."
I left him in his battle, left him there to end his play,
For he'd taught to me a lesson that is needed much to-day;
Not the lure of cake could turn him from the work he had to do;