For over four years Europe had been a battlefield for the nations of the world. The conflict was less between nations than between two principles: The right of kings to govern through armies, and the right of people to govern themselves by law and justice. When the fate of the world seemed in doubt, America turned the scale for right and justice.
A day or two after the great armistice news, Black Mayo went with the Village young folks to the Old Sterling Mine; they were all curious to see the scene of Anne and Dick’s perilous adventure.
“I wish Albert had come with us,� said David.
“He preferred to stay at home,� said Mr. Osborne. “Naturally he feels badly about his uncle’s arrest; the fellow’ll probably have a long term in a federal prison.�
“What’ll become of Albert?� asked Anne.
“Oh, he’ll get on all right. He’s a good little American,� replied Mr. Osborne. He did not say that he and his wife were planning to adopt the little fellow who had endeared himself to them both.
“Our boys will be coming back soon,� rejoiced David.
“Those who are left of them,� Anne said soberly.
Alas! there was a gold star for Mrs. Hight’s son William, and Jeff Spencer was still missing. But the other Village boys would have honorable discharges, and Fayett Mallett was bringing back a Croix de Guerre.
“If only I had been older——� David began enviously.