Courtesy of "Ill. London News."
A Russian lad, 14 years old, full member of a gun crew, which saw much action.
"'Shoot the Frenchman, you!' he said. 'That will make you a good German.'
"The boy took the gun, pointed it at the French sergeant, then wheeled suddenly and fired point-blank at the German commander, who fell dead. So," said the peasant slowly, "they first tortured my nephew and then killed him. After that they set fire to the house and burned alive the wounded man inside. My sister escaped from the burning house and told me the story last night."[11]
"And she?"
"She went mad early this morning and drowned herself in the river. Do you think I would let fear stop me from revenge?"
No more was said. They filed out of the farmhouse, creeping through the forest down the steep slopes to the river below. At a tiny landing-stage two German soldiers were standing.
The hunchback held up two fingers and the boy's spirits rose with relief at the thought that he would not be compelled to take part in a cold-blooded though necessary slaughter.