"Grandfather says it depends upon whom I am to fight," said Bikku.
"That is right," said the gentleman, "and you certainly are not lacking in courage."
"That, Captain, is because he wears trousers for the first time to-day, and that gives courage."
"Rather say it is the old uniform which gives courage," said the General (for now he was a general). "Much gunpowder and much honor are hidden in that old uniform and the memories of it pass from generation to generation. But this is a new age and the boy may live to serve his country in many ways. Are you strong little man?"
Bikku did not answer but held out his arm and showed his muscles.
"Yes," said the General, "I see you will be as strong as a bear when you are a little older. Will you go with me and eat soft bread and drink milk every day, and cakes and candy you may have too, if you are good?"
"And shall I have a horse to ride on?" asked Bikku.
"Yes, of course," said the General.
Bikku thought it over a while, his little blue eyes flew from the stranger to Grandfather, from Grandfather to Grandmother, and back to the stranger again. At last he crept upon the old woman's knee and said, "I will stay with Grandfather and Grandmother."