"But you are fighting for liberty," exclaimed Jacques. "America stands for liberty, does it not?"
"It certainly does," cried Leon. "Still some people would probably wonder why I should want to fight for another country's liberty."
"But," protested Jacques, "did not France aid your country in your struggle for independence in the war of the Revolution? Why then is it strange that Americans should help France when she is fighting for her very existence and life?"
"I don't think it's strange," said Leon. "I think it's only right. What I said was, that some of my friends might not understand it."
"America and France both stand for liberty," said Jacques. "They both had to fight hard to get it and now they should help each other keep what they have won so dearly."
"The two nations have always been good friends," said Leon.
"Yes," agreed Jacques simply, "and I hope they always will be."
The young Frenchman rolled over on his side and suddenly jumped almost to his feet. He clasped both hands to his face and tried to rise but could not. His head seemed to weigh tons and he simply could not get up.
"Jacques! Jacques!" cried Leon in alarm, kneeling beside his companion. "What is the matter?"
Blood was oozing between the fingers of the young Frenchman.