"The command brought him up standing. He rarely had been caught napping, but drew a breath of relief when he saw that the sentry who had halted him was in the uniform of his own army.
"'France!' was the boy's answer to the challenge. 'I have a letter for your commander.'
"'Pass!'
"Henri easily found his way to the commander's headquarters and delivered the letter intended for him.
"'You are going further?' questioned the officer.
"'Yes, sir. I have other orders to deliver.'
"'You had better watch closely that you are not captured,' warned the commander. 'The country through which you go is full of Prussians, and they are ugly. Be cautious.'
"Assuring the officer that he would use due caution, Henri went on his way, apparently without a care in the world. He was a most innocent appearing boy and it would be keen eyes indeed that would suspect him of being other than what he appeared, an irresponsible child.
"Henri now began to see German uniforms on all sides. They were increasing in numbers.