"With that the captain thrust Gené's father into the room, saluted and strode out to join his company, who were guarding the captured Bavarians.
CHAPTER X
A LITTLE SOLDIER OF MERCY
"Jean is the name of the hero of whom I shall tell you today. He was only twelve, and he joined the army, unofficially, something after the fashion that little Remi did. Remi, of course, ran away to follow the army, which, perhaps, was not wrong in view of the fact that he had no relatives at home. With Jean it was different, for he had a mother," said Captain Favor, resuming his story telling.
"A detachment of French soldiers had been stationed in this boy's home town, and the lad, by many little acts, had endeared himself to them very much.
"One day the detachment received orders to leave. Jean begged that they might take him along, but the soldiers advised him to remain at home because he was too young to go to war. 'Go ask your mother,' said a young lieutenant, 'and if she says "yes" I shall not see you if you should follow us.'
"Jean, most grateful for the suggestion, ran home and burst, in upon his mother excitedly.
"'The lieutenant says I may go if you say "yes." Say "yes," mother. I want to be a soldier.'
"'I do not understand what you mean, my son,' answered the child's mother.