"'I think I can shoot the apples off easier than I can shake them down,' he announced in a loud tone.
"'Don't shoot, monsieur l'Officer,' cried a voice from the tree.
"'What! Some one up there?'
"'Yes, yes. It is I, Lucien,' was the reply from the tree.
"'Come down, Lucien. I would like to have a look at you,' ordered the captain.
"A very young boy, red of face and very much frightened, came sliding down the trunk of the tree and landed on all fours at its foot. The officer eyed him sternly.
"'What do you mean, boy, by bombarding me with apples?' he demanded.
"Lucien hung his head. The officer jerked him to his feet.
"'Answer me! What were you doing up in that tree? Spying on us, eh?'
"'No, monsieur l'Officer, I am a Frenchman. Frenchmen do not spy on their own people.'