"'That is true. But how do I know you are not spying on us just the same, for the Germans have been here?'
"'Yes, monsieur le Capitaine, they have been here. See, they have spoiled my beautiful home. I lived there with the farmer for whom I worked—sometimes.'
"'Where were you when the Germans came?'
"'Up in the top of the apple tree. I always climb a tree when I am scared. I saw them coming and I hid myself, and I saw them when they beat in the windows and the door and carried away the food and tried to burn down the house. I shall fight them some day for that.'
"'Hm-m-m-m,' mused the officer. It was his idea that Lucien was not so stupid as he appeared.
"'Yes, monsieur, I saw them and I wish to see them again. Shall you go and fight the Boches?'
"'Of course, when we catch them. How long since they were here?'
"'Maybe an hour or an hour and a half.'
"'How many of them?'
"'About as many as you have here, maybe another company more.'