I awoke my boys. "Get up, boys! Dress quickly. Now remember, you must be very self-controlled and quiet, and no harm will come to you."
Immediately the door of my room was thrown wide open, and Robert ushered in three armed, German-looking soldiers.
"What do you want?" I asked.
"To search the house," they answered.
"You will find nothing worth your while. There is my shawl! I have just run in from the lines. Here are my children."
"We don't want your clothes," said one; "we want your prisoner."
My husband had heard and knocked at his door. He had not undressed.
"Here I am," he said, coming out and fastening his collar; and, before I could think, they had marched him off.
I was left alone with the boy Robert, who had betrayed him. He stood trembling, not with fear—with excitement.
"Leave this house!" I ordered him.