The Children of France

t him on another occasion to listen to stories about the Children of France. "They value neither their own safety nor their

reat world war, though many of the deeds of heroism of the French children will never be known. The litt

f all these little French children, I will tell you the story of little Pierre," sai

sturdy, and he loved his country with a fervor that y

" spoke u

he fires of patriotism burning and never let them grow dim. As for P

hey intruded into the homes of the villagers and helped themselves to whatever they could find, in some instances after fir

and whom the little boy loved very dearly. The sergeant's wounds were just beginning to heal, but so weak was he that he could scarcely stand w

thing and you die," bellowed the Prussian captai

'You may take it if you will, but I give not to a Prussian, not even so much as

ake, but for this resistance you shall suffer. See what

lat of his hand, hurling her clear across the room. She

s men were too fully occupied with helping themselves to food to take heed of anything else. As for little

zing as he fixed his gaze on

fiend!' shout

aptain wheeled

eveled his revolver at the officer and fired. There followed a loud report, an

upon the helpless sergeant who already had twice fired his revolver at them, but without effect. They beat him crue

chmen were being lined up before a firing squad and shot down. The sergeant, who, of course, was to share a like fate, was reserved for the last that he might have more time for fear to sink into his heart while watching the execution of the others.

oting the accused old men, where the sergeant hung weak from loss

led, had followed his friend to the squa

? Tell me quickl

of water and I shall have the strength to die bravely. Those Prussian do

allow when a captain dashed the cup to the ground. He swung and struck Pierre a cruel blow across the cheek with the flat of his

ie!' hissed the German captain. 'For this you too shall d

e for France with a brave heart, and so you shall die one day

brave,' jeer

ed Pierre, stoutly. 'A Fren

to live and you shall come with us and figh

ngers in the Prussian's face. Pierre's courage, instead

hoot him and you shall have your freedom and your life. It is well

ca

the rifle, butt first, toward the boy. Pierre was outwardly calm, but within his heart a storm was raging. Rather to the surprise of the spectators, he took the weapon, turned it ov

d a new light spr

ptain impatiently. 'Do y

tle French boy, his voice

g the weapon, pointed it straight at th

rre could make another try the weapon was snatched from his

yonder French sergeant shall be a witness to your punishme

to die for France. I am sorry only that I did not kill you,' answer

soldiers were ordered to lead the chi

be shot just the sam

r runs away,' was

k its place, eight me

eady! Ta

ders set well back, presenting a pathetic but brave little fi

Fi

outed the lad, waving

f brave Pierre crumpled down to the ground. He had died

he sergeant in the same way and t