The boys were already out on the green when the little girls were marched down the steps and disbanded among them to enjoy the most unusual privilege of joining in their games. Then, all suddenly a great awkwardness came down upon the girls. How was one to play with boys at recess? Of course _after school_ it came natural enough to mingle with them, but this was not "after school"! It was most embarrassing. Louise found herself timid in the chaperoned recess-presence of Jimmie and Billy and Luke, and began to back away toward the steps. "Look out!" shouted Billy suddenly. Louise jumped to "look out." Behind her, on the bottom step, sat the German spy. She had nearly backed into him! In the face of danger, embarrassment dropped away. The next moment Louise had fled back to her countrymen and was listening, excited, to their eager whispers. "Rudolph Kreisler sits by himself--always by himself. Isn't that funny?" "Just look at him _now_!" "See him watching the flag?" "Get that gleam in his eye? Look, quick!" "Old rascal! He got home free yesterday--but just you wait!" And so they stood apart from him and whispered. The German spy dug his toes in the sand a little longer, then rose and moved a few steps farther up. Then Ella Vaiden declared that they were wasting time, and proposed that they begin a game. But nobody knew what to play. "I'll tell you!" exclaimed Louise. "Let's play 'Under the Flag.'" "What's that?" asked several. "Why--why--" began Louise, inventing the game as she proceeded, "it's this way: you go stand under the flag and look up at it till the wind blows it out straight--and--and then you make a wish. If the flag floats wide till you have finished, your wish will come true." All were interested at once, and the game began. The fitful, boisterous wind took an active part and the play became spirited. Tinsie Willis was the first to come "under the flag," but she was so excited she forgot to wish till the broadly floating banner had wrapped itself about its staff and her opportunity was gone. Then everybody began talking at once, and Mamie Moore piped up: "I'm going to wish for a pair of shiny-bug slippers!" Louise was shocked, and quickly explained that when one wished under the flag it must be for something serious and from the very depths of one's heart. "Sure," supported Jimmie of the red head. "You can wish for shiny-bug slippers under an umbrella!" But Mamie couldn't then think of anything more serious than the need of gilt slippers, and was promptly ruled out till her imagination should come to her assistance. Several boys took turns next, but they were so noisy and boisterous that they came near spoiling everything.