"And now," cried Frank, flinging the Prussian from him and dusting off his hands as though they were polluted, "make yourself scarce. But remember after this to respect the American flag. Americans are behind it!" The crowd pushed and jostled the disheveled vandal as he slunk away and then, after cheering Frank, gradually dispersed. "Boy, it was neat work!" cried Bart, as the two friends crossed the street together. "Coming on to the office?" "No, I've got to see mother first and straighten my tie," grinned Frank. "I'll probably catch up to you though. So long." Frank found his mother awaiting him with outstretched arms. "Oh, my boy," she cried, "you were splendid! If you will wait just a little while till our affairs are more settled I will not say a word to your joining the army. If all Germans are like that--" "They are, Mother," replied Frank, grimly. "Germany is a nation of men like him. What he did to our flags the whole Prussian empire is trying to do to the world." "Then you must go!" cried his mother, holding him from her and regarding him with flaming eyes. "Because I love my son, I will give him--for my dear France and for America!" CHAPTER VI THE DIE IS CAST "That's it, Mother," cried Frank, his whole soul responding to the kindling spirit in her eyes. "For America and France, the two greatest republics in the world. It won't be the first time they've fought together." "No," replied his mother proudly. "Lafayette and other brave sons of France helped this country to win its independence, and it is only right that now when France is hard pressed and pouring out her blood like water, Americans should fight side by side with her to make the world safe for democracy." "You're a true daughter of France, Mother," said Frank, admiringly. "Ah, _la belle_ France," sighed his mother. "I love her with all my heart and soul. How many times I have longed to go back and see her sunny vineyards and her beautiful cities." "You and father were planning to go over there just before the war broke out, weren't you, Mother?" asked Frank. "Yes," replied Mrs. Sheldon. "And for two reasons. I was wild to see the dear homeland again, and then, too, I felt I ought to go to see about the property my father, your grandfather, left me. But then your dear father died, and after that I had no heart to go. Nor could I have gone anyway, had I wished, for the war would have made it almost impossible." "Well, we don't care much for the property, Mother," said Frank. "While I've got two strong arms I'll support you. And yet," he added, a little more thoughtfully, "it wouldn't have been a bad thing if we had been able to sell it so that you could have the money now when I am liable to be called away. We've got only this house and the little money that dad left us, and I'm afraid you will have all you can do to get along."