"'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.' "'Which way did they go?' "'That way.' Lucien indicated the direction taken by the Germans by a jerk of his thumb to the right. 'And Lucien knows pretty well where they have gone.' "'Oh, you do? Kindly tell me where you think the Boches went?' demanded the captain, now amused at the boy's queerness. "'They have gone to cut off the road from Etain. I saw them going that way.' "'How do you know this?' "'Did I not hear them talking just before I dropped an apple on the head of the Herr Major, the apple that stuck on his helmet and made him very angry? It was well for Lucien that the Herr Major did not know he threw the apple. Wait while I laugh, Captain. No, Lucien did not throw another at the Herr Major. He saved the next one for monsieur le Capitaine.' "'See here, child, do you know this country well?' demanded the French Captain. "'Yes, monsieur, I know it well, as well as I know my own pocket, and I wait only for an opportunity to serve you and my country.' "'Well spoken. My son, the opportunity is at hand. From what you tell me I take it that the Germans went toward the forest yonder where the road from Etain passes. Is that right?' "'Yes, monsieur, the big road from Verdun. But there is still another road to Etain. It follows along the woods to the left near the river.' "'So?' The officer consulted a map. 'You speak truly. I thank you, my son. Now, would you like to lead us, to show us the way?' "'Yes, monsieur.' "'What if we are surprised by the Germans--what will you do in that event?' "'I shall climb a tree,' replied the lad promptly. 'I do not fear the Boches so long as there are trees to climb.' "This caused a great laugh, but the officer was satisfied that Lucien could do all and more than he had promised. "'You shall show us the way,' he decided, and ordered his men to fall in and proceed. They passed through the village, which they now observed had been much abused by the Prussians, and on out into the country, with the lad marching beside the captain with a swagger that amused all who saw him.