The Children of France: A Book of Stories of the Heroism and Self-sacrifice of Youthful Patriots of France During the Great WarRoyce, Ruth
History
The Children of France: A Book of Stories of the Heroism and Self-sacrifice of Youthful Patriots of France During the Great War
Royce, Ruth
World War, 1914-1918 -- Juvenile literature
"The thought of the telephone drew her again to the cellar. Again she
called her soft 'hello.'
"The answer came back in French with a suddenness that nearly caused
her to drop the telephone.
"'Who is speaking?' she asked in as firm a voice as she could summon.
"'Whom do you wish?'
"'I would speak with Captain Grivelet'
"'He is not here. I cannot reach him.'
"'It is important. Find him and tell him that the little Marie would
speak with him. Tell him to come at ten o'clock this evening and Marie
will be here at the telephone. He will understand.'
"Marie put back the telephone and carefully closed the opening. Now
she had a distinct mission to perform, and, throwing a scarf over her
head, she went out to the street. Marie was very bright of face and
very friendly with the German soldiers. No obstacle was placed in the
way of her going where she liked. That day she used her eyes and ears
to good advantage and they saw and heard many things. What especially
interested her was the massing of German troops in the forest to the
west of the village. She heard of this through a conversation between
two officers. There also was great activity behind the lines. There
the Germans were building entrenchments, which she could plainly see
from the windows of her home.
"The child knew that what she had observed was important, but just how
important, of course, she could not know.
"Promptly at ten o'clock that night, after the Padre had gone fast
asleep, Marie hastened to the cellar and again called over the
telephone. Captain Grivelet was quickly summoned.
"'It is the little Marie speaking,' she called excitedly.
"'My brave child,' answered the captain. 'I knew you would find the
way. We are defeated, but not for long, for the French are being
reinforced and are angry. Can you safely go out into the street
tomorrow and then let me know what they are doing?'
"'I already have been out, monsieur le Capitaine, and I have seen.'
"'I beg of you to be careful. You are in great peril. If the Boches
discover that you are in communication with us they will shoot you.'
"'I fear them not. But I must hasten. Listen!' Marie then told the
captain all that she had learned, interrupted frequently by
exclamations of approval from the officer at the other end.
"'Wait!' she called. 'Hold, for I hear movement above.'
"A few minutes later Marie returned to the telephone. 'Down in the
middle of the village are many soldiers. I know not why they are
gathering there, but I think perhaps they may be going to shoot some
of our noble Frenchmen.'
"'Down by the square?' questioned the captain.
"'Yes.'
"'Put away your telephone and go to the floor above. Watch the square
and you shall see what the French gunners can do. The people are in
their houses?'
"'Yes, monsieur, they dare not go out at night. It is forbidden.'
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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