“I certainly hope we have a decent day tomorrow,” said Amos. “To think of all those poor fellows lying wounded and uncared for on the battlefield, how they will suffer tonight in this cold rain. It makes me feel sick just to remember it. No matter whether they are British, Belgians, French or Germans, they are our fellow human beings, and have been our friends.” The old man did not come over to them for some little time. Jack fancied that he was getting nervous again, for several times he half started from his seat and looked quickly toward the door. Sitting there for a while, the boys found that they were getting very sleepy. Jack purposely yawned several times when he thought the owner of the cottage was looking their way. If this was intended as a gentle hint it finally met with its reward, for the man came towards them. “Young messieurs,” he said, awkwardly, “if you are tired and would lie down I will show you the best we can do for you. It is not much, but you will understand that no one can be expected to do more in these terrible times.” “Please don’t say that again,” Amos burst out with in his impetuous fashion. “You are doing us a great favor as it is in giving us shelter from the rain, and something to eat. We feel grateful. I could sleep on a board and be thankful for the privilege.” The man took a candle and started up the steep stairs that seemed almost like a ladder, with the two lads following after. They found themselves in what appeared to be an unfinished loft. The rain could be heard beating softly on the roof. On the bare floor was a thick feather mattress, and some bedclothes, as well as two pillows. “That looks good to me,” remarked Amos, immediately. “It is the best we can do,” said the peasant, as he set the candle down, and bowing humbly backed toward the stairs, letting down the trap after he had vanished. “Why, we’ve got the whole upper part of the place to ourselves,” observed Amos, as he looked curiously about him. “Seems like our attic at home, come to think of it. Only I certainly hope there are not so many rats prowling around as we’ve had to fight there. I’d hate to have one nibble at my nose while I slumbered so sweetly on that bouncing feather bed.” “I suppose they have a small sleeping-place downstairs,” remarked Jack, reflectively. “I wonder why they didn’t put us in there instead of up here. Not that I object to this, for it’s just fine; and that patter of the rain on the roof will lull us to sleep, I reckon. Still, I suppose they didn’t want to bother with us down there; or they may have had some other good reason.” “For one I want to forget everything but that I’m as sleepy as they make them,” and by the way Amos yawned as he said this there could be no doubt that he meant every word of it. They took off only their shoes and coats, for it was quite cool in the room under the roof. “Last in bed puts out the candle!” chuckled Amos, as he crawled under the covers.