" The Americans saluted
Father Meraut, then they saluted Pierre and Pierrette, while
Mother Meraut stood by, beaming with pride.
"We will ask them to dine with us as our guests," said the
Captain, and, turning to Father Meraut, he spoke again in French.
"This is the Foreign Legion," he said. "It is made up of friends
of France, brave men of different countries who came voluntarily
to fight with us against the Boche. Here they receive special
training under French officers before going to the front. These
Americans have only just come. They do not know much French, but
they wish you to dine with them."
Ah, what a day that was for Pierre and Pierrette! Their story was
passed about from one to another, and, instead of being homeless,
wandering refugees, they found themselves suddenly treated as
distinguished guests, by real soldiers. Pierre swelled with
pride, and if he had only been able to speak their language, how
glad he would have been to tell the Americans about the return of
the French to Rheims, the green poster, Madame Coudert, and many
other things! Alas, he could only eat his soup and gaze about him
at all the activities that were going on in camp. When at last it
was time for them to go, it was with the greatest difficulty that
Pierre could be torn away from his new-found friends.
"Come again, old pal," said the tall man, slapping Pierre
cordially on the back as he said good-by. "Come again and see
your Uncle Sam! Come and bring your family!"
Pierre grinned, although he did not understand a word, shook
hands, and ran down the river-bank to join his parents and
Pierrette, who were already climbing into the boat.
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