Their father is a soldier
wounded at the Marne, and they lived under fire in Rheims for
eight months before coming here. They're some kids, believe me!
They know what war is."
"Yes," said the Captain, "I remember them; they came up the river
some weeks ago." Then he turned to the children. "Would you know
that soldier if you were to see him again?" he asked.
"Oh, yes," said the children.
"Very well," said the Captain, "the men will go to breakfast
soon. You stay with Sam and watch them, and if you see that man
go by you step on Sam's foot. No one must see you do it. Be sure
you don't make a mistake now," he added, "and if you really do
unearth the rascal, it's the best day's work you ever did, for
yourselves as well as for France. Sam, you report to me
afterwards, and be sure you give no occasion for suspicion to any
one."
"Yes, sir," said Sam, and saluted. Pierre and Pierrette saluted
also.
The Captain returned the salute with ceremony. "You are true
soldiers of France," he said to the Twins as they left his tent.
If their comrades were surprised to see Uncle Sam standing with
two children by his side while the others passed into the mess
tent with cups and plates in hand, no one said anything. It was a
little irregular to be sure--but then--Americans were always
unexpected! For a long time the men filed by, and still there was
no sign of the face they sought. At last, however, Pierre came
down solidly on Uncle Sam's right foot, and at the same time
Pierrette touched his left with her wooden shoe.
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