The words appeared startling and unexpected like a thunderclap. He now understood why there was a crowd at the bulletin board.

to thank M. Hamel for his forty years of faithful service. They also wanted to show their respect to the country that was theirs no more, looked sad.

Franz was not prepared Tor the test on participles. The Prussian soldiers were drilling in the open field at the back of sawmill. The birds were chirping.

M. Hamel was solemn and gentle. He sat motionless in his chair during the writing lesson. He gazed at one thing or the other.

Franz found that it was a very warm and bright day. The birds were chirping at the edge of woods,he had the strength to resist the temptation.

Franz thought that the blacksmith was making a fun of him. So, he ran to the school and reached there breathless.

He thought it typical with the people of Alsace. They would put off learning till tomorrow. Parents are not quite anxious to have their children learn

French was the most beautiful language in the world. It was the clearest and the most logical language. He asked them to guard it among them and never _ forget

Franz had to open the door and go in before everybody.

For the last two yeairs they had received all the bad news from the bulletin-board—the lost battle, conscription and the orders of the commanding officer.

He asked Franz not to go so fast to his school. He added that the little boy would get to his school in plenty of time

when the school began, there was a great bustle. The noise could be heard out in the school. Students opened and closed their desks.

M. Hamel had new copies for them. The words “France, Alsace, France, Alsace” were written on them in a beautiful round hand. The boys set to work quietly.