It disturbed him somewhat that they did not choose to continue the conversation, so he said meekly: "With your kind permission, I will now go below for a cup of coffee," and left them with a bow and a flourish of his cap.

When he had gone Patsy said to Ajo: "I don't believe there is any such person as the blacksmith." "Nor I," was the boy's reply.

"Both those children are living images of Maurie, who claims the blacksmith was their father.

He's a crafty little fellow, that chauffeur of ours, and we must look out for him." "If he is really a spy," continued the girl, after a brief period of thought, "I am amazed that he dared join our party and go directly to the front, where he is at any time likely to be recognized." "Yes, that is certainly puzzling," returned Ajo.

"And he's a brave little man, too, fearless of danger and reckless in exposing himself to shot and shell.