"But untrained," she answered laughingly. "It was just common sense that
enabled me to cure your malady, Ajo. I couldn't bandage a cut or a
bullet wound to save me."

"Fortunately," said Maud, "I have a diploma which will gain for me the
endorsement of the American Red Cross Society. I am counting on that to
enable me to get an appointment at the seat of war, where I can be of
most use."

"Where will you go?" asked the boy. "To Germany, Austria, Russia,
Belgium, or--"

"I shall go to France," she replied. "I speak French, but understand
little of German, although once I studied the language."

"Are you fully resolved upon this course, Maud?" asked Mr. Merrick in a
tone of regret.

"Fully decided, sir. I am going to Washington to-morrow, to get my
credentials, and then I shall take the first steamer to Europe."

There was no use arguing with Maud Stanton when she assumed that tone.
It was neither obstinate nor defiant, yet it conveyed a quiet resolve
that was unanswerable.

For a time they sat in silence, musing on the many phases of this
curious project; then Beth came to Mr. Merrick's side and asked
pleadingly:

"May I go with her, Uncle?"