It did not try to bite or scratch. It did not even growl. But it jumped
quickly forward and threw Gilbert upon the ground. Then it ran out
into the open space and stopped to gaze at him.

Gilbert was soon on his feet again. He was not hurt at all. He looked
at the beast, and--what do you think it was?

[Illustration]

It was not a wolf. It was only a pet calf that had come there to browse
among the bushes.

The boy felt very much ashamed. He hurried back to the pathway, and
then ran to his mother. Tears were in his eyes; but he tried to look
brave. "O Gilbert, where have you been?" said his mother.

Then he told her all that had happened. His lips quivered and he began
to cry.

"Never mind, my dear," said his mother. "You were very brave, and it
is lucky that the wolf was not there. You faced what you thought was
a great danger, and you were not afraid. You are my hero."

When the American people were fighting to free themselves from the
rule of the king of England, the Marquis de Lafayette helped them with
men and money. He was the friend of Washington. His name is remembered
in our country as that of a brave and noble man.