In the distance came a child's shout: "Out of bounds!"
Also in clumsy French.
Then seven or eight little Indian boys came running wildly, only to realize they had caused trouble.
An eight or nine-year-old boy hurriedly apologized to Napoleon, "Ve-very sorry, esteemed…"
He seemed to forget how to pronounce that word.
Napoleon motioned for his attendant to return the ball to the child and asked, "Were you playing soccer?"
The boy stared wide-eyed, bewildered. He didn't understand.
Carol said from the side, "Yes, Major. They play soccer for a while after class. It's their favorite thing to do."
"After class?" Napoleon said casually, "What are they learning?"
"Of course, French. In the future, whether doing business or communicating with the government, French will be indispensable."
Napoleon nodded, thinking how quickly these Indians were learning. He had studied French himself at the age of eight and knew how difficult it was.
