"Harper's Round Table, March 9, 1897" by Various is a periodical publication that falls under the category of children's literature and entertainment, likely produced during the late 19th century. This edition features various stories and articles, including a captivating narrative about a young American boy named Tom Rodman who finds himself caught up in the events of the Franco-Prussian War while living in Germany. The themes of adventure and patriotism resonate throughout the opening chapters as Tom dreams of becoming a soldier. The opening of the publication introduces us to Tom Rodman, a fifteen-year-old American boy living with Professor Schinkel in Germany during the tumultuous time of the 1870 war. The narrative begins with Tom's curiosity piqued by the arrival of German soldiers marching through his town, foreshadowing his desire to join them in battle. As he observes the soldiers and befriends Corporal Kutchke, Tom's excitement for adventure grows, culminating in a decision to disguise himself as a soldier and embark on a journey to fight for his newfound friends. His youthful determination and the thrill of war capture the essence of a young boy’s quest for heroism and belonging amid the chaos of conflict. (This is an automatically generated summary.)