The narrative unfolds during World War I, focusing on the experiences of a young French-Canadian named Philippe Martel, who is determined to fight for France despite being physically impaired. The protagonist, a doctor, encounters Philippe while on a camping trip in Canada. Philippe, who has a limp, expresses his deep shame for not being able to enlist due to his disability, despite his lineage tracing back to a grandfather who fought alongside Joan of Arc. Philippe recounts a family legend about a silver stirrup given to his ancestor by Joan of Arc, symbolizing honor and duty to France. The doctor, moved by Philippe's passion and spirit, offers to help him by performing a surgery to correct his leg. After the operation, Philippe successfully enlists and goes to war, sending occasional postcards to the doctor, assuring him of his well-being. As the war progresses, Philippe is wounded in battle, losing the leg that the doctor had repaired. He survives, thanks to a mysterious figure he believes to be Joan of Arc, who appears to him on the battlefield and gives him the silver stirrup. This object, a family heirloom, represents not only his personal history but also the enduring spirit of France. Upon returning to Canada for another camping trip, the doctor is reunited with Philippe, who now walks with a wooden leg but is proud to serve as a guide. Philippe presents the doctor with the silver stirrup, a token of gratitude for the chance to fight for his country. The doctor reflects on the significance of the stirrup, recognizing it as a symbol of loyalty and the unbreakable bond between the French-Canadian people and their heritage. The story encapsulates themes of sacrifice, national identity, and the connection between past and present, illustrating how personal histories intertwine with larger historical narratives. The silver stirrup serves as a poignant reminder of courage, duty, and the enduring legacy of those who fought for their homeland.
By Mary Raymond Shipman Andrews · First published 1926 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, War Fiction