Last Refuge of Scoundrels

by Paul Lussier

  ALICE, an entirely fictional character, was inspired by voluminous accounts of children who contributed to the war effort from Lexington on, often disguising themselves as young men eight to ten years older than their actual tender age in order to fight.

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  So many people to thank, and so to begin: Marguerite Topping, whose painstaking research, unflagging commitment, precise eye, and keen judgment lofted me during my many darkest hours; Marci Poole, for her insistence, so early on, that this was a book needing to be written; Paula McDonald, for listening and keeping the redundancy of my torments to herself; Rick Wolff, for his generosity of spirit, smarts, and unbelievable knack for being in my way when he ought and making his protection of my creative space a professional priority; and Owen Laster, for his prodigious talent, and for lending his support. And finally, to Therese, Beatrice, Crackers, and the goddess of quiet.