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diff --git a/old/56195-0.txt b/old/56195-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 76ff649..0000000 --- a/old/56195-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,5677 +0,0 @@ -Project Gutenberg's The Boy Volunteers on the Belgian Front, by Kenneth Ward - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: The Boy Volunteers on the Belgian Front - -Author: Kenneth Ward - -Release Date: December 17, 2017 [EBook #56195] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BOY VOLUNTEERS ON BELGIAN FRONT *** - - - - -Produced by David Edwards, Larry B. Harrison and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (Images -courtesy of the Digital Library@Villanova University -(http://digital.library.villanova.edu/)) - - - - - - - - - -THE BOY VOLUNTEERS SERIES - -By KENNETH WARD - - _12mo. Cloth. Fully Illustrated_ _50c per Volume_ - - - THE NEWEST BOYS' BOOKS ON THE EUROPEAN WAR, RELATING THE ADVENTURES - OF TWO AMERICAN BOYS AND THEIR EXPERIENCES IN BATTLE AND ON AIR - SCOUT DUTY. ALL PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED WITH AUTHENTIC DRAWINGS. - - - =The Boy Volunteers on the Belgian Front= - - Describes the adventures of two American boys who were in Europe - when the great war commenced. Their enlistment with Belgian - troops and their remarkable experiences are based upon actual - occurrences and the book is replete with line drawings of - fighting machines, air planes and maps of places where the most - important battles took place and of other matters of interest. - - =The Boy Volunteers with the French Airmen= - - This book relates the further adventures of the young Americans - in France, where they viewed the fighting from above the firing - lines. From this book the reader gains considerable knowledge of - the different types of air planes and battle planes used by the - warring nations, as all descriptions are illustrated with - unusually clear line drawings. - - =The Boy Volunteers with the British Artillery= - - How many boys to-day know anything about the great guns now - being used on so many European battle fronts? Our young friends - had the rare opportunity of witnessing, at first hand, a number - of these terrific duels, and the story which is most - fascinatingly told is illustrated with numerous drawings of the - British, French and German field pieces. - - =The Boy Volunteers with the Submarine Fleet= - - Our young heroes little expected to be favored with so rare an - experience as a trip under the sea in one of the great - submarines. In this book the author accurately describes the - submarine in action, and the many interesting features of this - remarkable fighting craft are made clear to the reader by a - series of splendid line drawings. - - - THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY - PUBLISHERS NEW YORK - -[Illustration: _"They are the fellows who stopped our train," said -Ralph._] - - - - - THE BOY VOLUNTEERS - ON THE - BELGIAN FRONT - - BY - KENNETH WARD - - THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY - NEW YORK - - - - - Copyright, 1917, by - AMERICAN AUTHORS PUBLISHING CO. - - - - -CONTENTS - - - CHAPTER PAGE - - I AN INTERRUPTED JOURNEY 15 - - II THEIR EXPERIENCES WITH THE UHLANS 25 - - III THE WRECKED TRAIN 34 - - IV THE WORK OF A SPY 41 - - V THE STRUGGLE THROUGH THE COUNTRY 54 - - VI ON THE ROAD TO LIÈGE 59 - - VII A THRILLING FIGHT 72 - - VIII THEY REACH THE BELGIAN FORCES 84 - - IX THE FIRST BATTLE 96 - - X IN THE MESSENGER SERVICE 107 - - XI PURSUED BY THE UHLANS 118 - - XII CATCHING A SPY 132 - - XIII THE LOSS OF THEIR MACHINES IN BATTLE 147 - - XIV THE CAPTURE AND ESCAPE 161 - - - - -LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS - - - _"They Are the Fellows Who Stopped Our Train," - Said Ralph_ _Frontispiece_ - - _Page_ - - _Belgian Flag_ 18 - - _German 42-Centimeter Gun_ 61 - - _Using Dipper to Find North_ 79 - - _Shrapnel Shell_ 90 - - _Exploding Shrapnel_ 91 - - _German Taube Airplane_ 97 - - _A Dome-Topped Fort of Liège_ 118 - - _Map of Liège_ 131 - - _Map of Louvain_ 165 - - - - -THE BOY VOLUNTEERS - -ON THE - -BELGIAN FRONT - - - - -CHAPTER I - -AN INTERRUPTED JOURNEY - - -"Give it more gas; more gas, Pierre; they are coming up the cross -road!" exclaimed Ralph excitedly, as he leaned forward. - -Pierre the chauffeur looked straight ahead and nodded, as he answered: -"Oui, oui!" - -Before he had gone a hundred feet farther the occupants of the machine -heard something like a shot, and Pierre turned his head slightly. - -"Two kilometers more and we shall be in Belgium," he said. - -This information did not seem to appease the two boys in the tonneau. -Of the two, Alfred was the more excited, but Ralph kept up a constant -flow of talk as he leaned out and gazed across the valley along which -the machine was now shooting with tremendous speed. - -Several more gunshots were heard as they passed an open stretch and -ascended a hill. - -"Are they firing at us?" inquired Ralph. - -Pierre nodded. - -"What for?" asked Alfred. - -"They are Germans," replied Pierre. - -"Well, those fellows on horseback can never catch us," said Alfred. - -Pierre smiled, and gave two long blasts on the Klaxon. - -"Say, Pierre, two machines are racing down the road ahead of the -troops." - -The smile left Pierre's face as he gave the throttle lever a push. The -machine bounded forward with an additional impulse. Ralph and Alfred -looked at each other in still greater surprise. - -A bridge was crossed and as the road beyond described a slight bend to -the right, Pierre glanced over his shoulder for an instant to observe -the new pursuers; then he glanced back to the rear wheel and the boys -understood. The day before the tire had given trouble, but Pierre -patched it up in the hope that by careful driving they would be able to -reach Antwerp two days later. - -There was no time for explanations. The two boys were too excited to -think of anything else than the two autos which had now reached the -road on which they came. - -"Yes, they are coming this way now," said Ralph. - -"Can we beat them?" asked Alfred. - -"Well," replied Pierre, after some reflection, "the car ahead is a -racing Mercedes." - -The boys knew what that meant. - -"What'll they do if they catch us?" said Ralph, as his eyes expanded -and he nervously glanced back. - -Pierre merely shook his head and remained silent. - -The Mercedes was not gaining, however. The second car was trailing -along some distance in the rear. - -"Hurrah for Belgium!" shouted Pierre, as he gazed forward intently and -nodded in the direction of two low structures which were now plainly -visible at the sides of the roadway. The boys saw a distinctive flag on -each building. - -Pierre's hand was on the throttle as he neared the frontier, but he -held the lever without drawing it back, while the car sped on. He gave -two blasts on the horn, and repeated the signal. - -In Europe every road which crosses the frontier has two sets of guards, -one belonging to each country, and it is necessary for every one -crossing the line to make a formal entry under the inspection of a -government official. - -No one appeared in the road in front of the lodges but it was a -hazardous thing to cross the border without stopping, as the guards -were authorized to shoot anyone who refused to halt, and the boys were -equally aware of this danger in attempting such an escapade. - -They were now not a hundred feet from the posts which marked the -frontier and the speed of the car was not cut down. They were surprised -to see Pierre's right hand withdrawn from the lever while he leaned -forward and grasped the steering wheel with an intense grip. - -ZIP! They shot past the boundary line without a challenge. The flag on -the first lodge was German, indicated by the three horizontal stripes, -black, white and red, and the flag on the other building had three -vertical stripes, black, yellow and red, the colors of Belgium. - -[Illustration: _The Belgian Flag_] - -The car fairly sizzled as it glided forward on a road that wound -around a long curve parallel with the river and they had an excellent -opportunity now to watch the pursuing car. - -"That has a cross on the side of it, see?" said Ralph. - -"It is a German military car," said Pierre. - -"But why did they cross the frontier; and what right have they to try -and to run us down, here in Belgium?" asked Alfred. - -"Because Belgium is now at war with Germany," answered Pierre. - -The boys drew back in astonishment. - -"Since when?" asked Ralph. - -"Since five o'clock last night," was Pierre's reply. - -"When did you hear about it?" asked Alfred. - -"While we were getting our luncheon at Dann," said Pierre. - -"Is that why you were in such a hurry to start?" asked Ralph. - -"Yes," was the reply. - -The Mercedes now appeared to be gaining. It was becoming very exciting -now to the boys, because the news stimulated their imagination. The -pursuing car swung around the last curve in plain sight, but the other -car was far in the rear. An officer could be seen in the front seat -leaning out, with a gun pointing toward them and at the next turn of -the road he deliberately fired. - -The boys heard the crack of the rifle and in another instant were on -the floor of the car, shielded by the rear seat. A hundred feet farther -and there was a second explosion, much closer and more ominous than the -noise of the gun. The machine gave a sudden lurch, and the boys arose, -grasped the back of the front seat as Pierre shouted: "There it goes! -It's all up!" - -Pierre gained control of the machine which had violently swung to one -side, but he did not slacken its speed. - -They had barely time to recover from the shock when they were aroused -by a fusilade of shots, and in a half-dazed condition they felt the -shock of a suddenly-stopping car, and hear Pierre shout: - -"Hurrah for the chasseurs!" - -Alfred was the first to lean out and take note of the quickly passing -events. - -"Oh, look! see the horses leap the fences," he said. - -The machine stopped dead still. The crashing noise of the horses and -the shouts of the men held their attention. - -Ralph opened the door of the car in excitement, as he sang out: - -"Look at the machine back there; it's trying to turn around; it's -starting." - -But the Germans were too late. A half dozen of the chasseurs cut off -their retreat. It thus happened that three officers, a sergeant, and a -military chauffeur, became captives, three kilometers within Belgian -territory, at 5 P. M., August 14, 1914, exactly twenty-four hours after -war was declared. The first actual conflict, in which blood was shed, -occurred the day previous--in fact, before war was declared, but this -is the earliest recorded instance of the taking of prisoners of war in -the great European conflict. - -The troopers ordered the Mercedes car turned around and it was escorted -forward to the delight of the boys, Pierre grinning at the occupants -of the car as it passed. The Belgian officer in command halted and -Pierre saluted him. - -"There is another car beyond," said Pierre. - -The officer gave a quick order and six men were detached for the -pursuit, but they were too late. The car disappeared and could be seen -crossing the bridge in the distance. - -"Where are you from?" said the officer to Pierre. - -"We left Mayence day before yesterday," answered Pierre. - -"Did you see any troops on the way?" - -"No; but the forces at the garrisons were very active," responded -Pierre. - -"Whose car is this?" he then asked. - -"It belongs to an American, Mr. Elton. We left him in Darmstadt and are -taking the car to Antwerp," said Pierre. - -"Who are the young men with you?" asked the officer. - -"This young man is Mr. Elton's son, and the other is his nephew. -After going to Berlin Mr. Elton expects to go to Antwerp to take the -steamer," answered Pierre. - -"Follow us," said the officer to Pierre. - -Several hamlets were passed and they motored along a beautiful valley. -Beyond, on a slight elevation, appeared numerous houses, indicating a -village of some importance. - -"Is that Bovigny?" asked Pierre. - -The officer nodded. - -As they entered the town the streets were crowded. A regiment was -encamped in the green which was, evidently, a park. Two squadrons of -cavalry were drilling, and an artillery company was moving its guns -toward the crest of a hill to the right. A band was playing; flags -and pennants were flying everywhere, and the scene was one of intense -excitement. - -The troops had difficulty in keeping the people from the Mercedes, -although they exhibited no enmity toward the Germans. It was more a -matter of curiosity. The villagers appeared to be interested also -in the boys and when Pierre informed the spectators that they were -Americans, there was a cheer. The boys blushed as some of the more -venturesome ones approached and shook their hands. - -"Oh, no! they couldn't catch us," said Alfred with a laugh. - -"How did you happen to pass the frontier officers?" asked one of them. - -"Nobody there," replied Ralph. "We captured those fellows in Belgium." - -There was a roar of laughter at this. The boys seemed to take pride -not only in getting out of the clutches of the Germans, but also in -the fact that they were instrumental, in a measure, in effecting the -capture. - -The crowd understood, and "L Americain" was frequently heard. It did -not look like war. Everyone knew, of course, that Belgium had refused -Germany's demand, and that war was upon them, but the scene reminded -the boys of a huge picnic, with a lot of extras thrown in. Everyone -was laughing and talking. - -As an officer approached, Pierre saluted. - -"You must drive to the rendezvous," said the officer. - -Pierre nodded and followed the mounted lancer until they drew up before -a military barracks where Pierre was requested to follow an orderly. -The boys jumped out and accompanied him. After entering a long wide -hall, filled with soldiers, they were conducted to the Commandant's -office. - -Without ceremony the orderly marched them to an officer who sat at the -head of a long table, and who seemed to know the object of Pierre's -visit. - -"Who is the owner of your car? What is his address? What is its value?" -These and other details were quickly asked and put down by a clerk. - -At the close of the examination the officer said: "The car has been -requisitioned by the Belgian government for military uses. The clerk -will furnish you a certificate, and the owner will receive compensation -for it in due time." - -Pierre was out of a job, and the boys stranded without a machine. -Pierre smiled, and the boys walked down the hill with a sort of jolly -feeling. Why, they did not know. - -"I shall join the colors at once," said Pierre. - -"Good for you!" cried Ralph. - -"Then you are a Belgian?" asked Alfred. - -"Yes; and I must leave you, for it is necessary that I report in -Brabant," he replied. - -"And where is Brabant?" asked Ralph. - -"This side of Antwerp; northeast of Liège," answered Pierre. - -"How far are we from Liège?" asked Alfred. - -"About forty miles; possibly fifty," said Pierre, at a venture. - -"Then we can go with you," said Ralph, enthusiastically. - -"I had that plan in my mind," answered Pierre. "But for the present we -must find a place for the night." - -They soon found that this was not an easy matter. Every place was -crowded to its utmost. People were coming in from all directions in -every kind of conveyance, the railway lines from Liège, to the east -and north, and the main highways being crowded with soldiers and war -equipment. Hundreds of soldiers were detailed to unload the cars, and -they were all busily at work when the bugle gave the signal for the -evening meal. - -Before night set in several regiments of troops marched southeast, to -points along the border, while new regiments came in to take their -places. - - - - -CHAPTER II - -THEIR EXPERIENCE WITH THE UHLANS - - -After an hour's search in every street and alley they learned that such -a thing as shelter for the night, was impossible. Tents were being put -up everywhere. Great army vans came lumbering in along the roads from -the north, and were assigned positions. At twelve o'clock that night -the town was just as lively as during the day, and in despair Pierre -finally appealed to the driver and keeper of one of the vans, begging -for place under the canvas top. - -A _pourboire_ (or _tip_, as the boys called it), was the power that -found a way. The keeper suggested that sleeping under the burlap would -be uncomfortable, as it was very warm; so a dozen or more bags of feed -were unloaded and distributed on the ground beneath the van, and on -those they finally found comfortable places. - -Tired as they were, sleep seemed to be out of the question. The noise -and bustle, the yells of incoming drivers, the creaking of the wagons -and the incessant chatter of the soldiers all about them, kept them -alert. - -Two hours thereafter they felt a decided change in the temperature and -soon rain began to fall. A gentle breeze at first dashed the light rain -over them, and as the wind increased the drops fell faster and faster. -The bags were moved over and some were propped up to provide shelter, -but to no avail. - -"Here, boys; get into the wagon quickly," shouted Pierre. - -They crawled out and drew themselves up under the tarpaulin over which -the water was now streaming in torrents. Once in the van they were soon -asleep. - -They were awakened before the sun appeared in the east. What they heard -was like a suppressed murmur at first, evidently the quiet talk of the -excited people outside. Distinct booms were heard, followed, as it -were, by suppressed noises, which might have been echoes. - -"What is that?" asked Ralph. - -"Where?" inquired Alfred, raising the tarpaulin and gazing out. - -"They don't know, but the driver thinks the firing is at Liège," -answered Pierre. - -"But that is more than forty miles away," said Ralph. - -"Very true," replied Pierre, "but there are immense guns in the forts, -and the Germans have heavy ordnance also." - -When they left the vans, the sun was just appearing above the hill east -of the town, bringing promise of a beautiful day. - -"Now, for breakfast, boys, and then we start," suggested Pierre. -Immediately after breakfast they marched to the station and Pierre -requested three tickets for Liège. The agent smiled as he said: - -"I can book you for Liège, but you will have to take the risk in -getting there. The Germans have passed Verviers, and are investing the -city. The first train leaves at nine o'clock, unless, in the meantime, -there are orders to the contrary." - -"Then we shall go to Brussels," replied Pierre. - -"Ah, but that is impossible. The road is filled with troop trains -coming this way. You cannot go west until to-morrow, or, perhaps, day -after," answered the agent. - -Here was, indeed, a dilemma. Pierre knew that to take a south-bound -train, would involve a wide detour, as it would take them through -Luxemburg. The road to the north branched at Trois Ponts, one line -going directly east to Pepinster, the other to the north leading to -Rivage and Liège. From Rivage they might be able to go directly north -to Huy, by a highway, and thus avoid Liège. A train in either direction -was impossible. - -Pierre was determined, however, to proceed to the east on the first -available train, and by the liberal use of money ascertained from those -in charge of the station that a train would leave early in the morning. -They were on hand and ready before five o'clock and were directed to -cross the bridge and board the train at the extreme end of the track -which connected with the main line. Arriving there they found a train -already switching over, but, apparently, there were no passengers -aboard. - -"Come on," said Pierre, "let's take the chance." - -Fortunately, the doors were unlocked and the boys entered a compartment. - -"Get out of there," shouted a voice. - -Pierre followed, as an attendant rushed up. - -"We are taking no passengers," he said. - -"Hello, Jean," said Pierre. - -"And what are you doing here?" said the man. - -They grasped hands as the attendant inquired about the boys. - -"They are in my charge; come in. This is my cousin, Jacques," remarked -Pierre, addressing the boys. - -"But where are you going?" asked Jacques. - -"Home to join the colors," said Pierre. - -"You can go on this train, of course," said Jacques. "Why, you were in -Berlin when I last heard of you. As for myself, I came over with the -last load of troops from Huy, and if we find the road blocked to Liège -we shall stop at Rivage and cross by motor cars to Huy--that is, if -such a thing is possible." - -The train rushed on for six miles without a stop. Then there was a halt -and a long wait at Grand Halleux. Thus, at every telegraph station -there was a wait, and it was nearly noon before the train had gone -twelve miles. - -They were still several miles from the junction, Trois Ponts, the main -line of which led northeast to Liège, when the first disquieting rumors -were heard by Pierre and the boys. The Germans had cut the direct road -to Liège, below Tilft. Jacques appeared at the door of the compartment, -and hurriedly said: - -"We are trying to reach the main road and go north to Rivage. The -trains behind have returned to Bovigny. We may be able to make it -before their scouting parties can cross the country." - -The junction was reached, and the train continued to the north without -stopping. - -Five miles north of the junction Ralph was the first to notice a -peculiar moving dust cloud a mile or so distant east of the train. He -called Pierre's attention to it. A turn in the road gave them a better -view of the phenomenon. - -"That is a troop of cavalry," said Pierre, in excitement. - -Jacques burst in and cried: "The Germans are to head us off. I suppose -you and I will have to make a run for it." - -"I am sorry for that," said Pierre, looking at the boys. "But you will -be safe here. You are Americans, and they will not molest you." - -"If you go we will go, too," said Alfred. - -Pierre smiled and shook his head, as he replied: "They know we are -Belgians, and will suspect we are going to join our regiments. If they -capture us we will be sent to Germany. It is different with you. Insist -on your right to go to Antwerp." - -The train had just passed a small village, Le Gleize, and was slowing -down. That was a bad sign, and Jacques eagerly glanced toward Pierre. - -"Now is the time," nodded Pierre, as he opened the door and glanced out. -For a moment he stood on the running board and suddenly dropped to the -side of the roadway, followed by Jacques. The boys watched them as they -crossed the ditch and quickly entered a thick copse of brush. Not until -they disappeared did the boys recover their shock. The train was now -moving along scarcely faster than a walk. The place where Pierre and -Jacques concealed themselves was still in sight, when the train halted. - -Almost immediately a dozen horsemen rode along the train and finally -placed themselves in position. An officer and two soldiers passed -through the train, and as they did so, one coach after the other was -emptied of its passengers, to the surprise of the boys, who had no idea -that there were so many aboard. - -The officer opened the door of the compartment occupied by the boys. In -a peremptory tone the order was given to vacate, and they were quick to -respond. Once outside, several other officers were noticed engaged in -rounding up the detrained passengers, and all were finally marched to -an open space along the roadway. - -The boys explained who they were. One of the officers who spoke English -told them that the train had been taken by the Germans and would be -sent back. - -"But how are we to get to Antwerp?" asked Ralph. - -The officer smiled and merely shrugged his shoulders as he passed on. -There were thirty passengers, among them seven men, the latter of whom -were ordered to remain on the train. - -As they were about to obey the order one of the women shrieked and -begged them not to take her husband; but the officer paid no attention -to her pleadings. Two little children were hanging to her skirts. The -husband turned, kissed her affectionately and was about to embrace -the children, when one of the guards brutally struck the man in his -eagerness to hurry the departure. - -"That makes my blood boil," said Alfred, as he grit his teeth. - -"And that reminds me you had better keep a close mouth, young man," -said a voice behind him. - -The boys turned and faced an officer who stared at them menacingly, one -hand on the hilt of his sword. For a moment a flush overspread Alfred's -face, but he was quick to respond: - -"I am an American, sir; and you have no right to dictate to me or to -stop my saying what I think." - -With a sarcastic smile the officer said: "Then we will teach you to -respect the German arms." - -"I am glad Pierre and Jacques got away," said Ralph as he stepped -forward toward the others. - -The officer's face changed in an instant: "Who are Pierre and Jacques?" - -Ralph now realized that he had been imprudent. Neither replied to the -question, and it was repeated, this time with a threatening gesture. - -"So you refuse to answer the question?" said the officer. "Arrest these -young men," he said to a corporal. "Take this gentleman to the front," -he continued, pointing to Ralph. - -Ralph was led off, while Alfred, now greatly alarmed, stood facing the -officer. - -"Now, then," he said, "for your convenience and comfort it would be -better for you to tell me who Pierre and Jacques are?" - -"I know nothing about Jacques, as I never saw him until this morning. -Pierre was my father's chauffeur," said Alfred. - -"Where is he now?" inquired the officer. - -"I don't know," said Alfred. - -"You are lying to me," quickly responded the officer. - -"Then, if you know I am lying you can probably tell me where he is and -save some trouble in asking the question," replied Alfred, without -intending the reply to be at all disrespectful. - -The answer so quickly given somewhat nettled the officer and he turned -on his heels to go. Then turning suddenly he inquired: - -"When did you last see either of the men?" - -"They got off the train when they saw your troops pass around the -forest," answered Alfred. - -The officer quickly made his way to Ralph. "Where and when did you last -see Pierre and Jacques?" he inquired brusquely. - -Ralph hesitated a moment before replying. - -"Out with it, young man; I have no time for trifling," he continued. - -"They got out before the train stopped," said Ralph. - -Within a few minutes the train, now in charge of an officer and a half -dozen men, was backed down the road toward the junction, while the -troopers, at a word of command, mounted their horses and at top speed -passed out of sight along the road to the east. - - - - -CHAPTER III - -THE WRECKED TRAIN - - -Left in the party by the roadside were two old men, several children, -besides the two little toddlers belonging to the woman whose husband -was so ruthlessly forced into captivity. - -They were fully a mile from the small hamlet which the train had passed -through just before they were halted by the Uhlans. By common consent -the company decided to walk back. - -"Too bad!" said Ralph. "Let's help the woman with the babies." - -"Of course," replied Alfred, and he picked up the little fellow, -while Ralph held out his arms for the baby. This simple act met with -approving remarks. The fact that they had been arrested by the Germans -for protesting against a brutal act, was, in itself, a bold thing, and -commended them to the passengers. - -Before going a quarter of a mile they came in sight of their train. -Some of the coaches at the rear end seemed to be out of line. Evidently -something was wrong, as the officer and some of the soldiers were at -the rear end of the train examining the wreck, for such it was. - -The switch had been thrown over and locked, indicating that someone had -a hand in the affair, and the officer was furious at the detention, for -he knew he must depend on his own exertions to get the train to the -junction. The command of which he had been a part, was now miles away; -so it was essential that he should clear the track and take back his -prisoners. - -Alfred drew Ralph aside and whispered: "Who do you think did that?" - -Ralph hesitated a moment, then, his eyes opened wide and sparkled: -"I'll bet Pierre had a hand in it; and I'll tell you something else, -too----" Ralph's sentence remained unfinished, for two shots were fired -from a nearby hill. The officer jumped fully five feet and stared about. - -One of the soldiers pointed to the hill, but before he could reply two -more shots were fired. - -Instantly there was confusion. The two guards in the coaches appeared -at the doors, and the officer ordered them forward. Evidently they were -being attacked, so with a seemingly concerted motion the boys and their -fellow passengers moved back toward the road, some of them pointing to -the hills. - -"There they come!" shouted Alfred in German. - -Ralph looked at Alfred in astonishment but the look on Alfred's face -was sufficient for him. - -The German officer knew he was not in a position to withstand the -attack of a foe with the few men under him, and the order was quickly -given to withdraw. They passed down to the rear end of the train on a -double quick, and instead of following the track as it curved to the -right, left the roadbed and ascended a slight elevation beyond the -trees that fringed the main wagon road. - -On their way a half dozen rifle shots greeted them but did no damage. -The prisoners were still in the coaches, but none of them made his -appearance, as they had all been bound to the seats. Singularly, no -one appeared from the hills to the right to rescue them, although the -soldiers had disappeared. - -No one seemed to have the least idea what to do. The engineer suggested -that he could uncouple the car next to the last wrecked coach and -proceed under double speed to Rivage. - -"Come on, Alfred, let's go up the hill," shouted Ralph. - -That was an inspiration, and without waiting to reply Alfred leaped the -hedge and rushed across the field, followed by Ralph, and one of the -men. They were half-way across the field before their fellow passengers -realized the importance of the boys' actions. - -The crest of the hill was reached but no one was in sight. They passed -within fifty feet of the spot where they saw the smoke of the guns, and -beyond, hidden in the trees was a farmhouse. - -"Let's go up there?" said Ralph. - -"Hello, boys!" said a suppressed voice. They turned around in -astonishment. - -"Where are you?" asked Ralph. - -"That's Pierre, I'm sure," said Alfred. - -"So it is," said Pierre, as he arose from a cozy position behind a -rock. "Are any of the soldiers aboard?" - -"No, no! they've gone," said Ralph. "Alfred gave them an awful fright." - -"How's that?" asked Pierre. - -"Why, I yelled out: 'there they come!' and they thought there was a -regiment after them." - -"Did you block the track?" asked Ralph. - -"Jacques did; he has the keys for the switches, you know," said Pierre. - -"How did you know that they intended to run the train back?" asked -Alfred. - -"Well, we suspected they would either do that or destroy the whole -train, but here comes Jacques," said Pierre. - -When the latter appeared he was accompanied by three men, all armed. - -"There are no soldiers aboard; we must run the train to the north as -quickly as possible," said Pierre. Then turning to the farmers he said: -"I thank you for the service you have rendered us. Follow up the other -men and capture the Germans if you can. We must be off at once." - -It was the work of a few moments only to uncouple the rear coach and -after the passengers were again in their seats the engineer put on full -speed, soon passed the spot where they had been held up and within -fifteen minutes the train halted in a small town, Guareaux, where the -people exhibited the greatest excitement. - -"What is the matter?" asked Pierre. - -"Germans to the north of us have cut the railway, and taken possession -of the junction Trois Ponts below us," replied a voice. - -There they were, trapped between two forces and the train was now no -longer of any service to them. There was steady firing to the east, -indicating that the investment of Liège was under way and the sound of -guns was heard in the north. Telegraph and telephone wires had been cut -so that no news reached them. Night was close at hand, and every hour -meant a closer investment of the place. - -"We cannot remain here all night," said Pierre. "The Germans may be on -us at any moment. I suggest that we start across the country so as to -reach the road which runs from Clavier to Huy. It is not likely that -they have surrounded Liège entirely, and by striking the road from Huy -we can go east until we reach Jemeppe, and then go north from that -point without entering the city." - -"Then we can go with you," said Ralph, eagerly. - -"Of course," replied Pierre, "but it may be a rough and tiresome -journey." - -At eight o'clock, just as they were about to leave, a horseman came -into town at top speed, with the information that the Uhlans were at -Martin River, and rapidly advancing. Jacques and Pierre had been busy -acquiring information about the route to Clavier and the villagers were -quick to learn the plans of the two men. - -Several young men enrolled themselves at once to accompany Pierre and -Jacques. Four sturdy fellows had indicated their willingness to go -with them but as they were about to leave there was a commotion in -the village, and shortly thereafter a horseman dismounted. One of the -volunteers who had joined Pierre's band cried out: - -"That is Capt. Moreau. I wonder what he is doing here?" - -"He lives at Martin River," replied a young man. - -"Let us see him at once," said Jacques. - -The captain was dressed in civilian's clothes; but he carried a bundle -strapped to his back. He was known to all the villagers, and they -crowded around him. - -"The Germans will be here in less than a half-hour," he said hurriedly. -"Every road is blocked, and I want as many volunteers as possible. With -them we must cut across the country and reach Liège." - -"I am on my way to join the colors," said Pierre, saluting. - -"That is the right spirit, my man. But you are, undoubtedly, a stranger -here," said the Captain. - -"Yes, but I am a Belgian, from Brabant," answered Pierre. - -Pierre's prompt action was the signal for an immediate respond from a -dozen or more. - -"I shall be back in a few minutes, and I designate you to enroll the -volunteers," said the Captain, addressing Pierre. - -Pierre shouted: "Come on, boys, the King needs you." - -The recruits came forward and signed their names. In an incredibly -short time the Captain reappeared clothed in his uniform, and he -proceeded to business at once. - -"Now, men," he said, "without wasting time, get firearms--anything that -will shoot, and report to me within ten minutes." - -The whole village was now a scene of the greatest activity. A varied -assortment of guns and pistols were produced which were hurriedly -inspected by the Captain and accepted by him. - -"Line up, my men," he ordered. "Belgium is at war with Germany, and -our soil has been invaded. It is the duty of every one to assist in -this crisis. I shall administer the oath to each of you. This makes our -company a fighting force in the King's service and in case of capture -entitles you to the treatment accorded to prisoners of war." - -Pierre exhibited a troubled look in his face, and Ralph observed it. "I -am afraid," he said, "that the Captain will not allow you to accompany -us." - -This information was the first shock to the boys. Pierre was right. The -Captain, while sympathizing greatly, could not be moved. He pointed out -that their mission was a dangerous one, and that it would be impossible -for them to accompany the squad. The boys were almost heart-broken, but -there was no hope for them. The final good-byes were given, and Captain -Moreau's little band disappeared in the darkness toward the north. - - - - -CHAPTER IV - -THE WORK OF A SPY - - -The feelings of the boys cannot well be described. They did not -lack for friends, however, as their fellow passengers were quick to -relate the experiences of the boys in their contact with the Germans. -Accommodations were offered by the villagers, and they accepted a neat -little room over a shop. It was now nearly midnight and they were tired -with the excitement and experience of the day. - -They were barely settled when the tramp of horses aroused them. Peering -out they were surprised to see several dozen Uhlans file by and halt, -not far from their window. The people quickly appeared at the doors of -their dwellings, many of them half dressed. - -"Say, Alfred, they are the same fellows who stopped our train," said -Ralph. - -"So they are. And there is the officer who told me to shut up," -answered Alfred. "Let us get up and dress." - -The boys were out in double quick time and cautiously felt their way -downstairs. - -"Don't go out the front way," said a voice. "Take the back door, pass -down the narrow alley and reach the street on the other side." - -Thanking their informant they quickly ran down the alley and were about -to emerge when two horsemen appeared and finally stopped, less than a -dozen feet from the end of the alley. - -A man from the adjoining house made a sign and one of the horsemen -approached close to the low fence. - -"Captain Moreau, with a dozen men left less than an hour ago. They went -north in order to reach Clavier." - -The informant was a resident of the village, and was, unquestionably -a German, as he conversed in that language. He was, thus, spying on -his own townsmen. The information was acted upon at once, for in a few -moments a detachment was hurriedly sent north. - -As the boys were on the point of emerging, a half dozen troopers dashed -by and turned the corner, giving them barely time to retreat within the -alley. Before reaching the house they were met by their host, the owner -of the shop. - -"Go back," he whispered. "They have gone upstairs, one of them -remarking that they wanted the two Americans. How did they know you -were here?" - -The boys were now startled, indeed. Who could have informed the -Germans, and why should they be so promptly hunted up? The matter -evidently puzzled their friend, as well. - -Alfred leaned over to the shopkeeper as he eagerly whispered: "Who is -your next door neighbor? Is he a German?" - -The man recoiled at the question. "Why do you ask?" he quickly -responded. The boys informed him of the conversation which they -overheard between their neighbor and the Uhlans. - -"So that is how he repays our friendship? But where are you going," he -asked, as the boys began to move down the alley. - -"We must go; we don't want them to find us here," said Alfred. - -"But where do you intend to go?" he again asked. - -"We want to reach Huy," replied Ralph. - -"But there is no railway from here to that place," was the answer. - -"We know it," said Alfred. "If Captain Moreau and his men can reach -Clavier we ought to be able to make our way there, too." - -"Then, before you go let me prepare some food for you to eat on the way -there." - -The boys laughed. "Oh, no!" responded Alfred, "we can find plenty as we -go through the villages, besides----" - -A shout in the house interrupted him. Their host held up a warning -finger, as he said: "No, no. For a day or two, at least you will be -going through territory which is being scoured by the Uhlans. You must -give the roads a wide berth, and avoid the villages. Besides, you will -find many German sympathizers throughout this province, so it will not -be safe to visit the houses." - -As he ceased speaking he turned to a low structure, opened a door and -invited them to go in and await his return. After he disappeared, Ralph -paced the little room impatiently. - -"I don't like this arrangement," he finally said. - -"Nor I," muttered Alfred. "Suppose we go?" - -Ralph was at the door in an instant. It had been bolted. - -"Do you suppose he did that purposely?" asked Ralph. - -"I haven't any doubt of it," replied Alfred, "and now it's our business -to fool the old fellow." - -"But how?" inquired Ralph, looking about. - -It was quite dark within, but they could plainly see the lights of the -main street through the vacant space between the houses. - -"Let's get up there," suggested Alfred. "Probably we can break away the -boards." - -Ralph soon found his way to the stringers above and was soon at the -crack. They could hear the door of their host's house open and several -men stepped out, all of them speaking German. Their host was with them. - -"Come up quickly," whispered Ralph. "The old fellow has given us away, -sure." - -Alfred swung himself into position as the men outside approached. - -"I tell you that the young men went out the alley before I went in," -said the host. - -Ralph nudged Alfred. It was a satisfaction to feel that he was, indeed, -a true friend. One of the men ordered the shopkeeper to open the door, -which he did after some hesitation. A man stepped to the door, flashed -a light and glanced in. It was fortunate that the light did not go high -enough to reveal their hiding-place on the stringers above. - -The man gave a sigh of relief, as he said: "I told you they left some -time ago." - -One of the searchers, evidently an officer, then ordered the other to -make a complete search through the village for the two boys. After -all had disappeared the boys were in a quandary. They were afraid to -leave the little house, at least while the search was going on, so -after consideration they decided to remain until their friend should -reappear, for they were now satisfied that he would help them out of -their dilemma. - -They kept their seats on the stringers for fully an hour, but it was -getting to be tiresome, although they were afraid to venture down. As -they had about made up their minds to venture out, voices were heard. -They came closer and soon it was easy to recognize the voice of the -neighbor who had acted the part of the spy two hours before. - -The strange voice greeted the neighbor and imparted the information -that the squad which had gone to the north had just returned. - -"Did you get them?" he asked. - -"Yes; we captured all but two of them," was the reply. - -"Too bad," whispered Ralph. - -"I wonder what time it is?" said Alfred. "Hold up your watch to the -crack and see if you can make it out." - -"My, it's almost four o'clock. It will be daylight in another hour. If -we are to go we had better start at once. What do you say?" - -"Well, it won't do to be cooped up here a whole day; let us try it," -said Alfred as he swung himself down and moved toward the door. - -They peered out. The coast was clear. Before they had an opportunity to -reach the alley the door of the house opened and their host appeared -with a package. - -"So you are about to go? I am glad you did not go sooner. I waited -until the fellows outside settled down. Here is the package I made up -for you. It will come in handy," he said as he handed it to them. - -"We thank you ever so much for your kindness," said Ralph. "We -suspected you, when you went out and bolted the door." - -"I did that purposely," replied the host. "I thought maybe that if -those fellows got to searching out here and they found the door bolted -on the outside they wouldn't take the trouble to look inside." - -"We are glad you thought of that," said Alfred. "But we must ask -another favor of you. Tell us which way to go to reach Clavier?" - -"Indeed, I will. Go north until you reach a stream, which is a half -kilometer distant. Then follow that; but be careful when you come to -the bridges," he replied. - -"Is it true that they have captured Capt. Moreau and the boys with -him?" asked Alfred. - -"No! When did you hear that?" said the host in surprise. - -"We overheard a German tell your next-door neighbor about it," answered -Ralph. - -"It can't be possible," responded the man in amazement. "But you must -not waste time. We are sorry to have you go but I can understand." - -"Thank you again," said Alfred. "Good-bye." - -"Adieu," responded their host. - -They quickly reached the end of the alley and hastily glanced out. -There was no one in sight, and Ralph, who was ahead, beckoned Alfred to -follow. They crossed the street and leaped the fence, then cut across -the lot until they reached the road which their late host had suggested. - -The sound of horses' hoofs coming from the main street of the town -caused both to stop dead still. - -"To the fence, Alfred," whispered Ralph, as the horsemen turned the -corner. - -"Crouch down low and keep quiet," said Alfred. - -The Uhlans, for so they were, passed without halting, and the boys -breathed a sigh of relief. But what were they going to the north for at -this time of the morning? It was over the very route that they intended -to take. - -"What shall we do now?" asked Ralph. - -"Follow them, by all means," replied Alfred. - -"Do you think so?" queried Ralph, doubtfully. - -"Of course, that would be the better way to throw them off the track," -answered Alfred. - -Acting on this advice, they promptly set out on the march, determined -to make the best use of the darkness. - -It did not take them long to reach the stream referred to by their late -friend. The bridge was in sight, and they stopped, for they felt there -was a problem of great importance to solve, and that was, whether or -not to cross it and follow the stream on the other side. - -"Let's go over, by all means, if we have a chance, as we'll have to do -so sooner or later," said Alfred. - -"Do you think so?" asked Ralph. - -"Of course; Clavier is on the other side; I know that," said Alfred. - -"Then come on; watch the road both ways," suggested Ralph. - -They reached the bridge and ran across with all their might. They had -not forgotten the warning given by the shopkeeper. Once across they -turned to the left, and crossed the hedge which bordered the roadway. -Keeping within the protection of the brush close to the stream they -kept up a lively pace. It was now beginning to lighten up, the gray -horizon in the east betokened the arrival of the sun. - -Still they felt that they could keep on for a half-hour more, but -before they had trudged along more than fifteen minutes another bridge -appeared in sight, and almost at the same instant the dust on the road -to the north showed some unusual activity which served as a warning. - -Concealing themselves behind a convenient bush they awaited the arrival -of the horsemen who could now be plainly seen. The four troopers who -passed them at the outskirts of the town, were returning, an evidence -to the minds of the boys that they were the objects of the search. The -troopers crossed the bridge and followed up the stream, bringing them -close to their hiding-place. - -"Wasn't it a good thing we crossed the bridge?" observed Alfred, as the -party passed by. - -"Now, shall we go on?" asked Ralph. - -"I don't know what to do," answered Alfred. "What do you say?" - -"Why, go on, of course; we can't stay here," remarked Ralph. - -"We ought to have found a place to stay before this; I think we made a -mistake; don't you?" said Alfred. - -"I think so; but perhaps we can find a good place further on," -suggested Ralph. - -It was evident that some place of concealment had to be found, so -cautiously approaching the bridge they crossed the road and were -delighted to observe a narrow piece of woodland which seemed to offer -some security to them for the day; so they crossed a stone fence, still -keeping the river in sight, and entered the grove. - -It may be well to observe that Belgium is a very thickly settled -country and they were in the province of Liège, which has a much -denser population than any other section in Belgium. During the flight -of the boys from the little town of Guareaux, farmhouses were visible -at all times in one direction or the other. - -They hurried through the wood, and were about to climb the fence which -divided it from an open space, when the barking of a dog arrested them. -Almost immediately a voice called to them: - -"Who are you?" - -Neither of the boys saw the inquirer, but a little cabin was plainly -visible to the left. They remained silent, and by this time the dog was -at the opposite side of the fence barking vigorously. It would have -been imprudent not to recognize the call, now that the dog had pointed -them out. Alfred was the first to recover himself, as he answered: - -"We are American boys, on our way to Clavier." - -The man approached along the opposite side of the fence and drove the -dog away. - -"American boys? and what are you doing here?" he asked in astonishment. - -Ralph looked at Alfred for a moment before answering: "We had an -experience with the Germans yesterday and are trying to get away from -them." - -The face of the man brightened up, and he rushed up to them, holding -out his hands. - -"You are welcome here; I will assist you," he said. - -"Thank you for the offer," said Alfred. - -"A half dozen of the German troopers have just passed along the road to -the west going north," said the man. "It seems as though the country -hereabouts is full of them." - -"They are after the men who left town last night to join the colors. -Captain Moreau was with them, but we are afraid they captured him," -said Ralph. - -"Ah, the Captain with his men passed here last night, and I saw him. My -son is with him. If that is true he may be taken also," said the man in -a very sorrowful tone. - -"One of the men with the Captain is our friend. They would not let -us go with them, so we determined to make our way across before the -Germans get too far," said Alfred. - -"I am afraid you will have trouble in trying to reach Clavier. I advise -you to avoid that place and try to reach the main line that runs east -from Huy, as the Germans will try to reach Clavier. The railroad -touches that point from the west, and then runs north to Huy," said -their informant. - -"Then would you advise us to keep on going during the day time?" asked -Alfred. - -"You would be safe, if you avoid the roads and bridges," said the man. -"But you must have something to eat before you leave; so come in and we -will make you comfortable." - -The invitation was accepted with profuse thanks. Within the cottage -they found the mistress and two children, one of them a boy of their -own age. The situation was explained, and the boys became objects of -interest at once, when they related their experiences on the train and -in the town. - -After breakfast the man said: "Henri, my son, you know the way to -Borlon. You may accompany them and show them the way; but mind you, -care must be taken at the roads and bridges." - -The boys were delighted at this kind offer. Henri smiled as he was thus -delegated to make the trip. It was too good to be true. When all were -ready the mother kissed her boy and accompanied by the father they -passed out the door. Not three hundred feet distant was a main road, -and leaping the hedge on both sides of the gate were fully a dozen of -the Uhlans. - -"Back! back!" said the man. - -The boys darted into the house, while the man said in an undertone: -"Henri, take the boys down to the pit. Don't stop for anything." - -Henri motioned to them, and they rushed out the back door, passed -through a narrow arbor way, dashed through a gate and followed along -side the fence which ran toward the river. They almost rolled down the -steep incline to the water's edge in their eagerness to get away. - -"This way," said Henri. - -He led them along the incline for several hundred feet, and finally -stopped at the entrance of what appeared to be a cave. - -"This is an old ore pit," said Henri. "I don't think they will find -you here. I'll go back and see what they are doing." - -So saying he slipped down the bank, and hurriedly passed out of -sight. They remained in the pit for nearly an hour, and a feeling of -uneasiness crept over them. Ralph cautiously crept out and peered over -the top of the hill. He was just in time to see the troops file out of -the yard. - -Before they had disappeared down the road Henri rushed out of the house -and made his way to the pit. - -"Come on, boys; they have gone," he shouted. - -As the boys crept up the hill and met Henri, they learned that the -Germans had compelled their friends to prepare breakfast for them, -which accounted for the long delay. - - - - -CHAPTER V - -THE STRUGGLE THROUGH THE COUNTRY - - -It was fully nine o'clock before they left Mr. Revigne's place, for -such was his name. He was one of the prosperous small farmers of that -section, and he and his sons knew every foot of the country for miles. -Henri was a bright, intelligent fellow, and his brother, who had joined -the Captain's band, was a reservist. - -They went across fields, keeping the stream in sight, and they had not -gone far before the boys learned to repose the greatest confidence -in their new companion. After passing two well-travelled roads, they -approached a third, which Henri informed them was the main road to -Rivage east of their location. - -"It wouldn't be much of a trick for those fellows to cut across from -Martin River, so we must be very careful now," said Henri. - -There was but a single field to cross, and Henri advised the boys to -keep out of sight while he went forward to examine the road. In a few -moments he returned with the information that the road was clear, and -both boys bounded forward and made a run for the fences. As ill luck -would have it a troop appeared on the highway to their right, before -they reached the fence. Henri stopped. - -"Wait," he said. "Line up by the side of me, so you will be hidden -beside me; then let us all walk together to the fence." - -In that manner they reached the moss-grown stone barrier, so well known -in many parts of the country. - -"Drop down now, and keep out of sight," said Henri. - -So saying he mounted the fence and crossed over. The horsemen beyond -were now hurrying down the road. He mounted the fence on the other -side, and awaited their approach. An officer in front halted and -inquired, in German, if Henri had seen any people on the road. - -Henri shook his head slowly, to indicate that he did not understand -them. The question was repeated in French, and he responded that no one -had gone by since he came on the road. The troopers proceeded without -further questions, and when they were well out of sight the boys arose, -crossed over, and made up for lost time in the effort to cross the -adjacent field. - -"A friend of my father's lives in that house," said Henri, pointing -ahead. "We might stop there and learn if there is any news." - -The owner of the house was greatly surprised at the appearance of Henri -and the boys. He was told their story, and he smiled at them proudly. -"And where are you going now?" he asked. - -"Father asked me to take the boys over to Borlon's. They want to go to -Clavier, as they are on the way to Antwerp," said Henri. - -"Then I have bad news for you; the Germans are well above the road -leading to Rivage. You must avoid Borlon, and you cannot go to Clavier, -as they are trying to cut the road between Clavier and Huy," said the -man. - -"Then what would you advise us to do?" asked Alfred. - -"Go to the north of Borlon, and make straight for the road that runs -from Huy to Liège," was the reply. - -"Then we shall have to leave you," said Ralph, sorrowfully. - -"No, no; I will stay with you all day, and leave you to-morrow some -time," said Henri. - -"Now, my boy, go straight across to Ladeau's place and get something to -eat there; you know where that is," said the man, addressing Henri. - -"Indeed, I do; and he will tell us the best way from that place," said -Henri. - -Notwithstanding the gravity of their journey, the trip of the three -boys was fascinating. Henri steered a course directly to the east, but -it was tiring work, as constant vigilance was necessary. Night set in -too soon for them, but the moon lighted the way for an hour before they -reached Ladeau's place. - -There they learned some bad news. Information had reached Mr. Ladeau -that Capt. Moreau and his companions had been captured, or, at least, -there was a fight with a superior force. - -"We heard they were captured," said Ralph. - -"That is quite possible," remarked Mr. Ladeau, sadly. "Just before you -came we learned that the Germans had taken possession of the road to -the north, and it is likely that a visit may be expected from them at -any moment." - -"Then we must go at once," said Alfred, "and if you will direct us -which way to travel we will go on without Henri, as it would be wrong -to take him further from home." - -Henri protested, but the boys both agreed that it would be the proper -course for him to return, and Mr. Ladeau concurred in their view of -it. The parting was a hurried one, and they at once struck across the -fields, taking good care to keep one particularly bright star directly -in front of them. - -Thus, for two hours, they met with no incident until they approached a -road, when they heard voices speaking in German. Silently approaching -the fence they waited until the sound died away, then rushed across the -road and entered an orchard with tempting fruit all about them. - -"Well, it is about the only thing you can do," said a voice in French. - -This was, assuredly, a relief to the boys, as they saw two men descend -from a tree. - -"What were you doing in the tree?" asked Alfred. - -"We heard you long before you came up to the tree," said the tall one, -"and we supposed you might be the Germans, until we came near enough so -we could distinguish your language." - -"Hereafter," remarked Ralph, "we shall be more careful." The boys -related their experiences, and the fact that they had been captives, -and the troubles they went through since their release. - -"While it might be possible for you boys to travel during the daytime, -it would not be so for us, and it is equally dangerous, in view of -the orders sent out in the printed notices, for all of us to travel -at night. We must, however, get away from this section as soon as -possible, so we might as well go on." - -All villages were avoided and they passed by the farmhouses as though -they suspected a pestilence. It was a trying, weary night as they were -frequently compelled to wait while one scouted ahead. In the early -morning their tall companion announced that they were nearing the town -of Esneux. - - - - -CHAPTER VI - -ON THE ROAD TO LIÈGE - - -They were now less than six miles from the Meuse, the country was -growing rough, and the hills, on the banks of the little stream which -flowed to the north, were rugged, like all this section bordering on -the river. - -They must either avoid the town by going to the right, or cross the -river, the latter a hazardous undertaking in daytime, if there were any -Germans in that section. They well knew that if the enveloping movement -had extended up as far as Tilff, the town, in all probability, would be -occupied by the enemy. - -Gascon, the tall companion, would not consider the attempt to cross the -river. "Let us go to the left, and attempt to cross on the other side -of the town." - -Their other companion took up the duty of scout, walking along the -ridge of the hill, above the stream, while the others followed in the -little valley below. In the next hour they were west of the town, and -approached the road which led from Huy. - -The morning light plainly showed that this road was also patrolled by -the Uhlans, but to cross it was their only hope. Otherwise, it would -mean an entire day lurking in some hiding-place. - -It was a painful experience, to crawl along the low hedge that ran up -to the highway, for it was now early morn, and light enough so that -cavalry could be seen in the screen formed by the trees along the road. - -Gascon knew what scouting meant, and he gave them a word of caution. -"We must not go along the hedge together. We should be separated at -least ten meters apart" (a little over 30 feet), "and the movement must -be made without any noise." - -He then threw himself on the ground and showed them how to crawl. "Just -watch me for a moment and you will learn an easy way to do it." - -Gascon stretched himself full length on his face, lying partly on his -left side. "Now," he said, "draw up the right leg, and stretch the -right arm upward past your head. If you will now turn your body over -to the right, or, in other words, roll yourself over on the right arm -and leg, the left foot can be used to propel yourself forward, without -appreciably raising the body." - -The boys remembered the terribly trying act of crawling on the first -day of their experience, and this exhibition was a most gratifying -thing to them, now that there was more of it to do. - -"Where did you learn how to do this?" asked Ralph. - -[Illustration: _German 42-Centimetre Gun._] - -"This is part of the drill in the army. This creeping movement is -characteristic of the North American Indian, and is also practised by -some of the African tribes." - -Gascon now started on his peculiar movement along the fence followed -by Joseph, their other companion, and then Ralph, observing the proper -interval, followed and after him came Alfred. - -Early as it was there were sounds of activity that did not arise -from the ordinary farming operations. The roads here, as everywhere -throughout Belgium, were found at frequent intervals in their pathway, -and while they must avoid them, it was also necessary that they should -cross them. - -Another characteristic of Belgian roads is, that they are, usually, -lined with trees, and the hedges afforded ample protection for lurking -enemies, while, at the same time, it served to hide their movements. - -As the first streaks of the morning sun began to show over the -landscape, the party came to a halt for the purpose of considering -their further movements. Suddenly, it seemed as though the ground moved -upwardly, as a terrific crash burst on their ears. - -Not a word was spoken by anyone for a minute, and Ralph's voice, when -he spoke, was gruff and unnatural. "What can that be?" he asked, as he -turned to their leader. - -"That is a heavy field piece--there, you can see the smoke. It is -mounted on the hill directly in front of us. Lucky for us that we did -not cross the field," answered Gascon. - -"We are in a trap," said Alfred. - -Gascon smiled. "Yes, if they have advanced beyond the battery we shall -have to wait until night, because it would be unsafe to cross the Meuse -in their rear." - -A boom from the east, followed by another, and still another, was -sufficient notice to them that the great forts at Liège were answering -the challenge. They burrowed into the hedge, and made enclosures with -bushes and leaves. Meantime, the battery on the hill opened fire with -its three guns, and soon the surrounding atmosphere grew misty, and -they could smell an unmistakable odor of burning powder. - -Soon another battery, farther to their right, began to fire. "How -fortunate we did not get any further than this," said Gascon. - -"Why?" asked Alfred, in astonishment. - -"Because we should have run into another battery and encampment to the -rear of this." - -They were hardly settled in the temporary shelter, when they heard a -peculiar hissing sound, and immediately felt, a peculiar shock as of a -falling body, followed by an explosion of a huge shell which threw dirt -and sand over them. This was really more terrifying to the boys than -their experience at the mouth of the mine on the first day of their -wanderings. - -"That must have been awful close," said Alfred, with a perceptible -tremor in his voice. - -"It was fully fifty metres (163 feet) beyond us. That was, probably, -an eight-inch shell, and if it had come within ten meters, (about 32 -feet), of the battery the latter would have been put out of action." - -Within the next half-hour a dozen or more shells burst within five -hundred feet, more or less, of their position. It was evident that the -forts south of the river were trying to get the range of the battery -which had thrown the challenge which the boys witnessed. - -It was their first actual experience in war. They had seen the -soldiers, and the trappings, but now the actual conflict was before -them. It was fascinating, but it was also dangerous. Did they stop to -talk over things connected with their homes and their friends? They -doubtless thought of them, but they knew they must think of something -more important than distant things. They must meet the actual realities -at hand. - -For two hours they lay thus, and watched the entrancing sight of the -guns on the hill, firing at regular intervals, and noted the bursting -of the great shells from the forts, speculating where the next one -would strike. They became reckless now. The boys were both trembling -when the first shells began to come, but now they had a different -feeling. At first they had a vague idea that there was some safety -in the bushes, and lay there concealed, but now very strangely each -bursting shell made them less anxious and subdued their curiosity. - -They crawled from the shelter, and moved into the opening. Gascon and -his companion had been thus exposed for some time. They now had little -fear of the troops. The air was filled with smoke, as a slight breeze -blew toward them from the battery. - -Gascon turned to the boys, noted their composure, and said: "We think -it would be well for us to make a start." - -This information was a welcome one, you may be sure, for it was better -than waiting to be shot at. - -Hardly had the boys turned toward the hedge, when a peculiar explosion -was heard. It was like a combination of explosions, and Gascon ran out -into the field, swinging his hat. - -"What is the matter?" asked Ralph, excitedly. - -Gascon waved his arms and smiled, but was silent for a time. - -He pointed to the hill. "That will settle those fellows for some time," -he said, turning toward them. The boys looked toward the hill and saw -that it was giving up an immense cloud of the densest smoke. - -"They have hit the battery," said Alfred, in intense excitement. - -"But what makes all that smoke?" asked Ralph. - -"Ah!" said Gascon, with a broad grin, "they have struck the caisson and -exploded the ammunition." - -Without waiting for more information, the party rapidly ran along the -hedge to the north, but before they had crossed half-way to the hedge -which formed the enclosure for the field along the roadway, a troop of -horsemen appeared in the road to their left, and rode furiously toward -the hill. - -The atmosphere was a dusky gray but unlike a haze it was much more -dense and heavy. The heavy shells from the fort came at regular -intervals. The moment the horsemen passed, Gascon held up his hand as a -signal to go forward, and they soon reached the road. He was the first -through the brush, and crawling out across the road, gave a peculiar -whistle to indicate safety, and the boys followed, crouching as low as -possible, Ralph following Alfred, after an interval, as they had been -instructed. Their companion was the last to cross. - -When Alfred reached the other side, he saw Gascon fully a hundred feet -away. The battery on the hill had ceased, but the one beyond was still -keeping up its regular shots. - -"I believe we are forward of the most advanced batteries," said Gascon, -"and if such should turn out to be the case we will have little trouble -in reaching our lines." - -The misty condition of the atmosphere was most fortunate for the boys -and their companions, but it also frequently brought them close up -to the patrols, which were constantly in their path. Thus by careful -manœuvring they found themselves approaching an elevation which Gascon -estimated to be ten miles west of Liège. - -The ascent was slow, as they crept most of the way, to avoid any -sentries who might be in that locality. Up to this time they had found -the inevitable Uhlans in their way wherever they went. - -Gascon, who was in the lead, held up a warning hand as they reached the -summit, where, spread before them, was a great panorama. To the east, -and less than a mile away, was a much higher hill, that dominated the -position in which they found themselves, and there they discovered a -battery, also in action. - -Directly before them was the winding Meuse. A little to the right, and -probably a mile and a quarter away, was a little town, and to the left, -four miles distant, was Huy, a town of about 4,000 inhabitants, also on -the northern bank of the stream. - -The railway, from Liège to Huy, was at the foot of the hill, winding -its way along, and below the great hill to the east, was discernible, a -German encampment, which supported the battery on the hill. - -The frowning forts around Liège were distinctly visible, because their -great guns were now in action. The sounds which reached them were like -the continual reverberations of thunder, only sharper and punctuated -by the occasional heavy discharges. Above every fort floated a Belgian -flag. - -The boys looked at Gascon, whose countenance portrayed anxiety, which -they noticed for the first time in his demeanor. - -"Do you think we shall be able to cross the river?" asked Alfred. - -"We can find means to do that, if we are able to reach it. The trouble -will be to get there, and we cannot possibly do that during the day." - -"Do you see any of the Germans near the stream?" - -"No, but they have plenty of places to conceal themselves. It is clear -that we must avoid the railroad." - -"Why not move to the right?" said Alfred. "That is the most direct way -to the city." - -Gascon did not reply, but in a few minutes, he began to descend to the -west, and all followed him at a distance. The valley was reached after -passing by a dozen or more cottages, all of which were unoccupied. - -"The empty houses make it look bad to me," was Gascon's observation, as -they were moving from the last one. "The Germans have been here, that -is----" - -His remarks were cut short, as he dropped to the earth and made a -signal. They were astounded to find that a company of horsemen occupied -the orchard to the west of the house. This made a hurried retreat -necessary and they passed to the east, skirting the hill formerly -occupied. - -They commenced to feel the pangs of hunger. Fruit had been the morning -meal, and of this they had found plenty; but something else was needed. -Gascon spoke to his companion, and after selecting a secluded spot, the -latter moved forward, and crouching along the hedges was soon beyond -their view. - -"Joseph will forage for us," said Gascon. "It is better for one to do -this than for all of us to join in the hunt." - -They waited for more than a half-hour, without a sign of Joseph, and -Gascon now made frequent trips to the nearby road, but returned each -time without tidings. - -The last time he came back with the cheerful intelligence that Joseph -was returning. But alas! for their expectations! Two shots in the -neighborhood of their returning friend, caused Gascon and the boys to -leap to their feet. Beyond the second field they saw Joseph running -from a half-dozen troopers who were leaping the fences in pursuit. - -Joseph saw that escape was useless, and turned toward his pursuers. -Evidently, he had not been hit by the shots. An officer galloped up to -him, and he exposed the contents of his bundle. - -"They will suspect that Joseph is getting food for companions and we -will have to depend on our wits to escape capture," said Gascon. - -They were evidently questioning the captive. Joseph was shrewd enough -to endeavor to effect his escape by running to the east, instead of -going to the south, where his companions were. - -"Do you think that is why he ran in the direction he did?" asked Ralph. - -"Undoubtedly," replied Gascon. "Now that they are trying to learn where -we are, let us move to the north and east, as fast as we can." - -"But," said Alfred, "that will take us right into the German lines." - -"Quite true, but that will be better than attempting to go forward." - -It was but the work of a moment to crawl through the hedge, and move -down the hill, making their way as fast as possible toward an orchard, -through which they passed, emerging at a small vineyard which afforded -them shelter. They hurriedly passed through the rows of vines, and soon -approached a small farmhouse. - -"I will investigate; stay here until you hear from me. If everything is -clear I will appear at the side of the building to the right of the elm -trees." - -The boys nestled close to the bushy vines, occasionally standing up -to see whether Gascon was in sight. Within fifteen minutes they were -delighted to see the form of Gascon, and hearing the welcome signal, -rejoined him. - -The Germans had not disturbed this house, which was accounted for by -the fact that the homestead was quite a distance from the main road. -The owner of the place had, however, heard all the news up to the -preceeding day, and this was what the boys were interested in. - -"Liège is being surrounded," he said. "It would be almost impossible to -make your way through, though it might be done by taking a route which -would enable you to approach the city from the north." - -"I must get back to my regiment," said Gascon. "So if you will permit -me to remain here until night, I will attempt the journey." - -"We know it is the right thing for you to try to reach your command. -We do not wish to hamper you, but we will follow you during the night. -Never fear, we shall find a way to get home," said Ralph. - - - - -CHAPTER VII - -A THRILLING FLIGHT - - -"You must be hungry," said the kindly old man. The boys had not -forgotten that they wanted something to eat, and Gascon smiled as he -told the farmer that they had nothing but fruit during the entire day. - -The farmer's wife had already made preparations for the evening meal, -as it was now nearing six in the afternoon. The boys followed her every -movement and when the meal was ready they both ate to the delight of -the woman. As she looked at them, her eyes frequently filled with tears. - -"Two of our boys are now at Liège. One of them is an officer in Fort V. -Flerion," she said. - -"Maybe we saw some of the shells which he has been throwing at the -Germans," said Alfred, enthusiastically. - -"Undoubtedly you saw some of them when you were down near the great -forest," said Gascon, "but we are too far west now for the guns from -that fort." - -"I hope," said the woman, "that this trouble will not be for long. But -our boys must serve our country, even though all of us suffer for it." - -After the meal, the boys were surprised to see the door leading to the -kitchen, quietly open, and two young men entered. The father introduced -the two, one of them being his son, and the other a neighbor. They then -learned that the two formed part of a guard for the neighborhood, and -that they had come in for the evening meal, while others kept guard in -the meantime. - -"Roland had an experience this afternoon," said the elder. "While -passing down the orchard lane we heard two shots on the Thierry farm. -He went forward to reconnoiter and ran into a troop of Uhlans who were -escorting a prisoner whom they had taken in the field beyond." - -The boys looked at each other. "Did he have on a red-bordered jacket?" -eagerly asked Alfred. - -"Yes," answered Roland. "How did you know?" he inquired. - -"That was Joseph!" exclaimed Ralph. - -"The trouble was that they came very near catching me, also," said -Roland, with a twinkle, "as they were after me when they spied the -man. I was ahead of Paul, after we passed through the lane, and when -I crossed the road, they discovered me and gave chase. As I passed -through the wheat field I had a good chance to hide, but the troopers -came on and leaped over the fence only to catch sight of the stranger." - -"So my friend saved you," said Gascon. "Well, I suppose that is what -this war does. It does not respect anyone. You must suffer for what I -do. In war nothing is right but might." - -"We have been attacked," responded Roland, "and our only course is to -fight. I am sorry I waited so long before going to the city. Belgium -needs all of us, so to-night we must start, Mother." - -The boys looked on Roland in admiration. He was about twenty-four years -of age, straight, tall and handsome-featured, the youngest of the family. - -The mother did not reply, but she silently gathered up her apron and -wiped the moisture from her eyes. She did not object, but quietly said: -"Tell your brothers not to worry about us, but do let us hear from you -often." - -How often that same injunction goes forth from a mother's heart. "Don't -forget to write!" Once in a slum lodging house which was established -for wanderers, a tablet was placed over the door, on which was -inscribed, in large letters the words: - - "WHEN DID YOU WRITE THE LAST LETTER TO MOTHER?" - -Shortly after nine o'clock, Gascon, together with Roland, and two -others, prepared to start for the Belgian lines. It was a sad parting, -and it may be said to the credit of the mother that she bore her part -well, and inspired those about her to act bravely. - -The old man gave the boys careful instructions, as to the surrounding -country. "My advice is that you go directly northwest for at least -three miles, and that will bring you behind the German firing line. -None of their batteries is so far west as that, but you must remember -that the German forces are rapidly coming north from Verviers, and -while they are mostly following the railroads, are, nevertheless, -taking advantage of all the roads from Bleiburn and Eupen." - -"But isn't it safer for us to travel at night than in the daytime?" -asked Alfred. - -"It is not safe at any time, my boy. The notices say you must be -indoors after seven o 'clock. So by traveling at night you are -violating one of the orders. On the other hand, if you travel in the -daytime, you may be easily detected." - -"But why should they object to people being out at night?" asked Ralph. - -"Because they are in an enemy's country, and they know that as the -inhabitants are acquainted with every section, they would be able to -spread information, and offer great obstructions, if allowed their -freedom." - -The stern necessities of war were thus gradually instilled in their -minds. They saw the peril of their enterprise, and it may be said -to the credit of the boys that they determined to risk the journey. -Unquestionably, the country through which they were now to go was more -perilous for them than the trip from Quareaux. - -Shortly after ten o'clock the boys decided on leaving. The mother -handed them two packages neatly done up. "Here is some luncheon for -you. You will need it before you reach Liège," she said. - -They were greatly touched at this material evidence of good will, and -Alfred grasping her by the hand tried to thank her. Like a true mother, -she put her arms around the boys, and said: - -"God bless you both, and may you soon see your parents. Good-by!" - -They moved toward the door, and passed out, with downcast eyes, afraid -to utter another word, so strong were their feelings. They now realized -that they were alone in a strange section of the country, and that the -route was beset by perils. Somehow the terror of the situation had -passed from them. Less than a week ago they were carefree boys, who had -no great responsibilities, and who had never experienced the trials of -life. - -For the past two days they had violated the laws imposed on the -community by the invaders; they knew the penalty was death. They had -been hunted and pursued; had learned how to evade the searchers; how to -crawl by stealth from one field to the next; how to cross a patrolled -highway, and the precautions that must be taken to approach houses. Do -you not wonder that boys under such conditions might well be pardoned -for feeling faint and weakened in their determination to go on? - -Ralph was the first to recover. "How noble those people are. I love -them for the care and attention they gave us, and I hope we may be able -to repay them some day." - -"Yes," answered Alfred. "But it made me happy to see the way Roland -left his mother. He is a brave fellow, and I hope he will be able to -work his way through the lines." - -"But here we are. We must not waste time. We had but little sleep last -night, and must go as far as we can to-night. Didn't that bath feel -good?" remarked Ralph. - -They hugged the precious packages which had been given them, and moved -to the east along the hedge row as suggested by the farmer. - -"He said we should go east until we crossed the second stream, and then -follow it down to the Meuse. We ought to be able to remember that," -said Alfred, as they quietly walked along side by side. - -"There is the road now," interposed Ralph. "Everything appears to be -quiet. Let us go on carefully, and cross over." - -This was accomplished without accident. It was now fully eleven -o'clock, and it must not be imagined that there was quiet all about -them. In the distance were sounds of the movement of horses, the clang -of metal and the rumbling of wheels, even at this late hour. - -Indeed, they had hardly passed the highway, when a train of vehicles -came along. All these things became familiar to them, just as noises -and sounds will become dull to the ear through frequent and constant -repetition. - -They talked but little, and moved across the next field with -considerable speed. A field of barley was reached, and soon passed, -then an orchard, and the inevitable vineyard. A house, or other -building, would suddenly loom up, and then a new direction would have -to be taken. - -"What bothers me most is to get the right direction again after we -circle about the houses," said Alfred. - -"Yes, I forgot to look at the Great Dipper, so as to locate the North -Star. Do you remember, Alfred, how grandfather instructed us to find -the true north?" asked Ralph. - -"I am afraid I would not be able to explain it," answered Alfred. - -"Well, look at the two stars opposite the handle. A line run out from -those two stars always points to the North Polar star," replied Ralph. - -"I remember now," answered Alfred; "there it is, that bright star. -Well, I shall try it the next time we are forced to go around a -building." - -For the benefit of the reader, a sketch is given of the dipper, and the -relative position of Polaris, the great North Star. The dotted line A, -which runs through the two stars Dubhe and Merak, also passes through -Polaris. - -Progress was slow owing to these detours, and when the first stream was -reached the boys were glad to bathe their faces, then they sat down to -rest. Where the stream was crossed appeared to be a secluded spot, and -the silence was such that it was almost oppressive to them. - -Suddenly a great bell rang out in the distance, and the boys counted -the strokes. It was twelve o'clock, and they heard the bell of a great -château, eight miles west of Liège. - -This startled them more than the reverberations of the great guns. - -"We can now keep track of the time exactly," said Alfred. - -"Unless we hear too many other noises," answered Ralph. - -[Illustration: _Using the Great Dipper to Find the True North_] - -The tramp was again taken up. They began to grow tired now but they had -gone in a direct line from the farmer's house, not to exceed a mile and -a half, though in winding their ways around the houses they must have -traveled twice that distance. Moreover, every step of the way was one -of anxiety, which is more wearing than the bodily exertion. - -Over fields, some of them newly-plowed; along hedges and fences, -walking between rows of vegetables; through orchards; crawling over -obstructions; ever alert to note and weigh each new or unfamiliar -noise; these were the strenuous times through which our heroes were -compelled to go in their wanderings. No wonder they grew tired. - -"Are we going down hill?" inquired Ralph. - -"Undoubtedly," said Alfred. "I hope we shall soon reach the second -stream." - -Ralph's hope was realized. The stream was near at hand, flowing -directly north. - -"We must follow this," whispered Alfred. - -"Why not have something to eat?" said Ralph. "I am awfully hungry." -Alfred needed no urging. Selecting a sheltered position under an -overhanging bank, they sat down, and carefully opened one of the -packages. They were surprised to find not only substantials there but -real dainties. - -"Oh, but this is good," remarked Ralph. - -"I thought----" - -But Alfred's sentence was cut short by a sudden commotion to their -right, followed by a gruff order in German. Soon the sounds of -galloping horses were heard, and a number stopped not three hundred -feet away. - -They did not move. Some altercation or explanation took place, the -nature of which was not explainable at that time. - -"I believe the road runs along there and crosses the creek where the -troops are," suggested Alfred. - -"I wonder what they are stopping for?" - -A new order was given, and the command moved on to the west. In another -instant two figures faintly appeared close to the stream, at a bend -below them. They came on, directly toward them. The boys grasped each -others hands. The figures were now only ten feet away, and the boys -then saw that they were not enemies but friends. - -"Don't be afraid of us," said Ralph, rising. - -The men, thus suddenly arrested, started back, but quickly recovering -inquired who they were. - -"We are trying to get to Antwerp," said Alfred, "if the Germans will -let us." - -"Well, we are trying to get away from home, and they don't want us to -do even that," said one of the men. - -"Were they after you?" inquired Alfred. - -"Yes, for the last hour." - -"Is that a road beyond?" asked Ralph. - -"That is the main road leading to Vise." - -"We should have struck the creek considerably south of the road," said -Alfred. - -"It is fortunate that you did not reach it on the other side, because -every foot of the road is patrolled. That is what caused us the trouble -during the last hour,--trying to get across." - -"But we made a run for it at last, and that is what caused the rumpus. -If they know we are on this side they will surely follow along -the stream, so we had better move up toward the Meuse, as fast as -possible." - -One of the men now went ahead, the others following at a distance which -enabled them to barely make out the advancing form. As they advanced -the valley of the stream grew narrower and more rugged. - -The man with the boys turned to them and said: "We are now less than -a half mile from the Meuse. The railway track ahead will be the most -dangerous part of our journey." - -As he spoke they saw one of the telegraph poles through the darkness -and the leader in advance halted. There was silence for some time. -Soon he returned with the information that a body of troops were -quartered at the small station beyond, and that the utmost vigilance -was necessary. - -Stealthily making their way along the hedge row at one side, the -railway line was reached. As a precautionary measure the men searched -the track in both directions, and returned with the information that -the line was clear. Creeping as low as possible the four made their way -across, just as an approaching train, filled with troops from the east, -began to slow down. - -The rear end of the train stopped within two hundred feet of the -crossing place, and a number of the soldiers stepped from the train, -while lanterns, in abundance, were seen all along the train. - -"Don't let us waste time. The arrival of the train will give them -something to think about while we make tracks for the river." - -All precaution was now thrown to the winds. They actually scrambled -along the ground, and over the rough limestone formation. Huge oak -trees sprang up all along their pathway. This section is noted for the -size and beauty of these trees. They now afforded fine hiding places. - -"We must go to the left, and try the bridge," said the elder of the two. - -This announcement was very welcome to the boys. Somehow, they felt that -if they could once cross the river they would be safe from pursuit. -To cross the stream otherwise would require a boat, or necessitate -swimming. - -"Are you sure there is a bridge near here?" asked Ralph, somewhat -doubtfully. - -"Yes." - -Beyond the Meuse. How the boys enjoyed the sight. - -"Now for the bridge," said the leader. - -Keeping fully a hundred feet from the bank of the stream they marched -to the west, without incident, until they had gone fully a quarter of -a mile. Then, something moved in front of them. They quietly listened, -for it was certain some one was approaching. Not a word was spoken. - -Beyond question men were approaching. Quiet mumblings were heard from -the approaching party. - -The elder, in a suppressed breath, cried out "_ami_," meaning _friend_, -and the noise instantly ceased. There was no response, however. The -word was repeated. Soon the answer came: "_Belguique_." - - - - -CHAPTER VIII - -THEY REACH THE BELGIAN FORCES - - -There was a movement in their front, and soon forms were outlined. One -appeared after the other, until seven men ranged alongside. Almost the -first to appear was Roland, who had left them the evening before, and -two of his associates. - -Roland laughed, as he greeted the boys. Most of the men knew each -other, as they were all from the same commune. - -"Where are you going?" asked Roland. - -"To the bridge," answered their companion. - -"Too late," responded Roland. "An advance guard, with two machine guns, -reached there less than an hour ago, and has taken possession." - -"That means that the Germans are on the other side, as well?" asked one -of the men. - -"We do not know about that. They could easily come up from Tieff, and -from that point cross over." - -"Fortunately," said Roland, "our troops are arriving from St. Trond and -Tongress, to reinforce the garrison." - -"Then we may be able to reach the soldiers," said Alfred. - -"Yes, unless the Germans are ahead of them," answered Roland. - -Without delay the company, now increased to eleven, turned to the east, -and marched down close to the river bank. Cottage after cottage was -passed, but they purposely avoided the roads. West of Jemeppe is a -little cluster of cottages, where some of the company knew boats were -obtainable, and as this was approached the bell of the château struck -three. - -If the cottages along the way were silent, it was evident that the -cottagers were not asleep. As they neared the street they could see -many of the villagers, and at the shore were a dozen boats, and several -more could be seen out in the stream. - -The appearance of the boys and the party attracted no particular -attention, but it was seen that the men were manning the boats, and -Roland and his men announced that they must cross in order to join the -forces beyond. - -"The Germans are on the other side, but how near we do not know. They -have taken the bridge below here," said one of them. - -The boys were interested listeners and observers. They now noticed that -many of the men were armed, and that two of them had uniforms. - -"Who is that man with the uniform?" asked Alfred, as Roland appeared. - -"That is Captain Moreau. He is directing the movement of the reservists -in this section." - -The boys were startled at this as it meant the news of his capture was -not true. Pierre must be with him then, and they rushed around trying -to find him, but were unable to do so. - -Over forty men manned the boats, and the boys were permitted to enter -one of them. - -The Captain gave a brief order and they were under way. As they neared -the northern shore he said: - -"Return as rapidly as possible to the next landing below and get those -assembled there. We will await the party at Grand Oak crossing." - -When all had landed they were quietly marched to the east until they -struck a road leading to the north. A quarter of a mile beyond was a -cross road, passing through a cluster of magnificent oaks. They were -led to a thick wood adjoining the cross road, and concealed in the -chapparal which commanded the main road. - -It consumed an hour to reach this point, and it was now four in the -morning. In a half hour more the party from the downstream landing -appeared, and now the first streaks of dawn appeared. Without waiting -for explanations as to the course to be pursued, the Captain selected -four men, who were ordered to advance. - -The scouts thus designated were armed, and immediately forged ahead, -and after a wait of five minutes, the party followed. All talking was -prohibited. - -"We shall know within the next hour whether we shall meet friend or -foe," said the Captain. - -Every minute or two one of the scouts would appear and report to the -Captain. The party marched on without halting, until a little village -was reached, through which ran a main road. - -Beyond was the railway from Tongres to Liège. This must be reached, -for, if the Belgian reinforcements were coming it is probable they -would come over this line. - -"The party is too large to pass around the village," said the Captain. -"We must divide, one-half going to the left and the other to the right. -We shall meet at the railway, a mile beyond." - -The boys were fortunate enough to accompany the party commanded by the -Captain, and Roland was also one of the company. - -All was too much excitement, however, to enable them to ask for much -information. What if the road should be in possession of the Germans. -It required no information to tell them what that would mean. - -A tramp of twenty minutes brought them in sight of the railway -embankment. The other party had arrived, and were in waiting. -The commander in charge of the other party came forward with the -information that no trains had come from the north since six o'clock -the night before. - -"That means that the Germans have seized the road," said the Captain. -"Where is your informant?" he asked. - -One of the men, who lived in the immediate neighborhood, came forward -and he was carefully questioned. He could give no news as to the reason -for the delay in trains. - -"How far is it to the nearest station?" - -"One kilometer to the east, Captain. I will undertake to go there and -try to get some information." - -"Go at once, and Corporal Antonio will accompany you." - -Antonio was the non-commissioned officer who had charge of the other -party in their movement around the village. - -They hurriedly departed, and the Captain then disposed of the company, -by ordering them to line the hedges along the embankment, and to remain -perfectly quiet, until ordered to move. - -After a wait of twenty minutes the corporal reappeared and reported -that the Germans held the approach to the northern side of the bridge, -and that a troop train had left Tongres less than a half hour ago. - -"Then we must march to the north at once," said the Captain. - -Now for the first time they felt the effects of the long strain. They -still carried one of the packages of luncheon and noticed that rations -were carried by the others as well. They had the pleasure of telling -Roland about the luncheon, and now that the morning sun was appearing, -and the company sat down to rest, they opened the package, and Roland -assisted them in disposing of the contents. - -There was no trouble now in getting food. Everywhere, the peasants -supplied their necessities. Fruit was in abundance on all sides. This -was, indeed, a grand holiday; but they were excessively tired. This -was the second night without sleep. After nearly an hour's march they -reached a village on the railway, and were gratified to learn that the -troop train was a mile beyond, and rapidly approaching. - -The company during the march had been gathering recruits, so that when -the train came in sight more than a hundred formed the party. The Captain -boarded the train, and immediately consulted the officer in command. - -After a wait of nearly an hour, all of the recruits, together with the -boys, got aboard, and the train slowly moved forward, passing several -villages. Here are numerous coal mines, foundries and factories, and it -was assumed that the Germans would first of all capture these places, -and this they were attempting to do at this time. - -The only thing which prevented them was the lack of transportation. -They were concentrating an immense force to the south of the city, and -investing it on all sides as fast as the facilities for moving the -munitions of war and the troops permitted. - -Beyond was Russau, which was soon reached, and as the boys looked out -they saw a magnificent panorama. This town is fully 500 feet higher -than Liège, and is over seven miles northeast. From that viewpoint -could be seen the beautiful valley of the Meuse, and the city with -its encircling forts, one of which, V Lautin, was directly to the -southeast, and the other to the south, Ft. V Laucin. - -A quick command was given, and in the shortest possible time the entire -train was emptied of its living freight. - -"What is the matter?" asked Alfred, startled at the sudden exodus. - -"The Germans are across the railroad ahead," said Roland. - -The boys' hearts sank within them. They watched the tracks which were -laid from the platforms of the cars, and saw the field pieces wheeled -down. Then the boxes that followed, that they knew contained the -ammunition. - -"What are those curious looking bullets?" asked Ralph. - -[Illustration: _Shrapnel Shell_] - -"They are shrapnel. They are filled with bullets, and a bursting charge -so as to scatter the bullets," said Roland. - -"How are they made?" asked Alfred. - -Roland then hurriedly explained it to them as follows: - -"There is an outside shell A, which is provided with a charge of powder -sufficient to explode it. This has a time fuse of such length that it -will explode a sufficient distance ahead of the striking point, say -two or three hundred feet. These bullets scatter where they strike." - -"But why is it called 'shrapnel'?" asked Ralph. - -"It was named after a British general, Shrapnel, who invented it about -eighty years ago," replied Roland. - -[Illustration: _Exploding Shrapnel_] - -The moment the guns were unloaded the train backed away, and the men -deployed on both sides of the road, the guns being moved forward toward -an advantageous position. - -The German horsemen could be plainly seen at intervals between the -shrubbery, more than a half mile beyond. - -"How many men were aboard the train?" asked Alfred. - -"About three hundred, including the officers and men of the battery," -answered Roland. - -The guns were soon in position. The lines had been selected for the -men, but still there was no attack. - -"What are they waiting for?" asked Ralph, impatiently. - -"That is a pretty large force for us to attack. We are waiting for -reinforcements. Another train load is on the way, and within two hours -we shall have cavalry to support us," was the response. - -Evidently the enemy did not purpose waiting. - -One part of their cavalry moved to the east, and the other came -directly forward. A command was given, and the guns, with shrapnel -shot, began to speak. Behind the battery, and on a slightly elevated -position, were some officers, with glasses. After each shot an order -was given, or an observation made for the benefit of the gunners. - -"Elevate a little more." "Farther to the left." "Change position to -the right." "Good shot." And so on, as the boys and the others not -belonging to the force crowded around. - -Few of the shots, however, took effect in such a manner as to -particularly make the actions of the troops noticeable. After each -telling shot there would be confusion in the lines; this was plainly -observable and when the shells exploded in front of the lines there -would be a halt, and reformation of the columns. - -They came on, however, and now the infantry commenced to send its -volleys against the oncoming foe. - -To reach the hill on which the battery was mounted it was necessary -for the cavalry to cross two fences, one of them being formed of rock, -along which had grown dense shrubbery. The force halted beyond the -second hill, where it was screened, and for a time the firing ceased. -Meantime the force which was detached to the right appeared to the left -of the screened force, in a valley, and awaited, apparently, further -orders. - -The officer in command of the Belgians anxiously awaited word from -the north, but none came. After an hour of waiting the guns were -unlimbered, and with the infantry as a screen it retreated over the -road to the northwest. This was done under cover, of course, so that -the Germans supposed the battery was still on the hill. - -Numerous scouting parties had been sent out, as soon as the command -disembarked from the cars, and reports from the different sections -now began to come in. The entire country south and between them and -the outlying forts was occupied by the enemy. It would be impossible -for them to enter Liège from that direction. The scouts reported that -they must go to the west, as the Belgians still held the railway from -Brussels and Louvain. - -While all this was going on, a terrific bombardment was in progress. -All of the forts south of the Meuse were in action, and two to the -north. At least twenty German batteries had been planted within two -days, all directed against the fortified hills. - -It was a grand and thrilling spectacle to the boys. The dense -haze caused by the burning powder, obstructed the rays of the sun; -everywhere was bustle and confusion, as they gazed out on the great -panorama before them. Ordinarily the great factories and foundries all -about the city produced a like condition. But now the industrial works -were silent. The hum of peaceful institutions was not like the noise of -war. - -"Do you see that house over there?" said Gascon. "That is where we have -picknicked many a time. There is a beautiful grove over the hill, and -adjoining the house." - -"The Germans are there now; see them coming up the road!" exclaimed -Ralph in excitement. - -"There is a big stone quarry back of the house----" - -The Captain heard Gascon, and quickly stepped over to him. "Do you know -this part of the country?" he asked. - -"Yes, I have been here many times," answered Gascon. - -"Then come with me quickly," said the commander. - -"I formerly lived in Liège, and know every part of the country around -here. There is a large quarry beyond the red house. That would be a -good place to send the company." - -"I thank you very much for the information." - -"May we go along with the company?" asked Ralph. - -The officer smiled at his eagerness, as he gave the assent. - -"But we want some guns," said Alfred, as he turned to address the -officer. - -There was a moment of hesitation. "By all means, you shall have them," -he replied. - -It was but the work of moments to supply them with the desired -equipment, and when the boys marched down the hill with the detachment -they were the happiest pair in Belgium. - -"Aren't the guns heavy, though," remarked Alfred. "Wouldn't I like to -shoot?" - -This was another problem. They must learn the use of the weapons. They -were soon to have an opportunity to learn that the soldier who uses the -gun frequently, as in battle, will have a sore and bruised shoulder, -from the recoil. It was sport to them now; how would it be later on? - -Within twenty minutes the detachment reached the first of the quarries. -Here was an admirable defensive work, made ready for them, and -absolutely inaccessible to cavalry. - -Roland was sent back to the commanding officer to report on the -condition of the quarry and its surroundings, and within an hour the -entire force was on its way, the artillery being mounted in a concealed -position on the hill above the quarry, while the infantry used the -entrenched part below. - -Here the entire party awaited the expected reinforcements from the -north, and the Germans remained, for the time being, quietly on the -watch, a half mile below the red house. - - - - -CHAPTER IX - -THE FIRST BATTLE - - -Thus the boys spent the first day of their journeyings as soldiers. How -proud they were. They actually petted the guns. They had no uniforms, of -course, and it was the only thing needed to make them supremely happy. - -Their joy was so great that they almost forgot home, and when, in the -dangers that later came, they thought of their parents, it was with -great pride that they were able to be of service to Belgium in her hour -of need. - -There was another thing which awakened a sense of pleasure. The men -realizing that they were only boys treated them like privileged -characters. In accordance with the laws they had no right to bear arms; -but in war many things are permitted that would not be tolerated in -times of peace. - -The boys had an early awakening. Ralph, who was first to arise and -emerge from the little cove, which was occupied by their squad, rushed -back into the enclosure, and cried: "An airship is coming." - -Alfred was out in an instant. There, circling above them, was an air -plane. The officers were viewing it with their glasses. - -"What is it, Roland?" asked Alfred. - -"It is a German flying machine, of the type called the Taube," he -answered. - -[Illustration: _German Taube Airplane_] - -"What is the difference between the Taube and the monoplane?" asked -Ralph. - -"The Taube is a monoplane. The word is the German name for _dove_. That -name was given to it on account of its shape. See the broadly-spreading -tail, and the peculiar wing-formation of the main planes." - -After passing above the quarry the machine flew to the south, and then -circled around so as to get a view of the tier of forts. - -"See, there is another one off to the left," exclaimed Ralph. - -In the distance, and in the direction from which the boys had come, -in their wanderings, they noticed another ship of the same character. -These were used for the purpose of ascertaining the locations, not only -of the forts themselves, but to spy out the most convenient elevations -in the vicinity of the fortifications. - -The most important duty of the airplanes is to watch the movement of -troops from one vicinity to the other, and to take particular note -of the effect of the shells. In this respect they have an undoubted -advantage over any other method ever used in warfare. - -Heretofore the only way in which an attacking party could determine -whether the shells took effect was indicated by the failure on the -part of the fort to answer with their guns. But this was not the most -satisfactory thing to judge from, because, in many instances, the forts -would purposely cease firing, and thus delude the attackers into the -belief that they were silenced by the exploding shells. - -There is no mistaking the explosions of shells, as they fall around a -fort. The flying machines are usually manned by a military observer, -who has powerful glasses. He also has a large flag with a white center, -and dark border. With this he can readily signal the effect of the -shots to the officer at the battery, the latter being provided with -field glasses. - -The system of signals vary. Obviously, there are only four directions -necessary in order to tell the gunners where to shoot. That is, if the -shot should, for instance, go over the fort, the flag would be raised -far over the head to indicate that fact. If the shot fell short, the -flag would be lowered. In like manner, should the shot strike to the -right, the flag would be waved in that direction, and so on. - -If the shots are properly placed the flag is waved around the head, to -show demonstration of approval. - -The commander called Antonio, and directed him to take a squad and -mount the hill directly to the east, using that as an observation -point. Roland was one of the squad, and the boys begged permission to -accompany them. - -They made a hurried rush across the intervening depression, the entire -force numbering fifty-five men. If the officer in command had known -that the mission would be a dangerous one he would have denied the boys -permission to go along; but it was too late now. - -It was well that the commander had taken the precaution, for the moment -they gained the crest of the hill they could plainly observe a body of -infantry coming up the hill a mile to the east, and this was absolutely -unobservable from the quarry position. - -Before Antonio had time to consider what to do a company of dismounted -cavalry appeared at the foot of the hill, evidently with the object of -using the elevation as an observation point. The Germans had no idea -that it was already occupied. - -Antonio quietly gave instructions to the men. "Do not fire until I -give the order. Keep cool, and when you fire, shoot low, and aim -deliberately." - -Alfred and Ralph were now at fever heat. It was the most momentous -period of their lives. The excitement was most intense, and what made -it still more trying was that they must keep quiet and suppress their -feelings. - -What emotions must be uppermost in the minds of soldiers when they are -about to engage in the first real battle. Gen. Grant describes the -feeling that overtook him while leading his company up the hill to -meet, for the first time, an enemy, who was waiting to receive him. He -said that the sensation was an indescribable one,--that his heart was -in his mouth, and a spasm of sickness passed through his frame, which -grew in intensity, until he began to think that, probably, the enemy -felt just the same as he did, and gradually that terrible agony passed -from him. - -The enemy crossed the last fence and was now coming forward, fully a -hundred men, along the side of the hill, and over obstructions that -horses could not have passed. - -Onward and upward. Why would not Antonio give the word to fire. The -boys saw more than one of the men look toward him. The rifles were -held ready for the trigger; still Antonio remained cool and impassive. - -"Look at Antonio," said Alfred, under his breath. Then when he turned -to look at Ralph he saw the gun in his hand trembling, and Alfred for -the first time realized that his own hand was not steady, and it might -be said that many a gun trembled at the first experience, for, aside -from Antonio, few, if any, in that firing line had ever been in actual -battle. - -"Now, ready," said Antonio. The great suspense was over. Nobody looked -toward Antonio now. They were looking toward the enemy. The guns ceased -their trembling. All were firmly clasped as they awaited the next word. - -"Fire!" The word came like a shriek. There was no necessity for silence -now. - -Every gun in the column spoke. And now each man, at command, began to -fire at will. The boys were so excited that they did not know whether -or not they served the guns properly. There was an overweening desire -to see what the results of the shots were. Then something occurred -which they had overlooked in the intensity of their feelings. - -It was the roar of a hundred guns below them. They had momentarily -forgotten that the enemy could also shoot. The boys, like the others, -were behind a stone fence which ran directly across the hill. - -Besides the roar of the guns they could now plainly hear the impact -of the leaden bullets on this barricade. They had an awfully sickening -sound. Sometimes, when the bullets passed over, they could hear a -whizzing sound. - -"Do you hear the sounds like bumble bees?" said Ralph to Roland. - -"They must be bullets," said Alfred. - -The latter nodded but did not reply. The boys now had an opportunity -to see a little through the clouds of smoke around them. Antonio -passed from one end of the column to the other incessantly. "Shoot -deliberately," he said to one. "Don't hurry," to another. "Be sure to -aim carefully; it is the true shot that counts, not the number." - -Such coolness gave every one courage. It inspired them. If Antonio was -not afraid, why should they be alarmed. - -"Isn't Antonio brave!" said Ralph, who could not help admiring the calm -officer. - -Alfred merely straightened up, as though he disdained the shelter of -the barricade, and brought his gun up for another shot. - -"Good, boys!" cried Antonio. "We have them!" "Keep at it." And he ran -back and forth in the greatest enthusiasm. Ralph jumped up in the -excitement, and felt a sting in his left arm, that seemed to turn him -around. - -He sat down, and again threw his gun over the protection and kept -on firing. Alfred was very business-like. He handled the gun like a -veteran. - -Roland called to Alfred, and said: "My boy, you will do us a good -service if you can bring up some water for the men." - -He jumped up and started for the cottage half way down the hill. He now -remembered that he was intensely thirsty. He knew there was something -lacking, but did not recognize what it was. A woman and three children -were there, terrified at the scene before her. To her he made known his -wants. - -Instantly she brought forth several pails, and filling them at a nearby -spring, assisted Alfred in carrying them up the hill. He did not forget -the dipper and the other drinking vessels. What a mission of mercy -Alfred and the woman performed, as they passed the cool water to the -parched lips of the feverish fighters. - -When Alfred returned to the firing line he saw Ralph leaning forward on -his gun, and a stream of blood flowing out of his sleeve. - -For a moment he was paralyzed; then jumping up he ran over to Antonio, -and said: "Ralph has been shot!" - -It was, indeed, a terrible thing to him, to see the blood, but the -moment he uttered that word, "_shot_," it seemed to be much more of a -catastrophe than to see his friend lying there motionless. - -Antonio sprang forward and pulled off Ralph's coat. "Bring some water -here," he said. This was plentifully applied to his head and face. "He -has only fainted," was Antonio's comment. This was, fortunately, true, -for Ralph soon opened his eyes and gazed on them in surprise. Roland -quickly bathed the wound, which was a shot through the arm from which -the blood was still flowing, and bound it up, while Ralph watched the -proceeding. - -But Antonio did not forget his duties. The shots from the attacking -party came slower and at longer intervals. They were shielding -themselves along the hillside, but they were not yet defeated. - -"Roland, you must go to the quarry and tell them that reinforcements -are coming up along the north road, and get the orders as to our -disposition." - -"Please let me go," pleaded Alfred. "There is a wheel down at the -cottage." - -The voice and the earnest manner appealed to Antonio. "Yes, you are a -brave boy. You may take this order." - -Those words of commendation were like a stimulant to the boy. The -communication was quickly prepared, and Alfred hurried down the -hillside, and told the woman his mission. He then grasped the bicycle -and rapidly coasted down the hill along the main road which, although -it made a detour, in order to reach the quarry, was nevertheless the -most speedy means of reaching the main party. - -The soldiers at the quarry had heard the firing and knew from its -intensity and continued character that a strong party was in front, and -were eager to hear from Antonio. Alfred was observed long before he -reached the bottom of the depression, and half a dozen of the soldiers -rushed down to the foot of the hill, and assisted him up the steep grade. - -"We have whipped them," cried Alfred. "Oh, it was glorious." - -"Have many been killed?" asked one of the men. - -"I don't know," he responded. "Yes, several have been wounded. Ralph -was shot." - -"Who is Ralph?" asked one of the men. - -"He is my cousin," answered Alfred. - -"Oh, you mean your boy friend?" - -"Yes, he was wounded in the arm, but we whipped them. We shot, and -shot, and shot, until they stopped." - -The soldiers could have hugged him with joy. When Alfred came into the -quarry, still on his wheel, he handed the note to the commander, who -hurriedly perused it. Without waiting for questions he gave a command, -and soon a hundred men were on the way, under double time. - -"So you two boys have been commended for bravery? We shall take -particular pleasure to see that a proper report is made about you. As -long as we have boys like you we shall have brave men," was his comment. - -Alfred was bewildered. Antonio had commended him and Ralph as well, in -the note. He did not know what to do or to say. "May I go back?" he -finally asked. - -"Yes," was the reply. "I will give you an order." This was hurriedly -written and handed to him. With a salute, he mounted his wheel, and -was ahead of the moving column before it began the ascent of the steep -hill where Antonio's forces lay. - -Ralph looked cheerful when Alfred arrived, but apparently was -resentful, when the latter appeared. - -"What is the matter?" asked Alfred. - -"You have carried orders, and have really done something," was the -halting reply. - -Alfred looked around at the watchers, and then he smiled. "But you have -been wounded in battle," he said. - -"Yes, and mentioned in orders, too," added Roland. - -"Oh, I forgot about that. The General said so. Yes, you have been -wounded in battle and I haven't been." Alfred said this in a regretful -tone of voice, and Ralph's face brightened at the thought. - -Ralph looked up, and then turned to the men. "Well, is that anything?" - -"Why, anybody can ride an old bicycle. That's nothing. But it's -something to get in the way of a bullet that has been shot by an enemy -for the purpose of killing," said Alfred. - -Ralph smiled, and the men about them turned their heads away. There was -a philosophy in that remark which went home to many of them that day. -Can it be possible that a man can be a hero because he is wounded on -the battle field? - - - - -CHAPTER X - -IN THE MESSENGER SERVICE - - -This part of Belgium has a very curious formation. Many of the -limestone quarries are really subterranean passages, and are of very -ancient origin, and all this section of the country has a history which -goes back to the time of the Romans. Not far north of the elevation -where the present camp was formed, is an old Roman road, which runs in -an unbroken line to Mons, in southwestern Belgium. - -Belgium soil is also rich in human blood in this vicinity. Near by is -a historic battle field, fought on Sept. 11, 1746; and northwest of -Liège, on the plains of Neerwinden, two great battles were fought, one -on July 29, 1693, when the French under Marshal Luxembourg defeated -the Allies under William III, of England, and in the second battle, -March 18, 1793, when the French under Dumouriez and Louis Phillipe were -defeated by the Austrians under the Prince of Coburg. - -It is no wonder that their proximity to the great battlefields should -make the Belgians good soldiers. They knew that their forefathers had -fought on many a field, and they possessed the spirit to try to emulate -them. - -That evening the boys had an opportunity to learn of many of the -battles fought in the vicinity, the commander being a descendant of a -famous family which contributed fighting heroes before Belgium became a -separate nation. - -Before ten o'clock that night, several messengers appeared in camp from -the military commandant near Tondres, and they were ordered to proceed -to the north at once. - -The scouts in the front, who had been deployed in many directions, were -informed that at twelve o'clock the command would break camp, and that -Capt. Renee would command the rear guard, composed of the outlying -pickets. - -A large detail of men had been chosen to take care of the guns, which -were first taken down the hill, half of the force accompanying them in -the march toward Tondres, Ralph and the six wounded men being carried -along on the caissons. Alfred was with Roland, under command of the -Captain. - -This was an opportunity that he had long awaited, as military -operations in the night were fascinating to him. Ralph bitterly -regretted his inability to be with them, but the loss of blood had -weakened him, and it was not prudent to permit him to walk. - -Promptly at twelve that night the corporal made his rounds, and quietly -gathered in the picket patrols, which silently followed the two -companies that had been left behind, the retreat being effected without -the knowledge of the Germans. At two in the morning Alfred saw that -they came up with the halted division, which had reached the railroad -south of Tongres. - -After a half hour's rest the entire force moved on, and as daylight -began to appear the command was halted, and it was not long before many -of the men had found comfortable places and were sleeping soundly. - -Alfred was too fatigued to care where he slept. Ralph, on the other -hand, was able to only after he became accustomed to the rolling motion -of the heavy ordnance wagon. - -At six o'clock he was up, and looking around was gratified to see -Roland, who greeted the boy with the greatest enthusiasm. - -"Are you looking for Alfred?" the latter inquired. - -"Yes, do you know where he is?" asked Ralph. - -"Poor fellow, he is almost dead with fatigue. You will find him on the -straw to the left." - -Ralph was over in an instant, and there was Alfred, lying on his side, -sleeping as peacefully as though dead. - -What he now noticed for the first time was the condition of Alfred's -clothing. There was not a clean thread on the boy. The trousers had -holes in the knees, the shoes were badly jagged, and the toes worn -through. It would have been hard to recognize the hat, as it had no -semblance of its former shape. - -After gazing awhile he thought of his own clothing. It was no better, -although strange that he had never noticed its dilapidated condition -before. He remembered how they had to crawl through the brush, and -along the hedges, and it was not remarkable that their clothing hung in -threads. - -No, he would not waken Alfred, much as he had to tell him, so he -quietly wended his way back to the caisson. As he did so he passed the -commandant's quarters, and that officer greeted him. - -"And you are the wounded boy?" he said. - -Ralph blushed, and answered: "I am the wounded soldier, sir." And then -he stammered to correct his answer. - -The officer laughed, as he responded: "You are right; I should have -called you a man, because you have done a man's work. You boys are made -of the right kind of stuff. But weren't you afraid when the bullets -began to come whistling around you?" - -"Yes, at first," he said a little hesitatingly, "I was afraid before -Antonio told us to shoot." - -"So you were afraid before either you or the Germans had a chance to -shoot; is that it?" - -"Well, yes; you see they seemed to come up pretty close before he gave -us a chance to fire; but when we once commenced to shoot we didn't stop -to think whether we were in danger or not." - -"That is the right spirit, my boy. That is the way the true soldier -feels." - -At seven o'clock breakfast was ready and the entire camp was awake. -Alfred came from the hillside, where he had his bed, and was directed -to the caisson, where he greeted Ralph with many expressions of -delight. - -"Oh, we had a big time during the night; it was fine. We trailed along, -but got awfully tired. But it was exciting," said Alfred. - -"Sorry I couldn't be with you; but that is just my luck; had to be hit -the first pop," answered Ralph, with a rueful look. - -"But then you had a ride during the night. That was something," said -Alfred. - -Ralph didn't think so. It would have been more to his liking to have -been with the moving column. - -After breakfast the order was given to march. At ten o'clock they saw -ahead of them a force of cavalry, and the boys recognized the familiar -Belgian colors at the head of the column, and the well known uniforms -of the troopers. - -From the officer in command they learned that they were to encamp on -the plains a little beyond the town, to await the arrival of the forces -gathering to support the defenders of Liège. - -Part of the cavalry remained with the troops, but the main body rapidly -moved down the highway to intercept the Uhlans who were advancing from -the east. - -Alfred noticed their departure, with considerable wonder. "What is the -object, Roland, of sending the cavalry down to fight, after we were -told to retreat?" he queried. - -"The cavalry can move more rapidly than the infantry, and they are -to act as the scouts, to locate the positions of the enemy, report -the direction of their movements, the sizes of the forces, and the -character of the troops, and thus enable the main army to dispose of -its forces accordingly." - -"Do you know how long we shall remain in camp?" asked Alfred. - -"That is difficult to tell," responded Roland. "You must understand -that when war broke out Belgium did not know that her territory was to -be crossed. For that reason, believing that Germany would observe her -treaty obligations, our forces were not mobilized. Now we know better." - -"But why do they gather the soldiers here?" queried Ralph. - -"Because the object is to gather the soldiers as near the scene of -action as possible. All our troops are being sent to the German -frontier. One of the camps will be here, on the plains of Neerwinden, -the great battle ground, where many of our army manœuvres have taken -place." - -"And is this the great battle ground?" - -"Yes, the elevations about the plain have been filled with armies, and -many a soldier has been slain on these historic grounds." - -The boys looked about them, and they imagined how the soldiers of old -must have fought and rushed hither and thither in the fury of the -combat. - -"It would be wonderful to see a battle here," said Ralph, half to -himself, as he glanced at the hills beyond. - -He little knew at that time that he would actually witness, not the -battle between the ancient knights, that his fancy pictured, but the -crash and roar of contending forces, with smoke and screeching shells -and that on that very spot they would soon see dead and dying men, -under conditions that would not permit them either to rescue or comfort -them. - -The boys soon became known to the others, and Ralph was the hero of the -newcomers, as he had been wounded in one of the first fights that had -actually taken place between forces in the field. The men never tired -of telling how Alfred carried the first orders from a fighting force. - -Here were two boys who had really been in an engagement, while most of -the men who had been in the ranks for years had never seen an enemy in -the field. - -It had occurred to them that they ought to write home, but they -believed that such a task would be useless. However, Roland informed -them that the mails were still being carried and both boys now wrote -the first accounts of their wonderful experiences. - -How they detailed all the events, and the trials in their wanderings, -and above all, of the great battle that they were in two days before, -can best be left to the imagination. They were vivid boys' pictures, -told with enthusiasm, and with pride. - -The troops arrived every hour, some trains being made up entirely of -artillery, others unloading great quantities of food and supplies. -Stores of every kind were set up for the comfort and need of the -troops, and it was a never-ending scene of bustle and activity. - -Roland, who was with them much of the time, answered: "An army must -live, and to be effective must be well fed. Napoleon said that an army -fights on its stomach." - -"What did he mean by that?" asked Ralph. - -"That without a well-filled stomach a soldier cannot fight well." - -"But how do they know how much food of this kind to send down here? It -seems to me they have enough here now to feed a big army," said Alfred. - -"And it will be a big army, too, before we are through with it. The -government has what is called a commissary department, whose duty it is -to calculate just how many rations are required for each company for a -certain period. They know it takes so much flour, and vegetables, and -meat, and all the other necessaries to sustain them. Then the ordnance -division knows how many guns are needed for that particular force, -and what ammunition is required. The transportation department is -called upon to deliver the requisite quantity of supplies to a certain -point within a certain time. They must calculate how many trains are -necessary to transport so many troops. In that way every department is -called upon by the commanding officer of an army." - -"But just what is meant by 'mobilization'?" - -"Mobilize means to move. To mobilize troops means not only to move -troops to a certain place but also to move food and ammunition -supplies. One without the other would be useless." - -"It must be a wonderful thing to have all those things so arranged that -it can be done promptly and without confusion," said Alfred. - -"Yes, that is what the German army has been noted for. To have all -those details arranged so that within twenty-four or forty-eight hours -fifty thousand troops can be moved even fifty miles appears a great -undertaking, but that is what the Germans have done." - -"How many German troops are now before Liège, do you think?" asked Ralph. - -"I have heard it said there were over seventy-five thousand, either -there or else in the close vicinity, and probably three times that -number crossing the Rhine." - -"And war was declared only eight days ago!" said Ralph. - -The next day the first definite news was brought to the camp concerning -the state of affairs in Liège. The forts had repulsed every storming -party and defeated the invaders, so there was great cheering in the -camp when the papers reached them. - -Alfred carried a paper to Ralph. "We are whipping the Germans all along -the line," he said, as he waved the paper. - -Ralph read the startling head-lines, and gave the news the greatest -emphasis. The stubborn resistance added immensely to the spirit of the -soldiers and they commented on every feature. - -Two days more passed, then ten days, and the forts still held. It was -a period of pride to the boys, as they read every line of the papers -brought into the camp. They gloated over the dismay of the Germans, who -believed that a bombardment of a day or two at most would enable them -to storm the town and capture the forts with their heavy guns. - -"Why are they so anxious to capture Liège?" asked Ralph. - -"Because they dare not leave a stronghold of that kind in their rear, -as they pass through Belgium," answered Roland. - -"What difference would it make?" asked Alfred. - -"An enemy in a strongly fortified position in the rear, or on either -flank, will always subject the advancing army to attack, but the most -serious difficulty to an army under such condition is that, as the -advancing army must be daily supplied with provisions and ammunition, -a fortified city, like Liège, would always lay open to attack the -railroad lines, which supply them, and the cutting of the lines of -communication would subject them to defeat or capture." - -"I did not think of that," answered Ralph. - -"The General said in the first fight we had, that the Germans tried to -out-flank us. What did he mean by that?" asked Ralph. - -"If an enemy goes around the end of the fighting line it has -out-flanked them. The object of flanking is to get behind one end of -the force, and thus make it change its position or, as is most usually -the case, compel the out-flanked party to fight on a front which is -not provided with earthworks or other means of protection." - -During all this time the bombardment continued. Sometimes it was an -incessant roar. In the meantime the Germans came closer, but the city -was not yet entirely surrounded. As infantry would be useless within -the town, the Belgian forces were waiting outside to resist the advance -of the foe, in its attempt to cross toward the border. - - - - -CHAPTER XI - -PURSUED BY THE UHLANS - - -Still Liège did not surrender. Every day the glorious news would come -of the terrible bombardment, and of thrilling deeds of heroism. Brave -little Belgium was checking the giant which dared to molest her soil. -Ten days of intermittent thunder followed, which could plainly be heard -twenty-five miles beyond the outer circle of forts, to the north. - -[Illustration: _A Dome-Topped Fort of Liège_] - -The twelve great forts were not silenced by the incessant hail poured -on them from all sides. The Germans were astounded; the Belgians -exultant. The resistance had held back the German advance for two -weeks. They had expected to be in France, and well on the way to Paris, -before this time. - -Each day rumors grew stronger, and more persistent, that the great -German army had begun its march to overrun Belgium. Liège had been -entirely invested. The Belgian army had stretched like a cordon across -the highways between Liège on the one hand, and Tirlemont, St. Trond, -Landin and Namur on the other. - -Soldiers, camp outfits, guns, ammunition, food supplies, horses, and -every sort of equipment for the use of soldiers were arriving by every -train. In the meantime the boys were very busy at every sort of work -which chanced to fall in their way. - -During the first part of their stay at the camp Ralph's wound gave him -some trouble, and Alfred was always ready to wait on him, but as the -wound began to heal, Ralph's restless energy made itself manifest. - -"We must have something to do," he said, as he was wandering around -with Alfred, one morning. - -"Let us see Capt. Moreau," said Alfred, as with a sudden inspiration. - -The Captain welcomed them warmly. - -"So you want something to do?" he asked. - -"Yes," said Ralph. "We can do the work, just as well as men, and some -things we may be able to do better than some men." - -"And what may that be?" he asked. - -Alfred laughed as he quickly responded: "Well, we can carry orders, -anyway." - -The officers standing about, who heard the conversation, heartily -applauded. - -"I think we can fix you up," he said. "Do you know how to ride -motorcycles?" - -At this the hearts of Ralph and Alfred bounded and thumped. - -"Of course," said Ralph, and his voice had just enough questionable -expression in it to show that he felt some doubt of success in getting -the wished-for machines. - -The doubts were soon dispelled. "Make a requisition for two motorcycles, -to be placed in charge of Alfred and Ralph," the Captain said. - -They danced about in a delirium of joy. "When can we have the -machines?" asked Alfred, as he turned to the orderly. - -"We have plenty of them in the warehouse." - -The boys looked at the Captain. "Yes, go at once. Get used to them as -quickly as possible. The General may want you any time," he ordered. - -They saluted the officer, then started out with the orderly. - -"I have a new pattern. It is a machine that is light and strong, and it -is also made with two seats," he said. "That is the kind you ought to -have. They are made so that scouts who use them can bring in a comrade -or a wounded soldier." - -One of the temporary sheds, erected less than a week before, was the -warehouse for the cycle brigade, and here the orderly halted. After -selecting two of the crates he had the attendants open them, to the -delight of the eager boys. - -Within an hour the machines were ready. Alfred was the first to take -his lesson, and, with the instructor, they were soon away, taking -their course toward Tirlemont, to the north. - -Ralph was not yet well enough to be able to risk a trip, as his arm -was not yet out of the sling, but when Alfred returned he saw Ralph -examining his own machine. - -He was delighted to see Alfred on the front seat, and at once met him -with a volley of questions. - -"Yes, we went clear to St. Trond," said Alfred. "Oh, the machine works -splendidly. Never had an accident. But you ought to see the soldiers -and the guns, and wagons along the way,--thousands and thousands of -them." - -Just then there was an intense commotion at the southern border of the -camp. - -"See that man in a motorcycle. They are following him." - -The messenger alluded to was waving his hand, as a signal to those -in front to clear the way. He proceeded direct to headquarters, and -dismounted. - -Soldiers, civilians and workmen, rushed forward and crowded around. -"What is the news?" everyone asked. An officer appeared at the door of -the commandant's quarters. - -"The Germans have entered Liège," he said. There was a murmur and -Alfred and Ralph looked at each other in astonishment. - -Soon those about, after recovering from the stunning news, began to -make inquiries. - -"While they have entered the city, they _have not_ captured the forts," -the officer said, and he spoke it proudly, too. - -"How could they capture the city and not the forts?" asked Alfred. -Roland, who stood by, then explained that the fight was between the -forts and the besiegers and that the possession of the city was of no -value to the Belgians. - -"The best way to protect the city itself, is to permit the Germans to -occupy it, otherwise the shells directed against the forts might lay -it in waste," he said. "With the Germans in the city they would not be -likely to permit their shells to pass beyond the fort." - -During the entire day Alfred was practising and later in the afternoon, -when the instructor formally turned over the machine to him he invited -Ralph to accompany him. - -This time he turned the wheel toward the east. About four kilometers -away (three miles), they passed through Ottenhoven then, six miles -beyond, Kerckham, another village, on the main road, and turning -directly to the south, they soon reached another village called Mielen, -which was fully fifteen kilometers from Neerwinden, the site of their -camp. - -Everywhere they found pickets, and frequently were held up by the -cavalry patrols. One such an incident will explain how this was done, -and what the boys did to free themselves. - -As they emerged from the southern edge of the village of Mielen, on -the direct road to Waremme, a cavalry patrol halted them. Alfred -dismounted, and drew from his pocket the order appointing him a special -headquarters messenger, with a safe conduct to all places within the -Belgian lines. - -Noticing Ralph's arm in a sling, it was explained to them that he had -received the wound in the battle fought below Tongres, the week before. -The corporal in charge of the squad touched his hat, by way of salute. -They had heard of the brave boys, and as they sped away the troopers -cheered them heartily. - -A mile east of Waremme they reached the great Roman road, called by the -country folk in that neighborhood, Route de Brunhilde, and the people -at the wayside readily directed them to follow it to the west. At the -border of the city, they were again halted, and then allowed to pass -on. Everything was excitement here, with people hurrying to and fro. - -Up to this time the excitement of the ride had made them forget their -own needs but now they soon recognized they were very hungry. - -Ralph was the first to speak of it. "But what shall we do? We have no -money," he remarked. - -This was the first time in all their wanderings during the past two -weeks, that the question of money became a matter of moment to them. -They had found plenty to eat along the highways, and even in their -wanderings they always had enough to eat. - -But here was a new problem to them. They gazed longingly at the many -good things all about them, but they did not have even a sou about -them. While thus speculating a body of infantry passed, and the boys -followed, more from habit than anything else. They had no definite -object in view, in doing so. - -Beyond was an open space where tents had been erected along the -northern border of the green. They mounted the motorcycle, and were -speeding across the space, when a cordon of guards held them up, and -one of the soldiers called for the corporal. - -A tall soldier marched up, and answered: "What is it?" - -Alfred sprang forward: "Is that you, Pierre?" he cried. - -It was, indeed, Pierre, who was the corporal, in charge of the squad. -He recognized the boys with a smile and a handshake. - -"What are you doing here?" he inquired. - -It did not take the boys long to tell him of the wonderful things that -had happened since the battle in which Ralph was wounded. Motioning -them to follow, Pierre crossed the shaded portion of the commons, and -entered the guarded enclosure where the commander of the post had his -office. - -Pierre, addressing the commander, said: "These boys have been detailed -as special messengers from the commander at Neerwinden camp, and have -been practising on their machine. These are the lads who were mentioned -in General Orders a week ago, for bravery in battle, and for services -rendered to the fighting force." - -"But we used the guns, ourselves," said Ralph, with a little pardonable -pride. - -And Alfred nodded his head, as he looked at Ralph. There was a twinkle -in the eyes of the officer, as he said: "I welcome men and boys like -you. In what way can I be of any service to you?" he inquired. - -The boys looked at each other for a moment, and then Alfred replied, -"Well, we are awfully hungry and we haven't a sou between us." - -"That can be quickly remedied. Your friend will take care of that," he -said with a smile, as he looked at Pierre. "Do you intend to return to -Neerwinden to-day?" he asked, as the boys were filing out. - -"Yes," said Ralph, "if you have any orders for us." - -"You are not on duty now, I understand, but I have some very important -papers to transmit, and they should reach the camp to-day." - -"Then we will return at once," said Alfred. - -"No, get a good meal first, and rest a bit, and there will be plenty of -time." - -Pierre now had them to himself and with him they visited the -commissary department where a meal was set before them and was greatly -enjoyed. Pierre took them around to the soldiers, and introduced them -everywhere, explaining what they had accomplished. - -On all sides they heard their names mentioned, because the scene of -their first exploits on the battlefield occurred not more than ten -miles to the east, and many of the features of that engagement were -known to the people of the town, which was about sixteen miles north of -Liège. - -Pierre led the boys to a long, low building, in front of which were two -dozen or more boys, about their ages, all dressed in uniforms. "These -are the boy scouts," he said. - -"What fine uniforms they have," said Ralph, as he looked at Pierre, and -then at his own clothing. - -Alfred did not answer for some time. He was thinking. As Pierre -beckoned to several of the superior officers, they approached, and were -at once introduced to the boys, as the heroes of the battle at Russon. - -"Do they want to join us?" asked one of the scouts. - -"No," said Pierre. "They are headquarters messengers at the camp at -Neerwinden." - -This, in itself, was sufficient to give them a proper introduction. - -"How long have you been a scout?" asked Ralph, of one of the boys. - -"Over a year, and it is fun, I can tell you." - -"You must have had a lot of experience," said Alfred. - -"Indeed, we have," answered several. - -"But have you ever been in a battle?" asked Pierre. - -"No," they replied. - -"But these boys have," said Pierre, as he caressed Ralph's wounded arm. - -And now, boy-like, they crowded around Ralph, and began to ply him -with questions. "How did it feel to be hit?" "How many times did you -shoot?" "Do you think you hit anybody?" "Did you feel afraid?" "Did you -stand up and shoot?" These and many other questions were hurled at the -boys who answered them as fast as they could. - -But the boys, contented as they were to remain under such delightful -surroundings, were impatient to return, so together with Pierre, they -rapidly moved towards the commandant's quarters and after passing the -guard were ushered in. - -"I see you are determined to go back. Well, here are the papers, which -must be delivered before nine o'clock to-night. _Au revoir!_" - -Pierre helped them to mount the motorcycle, and with cheers and good -wishes from the officers and men, they passed out of the enclosed green -and soon reached the Route de Brunhilde. It was fun for Pierre to put -on the speed throttle, and rush past the different groups which they -occasionally met. - -These gatherings were particularly noticeable at the intersection of -roads. Before reaching the branch road which led to Mielen, they saw a -particularly excited group, which hailed and motioned them to stop. But -the boys knew their orders were to deliver their message as early as -possible and presuming that the country people were trying to hold them -up out of curiosity, they did not heed the warnings, but passed on. - -Ahead of them was the main road leading to the north, which they must -take. They saw, at the next road another group of peasants, who waved -to them to go back. This now appeared threatening to them. They halted -several hundred feet beyond the group, and one of the leaders pointed -to the north, and there at a distance they saw twenty or more horsemen, -which the boys at once recognized as the dreaded Uhlans. - -"What shall we do?" asked Ralph. "They are on our road, and we cannot -reach Mielen unless we go that way." - -"Why not go to St. Trond, and then reach Neerwinden from that point?" -said one of the neighbors. - -"But what road shall we take?" said Alfred. - -"There is a road a kilometer beyond." - -"Then we must take it," said Ralph. "Come Alfred, we must not wait." - -They were urged to remain but they mounted and some of the peasants -accommodatingly pushed the machine forward and soon it was under full -speed. Less than a half-mile away were the Uhlans. The boys did not -stop to thank the peasants as they knew that their safety and the -possibility of reaching St. Trond lay in gaining the road beyond. - -The Uhlans saw the speeding machine, and were in motion at once down -the road. Some of them leaped the hedges and started across the field -diagonally, but the speed of the machine was too great to afford the -pursuers any advantage, even with the short cut thus attempted. - -Two of the troopers in the field dismounted, and taking deliberate aim, -fired, but the boys did not hear the whiz of the bullets. - -"They are going to try it again, but it will do them no good," said -Ralph. "The Uhlans are now turning the corner at the crossing. Put on -all the speed you can and I'll keep you informed of all that happens. -Yes, the troopers who tried the cross-cut have leaped the hedge and are -now in the road. I wonder what is the matter with one of the horses. It -seems to be lame." - -And so Ralph kept up a constant flow of words to indicate the condition -in the rear. - -"I wonder what they are lining up that way for," said Ralph. "They are -now coming on five abreast and they are going to shoot." But the buzz -of the motor prevented their hearing the volley that followed. - -Distance, and the moving figures on both sides, were the safety factors -in the running fight, if it might be so termed. Suddenly Alfred gave a -cheer and Ralph turned his head. - -"What is it?" he asked. - -"Our cavalry are coming. Hurrah," said Ralph. - -Like an avalanche a troop of fifty horsemen came along, and Alfred did -not check the machine. The cavalry opened an avenue through which he -guided the motorcycle, and when they emerged from the lane thus made, -he halted. - -The boys heard an order, and one-half of the command started on -a terrific pace to the south. The Uhlans did not wait to ask any -questions, but turned and fled. The boys watched the fascinating -scene until they were out of sight. The officer inquired as to their -mission, and when they presented their papers, and stated that they -must deliver the papers at the camp at Neerwinden as early as possible, -the officer gave them minute instructions which would take them through -Altenhoven without going to St. Trond, thus making it a much safer trip -than it would otherwise have been. - -[Illustration: _Map of Liège_] - - - - -CHAPTER XII - -CATCHING A SPY - - -It was past six o'clock that evening when they passed the outer guard -line of the great camp, and within five minutes they were in front of -the commandant's quarters where they were admitted without ceremony. - -Roland was there, on duty, and when he found that they had just -returned from Wandre, he could not help but express his admiration, and -was not slow in telling the General of the boys' adventures. - -"Oh, yes! We had the Uhlans after us. They blocked our road but we took -the next one and beat them," explained Ralph. - -"Ralph had the advantage of me. He could see them, and I just had to -run the machine," said Alfred. - -"You are both to be commended. But what is this?" he asked, as Pierre -handed him a large envelope. - -The General opened the envelope. "From Waremme," he said. "So you have -started to do service the first day. This is, indeed, commendable." - -"Please, sir," said Alfred, "can't we have uniforms?" - -"You certainly shall have them. Lieutenant, see that the boys are -provided with the regulation suits." This was their first knowledge -that their friend Roland was a lieutenant in the service. - -But now the great and crucial times came to the boys who only a week -before tried to reach their homes, but they were not thinking of that -now. - -When they reached their quarters that evening, too tired for words, -they talked, and talked, rehearsing the scenes and incidents of the -day, and fell asleep, half undressed, where they found themselves in -the morning, lying across the bed. - -Before they had time to dress a great commotion was heard in the camp. -They hurriedly dressed and rushed over to the main dining hall. - -"What have you heard?" asked Ralph. - -"Vise has been entirely destroyed, and the Germans are appearing in -great force at all points north of Liège," said one of the attendants. - -Breakfast was soon disposed of, and they rushed over to see Roland. -"Have you heard the news?" they asked. - -"Yes, and we have information that two large forces are now advancing, -presumably to take Brussels," answered Roland. - -"We are to have uniforms, did you know it?" asked Ralph. - -"Yes, and your arms are also ready for you. Wait until I get my -breakfast and we will go over and get the things," replied Roland. - -"What, are the uniforms ready? What are they like?" said Alfred, as he -danced about in delight. - -"Oh, yes! You will have the regulation Scout uniform, but it will have -the distinctive stripes on the arm to indicate that you are attached to -the staff in the messenger service," replied Roland. - -You may be sure that two more impatient boys could not be found than -Ralph and Alfred, as they awaited the reappearance of Roland. - -"Let us go over now and see our machines," said Ralph. - -Alfred did not protest, you may be sure, and together they rushed -out the door, and across to the warehouse in which the machines were -placed. As they went in they saw an officer move away from the place -where the machines were kept. - -His actions excited Ralph's suspicions. "I don't like the looks of that -man," he said. - -The fact that the boys watched him narrowly, evidently excited the -man's suspicions, also, and he tried to appear unconcerned. - -"I am going to bring Roland over," said Alfred, and he moved toward the -door. - -As the man hurried his steps toward the rear of building out of sight, -Alfred ran quickly to the dining hall, and called out to Roland: - -"There is a very suspicious-looking man at the warehouse. Come over at -once." Roland did not wait for a second call. With his breakfast hardly -begun, he jumped up, disregarding his hat, and followed Alfred. As they -neared the warehouse, they saw Ralph far beyond, keeping the officer -in sight. - -"Good boy!" said Roland. - -"There he is," said Ralph; "see him just turning the corner." With a -bound Roland crossed the intervening space, and rushed around the shed -in which the artillery was parked. He ran into the officer full face, -and greeted him. - -"Who are you? What and where is your command?" he inquired. - -The man attempted to answer in French, but his foreign accent was -readily detected. - -Roland's revolver was in his hand, and he cried out: "Hold up your -hands instantly." - -"Turn about: you are under arrest. Forward march," ordered Roland. - -Then turning to the boys he said: "Go up to him on either side and -direct him down to headquarters. I will follow as a guard." - -During the progress down the street a large crowd gathered and -followed. The cry of "spy" was heard on all sides. The commandant was -quickly advised of the cause of the commotion and he received and -questioned the man, who could give no satisfactory replies to any of -the questions put to him. He could not state where he obtained the -uniform he wore. This in itself was incriminating evidence, and made -him amenable to the laws governing the execution of spies. - -He was found guilty, principally on his own confession, and executed -within an hour of the trial. - -When Alfred learned of the man's fate, he was greatly affected. He -had been the cause of the man's death--the direct cause. How he now -abhorred the shedding of blood. Some days prior to this, he had taken a -gun in his hand, and shot with the intention of killing. But this was -different. He had detected a spy; and the spy was shot. - -Roland found him at his room, gloomy, and with his lips quivering, and -quickly divined the cause. - -"You feel sorry for him. That is natural. I felt like a murderer when -I arrested him, because I knew from his actions that he was a spy and -I felt sure that I was leading him to his death. But you must remember -that he was doing things which will bring more misery on us than his -death could ever atone for. It was my duty and your duty, to bring him -to justice." - -An orderly appeared and explained that the boys were wanted at -headquarters. They went at once, and Roland accompanied them. - -The General came forward as they entered. "I must thank you in behalf -of the King, for the great service you have rendered," he said, as he -took Alfred and Ralph by the hand. - -Alfred plainly showed his emotion, and Ralph and Roland turned away for -a moment to tell the General how the boy felt. - -The arms of the strong man went about the boy, and he said: "It is no -discredit to you to feel that way. And now where are your uniforms?" he -added. - -"Oh! we are going to get them now. We were waiting for Roland," said -Ralph. - -The General smiled, as he said: "You mean the Lieutenant." - -Ralph looked down abashed for a moment, and then slyly corrected -himself, while Roland apologized. But the General needed no one to -smooth down that little wrinkle; he also had boys, and he knew that -these little informalities did not show want of respect. - -"Get those uniforms at once; I want to see how they will look," he -remarked to Roland, as the latter turned to obey. - -The boys needed no more of an intimation as to their first duty. The -uniforms as furnished were trim fitting suits of a greenish-gray, bound -with a very narrow gold braid. The coats were close-fitting and rather -short but were well adapted for service and the proper fits were soon -obtained. - -The whole of Belgium did not contain two prouder boys than these two, -as they marched to headquarters, to thank the General for his kindness. - -As they were about to leave, the General remarked: "I am happy to tell -you that Belgian boys also are doing their duty nobly. Day before -yesterday, two boys near the frontier, rescued two of our soldiers -from four Uhlans who had captured them, and yesterday, one of the boy -scouts, west of Liège, named Niston, captured two German spies. It is -such work that is appreciated, and shows that they are trying to do -their duty to their country. The work you and those boys are doing is -of great service. If the spy you caught had been permitted to escape it -might mean our death or capture. It is one of the things in war, which -must be guarded against, and all who volunteer to become spies know -that death is the penalty of detection." - -As they were going to their quarters, Alfred asked: "Why did the -General say that the Belgian uniform condemned the spy?" - -"The wearing of any disguise is reprehensible. That fact alone, even -though the wearer may not have done an act or thing which could be -condemned, would be sufficient to warrant his execution." - -"But suppose a German should get into the camp, or through our lines in -his regular uniform, and be captured, would not that man be a spy?" - -"No, for the reason that he is trying to get the information in the -avowed character of an enemy, and not by attempting to deceive." - -Alfred sighed as he weighed the distinction in his mind. He was -thinking of the rules of war, which he had learned during the past -ten days and he wondered whether there was really anything which was -honorable in armed conflict, or which was observed in the game of war. - -But the boys' feelings were very much allayed, when they learned that -during the day two more spies had been caught within the camp, and that -now a corps of detectives had been employed to ferret out that class of -men. - -During the investigation that followed it was found that several were -disguised in the uniforms of gendarmes, some wore the regulation suits -of the civil guards, and others were employed as hucksters who brought -in the daily provisions. - -Automobiles were in evidence everywhere, and on every road fixed -patrols halted and examined all who passed. Machines were constantly -going and coming, and there were motorcycles in abundance. Added to -this were contrasting uniforms, indicating the kinds of service in -which the men were engaged, and the scene was at all times animated and -full of activity. - -Ralph's arm was now healing so rapidly that the machine was taken -out and both boys practiced in short runs. Ralph was an expert in -all matters pertaining to mechanism, and since his father was well -known as an expert workman, and superintendent of one of the large -establishments in America, it could be understood that he naturally -acquired considerable knowledge which was of great service to both boys -in the care and handling of their machines. - -It was now the 13th day of August, and the ninth day of actual warfare. -Early in the morning rumors began to come in thick and fast concerning -the advance of the Germans. The Uhlans had reached Waremme, and were -scouting in the region to the west of that town. - -Before noon the report came that Tongres had fallen before the -advancing troops, and there was intense activity in camp. The troops -were being drilled daily, and hourly, in fact. While detachments -arrived at every train, it was evident that one force after the other -was being sent south and east. - -Finally a messenger arrived from the east. The General and his staff -had mounted, and an orderly approached the boys. To each he handed an -envelope. One was directed to the officer in command at Altenhoven, and -the other to the Colonel of a regiment stationed at Racour. - -"I know where Altenhoven is, but where is Racour?" said Ralph. - -The information was promptly given by a soldier. Here was the first -detached duty. The informant told them to go south two kilometers, and -the one destined for Racour should turn to the right which would lead -in the direction of the town. - -"I will take the message for Racour," said Alfred, "as it is farther -and I am better able than you to make the long trip." - -Ralph protested, but Alfred had his way as they sped down the road. -The official envelope, and the special uniforms of the boys, were -sufficient to clear the way. On and on they sped to their destination. -At the forks of the road Alfred turned to the right, and held up his -hand as a parting salute. - -When Alfred left Ralph he felt a sense of responsibility which had -never come to him before. If he had known that not an hour before a -strong patrol of German cavalry had passed along that road, he might -have been cautious, and possibly apprehensive, but in his ignorance he -felt exultant and happy. - -His one thought was to reach the command at Racour, and so his machine -was speeded to the limit. Mile after mile was covered, and people -stared at him as he passed. It seemed strange to him that he did not -meet with a patrol, in that long stretch after he had left Jean and -crossed the railroad line which runs from Liège to Tirlemont. He knew -that he must be within two kilometers of Racour, when he saw ahead of -him the unmistakable dust of approaching horsemen. To the left, and -coming up what was undoubtedly a road at right angle to the one on -which he was traveling, was another cloud of dust. - -Like a flash it occurred to him that the Uhlans might be there. But -what about those in front. Then he recalled that he had met no patrols -and this puzzled him. He remembered how the peasants looked at him in -astonishment as he went by, and the terror of doubt was upon him. - -He slowed down his machine. And now, for the first time, he looked -behind him. To his amazement he saw the outlines of a half dozen men, -with the characteristic spiked helmet, and at once knew who they were. -Here was a situation fraught with danger. As he approached the crest of -a little hill he turned his machine aside, so that in going back across -the road he could obtain a better view of his pursuers. - -The troops coming up from the south must be Germans, but he was not sure -of those ahead of him on the road. He speeded up, and catching sight of -some peasants, beckoned to them, and they came across the fields. - -"Who are the horsemen coming up from the south?" he hurriedly asked. - -"They are Germans. They have been all along this road this forenoon." - -"Do you know what troops are in front?" asked Alfred. - -"We think they are our people," was the reply. - -Alfred made up his mind at once. He knew he could reach the cross road -before the troops could possibly come up, and he would then decide what -course to pursue. He did some rapid thinking during the five minutes it -took to reach the road. - -They were still a quarter of a mile away. The cloud in his rear seemed -to grow bigger, and appeared closer than before, and the dust in front -showed that troops were also approaching from that direction. Then he -saw the Belgian colors and felt greatly relieved to know that friends -and not foes were approaching. - -As Alfred neared the oncoming column they halted, and he did not -attempt to slow down his speed until within a hundred feet of the -advance. The troopers made way for him, as he rode down the line, and -the officer in command galloped through and met him. - -"Dispatches from Colonel Neerden!" he cried, as he held aloft the -packet. - -"Did you come along the road from the railway?" asked the officer, as -he reached forward to take the papers. - -Alfred drew back, without answering the question. "I must deliver this -to the Colonel only," he responded. The officer smiled as he answered: -"I am Colonel Neerden." - -"Yes," responded Alfred, quickly, when he recognized his mistake, "I -thought it strange that I did not meet any patrols." - -"Didn't you know the Germans were after you?" - -"Not until about ten minutes ago. But I couldn't go any faster than I -did," said Alfred. - -"Well, you are a brave fellow," said the Colonel. "What command of the -Scouts do you belong to?" - -"I am not a Scout. After the fight at Russon they made me a -headquarters' messenger," replied Alfred. - -The mention of the fight at Russon was sufficient notice to give him an -entrée into the hearts of all present. - -While those about him plied him with questions the Colonel opened the -packet, and after examining it, gave an order. A detachment of the -troops lined across the road, and Alfred, looking back, saw the column -from the cross road join the force which had followed him. - -"I must go back as quickly as possible," said Alfred. - -"It will be impossible to go back by this route," remarked one of the -officers. "We are ordered back to our quarters by the message which -you brought, but may be sent to the firing line. The Germans are all -over this section, and are rapidly approaching from every quarter. We -shall have some lively work in a few days." - -The main body of the troops entered the town of Racour, and the moment -the camp was reached there was evidence of a hurried movement. Within -fifteen minutes an orderly called Alfred to headquarters. As he entered -the Colonel said: - -"We are ordered to report at Neerwinden at once. Some portions of the -regiment are guarding the bridge three kilometers to the west. Go to -them at once and deliver this order." - -Alfred did not wait for questioning, nor did he ask for instructions -as to the directions, as he mounted; but before he could make a start -the orderly was thoughtful enough to give him instructions. Then he -set the machine full speed, and as he went like the wind he kept his -horn tooting as a warning, but nowhere in the road did he meet an -obstructing hand. - -When he saw the bridge beyond and a group of guards he rode directly -into the midst of them and asked for the officer in command, to whom he -handed the missive. Alfred saw troops on the bridge, and as a sergeant -stepped into the road and gave three sharp, quick blasts on a whistle, -the men on the bridge rushed to the center passage way. When the -whistle blew two blasts more they ran forward in double time toward the -bank on which they were standing. - -At a command they moved away a hundred feet or more from the bridge and -stopped as they neared the center. Meanwhile not a word was spoken, as -all were intent on watching the work of the three men. Alfred was too -fascinated to ask the meaning of this curious proceeding. - -Within two minutes at the utmost the three men leisurely marched off -the bridge toward the group of guards on the bank. One, two, three, -four minutes more. Why were they waiting? - -Suddenly, a belching cloud of smoke was seen, followed instantly by a -racking noise, then another, and another, and the beautiful bridge had -disappeared. - -Alfred was so fascinated at the weird setting, the silence that awaited -the event, and the grim, business-like appearance of the officers and -men, that when the last sound of falling timbers and steel died away he -was drawn involuntarily toward the stream. - -Fully two kilometers beyond was a cloud in the roadway, which Alfred -had now learned to recognize. He turned to the Colonel and pointed in -that direction. - -"Yes," said he, "we were just in time." - -A quick order brought the troops to attention. The order was given to -return to camp, and within five minutes all the equipment was ready and -the horses in motion. This was one of the engineers' forces especially -detailed to guard the bridges. - -As they were turning a curious train of light artillery came from a -side street, which consisted of four guns, each carriage being drawn -by four dogs. The powerful canines had no trouble in pulling the wagons -at a trot and the gunners were running alongside at a fast gait. - -Belgium and Holland are the two countries which utilize dogs for draft -animals. Before the automobile came into use they were the great motive -power and this is so, largely, among the peasants at the present time. - -The faithful dog is bred for this use. He may be found everywhere -drawing milk carts, pulling the little trucks which are piled high with -faggots, or prancing along in the little vans filled with loaves from -the bakeries. - -In Belgium, dogs are trained to be policemen, and the sense of smell -is highly developed; they are taught from puppyhood to perform certain -tasks, to act as sentries and to trail suspicious characters. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII - -THE LOSS OF THEIR MACHINES IN BATTLE - - -When the camp was reached it presented an entirely different scene. -The tents had been loaded into wagons. The kitchen was stored away in -one of the vans specially designed for field purposes, and the first -detachment had already started on the march toward the north. - -After asking permission, Alfred mounted his machine and sped away after -the troops, and soon overhauled them. With considerable difficulty he -worked his way through the marching troops, and when he had cleared the -train put on full speed. - -He hoped to be able to reach the great camp before nightfall, and as it -was now nearly four o'clock he knew it would not take more than an hour -to reach it. A kilometer beyond, the road parted, one branch going to -the right and the other to the left. - -A peasant near by told him that either road would take him to -Neerwinden, but that the better road was to the right. He did not -hesitate, and was off without further questionings. - -In twenty minutes he came to a stream and crossing the well-built -stone bridge which spanned it approached a little village that lay -beyond. The town, like many others throughout Belgium, was distributed -out along little lanes, which shot out at all angles, and it was not -surprising that Alfred should become confused, and lose his way. - -To add to the confusion there was great excitement in the village. Men -were running to and fro. Women were holding their children, and looking -pale. Alfred stopped. - -"What is the trouble, Monsieur?" he asked as a man slowly moved along, -quite in contrast with the people who formed the excited crowd. - -"Trouble? Don't you know the Germans are beyond, and that all the roads -are patrolled. They will be here any moment now." - -This was an ominous warning, and he was glad he had stopped to inquire, -otherwise he might have been a prisoner by this time. Then he reflected -that Colonel Neerden ought to know this at once, so he ran his machine -forward and, mounting it, turned it toward the bridge. - -"Stop, stop," cried a dozen voices. Some waved their hands to indicate -that he should turn back, but for some reason or other Alfred -determined to recross the bridge. Then he heard what appeared to be a -rifle shot, and something struck the machine. - -He was now determined not to stop, as the bridge was less than two -hundred feet away. He had not looked back, but now that he saw the -stone walls which formed the sides of the bridge he cast his eyes -over his shoulder, and riding through the village were a dozen German -cavalrymen, with their carbines at their shoulders, all aiming at him. - -You may well imagine that it was a thrilling thing for him to know that -he was being hunted down and shot at. The bridge was finally reached -and to his great relief was built out at an angle to the road on which -the pursuers were following him. - -Long before he had reached the bridge the machine was at full speed and -as he emerged from the other side a dozen or more shots rang out; but -he did not stop, or slacken his pace. He knew the friendly troops were -coming toward him, so he went forward with the Germans behind him. - -The welcome sight of the dust in the road beyond was appreciated now. -As he dashed forward he held up his hand, and shouted to the advancing -patrol: "The Germans are coming." On and on he went, and as each body -of troops passed he cried the same warning. - -Beyond was the Colonel and his staff, and toward him Alfred rushed -the machine. "I met the Germans at the village beyond the bridge. The -forward part of the column saw me and are going forward," he explained. - -This information galvanized the officers into action and orders to -clear the way went forward at once. Alfred turned his machine to -follow, but after going a few hundred feet the power ceased, and in -spite of all he could do the machine refused to move. - -Several men kindly came to his assistance, and the trouble was soon -apparent. "You have no petrol," said one of them. - -"That is strange. I was told there was enough for a whole day's run, -and I have not----" - -"Ah! but there is a hole in the tank. Yes, two of them. See!" - -"They were made by German bullets," said another. - -"Look at the seat," said the first speaker. "You had a close call, my -boy." - -Alfred looked at the damage ruefully. "What shall I do?" he asked. - -"We'll fix that up in short order," replied the man who made the -examination and discovered the trouble. He was an expert motorcycle -man, and this was an opportunity for him to be of service. He -approached the commanding officer of his company and explained the -situation, and was detailed to effect the repairs at once. - -The tool box of the machine was opened, and the rolls of tape taken out. - -"Now watch me, my boy. Let me show you how to make a temporary repair, -in cases of this kind." - -The tank had been perforated by two shots, which went entirely through, -thus causing four perforations. As the machine had the type of tank -which rested vertically between the fork, it was obvious that, since -the lowest perforation was not at the bottom, there was still enough -petrol left to enable Pierre to reach the command before the remaining -portion was used up. - -"First, take these patches, and put cement around the edges, and apply -them over the holes. Then wind the tape around the tank and over the -patches, just as I am doing, and be sure to stretch the tape well. -There; now we must get some strong cord, or twine, and wind that over -the tape. You will find that absolutely tight, and will hold the petrol -for a time." - -"Well, will it leak at all if it is put on right?", asked Alfred. - -"In time the petrol will eat up, or dissolve the rubber, so that proper -repairs should be made as soon as possible," he was informed. - -"Now that it is fixed where can I get some petrol? I forgot all about -that," said Alfred. - -"Well, I didn't," said the workman. - -Alfred stared at him. "Do you know where to get some?" - -"Certainly; they have plenty in the kitchen wagon." - -Alfred might have thought of that, but he couldn't think of everything. -Where was the kitchen wagon? - -It was coming up, and Alfred applied to the officer in charge of the -commissary department for a supply, and after some questioning the -permission was granted. In a few minutes more the boy was supplied and -was under way. - -The command went forward with a rush and was now well along on the -road to the bridge, but before Alfred had time to go any distance he -heard a volley, followed by the rattle of musketry. The battle was on -and he hastened to the front. - -Two field pieces were with the regiment, and those were hurriedly drawn -to the front by the dogs, and mounted, so that they cleared the road in -short order. The Uhlans tried, ineffectively, to destroy the bridge, -but the advance column was too far ahead for them and they slowly -retreated down the road. - -And now Alfred saw the first results of the running fight. Numbers had -been killed at the first onslaught, and many more wounded. The Germans -did not attempt to relieve their wounded, but the improvised hospital -wagons were brought into service, and the wounded, Germans and Belgians -alike, were gathered up and given first relief. - -Thus, for three kilometers, the fight raged, and when the railway line -was reached the enemy had disappeared, as it was learned that the -commandant at the camp had sent out a large detachment to relieve the -two regiments which had thus been on outpost duty, and which had been -recalled by the commanding officer. - -When Alfred reached the camp he was delighted to find Ralph there, and -he reported to the commanding officer at once. Ralph, while he did not -run into danger, as had Alfred, nevertheless rendered most efficient -service during the day. - -But the camp of the morning had undergone a great change. Everything -which could be loaded on the trains was already under way, and hundreds -of wagons were still in the camp and stretched along the road in the -direction of St. Trond. - -During the night news came that Tongres had been captured after a hard -fight. That would mean serious business at St. Trond, whither they were -now going. - -They had little sleep that night. Much of the time the boys were -hurrying thither and thither, delivering messages which gave the -disposition of the forces, the delivery of the various things required -by the fighting forces and the special orders to the different officers. - -The breaking up of a camp is a wonderful transformation of materials. -It must not only be completely disorganized, but every article, and -each unit, must be so arranged that it will be handy and ready for -immediate use the next morning, or in the evening. - -At four o'clock in the morning the whole camp, or what remained of it, -was in motion. The last infantry force to leave had a rear guard of -cavalry, although the boys were well in the lead, with the commanding -officer. - -St. Trond was reached, just as the reports came in that the German -forces were below the town, and that the first conflict had taken place. - -The boys were interested to learn that their force was to go direct -to the field, south of St. Trond. They arrived there at one o'clock -in the afternoon and the kitchen wagons were soon in readiness for a -hurried meal. - -Firing was going on along one of the main roads leading south. They -were in position on a road which paralleled the main highway to Tongres -and it was obvious that the main force of the enemy was making its way -along that route. - -The boys were with Roland when the real battle began. To their right, -on a slight elevation and artfully concealed, was a battery of three -guns and a little farther to the right was the other part of the -battery. - -"Do you know anything of the number of Germans that are coming up?" -asked Ralph. - -"No, but it is reported that over 100,000 men are now on this side of -the frontier and more coming on each day. It is probable there are -twenty thousand men directly ahead of us. They are approaching from the -direction of Vise, and from Huy as well, while the main force is coming -direct from Liège." - -"How many men have we to oppose them?" asked Alfred. - -"Probably twelve thousand; but we shall give a good account of -ourselves. We do not expect to drive them back, but our mission will be -to hold them in check as long as possible." - -They moved over to headquarters, where their place was, but before they -reached it the battery began to speak. The boys looked to the south, -but could not see the enemy anywhere. They looked at Roland. - -"Where are the Germans?" asked Alfred. - -"Probably two miles beyond," was the reply. - -"Why do they commence so soon?" inquired Ralph. - -"The object is to throw an enemy into confusion as early as possible in -an engagement, and endeavor to prevent formations of the troops." - -"Do these guns carry that far?" inquired Alfred. - -"Yes; they are now sending shrapnel; when----" - -Roland's voice was submerged by a terrific explosion not a hundred -feet away, and when they had time to recover they saw three men on -the ground, lying quite still, while a half dozen or more were on the -ground, and turning and twisting about. Then came several groans, and -then the second explosion, like the first, but farther to the right. - -The boys' face blanched. They did not know which way to go nor what -to do. Then something happened which entirely changed their feelings. -The two lines of infantry, lying behind the fences, not a hundred feet -ahead, began to fire, setting up a terrific din which was punctuated by -the shots from the batteries. - -Then a new battery on their left began to take part, then another, but -during all this time the infantry were pouring out a steady stream -of hail. The boys stood petrified, at first, but the great din, the -terrible confusion of sounds, the scattering debris, which appeared to -fall about them, the staggering men, who were reeling about; all these -things began to act like a tonic to them. - -The greater the noise and confusion, the braver they became. - -Alfred tried to speak, but his voice had a peculiar sound to him. - -"Let us go over to headquarters," said Ralph to Alfred. "We may be -wanted there," and as he spoke they saw Roland coming out of the -General's tent. - -Roland beckoned to Ralph as he said: "These are your first orders; see -that they are delivered to the officer in command of the forces on the -main road." - -Ralph was off in an instant. He could not follow the road, as he had -to go nearly a half mile across the fields, but he set his course at a -safe distance behind the firing line. More than once in that first ride -on the battle field he saw the shots as they dug in the earth about him -and noticed the explosion of the shells. - -It was an exciting ride, and it stimulated him as nothing before had -ever done in all his experiences. When he reached the headquarters of -the commanding officer, who held the main road, he knew that some great -movement was on foot. - -He could see immense bodies of their own troops moving back, and the -headquarters of the officer was even then being moved back a half mile -so as to be partly outside of the firing range. But the Germans were -coming on, and he could see men falling all about him. - -Ambulances were at work, gathering up the moving figures, as they -writhed on the ground. Men were staggering about, some delirious, -others trying to staunch wounds in their arms, legs or bodies, and more -than once he saw one comrade, although wounded, trying to check the -flow of blood, or bind up the wounds of another. - -But the more he saw the less these things seemed to affect him. The -orderly from headquarters beckoned to him, and placing a message in his -hands Ralph was off to deliver the reply. - -Before he could reach headquarters he saw that another route would be -necessary, as the enemy seemed to be not a quarter of a mile away. New -formations were being made by the Belgians, and it was clear they were -being driven back. - -It seemed that every avenue of cross country travel was closed to him, -as men were moving north from all points. As a mass of soldiers rushed -from one position to the next behind they would turn and deliver a -volley or two before retreating. Above it all was the continual hail of -the shot and shell on every hand. - -When Ralph reached a hedge that was impenetrable he would enlist the -sympathy of some of the men, and they would either carry the machine -over the thick brush or cut a way through. - -It took him less than ten minutes to make the trip across, in -delivering his first message, but he was more than a half hour in -getting back, and when he arrived at headquarters he found it over a -mile to the rear of the original position. - -He reported to the commander at once, but before he had time to make -any inquiries another message was thrust into his hands, and this time -he was sent to the west. - -Again attempting to make his way across the fields he was met by a -retreating regiment which was slowly falling back. He then made his way -along a hedge toward the north, and struck across the fields again. -Beyond was the firing line, and the men there must know the location of -their commanding officer, so he speeded in that direction. - -There, ahead of him, and coming out of the woods, was a regiment of -infantry. At the edge of the wood, to the left, was a light field -battery which poured a deadly fire into the Belgians, and Ralph -involuntarily slackened the speed of the machine. - -Then something happened to him. It was as though he had been struck a -stunning blow, although he felt scarcely any pain. When he recovered he -was seated on the ground, and scattered about him were the pieces of -his machine. He could not comprehend it for a moment. Then he moved his -body. He seemed natural and comfortable, but what had happened to his -machine? - -Then, for the first time, he noticed that there were men about him, -some wounded, others dead. One young man who was near him had a wound -in his leg which he was treating by wrapping a handkerchief around it. - -"What has happened?" asked Ralph, as he looked at the man and then at -the scene about him. - -"A shell burst over there and it got both of us. Are you much hurt?" - -"I have no pain," replied Ralph. - -"Only stunned, perhaps," he replied in a mere matter of fact way. "Was -that your machine?" he inquired. - -"Yes; I was carrying orders from headquarters," answered Ralph. - -"Rather risky business, I should say," he answered. - -"Are you hurt much?" asked Ralph. - -"Well, not much compared with some about here. Say, could you help me -over to the hedge?" he asked. - -Ralph was up in an instant. He looked over himself, just as a person -would make an examination of an object to see if it had been injured. - -When the young man was safely landed at the thick hedge, Ralph thought -of his duty. "I must be going," he said. - -"Where are you bound?" asked the wounded man. - -"To see the commanding officer. I must deliver my orders," said Ralph. - -"That is right," he answered. "Go to the north for a half kilometer, -and cross to the west at the large stone house. I know these parts -well." - -Ralph did not mind the falling shots or the screaming shells so much -now as he had at first. The message must be delivered, so he struggled -across the field and met the men who were slowly moving back on the -road. - -"Where is the officer in command?" asked Ralph as he reached the first -of the troops. - -"Beyond a short distance," was the only answer. - -He fairly flew down the road, and had the satisfaction of handing the -message to the officer, who glanced at Ralph. - -"How did you get across?" he asked. - -"On my machine; but it was wrecked by a shell in the field below the -stone house," said Ralph. - -"Weren't you hurt?" he inquired. - -"No, but it stunned me for a time," remarked Ralph. - -"I must congratulate you on your bravery and determination," said the -officer. "But you were hurt," he added, as he approached Ralph. "See -the blood at your left hand." - -Ralph was startled, at first. He felt no pain, but there was blood -flowing out of his left sleeve. - -"Oh! I remember now; that is only the old wound reopened," he -explained, so the surgeon was called in at once. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV - -THE CAPTURE AND ESCAPE - - -The General looked at the boy for a moment and then exclaimed: "The old -wound! When were you wounded?" - -"At Russon, more than a week ago," he answered, without any attempt at -bravado. That story by this time had gotten to be an old one with him. - -"We cannot give you a machine to take you back to headquarters, but -you may have a horse," said the officer; so as soon as the wound was -dressed Ralph mounted a fine animal, and was told to take the cross -country route, as the animal would leap any ordinary barrier. - -Although he had ridden from his earliest recollection this was -the first time that he was ever on a horse that could leap across -obstacles, and when the first fence came in sight the horse refused to -stop but with Ralph clinging to the saddle vaulted across with so much -ease that it gave him the utmost confidence. - -Ralph found the commanding officer about two miles behind the former -location, with the Germans coming on in full force. The sound of battle -was incessant, and everywhere could be seen the ambulance wagons and -the doctors attending the wounded, but over all was the sad reflection -that they were being driven on and on. - -St. Trond was entered by the defenders during the afternoon, but they -merely passed through, and before six that night the Germans had taken -possession. Then came the report that the enemy's outposts had been -reported as far north as Wellon, in the direction of Hasselt. - -It was late that night when Ralph found Alfred. To him he told the -story of his adventures; of the loss of his machine; of the assistance -given to the wounded soldier, of his mission on foot to the officer to -whom he bore a mission and on his return on a steed furnished him by -the General. - -"But what have you been doing?" asked Ralph. "I want to hear your -story." - -"Well," said Alfred, "after you left I was sent to the east, and made -several trips to the different officers who were directed what to do -as they retreated toward St. Trond. The last trip I ran into a German -force, and was made a prisoner." - -Ralph's eyes opened wide and glistened at this announcement. - -"What did you do?" he asked eagerly. - -"Well, just wait; it didn't amount to much," continued Alfred. "They -took my machine away, of course, and then they searched me, and----" - -"And took your orders away," said Ralph with a disgusted look. - -"No, they didn't," answered Alfred. - -"Why not?" asked Ralph. - -"Well, just wait," replied Alfred. "Do you remember when we were -coasting down the hill the first or second day we were trying out the -machine, that when we put on the brakes too suddenly it turned over on -us and we ripped a hole in the seat?" - -"Yes," answered Ralph. - -"Well, when I saw that I was in for it, and that I couldn't get away, -I tucked the paper in the torn hole in the seat, and it is there now, -I suppose, and even if they do find it now it won't be of any use to -them; at any rate, that is what the General said." - -"But how did you get away? I want to hear about that," asked Ralph, -eagerly. - -"Get away? Well, I just walked away," said Alfred. - -"But how?" asked Ralph. - -"Oh! It wasn't any trouble," was the answer. "I stood around, and -watched my chance. Of course, I heard an officer say something to a -kind of under officer, as he pointed to me, and I suppose he told him -to arrest me; but something happened just then that prevented----" - -"What was it?" asked Ralph. - -"A big shot landed about fifty feet in front of us, and exploded, and I -never knew there was so much dirt in the whole of Belgium. You should -have seen how that German officer looked. He had a most lovely uniform; -but it was one mass of dirt, and I was just wondering, as I looked at -him, if he had another suit like it, when I happened to think of the -soldier who was going to arrest me. As he was not around just then I -marched down a little lane, which was directly in front of the place -where the shot struck, and there I crossed the double row of hedges, -and seeing no one ahead I just marched across to the first field, and -when I got there didn't I make tracks for our lines?" said Alfred, with -glistening eyes. - -"And you don't think that amounts to much?" asked Ralph. - -"Well, it is nothing compared with being blown up in a machine," -answered Alfred. - -Ralph mused a while, and then burst out laughing. "Well, that is too -good. Both of us to lose our machines on the same day. I am glad the -Germans didn't get my machine," he said. - -"Well, didn't they get it? I should think they did," and it was -Alfred's time to laugh. - -The troops were now massed along the crest of a small hill which -crosses the road north of the town. Early in the morning the German -forces could be seen deploying in all the open spaces to the north and -east of the town, and before seven the shells began to fly as on the -previous day. The boys meantime were kept busy with orders, Ralph using -the horse which had been turned over to him, and Alfred, seizing the -first opportunity, secured a new machine. - -[Illustration: _Map of Louvain_] - -The second day's fight was terrific. More than 1000 men fell on that -day, on the Belgian side alone. It was one continual scene of fighting -in the retreat from St. Trond to Tirlemont. Hasselt and Diest both -fell that day, but of this the boys had no knowledge until later. - -The force passed through Tirlemont in good order, fighting every inch -of the way. The Germans were now, on the 19th of August, advancing on -Louvain by three roads, from Diest, Tirlemont, and from Hammeville. The -boys were with the central force on the Tirlemont road. - -Orders were issued to continue the retreat to Louvain, as the Germans -were known to be east of the city in great force, and no one knew what -the end would be. Ralph still had his horse, but it had been wounded -late in the afternoon and he was forced to abandon it. - -Alfred had his machine, but it was useless, as he had no oil for it, -and it was finally loaded in one of the wagons and the two boys were -forced to go along on foot. - -Soon there was a halt, and they saw the men form along the road and -spread out along the sides of a hill. Then the shells began to fall and -the troops in front got into action. They were being surrounded and cut -off, and although the men knew it they continued to fight. - -Then a desperate charge from the open field in the left told the story. -The order was given to cease firing and as a still greater force came -over the hill, and the entire rear guard of their regiment, together -with a battery, fell into the hands of the enemy. - -Everything was confusion now. The boys plainly saw a white flag and -noted that the firing had ceased. - -"Let us get out of this," said Alfred, so together they ran across a -field and soon reached a fence beyond. The Belgian troops which filled -the road to the north in another hour had reached the gate of the city, -called Porte de Tirlemont. It was reported that the Germans had entered -the city at the eastern gate, but once within the city they hurried -through and passed out the gate Porte de Malines. - -On all sides were people, some walking, others riding, many of them in -curious conveyances, and all excited to the utmost. They had now lost -all trace of the Belgian army, although they knew it was some miles -ahead of them. - -That night they were aroused by a cry: "The Germans are coming." - -A half hour thereafter the first troop of horsemen came from the -east, and from that time until morning there was no cessation from -the galloping of horses, the tramp of infantry and the rumbling of -artillery wheels. - -"I wonder where we can get something to eat?" said Alfred. - -At a little cluster of houses, five miles south of Louvain, they found -some food, and after breakfasting they again resumed the tramp along -the main highway which led to Malines, ten miles away. - -Before noon they reached the city where the Germans were. They had not -been molested on the highway, but now, as they passed the gate, an -officer gazed at them and commanded a halt. - -"Who are you?" he demanded. - -"We are American boys, on the way to Antwerp," said Ralph. - -"What uniform is that?" he demanded. - -"Messenger service, sir," responded Alfred, as he glanced at Alfred. - -"In whose service?" asked the officer. - -Neither replied. - -Motioning to a soldier, the officer said: "Arrest them." - -They were marched to the great military prison, which was filled to -overflowing with men and women. Two days thereafter they were taken out -and marched through the town, past the great Cathedral. Crossing the -open place they were taken westwardly along a wide street and turned -to the left along a street that ran alongside a wide stream, which the -boys afterwards learned was the Dyle. - -They were halted in front of a large building which had the inscription -"Salm Inn." - -They were met at the door by nurses with large red crosses on their -sleeves, and by smartly dressed uniformed men in white, also provided -with red crosses. - -"This is now a hospital," remarked their companion, "and it is one of -the Red Cross stations." - -"What do they want to bring us here for?" - -"I suppose they are going to put us to work." - -Within was an appalling sight as the boys went through the ward -for the first time. Ralph's duty was to attend the physicians in -their rounds each morning, and at two in the afternoon. He furnished -supplies, waited on the nurses and attended to the wants of the -sufferers. - -Alfred was on like duty in the adjoining ward. While not together as -much as formerly, they were constantly meeting in the halls, and one -day Ralph was entrusted with the duty of going into the city on an -errand. - -The only thing which the boys could not bear was the fact that they -could get no news of the outside world. All communication was shut off. -Had Liège fallen? Where were the Belgian forces? Had Brussels yielded? -Their captors would give them no information, and the nurses, most of -them could talk German only, did not seem to know any more than they did. - -Ralph determined to get some information, and while on his journey -sought a stationery establishment in order to purchase some papers. The -first one he spied had a large assortment of papers but, singularly, -not a single French paper. - -He was disgusted, and as he turned away, voiced his complaint. The -shopkeeper said: "This is now a German province, and no more French -will be spoken or printed here." - -During his absence Alfred, in making his rounds as usual, was startled -at hearing his name. He turned, and near him, with his head bandaged, -and an arm bound with many layers of surgeon's tape, stood a young man. - -"Don't you recognize me?" - -"No," said Alfred, with open eyes. - -"Have you forgotten Roland?" - -Alfred was down by the bedside in a moment. - -"Where were you wounded? Is it serious? How long have you been here?" -said Alfred. - -"I was wounded over two days ago, and was in the field hospital a day. -My company was captured in the fight below Malines, and Colonel Moreau -is also a prisoner. What have you been doing?" - -"We have had a wonderful time," said Alfred. - -"Where is Ralph?" asked Roland. - -"He is here, in the next ward. I will surely tell him about you." - -At the hospital the boys saw every sort of wound, and soon learned to -distinguish between the gunshot and the shrapnel wounds. - -"Why is it that the shrapnel make such awful holes?" he asked one of -the nurses one day. - -"Well, you know, shrapnel does not go through the air as fast as the -bullets from the rifles, and it has been shown that the greater the -velocity the smaller the size of the wound. The bullets from the -Mausers and the Mannlichers, which have such a high velocity, seem -to go through so quickly that they sear the flesh, and thus form an -antiseptic path which aids the wound in healing. But the shrapnel -bullets are larger and this causes such terrible wounds." - -"But they seem actually to tear the flesh," said Alfred. - -"That is caused, not by the bullets which are in the shrapnel, but -by the shell itself. If the shell bursts near the soldiers it often -strikes the poor fellows and sometimes tears them to pieces." - -It would be too sickening to go over the many details that came to the -notice of the boys. They were kept at their duties daily for over two -weeks, when something happened which made them decide to effect their -escape, if possible. - -"Let us get away," said Alfred, after they had been on duty for a week. -"I think we can easily do it," he added. Ralph hesitated, for a moment. - -"Yes, by all means if we can," responded Ralph. "But I don't mind this -work, and do you know they intend to pay us for it?" - -"How do you know?" asked Alfred. - -"Because the steward told me so when he made the rounds to-day and was -making up the list." - -"Then let's wait until we get some money," answered Alfred. - -Two days thereafter, to the gratification of the boys, they were handed -envelopes, each containing a number of pieces of silver coin. - -"How much money have we earned?" asked Ralph. - -"Well, each of you has nine marks, and that is about eleven francs, or -five and a half francs a week," he was informed. - -During their work they found that more and more liberty was accorded -them. Each had the Red Cross emblem on his sleeve, and after the first -week they were furnished with new suits. During their work they had -also been provided with clean rooms, and opportunities for daily baths. -However, they felt the restraint when that night as they had several -times done before they wandered down to the heart of the city it was -with a determination to cross the barriers at the first opportunity. - -One day a soldier was brought in whose arm was completely shattered. On -examination it was found that only a single bullet had passed through. -The surgeon in charge said it was the first instance he had noted where -the high power missile had caused such a terrible fracture. - -Colonel Moreau, who was present, said: "I can understand the reason for -that. The bullet, evidently, was deflected before striking the arm, and -as it came from a rifled gun, its screw-like action caused it to set up -a motion at its rear end, something like the upper end of a top, just -before it stops to spin. This is called a key-holing motion, and as the -bullet strikes the solid bone it simply tears its way through, instead -of making a clean round hole, as is ordinarily the case." - -The city was full of soldiers and every street was as lively at ten -o'clock that night as during any part of the day. Troops were moving -through the town, but most of them passed out through the Porte de -Adeghem toward the northwest. - -"Do you notice that all the troops are going northwest and west?" asked -Ralph. "They must go that way to reach Brussels, and as Brussels is now -in the hands of the Germans," he added, "we should by all means go to -the north or east and reach Antwerp." - -Without molestation they passed through the streets and moving north -through the Rue de Catharine crossed the great boulevard and out -through Porte de Anvers without being seen. - -At twelve that night the road was still filled with troops, wagons and -paraphernalia of war. Watching an opportunity, Ralph sought information -from a peasant. The latter said: - -"The Belgians are not far away, and there has been a battle hereabouts. -If you want to reach the troops do not follow the road, but go to your -left, directly west. In that way you will get in touch with them." - -"What does the great movement of troops toward Antwerp mean?" asked -Ralph. - -"Why, the Germans have determined to capture Antwerp, and they are -moving up the big guns to batter down the forts," he was informed. - -About five miles north of Malines they reached the river Nethe. Acting -on the suggestion of the peasant, they left the road at this point and -determined to follow that stream as far as Boom, from which point they -would have a safer route to Antwerp. - -After going less than a mile they saw a road which had the inevitable -cavalry patrols. They were now undecided what to do, but determined on -one thing--to get to the Belgian lines and to risk all rather than be -recaptured. - -So they remained close to the hedge and moved up carefully to get a -more favorable view. They were soon convinced that the patrols were -Germans and this made it imperative for them to avoid the highway. - -Awaiting the first opportunity they crawled through the hedge and found -themselves in the roadway, but before there was an opportunity to cross -they were spied by the advance sentries and the first cry they heard -was: "_Wer geht da?_" - -The boys rightly interpreted this to mean "Who goes there?" but they -did not stop. This time they darted through the bush and ran to the -south along the hedge row, as fast as they could scurry, while the -sentry, putting the spurs to his horse, was over the fence at a leap, -and after shooting twice came directly across the field. - -The boys knowing that the sentry could not see them after they crossed -the little ravine, entered the dense shrubbery which grew along the -river bank. Their hearts were in their mouths. As they looked around, -however, they saw three other horsemen following them. - -Now began the flight of their lives. "Let's go to the left along the -river bank. That may throw them off our tracks. They may turn to the -right, thinking that we would be most likely to go in that direction," -proposed Ralph. - -His prediction was verified, for without waiting to go directly to the -brink of the river the horsemen all headed for the river to the right, -thus enabling the boys to look about for some sort of protection. - -The high grass and weeds enabled them completely to cover themselves -and they had the satisfaction of hearing the troopers a half-mile in -the distance, beating every clump of shrubbery, but soon all was quiet. - -Ralph laughed as they lay there and reflected how the Uhlans were -outwitted. "What made you think of that ruse?" he asked. - -"I happened to remember what the General said one day, when they were -planning some new movement of the troops. He said we ought to get east -and occupy the ridge. Our weakest movement would be to go to the left. -Napoleon's policy was first to consider what a commander would be -likely to do to defend a position, and then do just the other thing. It -was by following this plan in the field that he won all his battles in -Italy, and it gave him wonderful fame. You see, they were driving us -down the river bank, and they would naturally think we would not go in -the opposite direction, as it would bring us closer to them, in stead -of farther away." - -"Well, that is a good lesson, any way. I suppose the proper thing for -us to do now is to follow them by going up the river?" said Alfred. - -"Certainly. They won't be looking for us in that direction now," said -Ralph. - -They were careful, however, not to expose themselves needlessly, but -keeping as much as possible alongside of the high grass they reached -the road. After safely crossing it they sprinted alongside of the -river, and soon covered another mile. At this point they saw a little -village at the end of a long bridge which crossed to the western side -of the stream. As it was necessary to pass this village, and to make a -detour around it would mean a long tramp, they consumed fully an hour -as they quietly made their way toward the town in order to ascertain -whether or not it was occupied by a force, whether friend or foe. - -A woman who crossed their path was greatly startled at their -appearance, but their speech at once reassured her. - -"Do you know, M'selle, whether the Germans are in the village?" asked -Ralph. - -"No," she answered. "But we were informed that they are coming up the -road." - -"They are not far away. They left the bridge last night." - -"I wonder why the bridge was not destroyed?" said Ralph. "Well, don't -let us wait. We must go on while we have time," was Paul's eager and -hurried observation. - -They leaped forward. They could now see the villagers,--that is, women -and children on the main road looking east. All were extremely excited -as the boys came up, and some of them began to retreat toward the -houses. - -Ralph cried out: "We are Americans, and have just escaped from the -Germans. Which is the best road to Boom?" - -The villagers pointed to the road leading along the river bank. One of -them cried out: "Don't go that way; the Uhlans are on the road." - -Several men were now seen at the lower edge of the village, where they -stood waving their hands. - -"That means the enemy are coming," said Ralph. "Our only hope now -is the bridge," and without waiting to hear further news, both boys -started on a run to make the crossing. - -Throughout this section there was a vast amount of shrubbery, and the -inevitable rows of trees along the highways made it difficult for those -on the western side of the stream to notice the approach of any one -until they were within a few hundred feet of the bridge. - -This was the boys' salvation. Within a minute they were on the bridge -and they were then startled by the sound of the first gun behind them. -They did not stop, but on glancing back were somewhat relieved to -find that the shot was not intended for them. Possibly someone in the -village had been made a victim. - -They were now in the middle of the bridge, when a most terrific -explosion shook them, and they stopped running as though they had been -struck. They looked at each other in consternation. Then they glanced -back, but the dense smoke hid them from the view of their enemies. A -section of the bridge had been blown up; but by whom they didn't know, -so they now walked toward the end of the bridge. As they went down the -slight incline a soldier stepped in the roadway and halted them. - -The boys halted for a moment and cried, "Belgique!" then rushed -forward, at which the sentry understood and permitted them to pass. -Behind the sentry were others who hurriedly motioned them to conceal -themselves by the side of the road. At the same time they noticed that -the lone sentry also had disappeared. - -Looking back, they now saw a platoon of Uhlans at the other end of the -bridge. - -"Too bad," said Alfred, "that the explosion didn't do more damage." The -troopers advanced, some of them dismounting, and within fifteen minutes -sufficient repairs were made to allow a half-company to cross over. - -The leaders were galloping off the bridge when two distinct explosions -took place, one near their end of the bridge and the other behind the -first explosion, thus completely cutting off those on the bridge and -also entrapping those who had crossed. - -A brief order, "Tirez!" on the part of the Belgian officer brought -into view over a hundred concealed infantrymen, who fired volley after -volley as they made a rush toward the horsemen. Some of the Uhlans -turned and plunged into the stream, and many of those on the bridge did -likewise, while the officer in command of the Belgians called out to -them to surrender. Most of them did so, throwing down at the same time -their lances and guns. - -Thus the moving column was checked, and at this very place the Belgians -held up the further movement of the Germans toward the west, until -after Antwerp had fallen. - -The fighting was soon over, and when the prisoners had been rounded up -the men started to the rear with them. - -Upon reaching the main camp the first one to greet the boys was -Antonio, and before nightfall every one in the camp had beard about -the boys and of their achievements. An amusing thing occurred as the -prisoners were being assigned to their quarters. - -Marching along at the head of the tired troopers was a German -lieutenant. The boys now noticed for the first time that this officer -wore the helmet of the Death's Head Hussar. - -"There is a friend of ours," said Ralph, with a smile. - -"Who do you mean?" said Antonio. - -"The German lieutenant, with the big helmet on." - -As they moved toward him the officer, who now recognized the boys, -looked at them in astonishment. He held up a hand in token of -recognition, as Alfred went up to him and said: "Well, Lieutenant, we -intend to put you to work in the hospital." - -The officer gazed at him in amazement for a moment, and then, as he saw -the twinkle in the boy's eyes, said: "Ah! you are not serious. You do -not take these things seriously." - -Two days thereafter our young heroes marched into Antwerp with the -troops, where they were to meet Ralph's family. During their three -weeks' wanderings not a word had been heard from the boys or from -Pierre, and their parents were naturally much alarmed, knowing that -they were traversing the very section of Belgium where the first -fighting had taken place in the great conflict. - -We shall now take leave of our young friends in the hope that we may -have the good fortune to follow their further adventures on European -battlefields. - - - - -THE MOTION PICTURE COMRADES - -SERIES - -By ELMER TRACEY BARNES - - -The object of these books is to place before the reader the unusual -experiences of a party of boys who succeed in filming a number of -interesting scenes. - -The stories are replete with striking incidents on land and sea, and -above all they describe with remarkable accuracy the methods employed -to obtain many of the wonderful pictures which may be seen on the -screen. - - =The Motion Picture Comrades' Great Venture; or, On the Road with - the Big Round Top= - - =The Motion Picture Comrades Through African Jungles; or, The - Camera Boys in Wild Animal Land= - - =The Motion Picture Comrades Along the Orinoco; or, Facing Perils - in the Tropics= - - =The Motion Picture Comrades Aboard a Submarine; or, Searching for - Treasure Under the Sea= - - - _12mo._ _Cloth_ _50c per volume_ - - - THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY - 201-213 EAST 12th STREET NEW YORK - - - - -THE HILLTOP BOYS SERIES - -By CYRIL BURLEIGH - - - =The Hilltop Boys; A Story of School Life= - - Jack Sheldon, a clean-minded and popular student in the academy, - gains the enmity of several of the boys, but their efforts to - injure him fail. A mystery, connected with Jack's earlier life, - is used against him, but he comes off with flying colors. - - =The Hilltop Boys in Camp; or, The Rebellion at the Academy= - - A strange situation arises in which an airship figures as the - bearer of an important letter. The head-master acts without - investigating all the facts, but matters are all finally - adjusted to the satisfaction of all concerned. - - =The Hilltop Boys on Lost Island; or, An Unusual Adventure= - - The scene now shifts to the West Indies and Jack figures as the - hero of a daring rescue. Their experiences in tropical waters - form a most stirring narrative, and the young reader is assured - of a tale of gripping interest from first to last. - - =The Hilltop Boys on the River= - - The Doctor takes a number of the boys on a cruise up the Hudson. - An unlooked for incident finds Jack Sheldon equal to the - occasion, and what at one time promised to be a disastrous trip - for all concerned was turned into a complete victory for our - young friends. - - - _12mo._ _Cloth_ _50c per volume_ - - THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY - NEW YORK - - - - -THE HICKORY RIDGE BOY SCOUTS - -A SERIES OF BOOKS FOR BOYS - -By Capt. ALAN DOUGLAS, Scout-master - - -These stories are from the pen of a writer who not only possesses a -thorough knowledge of his subject but who is gifted with the ability -to describe the various experiences of the Hickory Ridge Scouts so the -young reader may enjoy and be benefitted thereby. - -The narratives are normal and healthful in their tone--in other words, -_real_ scout stories which hold the reader's interest to the last page. - - =The Campfires of the Wolf Patrol= - - =Woodcraft; or, How a Patrol Leader Made Good= - - =Pathfinder; or, The Missing Tenderfoot= - - =Fast Nine; or, a Challenge from Fairfield= - - =Great Hike; or, The Pride of the Khaki Troop= - - =Endurance Test; or, How Clear Grit Won the Day= - - =Under Canvas; or, The Hunt for the Cartaret Ghost= - - =Storm-bound; or, a Vacation Among the Snow Drifts= - - =Afloat; or, Adventures on Watery Trails= - - - =Boy Scout Nature Lore to be Found in The Hickory Ridge Boy - Scout Series, all Illustrated=: - - Wild Animals of the United States--Tracking--Trees and Wild Flowers - of the United States--Reptiles of the United States--Fishes of the - United States--Insects of the United States and Birds of the United - States. - - - _Cloth Binding._ _Cover Illustrations in Four Colors--50c per Volume_ - - THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY - 201 EAST 12th STREET NEW YORK - - - - -THE CAMPFIRE AND TRAIL SERIES - - - =1. In Camp on the Big Sunflower= - - =2. The Rivals of the Trail= - - =3. The Strange Cabin on Catamount Island= - - =4. Lost in the Great Dismal Swamp= - - =5. With Trapper Jim in the North Woods= - - =6. Caught in a Forest Fire= - - =7. Chums of the Campfire= - - =8. Afloat on the Flood= - - =9. The Cruise of the Houseboat= - - - =By LAWRENCE J. LESLIE= - -A series of wholesome stories for boys told in an interesting way and -appealing to their love of the open. - - - _Each, 12 mo._ _Cloth_ _50c per Volume_ - - THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY - 201 EAST 12th STREET NEW YORK - - - - -THE MOUNTAIN BOYS SERIES - - - =1. Phil Bradley's Mountain Boys= - - =2. Phil Bradley at the Wheel= - - =3. Phil Bradley's Shooting Box= - - =4. Phil Bradley's Snow-Shoe Trail= - - =5. Phil Bradley's Winning Way= - - =By SILAS K. BOONE= - -These books describe, with interesting detail, the experiences of a -party of boys among the mountain pines. - -They teach the young reader how to protect himself against the -elements, what to do and what to avoid, and above all to become -self-reliant and manly. - - - _12mo. Cloth 50c per Volume, Postpaid_ - - THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY - 201 EAST 12th STREET NEW YORK - - - - -THE MERRYVALE BOYS - -By ALICE HALE BURNETT - - -Six real stories for small boys, each complete in itself, telling about -the many interesting doings of "Toad" and "Chuck" Brown, and their -friends, "Fat," "Reddy" and others. - -The books are written so the boy may read and understand them and the -action faithfully portrays boy life in a small town. - - - CIRCUS DAY AT MERRYVALE - - "Toad" and "Reddy," by good fortune, each earn two tickets to - the circus, although they find watering elephants a harder task - than it at first seemed. A jolly party of boys visit the circus. - - FATHER BROWN'S INDIAN TALE - - Dad's story is followed by an unexpected visitor who at first - startles then interests all of the little party gathered around - the fireside. - - THE PICNIC AT MERRYVALE - - Did you ever go to a picnic in a large farm wagon, filled with - boys and girls? Then did you catch a fine lot of trout and broil - them before a camp-fire? "Toad" and "Reddy" did these very - things and had a day long to be remembered. - - CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS IN MERRYVALE - - Daddy Williams' Toy Shop is the center of interest to "Toad" and - his friends long before Christmas arrives. They plan a surprise - that brings joy to a poor family. The boys erect snow forts and - the two sides have a battle royal. - - MERRYVALE BOYS ON THE FARM - - "Toad's" grandmother invites him and "Reddy" to spend a month in - the country. Their experiences at Sunnyside farm, with its - horses, cows, pigs and chickens, are most entertainingly told, - and they have the time of their lives boating, swimming and - fishing in the creek. - - HALLOWE'EN AT MERRYVALE - - For many days the boys had been looking forward to the party to - be held at Toad Brown's house, but the evening finally arrived - and a number of new games were played, although a few things - happened which were not on the program. - - - _Illustrations in Color_ _12mo. Cloth_ _40c per Vol., Postpaid_ - - THE NEW YORK BOOK CO., 201 E. 12th St., New York - - - - -THE MERRYVALE GIRLS - -By ALICE HALE BURNETT - - -Six delightful books for the smaller girls, each a complete story in -itself, describing in simple language the interesting experiences of -Beth, Mary and Jerry, three little maids of Merryvale. - - Beth's Garden Party - - The three girls take part in a very formal little affair on the - lawn of Beth's home, and each of the guests receives a present. - The drive home in Beth's pony cart furnishes a few exciting - moments, but Patsy bravely comes to the rescue. - - A Day at the County Fair - - The girls are taken to the fair in a motor, but a slight delay - occurs on the way. How they finally arrived at the fair ground - and their amusing experiences are most entertainingly told. - - Geraldine's Birthday Surprise - - Geraldine, whom we know better as Jerry, plays hostess to her - many friends, although it must be admitted that her guests knew - of the affair before she did. A jolly evening is spent by the - girls which is shared in by our young Merryvale boy friends. - - Mary Entertains the Sewing Club - - Mary has the club at her home, and the efforts of the members - cause many outbursts of merriment. The girls hold a "fair of all - nations" for the benefit of the Merryvale Day Nursery, and their - plans succeed beyond their expectations. - - Merryvale Girls at the Seaside - - The three girls are invited to the light-house where they see - many wonderful things. A luncheon on the shore and days spent in - sailing with the captain make their visit a round of pleasure. - - Merryvale Girls in the Country - - A real old-fashioned farm affords the girls a most enjoyable - time and every hour is filled with delightful experiences. - - - _12mo. Cloth._ _Illustrations in Color._ _40c per Volume, Postpaid_ - - THE NEW YORK BOOK CO., 201 E. 12th St., New York - - - - -Transcriber's Note - - - Obvious typographical errors have been silently corrected. Variations - in hyphenation have been standardized but all other spelling and - punctuation remains unchanged. - - Pg. 131, 165: Added captions to the illustrations. - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Boy Volunteers on the Belgian Front, by -Kenneth Ward - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BOY VOLUNTEERS ON BELGIAN FRONT *** - -***** This file should be named 56195-0.txt or 56195-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/6/1/9/56195/ - -Produced by David Edwards, Larry B. 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