Page 111 - A Hero of Liége

"What was that shot?" asked Pariset, in Walloon, and gasped with
amazement when the stranger, taking off his hat, said in perfect English:

"Here is a part of its track."

He pointed to two bullet-holes, one on each side of the crown of the hat.

"Granger!" exclaimed Kenneth.

"A very good disguise, isn't it?" said Granger. "But there is little time to
spare. The bullet is in an amiable Teuton who popped round the corner at
an unfortunate moment--for him. No doubt he was shadowing me: I must

make another change in my outward favour, that is clear. His confederate
missed me and winged the accomplice. I couldn't catch the fellow. Probably

he has gone back to the town to get assistance, and I must be moving. I've a
few minutes, however, and you can help me. I was on my way to
headquarters. I have just heard that the Germans are bringing up some

heavy siege guns to demolish the forts. They are coming by road: were last
heard of at Crefeld--huge things, drawn by innumerable traction engines

from the estimable millionaire's works at Essen. Will you carry the news to
headquarters for me? You will save time--and probably my skin."

"Certainly," said Pariset at once. "This explains the cessation of the
bombardment."

"No doubt. They did not expect that poor little Belgium would turn into a
Jack-the-Giant-Killer, or they would have brought up these monsters of

theirs before. They represent the last word in Culture--according to the
gospel of Krupp. I will leave you, then."

"Ware spies!" said Kenneth, as they shook hands.

"We set a thief to catch a thief, don't we?" said Granger with a smile.

He put on his hat and was gone.