Page 112 - A Hero of Liége

"We had better get away at once," said Pariset, biting the end off a Dutch
cigar. "But I don't care about reporting by hearsay. What do you say to

taking a look at them?"

"At what?"

"At these new apostles of culture."

"The big guns!--why not?"

"We shall have to cross into German territory--a risky game. If caught we
shall be instantly shot."

"We've risked a good deal already without damage. Let us try it. I know the

country; I've often cycled from Cologne to Crefeld."

"That's to the good. Very well, then; I'll get leave to go first thing in the

morning. We'll use the Taube and wear German uniforms. And in case any
one comes hunting for Granger, let us pay our bill and go."

At six o'clock next morning the inhabitants of an old farmhouse at
Erkelenz, not far from the Dutch frontier, were seated at breakfast. There

was an old man of some sixty years, his wife and daughter, boys and girls,
and two women servants. The farmer himself and his male hands were all
on service.

"I wonder where Daddy is now?" said one of the boys.

"And Fritz and Hans?" said a girl.

"Somewhere on the way to Paris, little ones," said the grandfather. "He will
bring you back some fine playthings. Granny is wearing the brooch I

brought from Paris forty years ago."