Page 114 - A Hero of Liége

"That is unlucky, Herr Captain," said the old man, saluting the officer. "We
have no petrol; I doubt whether you will get any in Erkelenz; it has all been

bought for the army."

"Well, give me something to eat and drink."

Kenneth tried, without great success, to adopt the German officer's

peremptory manner.

"No, I won't come in," he added. "Bring it to me here; I've no time to
spare."

The women hastened to bring him of their best.

"And the Herr Captain's companion--shall we take something to him?" one
of them asked.

"He cannot eat or drink with his face bandaged like that," said Kenneth,
glancing back at the aeroplane.

Pariset, who could not speak German, had swathed his jaw in a linen
bandage.

"Ach, lieber Gott! he is wounded," said the old man.

"We have had an exciting trip," replied Kenneth laconically. "I suppose I
shall have to go on to Crefeld. Is anything happening here? I notice that

transport is being diverted from the main road to a by-way. Why is that?"

"An accident, Herr Captain," said the man. "A traction engine, drawing a
very heavy load, slipped over the edge of the causeway three miles yonder.
Something broke; it was late last night, and I heard they had to send to

Crefeld for a steam crane to lift it. Maybe it is done by now."

"It was drawing an ammunition wagon, I suppose?"