Page 116 - A Hero of Liége

covered with tarpaulin. At the further end of the causeway was another
traction engine with a similar load. Besides the spick and span cavalry there

were a number of men in dirty clothes, some of whom appeared to be
engaged in tinkering at the engine.

"Those are the heavy guns, without a doubt," thought Kenneth. "I wish I
could have a good look at them, but I'm afraid it's too risky. I might have

guessed there would be a cavalry escort."

Obviously it was dangerous to attempt to carry off his imposture with the
German officers. It would have been another matter if only the motor men
had been concerned. He was disappointed.

As he continued to gaze, however, an idea flashed into his mind. It was

pretty clear that the road would remain blocked until some contrivance had
been rigged up for lifting the engine. Would Pariset venture a bold stroke?
It would be a feather in his cap if he could destroy one, perhaps two, of

these monster siege guns.

Shutting up his glasses, he climbed down the ladder, ignored the labourers
and their humble salute, and began to hurry back in the direction of the
farm. Surprised, the boy stood watching him for a few moments. Then he

ran after him, and, plucking up courage, said--

"Will not the Herr Captain go on and get the petrol?"

"I will come in the aeroplane, boy; we have enough to bring us here."

The boy, rather crestfallen, had to trot to keep pace with Kenneth's long

strides. He had hoped to receive a few pfennigs for carrying the petrol.
Kenneth, busy with his thoughts, forgot the youngster until he was paying
the civil farm people for his food. Then, catching sight of the boy's

woebegone face, he handed him a silver coin that drove the clouds away. It
was lucky, he reflected, that he still had some German money in his

possession. A Belgian coin would have given him away.