Page 122 - A Hero of Liége

"No, luckily; he ought to have gone to the dentist long ago, but couldn't
bear the idea of losing a moment at a time like this. A swollen jaw is very

painful; you can't eat with any comfort. The only thing to do is to bandage
it tightly. But he'll have to go to the dentist."

"You're not attached to the 4th army corps, are you? I haven't noticed you
among our airmen."

"We are on special service," said Kenneth, feeling that matters were getting

warm in spite of the officer's apparent freedom from suspicion. "You'll
excuse me, won't you? we are anxious to get to Liege."

"Certainly."

He watched the two men at their work, remarking that it was a very dirty
job.

Meanwhile one of the troopers had been edging his horse close to the
aeroplane. Pariset, out of the corner of his eye, noticed him looking at it

critically. He bent down to examine one of the planes, gave a grunt of
satisfaction, and glanced at his officer, as if wondering whether he might
venture to address him directly. Concluding that this might be a breach of

discipline, he backed gently towards the Wachtmeister--the sergeant-major
through whom he might communicate with the lieutenant without being

snubbed.

This by-play escaped the notice of Kenneth, who was half-turned towards

the lieutenant. That officer, having satisfied his curiosity about the nature of
sparking plugs, bade him good-bye, saluted, and gave the order to ride on.

The patrol moved away before the trooper had finished his communication
to the Wachtmeister.

As soon as they were out of earshot, Pariset whispered:

"One of those fellows suspects something. If they ride back before we have
got these plugs in place we must bolt into the wood."