Page 128 - A Hero of Liége

For twenty minutes or more they jogged on, careful not to lose their wind.
Then they discovered that the wood was narrowing, and a few more

minutes brought them within sight of its end, the apex of a triangle. Peering
out cautiously through the trees, they saw a little way ahead the fork of two

roads. That to the left was evidently the main road near which the aeroplane
had landed. That to the right must be the byroad along which the Uhlans
had ridden to cut them off. Beyond, on either side, were open fields.

They halted in perplexity, anxious though they were to lose no time. A false

move, an unfortunate decision, and they were lost.

"If we dash across country we may be seen," said Pariset. "If we take to the

road we may meet more troops. But we can't stay in the wood. The Uhlans
will beat it thoroughly."

"Could we climb a tree and hide in the foliage?" suggested Kenneth.

"We mightn't be as lucky as your Merry Monarch," said Pariset. "The
fellows are capable of burning down the whole wood if they can't find us.

And in a very short time they are sure to draw a cordon round it. We must
get out, somehow or other. If only the roads were hedged, like your English
country roads, we should stand a chance."

They were still discussing their quandary when they heard the rumble of an

approaching cart. Looking eagerly ahead, they saw a large wagon piled
with loose hay. The driver appeared to be a Belgian peasant. Beside him sat
an armed soldier in the bluish grey German uniform. They seemed only

half awake. The two horses were plodding slowly, with drooping heads.
The appearance of men and beasts suggested that they had been travelling

all night.

There was a gleam in Kenneth's eyes as he turned to Pariset.

"Into the hay?" he whispered.

"The wagon will pass the Uhlans," Pariset replied.