Page 135 - A Hero of Liége

prisoners, and of pity from the women. The attention of the Uhlans on
guard was somewhat diverted from the prisoners to the newcomers, as

these were marched through the gate and across the farmyard to the hurdles
within which their fellow villagers were confined.

"Now's the time!" whispered Kenneth. "Creep behind the cart and round by
the stables. There's just a chance."

They slid out of the wagon, slipped into the yard, and ran to the stables,

being screened from the guards' observation by the horses of the Uhlans
who had just returned. Behind the stables there was a barn, with a ladder
reaching to its high loft.

"Up there!" whispered Pariset. "We should be seen if we ran across the

fields."

They clambered up, and panting with excitement and haste threw

themselves on the floor of the loft.

"Perhaps we can remain here until night," said Pariset. "The place is empty;
they've no reason for visiting it again."

They heard the newly-arrived troopers lead their horses to the stables and
address some one there in loud peremptory tones. Then their spurred boots

were heard clanking over the cobbles, and they went into the house. Shouts
of applause followed their entrance; no doubt they had reported their
capture.

"I wish we could do something!" murmured Pariset restlessly. "But we can't

tackle twelve or fifteen."

A few minutes later, when the tremors of excitement had ceased, Kenneth

got up.

"We can at least go and see who is in the stables," he said. "Perhaps we
could make off with a couple of horses."