Page 137 - A Hero of Liége

"I do not know; maybe the mistress and the women servants. They cook the
meals for those hogs."

"Is the door unlocked?"

"Most likely; it is never locked during the day."

"Then creep into the kitchen and tell the women we are here. Quickly! We
will hide in the harness room. And find out where the Germans have

stacked their rifles, and how many there are."

The man passed through the door, followed by Pariset and Kenneth, who

remained among the harness while the wagoner went on to the kitchen.

"It's a frightful risk, Remi," whispered Kenneth.

Pariset set his teeth.

"I'm a Belgian," he said. "It's not your job. Go back to— "

"Rubbish!" Kenneth interrupted. "We sink or swim together.... Here he
comes!"

"I saw the mistress," said the man. "They have caught the master; she is

frantic. There are ten Uhlans in the big room; the sergeant is alone in the
parlour beyond. The maids are serving them."

"The rifles?" said Pariset.

"They are not stacked, mijnheer. There is no room between the wall and the
big table. They are laid anyhow in the corner near the kitchen door."

For a minute or two Pariset and Kenneth conversed in rapid whispers.
While they were speaking the farmer's wife, a large capable Flamande,

came to the door, an expression of mingled agitation and hope on her broad
red face.