Page 152 - A Hero of Liége

avoid that, too, so much the better. Now I really must go and make my
perquisitions. Last night I cooked some new-killed beef they brought with

them; to-day they expect something more choice. I must scour the
neighbourhood. There will be plenty of time, I think; if they should return

before I do, I must leave you to exercise the same resourcefulness as has
defied the superman hitherto. They may search the house as they did last
night. As a precaution, I suggest that you take refuge in the garden during

my absence. The shrubberies are excellent."

"Can you give us something to eat?" said Kenneth. "We are famished."

"Unhappily they cleared the board this morning, leaving me nothing but the

crumbs. But I will be as quick as possible. You shall breakfast royally."

He left them. Instead of adopting his suggestion they went to the top of the
house and watched the long defile of German troops on the western road.
They would hear or see the returning car in good time to make their escape

by the back door.

Within an hour Granger returned, with a couple of fowls, a duck, and other
comestibles purchased at high prices from the few peasants in the
neighbouring village whom the approach of the Germans had not scared

away. Among his many accomplishments was a considerable skill in
cooking. He roasted the duck and one of the fowls, prepared bread sauce

and apple, boiled potatoes to a nice point of flouriness, turned out Brussels
sprouts dry and crisp.

"Now we will make a start," he said. "I can always work better if I am well
fed, and you, I am sure, are very sharpset."

"We are indeed," said Kenneth. "But what about the Germans?"

"There will be at least a smell of cooking when they arrive. The pleasures
of hope are keener than the pleasures of memory, I believe. While you eat, I

will talk. What I say may aid your digestion; but you must exercise your
own united judgment. When you have finished, I suggest that you rest until