Page 166 - A Hero of Liége

The man pointed to a spot about half a mile in front. Kenneth, without
waiting for more, opened out, and the car quickly gained speed.

"It's touch and go now," he said, almost in a whisper.

"The guns are unlimbered for action," said Pariset. "If we pass they'll know
we are enemies."

"Nothing else for it," replied Kenneth, setting his teeth. "We must trust to

our speed. Keep a look-out, Granger."

Thenceforth he concentrated all his attention upon the car. It sped on,

crossed a small bridge over a rivulet, and swept up a short hill on the near
side of which six guns were emplaced.

"Eight inchers," murmured Granger. He had his eye fixed on the officer
who had been pointed out as the commandant, and who, at this moment,

was listening at the receiver of a field telephone. As the car approached he
dropped the receiver and gave an order. The soldier next him ran towards

the guns, shouting to the artillerymen, who appeared to be laying their
weapons.

"The game is up!" said Granger. "He's had word of us. Press her, Amory."

Kenneth opened the throttle to the utmost, and the car leapt forward like a
living thing. It dashed past the commandant, past the group of gunners,
topped the rise, and thundered down the slope beyond. A few revolver

shots rattled on the armour.

"We're safe for a little, while they alter the range," said Granger, assuring
himself at a glance that no one had been hit.

The car was now running at a furious pace, the road having recently been
repaired, no doubt for the easier passage of the guns. Kenneth knew that he

was directly in the line of fire of the battery. On his left wound the Ourthe,
with the railway almost parallel with it beyond; and as the car rushed