Page 39 - A Hero of Liége

into play at such times. His companion watched him curiously. At last a
look of resolution chased the doubt from his face.

"It's the only way," he said; "we must have a try. There are plenty in

Cologne. They've been using a new aviation ground lately; the regular
aerodrome was too small for them. They don't fly at night. All the machines
will be in their hangars. Of course they'll be under guard; but we might get

hold of one by a trick. Give me another minute or two to think it out: I
know the place well."

After a few minutes' silence there ensued an earnest conversation between
the two. The upshot of it was that they hurried by unfrequented roads to the

new aviation ground. It was a large enclosure defended by a wooden fence
about eight feet high, with barbed wire along the top. A sentry stood at the

gate near the sheds. The whole place was in darkness, but a little beyond it,
on the far side of the road, shone the lights of a beershop.

Leaving his companion in a dark corner, Kenneth hastened alone to the
beershop. At the tables outside sat several men, mechanics in appearance.

Kenneth slackened his pace to a policeman's walk, and passed by, throwing
a keen glance at the men, who gave him a perfunctory salute. On reaching
the remotest table he whispered a word or two to the man drinking alone

there. The man left his bock, and rising, joined Kenneth, who had drawn
back into the darkness.

"You can be discreet?" he said.

"What is it, Herr Policeman?" the man replied, doubtfully.

"It is a question of a spy. One of the mechanics is suspected. Do you know
a short dark man who has recently come in?"

The question was a bait cast at a venture; Kenneth was elated at the man's
reply.