Page 41 - A Hero of Liége

The man went away, Kenneth hastened to the spot where he had left his
companion.

"Things look possible," he said. "But your uniform is a difficulty. A

German officer mustn't enter the enclosure like a thief, and without the
password you can't go in by the gate."

"I must simply bluff it out. I'm a friend of Lieutenant Breul. I've played
many parts in my time--not without success."

"Come along then. There's no time to lose."

They hurried back to the dark corner in which Kenneth had interviewed the
mechanic. In a few minutes he returned.

"This is a friend of the Herr Lieutenant's," said Kenneth. "I met him just
beyond the gate, and he agrees with me that this disgraceful matter must be

kept secret. Have you had any success?"

"The fellow is overhauling the Herr Lieutenant's engine in preparation for a
start to-morrow. He is the only man at work."

"That's very suspicious," said Kenneth. "Don't you think, Herr Captain, that
we had better climb the fence and keep a watch on the man? Who knows

what mischief he may be doing?"

"I'll go back to the gate and meet you inside," replied his companion.

"I think you had better come with me, Herr Captain," said Kenneth, "Your

presence would guarantee me if any soldier within chanced to suppose that
I was intruding."

"Very well," returned the other, with seeming reluctance. "But you also
must guarantee me against damage to my clothes."

"That is easily done. This man will throw his coat over the wire."