Page 49 - A Hero of Liége

The peasants halted at a little distance, and stood in an attitude of
watchfulness.

"We are not Germans, in spite of our dress," Granger continued. "As a

matter of fact, we are Englishmen who have lost our way."

The stolid Dutchmen looked round upon one another with a knowing air as

much as to say "We have heard that story before." Granger tried again.

"Come, come, it is the truth, I assure you. All we want is to know where we
are; then we will pursue our journey."

There was again a consultation among the group. Then one of them said,
pugnaciously:

"You are near Weert, as you know very well."

"Weert is some few miles north-east of Maestricht," Granger remarked to
Kenneth. "We don't want to know any more. I think we had better be off.

They don't believe we are not Germans, and as neutrals they will hold us up
if we wait until the village authorities arrive. I hope they won't show fight,
for we are absolutely unarmed, and those scythes are rather formidable

implements."

"We're in an awkward hole, certainly," said Kenneth. "By the look of them
they'll set on to us as soon as they see us making ready to go."

"The police took my revolver when they searched me," said Granger;
"otherwise we might intimidate them."

"I wonder--" began Kenneth, thrusting his hand into the inner pocket of his
coat. "By Jove! What luck! Here's the policeman's revolver. Keep them

back with that while I start the engine. I shall only be a minute or two."

Granger took the revolver unobtrusively. Kenneth went to the front of the
aeroplane and swung the propeller round, the peasants watching him at first