Page 50 - A Hero of Liége

without understanding. When the engine began to fire, however, they
realised the meaning of the movements, and came on brandishing their

scythes. Granger, standing close by the seat, lifted the revolver.

"Now, my good men," he said amiably, "we are going to leave you, as you
appear not to relish our company. If any of you come within a dozen yards
of us I shall fire."

The men came to a halt, scowling at the little weapon pointed at them by a

steady arm. Kenneth got into his seat.

"I'm ready," he said.

Granger slowly backed and handed him the revolver, with which Kenneth

covered the peasants as his companion clambered up beside him. Even
before Granger was seated the aeroplane began to move. The peasants
scattered out of its path, cursing the German pigs. It rose into the air;

Kenneth swung it round to the south-west, and in half a minute it was
sailing away out of danger. Glancing round, Granger smiled as he caught

sight of a half squadron of Dutch cavalry galloping into the meadow behind
them.

[Illustration: "THE PEASANTS SCATTERED OUT OF ITS PATH"]