Page 51 - A Hero of Liége

CHAPTER V

--A CLOSE CALL

Remembering that they had crossed the Meuse the night before, Kenneth
steered to the left until he sighted the river, then deflected southward, and

followed its course, keeping on the side of the left bank.

There was no means of telling at what point he would cross the northern
frontier of Belgium. Ascending to a great height, in order to escape shots
from either Belgian or Dutch frontier guards, he soon discovered a town of

some size extended on both banks of the river. This could only be
Maestricht. Within twenty minutes of passing this he came in sight of a

much more considerable town through which the river flowed spanned by
several bridges.

"Better land now," shouted Granger, "or they'll be taking shots at us from
the forts. This is Liege."

Almost before he had finished speaking the monoplane began to rock like a
ship at sea, and Kenneth had to exert his utmost skill to preserve its

equilibrium. A shell had burst a few hundred yards below them. Some
seconds later they heard the dull thunder of the gun's discharge. Clearly it

was no longer safe to continue the southward course. Kenneth swerved to
the right, and making a steep vol plane, swooped into the cornfield of a
farmhouse close by the high road.

The people of the farm, at the sight of the German uniforms, fled

precipitately for shelter. Already "the terror of the German name" had
become a by-word in the countryside.

"We are in hot water, I'm afraid," said Granger. "Strip off your coat; you're
all right underneath."

Kenneth had hardly taken off his coat and helmet when there was a sound
of galloping horses. A dozen Belgian mounted infantrymen dashed up the