Page 63 - A Hero of Liége

would no doubt blow up the bridge, and I take it that to prevent that is even
more important than to seize the men themselves--though our aim should

be to do both."

"It is true, monsieur. I am an old man. This is the day of young men. Oh
that I were forty years younger and able to serve my country! But you will
not let them go? You will bring some of our brave soldiers here and capture

the villains?"

"There may not be time for that. We must meet craft with craft. If we could
only reconnoitre the mill we might be able to hit upon a plan. My uniform
would give me away, if I approached the place as I am; you could no doubt

lend me some clothes to disguise myself?"

"Surely, monsieur; but— "

He broke off, eyeing Pariset's face, with its small military moustache,

doubtfully.

At this moment they heard the rumble of a heavy vehicle on the road.

"It is the beer, compere," said the farmer, glancing out of the window.

"Ah! the beer!" repeated the miller. "I might have known they were

Germans! Every week they have a barrel delivered from Charleroi, and it is
not the local brew, but the Lion brew from Munich."

He had moved to the window, followed by his visitors. A heavy dray laden
with beer was lumbering down the road. As it came opposite to the house

the drayman hailed the miller, pulling up his horses.

"The Germans are shelling Liege," he said. "Maybe 'tis the last time I shall

come this way. Your good tenants had better clear out."

"Good tenants!" cried the old man explosively.