Page 90 - A Hero of Liége

CHAPTER X

--BROKEN THREADS

On returning to his headquarters, some eight miles west of the town, Pariset
asked permission of his commandant to convey Kenneth to Ostend. He met

with a peremptory refusal; he could not be spared.

"You'll have to go by train," he said to Kenneth. "It will take you a long
time, the railway is so congested with troops and refugees. Must you go?"

"What else can I do?"

"Well, we're short of men. I'd like to keep you. If I get you a sort of
appointment, will you stay?"

"Rather! It might be months before I got a job at home."

"Then I'll see the commandant again and try to arrange it."

When he returned half-an-hour later, Kenneth knew by his expression that

he had been successful.

"It was easier than I expected," he said. "He was good enough to say that
you're just the man we want. He told me, too, that we have already accepted
the services of two English airmen who have volunteered, so everything is

quite in order. We'll go into Liege and get you a suit of overalls. I am
delighted."

After the necessary purchases had been made, they went into the Hotel de
l'Europe for dinner. The dining-room was crowded, and Kenneth, as he

entered, glanced somewhat confusedly around the tables. Suddenly he
heard his name, uttered in a low tone, and turning round in surprise, saw

Granger beckoning him to a small table at which he sat alone.