Behind them one
strange thing proved that all was not quite normal. From Fort
Boncelles a searchlight began to play. They had seen that light
before, but only when it was being tested or when there were manoeuvres
in progress. Now it seemed to have a sinister meaning.
"I think that means that there is war," said Paul. "They are keeping
the searchlight going so that they may be sure to escape a surprise."
"I think it's the Germans who will get the surprise," said Arthur,
confidently.
But most of the time they walked on in silence. Both were thinking a
good deal; thinking of what war might mean, and wondering what part
they themselves might play if it came. Of one thing they were sure.
All Belgium would rise to repel the invader, no matter what the pretext
for the invasion might be.
"Here we are," said Arthur, suddenly. "That's the house, Paul."
"It looks quite dark, Arthur. But let's go along toward it. Not by
the road--we'll cut through this field here."
This they proceeded to do. But suddenly, as they neared the house, the
ground seemed to give way beneath Paul. He suppressed a cry, and the
next moment he was vigorously turning back the treacherous ground with
his foot. Arthur turned on his light. And there, beneath the soft
loam, they saw a plate of shining steel.
CHAPTER III
THE HOUSE OF MYSTERY
Utterly bewildered, they stared down at the steel.
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