"We have found out that the Germans have secretly prepared foundations
for heavy guns all around Liege, sir," said Paul, quietly.
"What?" The major spun around and stared at them.
Paul repeated the statement, and produced the packet of papers they had
gone through so much to retain.
"We didn't know what these marks meant," he explained. "So we decided
to try to find out. And when we reached the place that was marked on
this map we found not only a concrete and steel foundation for a big
gun, but some smaller guns, all ready to be assembled and a store of
ammunition."
"Tell me exactly what happened," said du Chaillu. But already he was
comparing the sketch maps Paul had given him with his own big wall map,
and was using his compasses and other instruments to determine ranges
and distances. His eyes were shining, too. Busy as he was, however,
he listened attentively.
"That was well done--well done, indeed!" he said, heartily. "You will
hear more of this, I promise you, and from those whose praise will mean
more than anything I can say. I shall take you at once to General
Leman, although there are positive orders that he is not to be
disturbed."
And so in a few minutes they found themselves in the presence of the
heroic defender of Liege, the kindly faced, middle aged general who was
to win a European, a world-wide reputation, indeed, in the course of
the next few days.
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