"And Belgian
soil has felt the footprints of armed Germans at last! What we have
known must come has come! The German invasion of Belgium has begun!"
"That means war," said Paul.
"Yes. I am afraid that we shall be fighting them within twenty-four
hours. They will move swiftly. You had better hasten back to your
home. If there are no men left there you may be badly needed."
"Very well, sir," said Paul. "I hope, though, that we may be of some
service during the defence, after we have done what is necessary for my
aunt."
"We shall see as to that later," said du Chaillu. "You have been of
the greatest service to Belgium already. I shall order an escort for
you."
"Please don't," said Paul. "We can get along all right. There can be
no danger now. And I believe that every man in the garrison here will
be needed."
"Well--" Du Chaillu hesitated. "Perhaps you are right. I myself
cannot see of what use an armed escort can be to you. There is not the
slightest real chance of any trouble between here and your home. Good
luck to you--and may we meet again in a time when our anxieties and our
fears for our country shall be at an end!"
"Good-bye, sir, and thank you!" said Paul and Arthur together.
In the town they got bicycles at a place where they were well known.
Du Chaillu had given them the countersign, and they needed it near
Boncelles, since they were challenged.
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