The Boy Allies at Liege | Page 6

he explained, "and
we were detained. But," he added grimly, "we are not figuring upon
remaining in Berlin overnight."
"What do you propose to do?" asked Hal and Chester in a breath.
"Oh, Anderson and I have a little plan whereby we shall make
ourselves scarce on this side of the border," answered the captain. "We
are planning to get out of Berlin soon after nightfall."
"How?" asked Hal.
"Well," said Lieutenant Anderson, "we haven't perfected our plans yet,
but we have an idea that we believe will take us safely out of Germany.
It may be successful, and it may not. But we are going to take a chance
at it."
"Is it dangerous?" questioned Chester.
"That all depends upon how you look at it," replied the lieutenant, with
a smile. "It may mean a fight," he added seriously, "but we are prepared
for that," tapping the pocket of his civilian coat significantly.
"Yes, it may mean a fight," agreed the French captain, "but an officer
of the French army will not shirk an encounter with these German
aggressors."

"No, nor an English officer," declared the lieutenant. "War between
England and Germany has not been declared yet, but it seems only a
question of hours until it will be."
Hal was suddenly struck with an idea. He turned to the lieutenant.
"Why cannot we go with you?" he asked. "We must get to Brussels as
soon as possible. If we wait here until after the mobilization of all the
German forces, and are unable to send a message to mother, she will be
frantic. Why cannot we go with you?"
The lieutenant was taken aback.
"Why, I know no reason," he said, "except that your presence in our
company, if ill fortune should befall us, would probably mean your
arrest as enemies of Germany. You might even be convicted as spies,
and shot."
"We are willing to take any chances necessary to get us to Brussels and
put an end to mother's worries," declared Hal stoutly. "Aren't we,
Chester?"
"You bet we are," replied Chester.
The lieutenant turned to Captain Derevaux. "What do you say?" he
asked.
The captain shook his head.
"It's a bad business," he replied slowly. "If we are caught it will go hard
with our young friends, I am afraid. Of course, I am willing to do
anything in my power to aid them, but this--this, I fear, is impossible."
"Don't say no," implored Hal. "Just think how mother must be worrying.
Why, we would go through anything to save her pain. Besides, you
don't expect to be captured, do you?"
The captain shook his head.

"You have a good plan of escape, I am sure, or you would not tackle it.
Isn't that so?" continued Hal.
The captain admitted it.
"Would our presence make it more dangerous for you?"
"No."
"Then, I ask you again, if you won't allow us to go with you, sharing
whatever dangers may arise. Besides," and Hal smiled, "you know that
four are sometimes better than two."
The captain reflected.
"You are right," he said at length. "If Anderson is agreeable, I shall be
glad of your company; yes, and your aid," he added, after a pause.
"I agree with the boys," said the lieutenant. "Four are sometimes better
than two, and in an adventure, such as this promises to be, four are
always better than two. I say, let them come with us, by all means."
And so it was decided. A meeting-place was arranged for eight o'clock
that night, and, with this parting injunction, the officers left:
"Say nothing to anyone. Do not talk, even between yourselves, and, if
you can, buy a revolver apiece," for the purchase of which the
lieutenant tendered Hal a bill.

CHAPTER III.
TOWARD THE FRONTIER.
It was a long afternoon for Hal and Chester, and they waited
impatiently for the time when they were to meet the two young men
who were to be their companions on the journey.

After several futile attempts the lads finally gave up their attempt to
buy revolvers, as it caused too many questions, and, in spite of their
eagerness to get away, it was with no little anxiety that they made their
way to the rendezvous that night.
Captain Derevaux and Lieutenant Anderson were waiting when the lads
arrived.
"I am glad you are prompt," said the former. "We must hurry. Even
now we may be followed," and he glanced about furtively.
"Which way do we go?" asked Hal, of the young Englishman, as the
four moved along the street.
"North," was the reply. "We are heading for Kolberg, on the Baltic Sea.
From there we will try to get across into Denmark. The thing to do is to
get out of Germany at the earliest possible