er air and commanding
voice, and your dandy boots, and your fine clothes showing when the
workman's smock opens! The lady, too, in a cheap shawl, wearing a blouse
and skirt that cost hundreds of francs!--Leontine, take monsieur----"

"Dalroy."

"Take Monsieur Dalroy to Jan Maertz's room, and let him put on Jan's
oldest clothes and a pair of sabots. Jan's clogs will just about fit
him. And give mademoiselle one of your old dresses."

He whirled round on Dalroy. "What became of Jan Maertz? Did the Germans
really kill him? Tell us the truth. Leontine, there, had better know."

"I think he is safe," said Dalroy. "I have already explained to your
daughter how the accident came about which separated us. Maertz was
pulled out of the driver's seat by the reins when the horses plunged and
upset the wagon. He may arrive any hour."

"The Germans didn't know, then, that you and the lady were in the cart?"

"No."

"I hope Jan hasn't told them. That would be awkward. But what matter?
You talk like a true man, and I'll do my best for you. It's nothing but
nonsense to think of getting away from Vise yet. You're a Liegeois whom
I hired to do Jan's work while he went to Aix. Everybody in Vise knows
he went there four days ago. I can't lift heavy sacks of grain at my
age, and I must have a man's help. You see? Sharp, now. When that fat
fellow gets his puff again he'll be here for more supplies. And mind you
don't wash your face and hands. You're far too much of a gentleman as it
is."

"One moment," interrupted Irene. "I want your promise, Captain Dalroy,
that you will not go away without telling me."

She could not guess how completely old Joos's broken story of the day's
events in Vise had changed Dalroy's intent.

"I would as soon think of cutting off my right hand," he said.

Their eyes met and clashed. It was dark in the mill's kitchen, even at
midday; but the girl felt that the tan of travel and exposure on her
face was yielding to a deep crimson. "Come, Leontine," she cried almost
gaily, "show me how to wear one of your frocks. I'll do as much for you
some day in London."

"You be off, too," growled Joos to Dalroy. "When the Germans come they
must see you about the place."

The old man was shrewd in his way. The sooner these strangers became
members of the household the less likely were they to attract attention.

Thus it came about that both Dalroy and Irene were back in the kitchen,
and clothed in garments fully i