will notice
what's been done," said Paul. "That's the most important part. You
see, if we were caught at this we'd be treated as spies--and that's
what we'll really be."

"Isn't there a chance that they won't really come as far as this?"
asked Arthur.

"Yes, there is and a very good chance, too, I think. Really, if they
do come up to this point, I believe we won't have much chance. But the
grounds here will be well within the range of the guns from the forts,
and I don't think they'll do any infantry work until they've tried to
beat down our forts with their big guns. Not from this side, anyway.
If they try to take Liege by storm they're more likely to attack
between Liers and Pontisse, or between the Meuse and Barchon. The
country's more open there. Here, you see, the Ourthe runs between
Boncelles and Embourg, and the two forts command all the approaches.
So I think there's a good chance for us. But we have got to take
precautions, of course, because they are almost sure to throw out their
scouts as far as this in the beginning, even if they recall them after
the guns start firing."

Neither of the scouts thought of being tired after that. Arthur began
the work of digging out the shallow trench in which they meant to bury
the wire, while Paul tapped the main wire and explained to an officer
at headquarters in Liege what they planned. It took him some time to
overcome the doubts of this officer, but finally it was arranged that
his wire should be connected with Fort Boncelles direct, and he talked
to that important link in the chain of defending forts for some time,
making final arrangements.

"No matter what happens, of course," he said, "you mustn't call us,
because if we're quiet for any length of time, it may mean that the
Germans are around us. We will watch the firing, after it begins, and
tell you whatever we can find out."

Then he returned to help Arthur, and they worked until it was broad
daylight. By that time they had the wire well hidden, so that it was
entirely invisible. It came out under the garage, and the instrument
at its end was well concealed in the pit under the place where the big
car stood when repairs were to be made.

"Well, that's done!" Paul exclaimed at last, with a deep sigh of
satisfaction. "Are you tired, Arthur?"

"I wasn't just a minute ago," said Arthur, rubbing his eyes. "But now
I'm so sleepy that I feel as if I could go off standing up!"

"Well, there's no