u, Monsieur Dubec?"

The answer was a decided negative, and Max went on: "But it doesn't
matter. Dubec doesn't need to leave in the unorthodox way that Schenk
has forced upon us. He is a _bona fide_ workman, and has been working in
the shops for the last three days. He is safe enough."

It was so arranged, and soon the party had gained the shelter of the
bushes at the spot where their stock of shells had been hidden. Max and
Dale then waded waist-deep into the Meuse, and, with a whispered
farewell to M. Dubec, allowed themselves to float down with the stream.
For some yards out the edge of the river was in deep shadow from the
bank, and beyond a gentle movement of the hands to keep them within its
shelter, the two lads let themselves drift at will. The water was warm
and they felt no discomfort, and in half an hour they were beyond what
they considered the danger zone. Clambering out of the river, they wrung
as much of the water as possible out of their clothes and made rapid
tracks for their lodging.

As was to be expected, the destruction of the power-house and the
burning of one of the largest workshops at the Durend works created a
great sensation among both the Germans and the Liegeois. The former
looked upon it, rightly enough, as a determined attempt to interfere
with their exploitation of the manufacturing resources of the city for
the benefit of the invading armies; the latter, as a patriotic and
successful demonstration of the hatred of the Belgians for their
temporary masters and of their determination to hinder them by every
means in their power. It gave the spirit of the people a fillip, and,
despite the redoubled severity of the Germans, the Liegeois went about
their businesses with a prouder air, as if conscious that, though
temporarily overcome, they were very far from being beaten.

On attending for work on the following evening, at the usual hour, Max
and Dale were curtly informed that they would not be required for
another week at least. They had expected this, of course, and were only
disappointed that the holiday was likely to be so short. They had hoped
that the works would be out of action for at least three weeks. But the
manager had set to work with his usual energy. Engines were being
requisitioned from other factories in the town, not engaged in the
manufacture of war supplies, and repairs to those less seriously damaged
were going on with shifts of fresh workmen night and day.

It was ne