onscience must decide, she finally conceded,
though it was clear how her own desires ran. But whether he left or
stayed, she expected him to take no part in the fighting that was bound
to come.

Questioning the servants, Max found that his mother's flight had been
arranged at the urgent solicitation of M. Schenk, and without more ado
he left the house and hastened to the works to see the manager, and
gather what further particulars he could. He did not doubt the wisdom of
his mother's precipitate flight, for even now scouting parties of the
Germans had appeared before the eastern forts, and no one could doubt
that the city was on the point of being invested and besieged.

M. Schenk was clearly surprised to see Max and his friend, and was at no
pains to hide it.

"A letter was left for you, Monsieur Max," he said in his ponderous way,
"telling you that your mother wished you to join her instantly. Did they
not hand it to you?"

"Yes," replied Max, "I have received the letter, and I have come to
learn something more about their flight. Have they taken money enough
for what may be a long stay? And can we send them more before the city
is invested?"

"All that is seen to, Monsieur Max. I have had a large sum of money
transferred to a bank in Maastricht for their use. They will be safe and
well there, and I strongly advise you to join them. You will certainly
not be safe here."

"Why not? Why should I go if you can stay--if you _are_ staying?"

"Because, sir, you are half an Englishman, and before the day is out
England will have joined in this conflict. No Englishman will be safe
here if the Germans enter, and I strongly urge you and your friend to
escape before the city is surrounded. I will carry on the business, and
do my best in the interests of the firm and your good mother."

"Yes, yes, I know; but I am a Belgian as much as an Englishman, and I am
not going to fly the country like that. If I cannot yet fight for her I
can work for her, and I have made up my mind to stay, Monsieur Schenk."

"As you will," replied M. Schenk, shrugging his shoulders in
indifference, "but do not blame me if things do not go as you wish."

"That's all right," replied Max quickly. "Now, as to the work of the
firm. I have been thinking that we might use our great works to assist
in the defence of the town. Soon the forts will be in action, and if the
city is invested they can only replenish their stores from within the
town itsel