ese men as workmen, and he could not
deny that they were a hard-working, docile lot, nor that the work was
well organized and being carried on with splendid spirit and energy.

It seemed hard, however, that the Belgian-born men should not have a
chance of directly working for their country's benefit, and, as soon as
he could, Max took an opportunity of representing the matter to M.
Schenk.

"Why have you withdrawn all the older men from the shell-shops, Monsieur
Schenk? They were good men, and have served the firm well. Upon my word,
while working there and hearing naught but the German tongue, one might
have fancied oneself in the enemy's country."

"They are loyal Belgians, Monsieur Max," replied M. Schenk reassuringly.
"They are as ready as Flemings or Walloons to work to the utmost,
casting shells for our gallant army. That speaks sufficiently for their
sentiments. I have filled the shop with them because they work well
together, and there is no jealousy. We must do our best for Belgium in
this crisis, and should be swayed by no consideration save that of
finding the best men for each of our great tasks."

"Well done, Monsieur Schenk!" cried Max impulsively. "I also will go
where you think best. Where shall it be?"

"Thank you!" replied the manager, smiling. "I think you are doing so
well where you are that I cannot improve upon it. Remain at work in the
casting-shop and aid me to increase the output of shells. It is my
belief that we can turn out double the number with no increase of staff,
and I shall leave no stone unturned to make my opinion good."

Greatly heartened by this evidence of the manager's energy and
patriotism, Max and his friend did stick to their work and fling
themselves into it even more whole-heartedly than they had done before.

On the morrow, the 7th August, however, events happened that entirely
changed the aspect of affairs. Forts Fleron, Chaudfontaine, Evegnee, and
Barchon had fallen, and early in the morning of that day German infantry
entered Liege. The forts on the north, south, and west of the town still
held out for a time, but the town from that moment remained in German
hands. To the people, and especially the workers of Liege, this made a
vital difference. The output of the numerous factories, in so far as it
was useful to the German armies, was at any moment liable to be
requisitioned by them; and it was as clear as noonday that all who
toiled in the manufacture of such arti