us go home and think things out."

"I cannot rest at home, Dale--yet. Let us walk on for a while. We shall
feel free on this side of the town. Thank God, the forts here are still
holding out, and the Germans have not yet over-run the countryside.
Presently we shall reach the Crofts, and we will sit in the cottage or
the old summer-house while we talk it all over."

On the western side of the town, at a distance of some six miles or so,
Madame Durend owned a little old-fashioned cottage, picturesquely
planted in a large garden and wood. It was a favourite resort of the
family in summer-time, and Max and Dale had had their full share of its
pleasures. For one thing, there was an asphalt tennis-court there which
had claimed a large part of their spare time, not to mention that of
Max's sister and her friends.

Avoiding the road, in order to lessen their chance of encountering enemy
patrols, Max and his friend travelled across fields and along bypaths
towards the cottage. They had come to within half a mile or so of the
place when they were startled beyond measure, and almost stunned, by a
tremendous report like the explosion of an enormous gun. It was close at
hand, too, and seemed to come from the general direction of the cottage.
Almost immediately there was another similar report, followed by others
at a greater distance. Max and Dale looked at one another significantly.

"Attacking either Fort Loncin or Fort Hollogne," said Max resignedly. "I
wonder we have got so far unnoticed."

"Yes; but now we are here we may as well see the fun. Let us go to the
Crofts, and climb the big oak as of yore. We shall see everything from
there."

"And be seen too, I'm thinking. Never mind; I feel reckless enough for
anything this afternoon."

"Well, reckless or no, we may as well move cautiously. Let us keep well
under cover of this hedge. Whew! What a row there is!"

As the two friends drew nearer to the cottage they became convinced that
not only was the firing taking place quite near the Crofts, but that it
was going on in the very garden itself. Closer and closer they crept,
their curiosity keenly whetted by this unexpected discovery, until they
reached a little clump of thick undergrowth which overlooked the garden.
Here the greatest discovery of all awaited them.

Two big 28-cm. guns were in position in the centre of the garden, and
being loaded and fired without a moment's respite. The sight was
fascinating--nay, awe-i