Part 13 (2/2)

”I areat iian GHQ at once You will tell theh Command You are very brave boys, you know?”

Freddy flushed and looked unco we can to help,” he said quietly

The Lieutenant's tired lips twisted back in a wistful slanced from Freddy to Dave

”I would feel very happy if I had a million like you under my command,”

he h

Sergeant!”

A huge bearded non-coot to his feet and lumbered over He ran his bloodshot eyes over Freddy and Dave, and then fixed therunted

”These two, Sergeant,” the Lieutenant said with a jerk of his head

”They are to be taken to General Boulard's headquarters at once You will take one of the light scouting cars and drive theeant blinked and looked dubious

”I will try, of course, my Lieutenant,” he said ”But we may o at the Fortieth Company The Boche tanks have cut the road to Naet around in back of us The Boche planes are also bo the entire road

It will be difficult but I will atteian officer's face pale under its coating of blood and dirt Theakin to tears of bitter rage glistened in his haggard eyes At that exacteerie screaians fell flat on their faces The Lieutenant dragged Freddy and Dave doith him, and tried to cover the of that awful sound He had heard it along that road packed with terror stricken refugees He had heard it as he dragged an old woman to the flimsy protection of an ox cart His heart stood still in his chest The blood ceased to surge through his veins His lungs became locked with air, and his brain became numb and useless as he waited those terrible few seconds The diving Stuka's death load hit on the far side of the road Half of Belgium seemed to fountain up into the sky, and as left rocked and swayed crazily Thunderous sound swept over Dave and seeround

In a crazy sort of way he wondered if he was dead Then the next thing he realized the Belgian lieutenant was helping him up onto his feet

”It is only the direct hits that entle voice, and sh for ulped

”Yes, quite!” Freddy breathed and clenched his hands to stop his fingers tre

”When they dive several at a tiian infantry officer said ”But one can only pray That is the ar But, about this trip to General Boulard's headquarters You heard what the Sergeant said? It erous Perhaps you would care to wait awhile, and rest?”

So in the officer's tone made Dave jerk his head up

”Hey, I wasn't _that_ scared!” he blurted out ”We're ready to start right now Okay, Freddy?”

”Of course,” the English youth replied instantly ”Let's start at once

The sooner we get there, the better”

”You are good soldiers, and I salute you,” the officer ood wishes After all, perhaps it is not best to wait here Soon we shall be very busy, here Yes, very busy Sergeant!

You have your orders”