Then suddenly he remembered his companion, and, parting the wheat, he crawled hastily through into the little amphitheater where he had made her bed. She was still asleep, her head pillowed on the bundle of clothing, one arm above her eyes, shielding them from the light. He sat softly down beside her, his heart very tender. She had been so near exhaustion; he must not awaken her——
A blare of bugles shrilled from the road, and from far off rose a roar of cheering, sweeping nearer and nearer.
The girl stirred, turned uneasily, opened her eyes, stared up at him for a moment, and then sat hastily erect.
“What is it?” she asked.
“The German army is advancing.”
“Yes—but the cheering?”
“I don’t know.”
Side by side, they peered out above the grain. A heavy motor-car was advancing rapidly from the east along the road, the troops drawing aside to let it pass, and cheering—cheering, as though mad.
Inside the car were three men, but the one who acknowledged the salutes of the officers as he passed was a tall, slender young fellow in a long, gray coat. His face was radiant, and he saluted and saluted, and once or twice rose to his feet and pointed westward.
“The Crown Prince!” said the girl, and watched in heavy silence until the motor passed from sight and the host took up its steady march again. “Ah, well, he at least has realized his ambition—to lead an army against France!”