It seemed too much to hope for; but perhaps, some day....
And then he realized that they were nearing the place where the first skirmish of the great battle for human freedom was being fought, for the road became so thronged with fugitives that the car was forced to slow down and almost burrow a path through the forlorn and panic-stricken people toiling eastward—eastward—they knew not where—anywhere away from the stark horror behind them! They were of all sorts—young and old, rich and poor—and many of them moved as in a trance, unable to understand the disaster which had befallen them.
At last Stewart saw ahead the red roofs of a little town.
"Landen," said his companion. "It has a very large convent, which has been turned into a hospital for this whole section of the front. All our ambulances now discharge there, and naturally the place is very crowded. The nuns have been wonderful, but you have some hard work ahead."
"That's what I want," said Stewart, with a nod.
The car was bumping over the cobbles of the town, and in a moment stopped before a great, barrack-like building, covering an entire block. An ambulance was unloading at the door, and Stewart caught a glimpse of a livid, anguished face....
Yes, here was something he could do; and he followed his companion up the steps. At the top a black-coifed nun awaited them.
"This is Doctor Stewart," said the orderly, and added a sentence in French so rapid that Stewart could not follow it. But the nun understood and smiled warmly and held out her hand.
"I am glad to see you, sir," she said, in careful English. "If you will follow me," and she led the way along a white-washed corridor. "Perhaps you will wish to rest and refresh yourself before——"
"No," Stewart broke in. "Let me get to work at once."