Unable to shake her determination, the boys gave up the attempt, and for the rest of the morning the three chatted pleasantly.
Luncheon over, the boys immediately prepared to fare forth again. Edna accompanied them to the bottom of the steps, where they said good-by.
"Come and see me again," she urged, as they shook hands with her. "You are always welcome here."
"We certainly shall," cried both lads together, as they started upon their way.
Chester was still weak, but he walked along wonderfully well, considering the nature of his wound. Still, it was plain to Hal that every step cost him an effort, and their progress was necessarily slow.
All afternoon they plodded onward without encountering the enemy, and soon after nightfall came upon the place where the Belgian outposts had been stationed the night before. The signs of a struggle were plainly evident.
"There has been a battle here," remarked Hal, after inspecting the ground.
"There is no doubt about that," returned Chester, "and the Belgians have been driven back. We shall have to be careful."
They were proceeding on their way more cautiously than before, when from ahead there suddenly came the sound of trampling hoofs.
"A Belgian reconnoitering party, I guess," said Hal. "We are safe enough now."