“Then what shall we do?”
“We shall leave at once—or, as soon as Mrs. Dersi returns. That is the best return we can make for her kindness to us. It would break her heart to know that her son is a traitor to his country.”
“It would, indeed,” was Chester’s reply; but further talk was prevented by the return of Mrs. Dersi.
“And is not my son a fine, brave man?” she asked, with justifiable pride.
“He is,” said Hal and Chester both, hoping that they were telling the truth.
“Mrs. Dersi,” said Hal, “we have decided that it probably will be better for us if we take our departure at once. I am sure there are no Germans near right now, and the sooner we get started the sooner we shall reach our own lines.”
“But would it not be safer to wait until dark?” questioned the woman anxiously.
“I am afraid not,” replied Hal, with a meaning glance at Chester. “We think we had better take our departure at once.”
Mrs. Dersi offered further objections, but at length, seeing that they were all in vain, she bade the two lads a sorrowful farewell, enjoining them to be sure and look her son up and to return to see her should the opportunity offer. This they gladly promised, and, leaving the friendly shelter of the good Frenchwoman’s home, continued on their weary journey toward the British lines.