Courtesy of "The Sphere."
The Charge Irresistible.
Bengal lancers in the open warfare of the first few months driving the Germans before them like chaff before the wind.
"Oh, Madame!" His voice was full of thankfulness.
She sighed long and heavily.
"We shall soon grow accustomed to telling and hearing sad news in Belgium," she said. Then, turning to Croquier, she added, "You have the bird safe?"
"Safe as the grave!" boomed the hunchback in reply and disappeared into the darkness.
The village street, usually so quiet at this hour, stirred feverishly. Lights glimmered in every house. One woman was kneeling at the foot of the great wooden cross which stood in the marketplace. Another came out from the church, weeping silently. Their husbands were in the army.
The boy's heart sank as he came up to the little house from which he had started a few hours before with Deschamps and the master. He opened the garden gate and Mme. Maubin entered. The click of the latch, as the gate closed behind Horace, had been heard. The door opened and the burly figure of Deschamps' father stood outlined. He welcomed the master's wife with hearty hospitality. The woman said nothing, but entered the house. She went straight to the mother, who had risen to her feet and was standing by the table, a frightened look in her eyes.
"You are of Belgium, Madame?" the master's wife began.