"Yes," was the answer, "but many, many years have passed, and gradually there has grown up a distinct nation. Of course, the country, because of its peculiar position, has long been the scene of international fighting. It is said that Caesar and his legions had battle there with the original inhabitants, called the Nervii. Many a battle has been fought at different times on Flemish territory."
"Isn't the battleground of Waterloo where Napoleon met defeat, located in Flanders?" asked Ned, recalling his history.
"It is," replied their guest, "and also other famous battlegrounds. For many years Flanders has been the scene of much warfare."
"Do they talk English there?" questioned Jimmie eagerly.
"The people speak French, German or Flemish in different sections," was the answer. "English is not commonly used. The people cling tenaciously to their language, customs and superstitions. It is in that section," continued their informant, "where so many fairy tales originated. The inhabitants largely hold firm faith in the existence and activities of sprites, witches, fairies and hobgoblins of all sorts. With their other primitive ideas, they also hold to the cardinal virtues of honesty, sobriety and industry. Nowhere, except possibly in Holland, will you find a more industrious and worthy class of people."
"It seems too bad to have good folks like those shot up by the Germans, just because they wanted to go across the country!" protested Jimmie. "Couldn't Germany have gone around some other way?"
A faint smile greeted this characteristic remark.
"Possibly," agreed the other, "but it seems the more direct route was chosen. It is regrettable, of course, but, for that matter, the whole war is regrettable. It brings good to no one."
"I agree with you!" quickly responded the boy. "It's no good!"
"Sail—Ho!" cried Harry, who had been industriously using the binoculars while listening to the conversation. "I see an aeroplane!"