They could hardly have escaped the Germans, had any lain between Abbeville and Amiens. But none were there, as it turned out. The road was clear and open before them, and the car rolled along smoothly.
"The firing seems to be moving now—moving to the southeast," said Henri, once.
"I think our left wing is being drawn in a little. That will tighten up the line. But it gives the Germans still more chance to get around the wing."
"We can bring up French troops to meet them, Frank. There is the garrison of Paris—nearly five hundred thousand men. They have not struck a blow yet. But if the Germans come too near, they will be brought up to the first line."
"I believe that's what the French plan is, Harry!" said Frank. "Yes, why not? To lead the Germans on and then take the risk of leaving Paris defended only by its forts, and try a new flanking movement of their own. Do you see? A new army, which could outflank the Germans while they thought they were outflanking us!"
The thought cheered them up wonderfully. It made it possible for them to bear the sight of Amiens, left without a single soldier of the republic, when they arrived.
CHAPTER XVIII
IN THE HANDS OF THE ENEMY
The days that followed the return of Frank and Henri to Amiens were busy but uneventful ones. They had found a few staff officers at the abandoned headquarters, including Colonel Menier, to whom they had made their report and turned over the automobile. He had thanked them heartily, having heard already of their work. And when he was told of the destruction of the Zeppelins he had embraced them both.