"I think it's the Germans who will get the surprise," said Arthur, confidently.
But most of the time they walked on in silence. Both were thinking a good deal; thinking of what war might mean, and wondering what part they themselves might play if it came. Of one thing they were sure. All Belgium would rise to repel the invader, no matter what the pretext for the invasion might be.
"Here we are," said Arthur, suddenly. "That's the house, Paul."
"It looks quite dark, Arthur. But let's go along toward it. Not by the road—we'll cut through this field here."
This they proceeded to do. But suddenly, as they neared the house, the ground seemed to give way beneath Paul. He suppressed a cry, and the next moment he was vigorously turning back the treacherous ground with his foot. Arthur turned on his light. And there, beneath the soft loam, they saw a plate of shining steel.
CHAPTER III
THE HOUSE OF MYSTERY
Utterly bewildered, they stared down at the steel.
"Put out your light!" said Paul, suddenly. His voice was tense. "Keep still a moment! See if you can hear anyone moving around near us."