Several aeroplanes soared above the train, reconnoitering the country. At first the boys were nervous lest there might be a repetition of the bomb-dropping at Antwerp, but they were assured by the official on the train, who had examined their passes, that the aircraft were all friendly French and Belgian aeroplanes, after which they watched them with less uncomfortable feelings. As Bill put it:
“If we were at war and shouldering rifles for the dear old U. S. A., we’d take the chances of war with the rest of them, but being a neutral, there’s no sense in throwing away our bright young lives,” a sentiment to which Jack agreed heartily.
It was dark when the train rolled into Louvain. After innumerable challenges by armed sentries, they at last reached the hotel of the place where many of the soldiers were quartered. If Antwerp had seemed like an armed fortress, signs of military activity were much more marked in the old cathedral town.
Lights were not allowed after eight o’clock. Citizens were kept off the streets at night after certain hours. Artillery rumbled through the city all night, going to the front, the boys were told.
Disquieting rumors of the fall of Liege, and the advance of the Germans, had already reached the town, and on the outskirts, barbed wire defenses were erected and trenches dug hastily. Residents were warned, in the event of the Germans entering the city, to behave themselves strictly as non-combatants, the magnificent cathedral was fitted up as a hospital in case of emergencies. The thrill of warfare was in the air.
It was early the next morning that Jack aroused Bill from his sleep.
“Hark, Bill!” he exclaimed, holding up one hand.
From far off came the boom of cannon. The ground seemed to tremble under the thunder-like reverberations. Down in the street a squadron of cavalry raced through the town. Then came the rumbling of guns being rushed to the front.
“It’s a big battle,” declared Jack; “and what’s more the sounds have been growing louder. It must be a retreat.”
Bill looked grave.