"I am not a Scout. After the fight at Russon they made me a headquarters' messenger," replied Alfred.
The mention of the fight at Russon was sufficient notice to give him an entrée into the hearts of all present.
While those about him plied him with questions the Colonel opened the packet, and after examining it, gave an order. A detachment of the troops lined across the road, and Alfred, looking back, saw the column from the cross road join the force which had followed him.
"I must go back as quickly as possible," said Alfred.
"It will be impossible to go back by this route," remarked one of the officers. "We are ordered back to our quarters by the message which you brought, but may be sent to the firing line. The Germans are all over this section, and are rapidly approaching from every quarter. We shall have some lively work in a few days."
The main body of the troops entered the town of Racour, and the moment the camp was reached there was evidence of a hurried movement. Within fifteen minutes an orderly called Alfred to headquarters. As he entered the Colonel said:
"We are ordered to report at Neerwinden at once. Some portions of the regiment are guarding the bridge three kilometers to the west. Go to them at once and deliver this order."
Alfred did not wait for questioning, nor did he ask for instructions as to the directions, as he mounted; but before he could make a start the orderly was thoughtful enough to give him instructions. Then he set the machine full speed, and as he went like the wind he kept his horn tooting as a warning, but nowhere in the road did he meet an obstructing hand.
When he saw the bridge beyond and a group of guards he rode directly into the midst of them and asked for the officer in command, to whom he handed the missive. Alfred saw troops on the bridge, and as a sergeant stepped into the road and gave three sharp, quick blasts on a whistle, the men on the bridge rushed to the center passage way. When the whistle blew two blasts more they ran forward in double time toward the bank on which they were standing.