Ralph found the commanding officer about two miles behind the former location, with the Germans coming on in full force. The sound of battle was incessant, and everywhere could be seen the ambulance wagons and the doctors attending the wounded, but over all was the sad reflection that they were being driven on and on.
St. Trond was entered by the defenders during the afternoon, but they merely passed through, and before six that night the Germans had taken possession. Then came the report that the enemy's outposts had been reported as far north as Wellon, in the direction of Hasselt.
It was late that night when Ralph found Alfred. To him he told the story of his adventures; of the loss of his machine; of the assistance given to the wounded soldier, of his mission on foot to the officer to whom he bore a mission and on his return on a steed furnished him by the General.
"But what have you been doing?" asked Ralph. "I want to hear your story."
"Well," said Alfred, "after you left I was sent to the east, and made several trips to the different officers who were directed what to do as they retreated toward St. Trond. The last trip I ran into a German force, and was made a prisoner."
Ralph's eyes opened wide and glistened at this announcement.
"What did you do?" he asked eagerly.
"Well, just wait; it didn't amount to much," continued Alfred. "They took my machine away, of course, and then they searched me, and——"
"And took your orders away," said Ralph with a disgusted look.
"No, they didn't," answered Alfred.