They were careful, however, not to expose themselves needlessly, but keeping as much as possible alongside of the high grass they reached the road. After safely crossing it they sprinted alongside of the river, and soon covered another mile. At this point they saw a little village at the end of a long bridge which crossed to the western side of the stream. As it was necessary to pass this village, and to make a detour around it would mean a long tramp, they consumed fully an hour as they quietly made their way toward the town in order to ascertain whether or not it was occupied by a force, whether friend or foe.
A woman who crossed their path was greatly startled at their appearance, but their speech at once reassured her.
"Do you know, M'selle, whether the Germans are in the village?" asked Ralph.
"No," she answered. "But we were informed that they are coming up the road."
"They are not far away. They left the bridge last night."
"I wonder why the bridge was not destroyed?" said Ralph. "Well, don't let us wait. We must go on while we have time," was Paul's eager and hurried observation.
They leaped forward. They could now see the villagers,—that is, women and children on the main road looking east. All were extremely excited as the boys came up, and some of them began to retreat toward the houses.
Ralph cried out: "We are Americans, and have just escaped from the Germans. Which is the best road to Boom?"
The villagers pointed to the road leading along the river bank. One of them cried out: "Don't go that way; the Uhlans are on the road."