Thus the moving column was checked, and at this very place the Belgians held up the further movement of the Germans toward the west, until after Antwerp had fallen.
The fighting was soon over, and when the prisoners had been rounded up the men started to the rear with them.
Upon reaching the main camp the first one to greet the boys was Antonio, and before nightfall every one in the camp had beard about the boys and of their achievements. An amusing thing occurred as the prisoners were being assigned to their quarters.
Marching along at the head of the tired troopers was a German lieutenant. The boys now noticed for the first time that this officer wore the helmet of the Death's Head Hussar.
"There is a friend of ours," said Ralph, with a smile.
"Who do you mean?" said Antonio.
"The German lieutenant, with the big helmet on."
As they moved toward him the officer, who now recognized the boys, looked at them in astonishment. He held up a hand in token of recognition, as Alfred went up to him and said: "Well, Lieutenant, we intend to put you to work in the hospital."
The officer gazed at him in amazement for a moment, and then, as he saw the twinkle in the boy's eyes, said: "Ah! you are not serious. You do not take these things seriously."