"Ah, but that is impossible. The road is filled with troop trains coming this way. You cannot go west until to-morrow, or, perhaps, day after," answered the agent.
Here was, indeed, a dilemma. Pierre knew that to take a south-bound train, would involve a wide detour, as it would take them through Luxemburg. The road to the north branched at Trois Ponts, one line going directly east to Pepinster, the other to the north leading to Rivage and Liège. From Rivage they might be able to go directly north to Huy, by a highway, and thus avoid Liège. A train in either direction was impossible.
Pierre was determined, however, to proceed to the east on the first available train, and by the liberal use of money ascertained from those in charge of the station that a train would leave early in the morning. They were on hand and ready before five o'clock and were directed to cross the bridge and board the train at the extreme end of the track which connected with the main line. Arriving there they found a train already switching over, but, apparently, there were no passengers aboard.
"Come on," said Pierre, "let's take the chance."
Fortunately, the doors were unlocked and the boys entered a compartment.
"Get out of there," shouted a voice.
Pierre followed, as an attendant rushed up.
"We are taking no passengers," he said.
"Hello, Jean," said Pierre.
"And what are you doing here?" said the man.