"Let us see him at once," said Jacques.
The captain was dressed in civilian's clothes; but he carried a bundle strapped to his back. He was known to all the villagers, and they crowded around him.
"The Germans will be here in less than a half-hour," he said hurriedly. "Every road is blocked, and I want as many volunteers as possible. With them we must cut across the country and reach Liège."
"I am on my way to join the colors," said Pierre, saluting.
"That is the right spirit, my man. But you are, undoubtedly, a stranger here," said the Captain.
"Yes, but I am a Belgian, from Brabant," answered Pierre.
Pierre's prompt action was the signal for an immediate respond from a dozen or more.
"I shall be back in a few minutes, and I designate you to enroll the volunteers," said the Captain, addressing Pierre.
Pierre shouted: "Come on, boys, the King needs you."