"Where are you going?" asked Roland.
"To the bridge," answered their companion.
"Too late," responded Roland. "An advance guard, with two machine guns, reached there less than an hour ago, and has taken possession."
"That means that the Germans are on the other side, as well?" asked one of the men.
"We do not know about that. They could easily come up from Tieff, and from that point cross over."
"Fortunately," said Roland, "our troops are arriving from St. Trond and Tongress, to reinforce the garrison."
"Then we may be able to reach the soldiers," said Alfred.
"Yes, unless the Germans are ahead of them," answered Roland.
Without delay the company, now increased to eleven, turned to the east, and marched down close to the river bank. Cottage after cottage was passed, but they purposely avoided the roads. West of Jemeppe is a little cluster of cottages, where some of the company knew boats were obtainable, and as this was approached the bell of the château struck three.