"Yes, we went clear to St. Trond," said Alfred. "Oh, the machine works splendidly. Never had an accident. But you ought to see the soldiers and the guns, and wagons along the way,—thousands and thousands of them."
Just then there was an intense commotion at the southern border of the camp.
"See that man in a motorcycle. They are following him."
The messenger alluded to was waving his hand, as a signal to those in front to clear the way. He proceeded direct to headquarters, and dismounted.
Soldiers, civilians and workmen, rushed forward and crowded around. "What is the news?" everyone asked. An officer appeared at the door of the commandant's quarters.
"The Germans have entered Liège," he said. There was a murmur and Alfred and Ralph looked at each other in astonishment.
Soon those about, after recovering from the stunning news, began to make inquiries.
"While they have entered the city, they have not captured the forts," the officer said, and he spoke it proudly, too.
"How could they capture the city and not the forts?" asked Alfred. Roland, who stood by, then explained that the fight was between the forts and the besiegers and that the possession of the city was of no value to the Belgians.