"That is where we entered Belgium, and near where we assisted in capturing the auto load of Germans," said Alfred.
"Yes, Bovigny is less than forty miles from this place," said the lieutenant.
"Isn't that strange," said Ralph. "Here we are, close to the place where we started on this excursion. Why, we made a regular circle to get here," and they laughed at the situation.
It was now past six o'clock in the morning. No one was in sight, and they assumed it might be too early for the people, so they waited for an hour; still there was no sign that the cabin was occupied.
"I suppose we might as well go closer and investigate." They went forward without seeing a sign of life, except a dozen or more chickens, which were scattered over the lawn to the rear of the cabin. "If there is any one there a whistle might bring them out," continued the lieutenant.
There was no response, and after waiting a short time they circled about the house, and they saw that the front door was open, but there was no furniture within. They then boldly approached, and began to examine the contents of the rooms. Not a scrap of food was found, although ants and other vermin were numerous, and there was a mouldy smell in the second room, there being only two compartments or rooms. While they were searching about, two chickens appeared at the door, and with a common instinct the boys encouraged a closer acquaintance, to the amusement of the lieutenant. One of the chickens was finally trapped, and a meal was soon prepared and cooked in the oven. They had barely time to finish the repast, when a shot was heard in the woods to the south, at which they hurriedly left the cottage, and rushed to the nearest clump of brush across the clearing. A second shot followed, evidently quite near, but apparently from the same direction as the first.
"They are probably hunters," remarked the lieutenant.
"Isn't our machine over in that direction?" asked Ralph.
"Undoubtedly," said the lieutenant.
"I wonder what they would do if they found it?" queried Alfred.