TAKEN PRISONER
It was Vincent Newport's uniform. Alan did not hesitate to use it, he felt he would be safer, as nobody would imagine him to be the man who escaped through the line from Bruges.
Jean raised no objections and Alan gave him the clothes he wore. He offered to guide him to a spot where he might get through the enemy and reach his friends. It would be difficult but there was risk everywhere. Alan protested, if Jean were caught he would be shot, he was sure he could find the way from directions.
"I care little whether they shoot me," said Jean, "my life is ruined."
"It will all come right again after the war," said Alan.
Jean held up his hands, shaking his head despairingly.
"After the war—God knows when that will be," he said sadly.
They started at night. Alan was for leaving the horse behind but Jean said a good steed might save his life.
"It is not fair that you should walk," said Alan. "How far is it?"
"Some thirty miles," said Jean. "That is nothing to me."