"We lost our way and scrambled on to the bank to see where we were. We happened to catch sight of one of the guns, with disappearing mountings, and we were curious to see what happened," replied Kenneth.
"Your curiosity might lead you into trouble," said the Belgian officer gravely. "How am I to know that you are not German spies?"
Kenneth bridled indignantly.
"We give you our word that we are not."
"Your word will hardly do, monsieur, at a time like this. Can you produce proofs? Have you anyone in the district who can identify you?"
The lads produced their permits.
"This will hardly do," continued the major as he scanned Kenneth's document. "These are only too easy to obtain. Ha! Your name is Barrington?" he asked, turning to the owner of that patronymic.
"Yes, sir," replied Rollo. "My father is a retired colonel in the British army."
"His Christian name?"
Rollo told him.