Having delivered this ultimatum, the maid shut the door and shot the massive bolts.
"Done this time!" ejaculated Kenneth. "Let's get back to Liége. There'll be plenty to see."
The lads set off at a rapid pace in spite of the heat. They were on foot, having placed their motor-cycles in the village of Argenteau.
By the time they regained Argenteau a change had come over the little hamlet. A detachment of engineers was in possession. The men, discarding their heavy greatcoats, were busily engaged in throwing up earthworks, while almost within arm's-length their rifles were piled, each weapon with its bayonet fixed.
"Halte-là!" The tip of a bayonet presented within a couple of inches of Rollo's chest brought both lads to a sudden stop. "Qui v'là?"
The production of the pass with which Major Résimont had provided them was sufficient, and without further hindrance the two friends gained the inn.
As they passed under the archway they found that their beloved motor-cycles had vanished.
"Pardon, messieurs!" exclaimed the landlord on catching sight of the two lads. "It was not my fault, I assure you. It is the order of the Government. They have taken away all the horses, all the carts——"
"And our motor-cycles?"
"Hélas, messieurs, it is a fact. Nevertheless, the Government will pay——"