"Quite so," replied Kenneth, producing his identification card. "I am a British subject in the Belgian service."
"British?" repeated the man. "What, then, is British? In faith, I do not know."
"English, then."
"Ah, English—good! Now I comprehend. But, monsieur, it is unsafe to go farther. There are Germans in force a few kilometres along the road. Their cavalry screens are thrown out over yonder. We had to retire. To me it is amazing how you came so far without falling in with the accursed Prussians."
"I saw a few Uhlans," announced Kenneth.
"Tête bleu! And what did they do?"
"Very little as far as I was concerned," replied the lad. "They murdered some civilians, so I shot them."
The Belgian's eyes glistened.
"You are a brave youth," he exclaimed.
"I think not in this case," objected Kenneth. "They were half-drunk, and had only just awoke. It seemed hardly fair play, yet——"