"Are there troopships and Zeppelins with them?" she questioned. "Are they going to land? Is it an invasion?"
"No." Seth shook his head. "I don't think so. But, anyhow, you'd better take shelter in the dug-out."
Mrs. Daplin-Gennery stood aside, thrusting the others in advance of her. They had more than once rehearsed this scene. One by one they obediently and very quickly rushed forward and disappeared into the sap trench. Their mistress followed, but hesitated half-way down the sunken ladder.
"You must come, too," she called to Seth. "There is plenty of room."
Seth drew back a step and turned as if to leave.
"As soon as you're all safe in the dug-out," he responded quietly, "I'm going to run home, to look after my mother and sisters. Father's out with the Fleet."
There was another loud boom of a gun; but this time it came from the direction of Buremouth.
"Quick! Come into the trench!" urged Mrs. Daplin-Gennery, now at the foot of the ladder and out of sight. "You'll get killed if you don't. And if they land troops—if it's an invasion—you must stay and defend us helpless women. You're the only male person here. Besides, you're a Scout; you know what to do if any of us are wounded."
This argument presented a new aspect of the situation. Seth descended the ladder, and as he turned into the darkness of the sap trench the pistol was thrust into his hand.
"If a German shows his face, shoot him!" he was ordered.