"No, I didn't understand."
"It is simple. The Esser cement works across the river built this school two years ago. It's a German concern. While they were about it they laid down a few cement gun platforms—with an eye to this very moment which confronts us now."
He shrugged his shoulders:
"The Esser cement works over there are full of gun emplacements in cement, masquerading as pits, retaining walls, foundations, and other peaceful necessities. A British officer discovered all this only a few days ago——"
"Captain Halkett!" exclaimed Warner, inspired.
The Hussar glanced at him, surprised and smiling.
"Yes, Monsieur. Are you acquainted with Captain Halkett?"
"Indeed, I am! And," he turned to the Sisters of Charity, "he is a good friend of all of us."
"He is my friend, also," said the Hussar warmly. "He has told me about Saïs and how, masquerading as a quarry workman one evening, he discovered gun platforms along the Récollette and among the quarries. You understand they were very cunning, those Germans, and the cement works and quarries of Herr Heinrich von Esser are all ready to turn those hills yonder into a fortress. Which," he added, laughing, "we may find very convenient."
Sister Eila, standing beside the horse's head, stroked it, looking up at the officer out of grave eyes.