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:i 



^ 



The Scouts -were of great assistance to the officers In aiding 
the -women and children of the villiages to get a-way before 
th« soldiers arrived. 

[Under Fire In Fkuiders] 



BOY SCOUTS IN 
BELGIUM 

OR 

UNDER FIRE IN 

FLANDERS 



By 
G, HARVEY RALPHSON 

BOY SCOOTS IN A SUBMARINE 
BOY SCOUTS IN AN AIRSHIP 
BOY 8COUT8 CAMERA CLUB 
BOY HCOUTS IN THE NORTH 8EA 



H. A. DONOHUE & COMPANY 







•< ■ t 



M. 'h 



X^'Ui^^vti^U^ M. /l^.^'ti^V'W 



Copyright, igi5 
M. A. DONOHUE & CX). 

CHICAGO 



CONTENTS 



A Mysterious Hot Box 7 

Secret Service Duty 19 

Jimmie Stops a Gang 31 

Fire and Its Result 41 

Jimmie Finds a Spy 54 

A Murderous Act 66 

Greeted With Bullets 78 

Imperiled in a Trap 90 

A Mysterious Warning 102 

Boy Scouts for Targets 114 

A Boy Scout Rescuer 126 

At the War Office 138 

Left to Starve 150 

The Gray Eagle Damaged 162 

A BatUe in the Air .174 

A Journey With Joffre 187 

The Rat Repulsed 199 

An Interrupted Race 211 

Captured and Under Fire 223 

Lost Above the Lines 235 

Coffee With the Kaiser 247 

Thrown From the Clouds 259 

A Mysterious Door 271 

Under the Castle 284 

The Musketeer's Mistake 29$ 



Boy Scouts in Belgium; 

or, 

Under Fire in Flanders 



CHAPTER I. 
A M3rsterioiis Hot Box. 

On a warm day in October three motor- 
cyclists were speeding over Long Island roads 
toward New York City. One of the group 
was apparently setting the pace for his fel- 
lows. He was at least a hundred yards in the 
lead. With mufflers deadening perfectly the 
clamor of their engines the riders sped across 
the country like fleeting ghosts with never a 
sound to indicate their presence. 

All three riders appeared to be about eight- 
een years old and were dressed in the well- 
known khaki uniform of the Boy Scouts of 
America. Could one have examined closely 
the badges upon their sleeves he would have 
discovered that two of the boys were mem- 
bers of the Black Bear Patrol of New York 
City. The third member of the group, a lad 



8 UNDER FIRE IN FLANDERS; 



slightly smaller in stature than his comrades 
and with a very freckled face and very red 
hair, was a member of the Wolf Patrol of the 
same city, A Black Bear was on the leading 
machine that seemed to be making the pace. 

Approaching the outskirts of a village the 
leader^s speed perceptibly slackened and his 
machine veered abruptly from side to side of 
the roadway. He seemed in imminent peril 
of dashing into a nearby row of telephone 
poles. Instantly the others slackened speed. 

"Whaf s up, Harry?" inquired he of the red 
hair. 

"Crossing cop, maybe!" 

"Nix on the cop !" 

"When Jack^s in trouble, slow up !" 

Without a moment's delay both boys shut 
off power and applied brakes, bringing their 
machines to a standstill beside their comrade. 

Dismounting hurriedly the riders ap- 
proached their friend. 

"What's the trouble. Jack?" inquired the 
red-headed lad. Then without waiting for an 
answer he wrinkled his freckled nose in dis- 
gust and stepped back with loud sniffs of dis- 
pleasure. 

"You needn't tell me; I know," he cried. 



OB, THE B07 SCOUTS IN BELaiUM. 9 



'^Somebody tried to take lessons in cooking 
and burned the water before it could boil !" 

Both his comrades laughed at Jimmie's re- 
mark. Jack, however, turned again to an ex- 
amination of his machine with a worried look 
on his face. Touching the parts gingerly he 
went carefully over the engine. 

''Whew, Jack," spoke up the third boy, 
"you^re surely some loud smeller! What did 
you run over and why did you do it?" 

"I know!" cried Jinraiie excitedly. "He^s 
got a hot box !" 

"Sure?" inquired Jack teasingly. 

"Hope I never see the back of my neck!" 
declared Jimmie. 

"Guess I know now what that freight train 
conductor out in Montana meant when he 
spoke of a 'stinker,^ " Harry mused. 

"But how did you get it?" persisted Jimmie. 

"Boys, if you want to know the truth, I 
think some one was unkind enough to wish 
this onto me !" soberly declared Jack. 

"You don't mean it !" gasped Harry with a 
startled look. 

"I do ! When did we overhaul these motor- 
cycles?" 

"Yesterday. Each boy worked on his own 



10 UNDEB FnUB IN FLANDEES; 



machine, and I know I did a good job on mine. 
It runs like a scared rabbit!*' 

"All did good jobs ! Mine, too, was in per- 
fect shape. But look at that main crank bear- 
ing now ! It's positively frozen !" 

"Ho ! Ho !'' jeered Jimmie. "Frozen ! Why, 
it's so hot you daren't even touch it! Just 
see it frying grease this minute !" 

"That's the correct term for a bearing that 
gets so hot it won't let the shaft or axle turn. 
Maybe you didn't know that !" 

"Well, Great Jumpin' Catfishes!" gasped 
Jimmie. 

"It's a good thing Ned isn't here to listen to 
that slang!" declared Harry. "As leader of 
the Wolf Patrol, Ned objects to slang!" 

"Well, if 'Catfishes' is any more slang than 
'Frozen Hot Boxes,' " stoutly decided Jimmie, 
"I'll quit for keeps. Besides," he continued, 
"it's a good thing Ned isn't here or he'd laugh 
at us for a lot of amateurs who don't know 
how to run a motorcycle yet. I guess Tes' !" 

"Look here !" cried Jack in an excited voice. 
Then instantly glancing about as if afraid of 
being overheard he continued in a lower tone : 
"This looks to me like a sure case of someone's 



OB, THE B07 SCOUTS IN BELOIUM. U 



having planned that we should have trouble. 
Feel the grit in that oil cup !" 

^^Let me see," urged Jimmie, stepping for- 
ward to bend over the machine for a careful 
exploration of the hot oil cup. Presently he 
straightened, and with wide open eyes 
glanced in wonderment toward his comrades 
as he extended a greasy forefinger for exam- 
ination. 

"Thafs emery!" he choked. "Emery will 
cut any bearing !" 

"Emery!" echoed the two Black Bears in 
chorus. 

"Yes, sir, emery! Some one must have put 
it there meaning to bring disaster to us. Tell 
you what," Jimmie went on hurriedly in a 
hushed voice, "it looks as if somebody had it 
in for us and we are due to go through the old 
story of having difficulties just before we 
reach a stage of success! Someone's trying 
to delay the Grey Eagle !" 

"Let's not mind that just now," urged Jack, 
"the thing to do is to get this machine off the 
road and then hasten as fast as we can to the 
Black Bear Club Rooms to meet Ned. It's 
only two or three blocks to French Pierre's 
machine shop. One of you can tow me over 



12 UNDER FIRE IN FLANDERS; 



there and we'll leave all three machines with 
him for the day at least." 

"Right-0!** answered Jimmie springing ta 
his motorcycle and starting the engine. "FlI 
tow you as fast as you can ride !" 

In a few moments the three boys were again 
under way, but this time their progress was 
decidedly slower. Their course was laid to- 
ward a portion of the village devoted to fac- 
tories. Here was located the machine and 
repair shop of a Frenchman whom the boys 
knew well. He had assisted them with his ex- 
pert knowledge in many of their experiments, 
and the boys regarded him as a friend who 
could be safely trusted. 

While the boys are proceeding on their er- 
rand it may be well to make a more careful 
observation of them. To those of our readers 
who have had the pleasure of following the 
adventures of the lads as related in previous 
volumes of this series, no introduction is nec- 
essary. For the benefit of those who have not 
become acquainted with the work and play of 
our Boy Scout friends a word of explanation 
may not be out of place at this time. Their 
adventures in the States, in Alaska, in the 
Philippines, in China, in Mexico, were thrilling 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELaiUH 13 



in the extreme and gave many situations of 
peril from which only the most energetic ef- 
forts on the part of the boys themselves 
brought safety. 

Jimmie McGraw, the lad with the red hair 
and freckles, had been a Bowery newsboy in 
New York until he had fallen under the ob- 
servation of Ned Nestor, a well-known mem- 
ber of the Boy Scouts of America. He was 
of slight build, and though of about the same 
age as the other lads, was somewhat shorter. 
His active manner, quick wit and rash bold- 
ness in times of danger, coupled with a keen 
perception and an ability to correctly weigh 
values, more than made up for any apparent 
lack in the matter of size. Wise beyond his 
years, Jimmie always proved a welcome mem- 
ber of any party whether on business or pleas- 
ure bent. 

Jack Bosworth, who had just suffered the 
disablement of his motorcycle, was the son of 
a well-known New York capitalist and corpo- 
ration lawyer. Like Jimmie, he was exceed- 
ingly active. A strict observance of the "set- 
ting-up" exercises, diet and health regula- 
tions such as had been insisted upon by Ned 
Nestor had developed in Jack, as well as the 



14 TTNDEE FIRE IN FLANDEBS; 



other lads, a wonderful endurance. He pos- 
sessed a skill in athletics that stood him well 
in hand when occasion required feats of en- 
durance or agility that might well have taxed 
the ability of many men older or of greater 
physical proportions. Jack's dark complexion 
contrasted strongly with Jimmie's ruddy face 
and wealth of auburn hair, yet the two lads 
were warm friends despite their difference in 
appearance. 

Harry Stevens, the son of a prominent auto- 
mobile manufacturer, was the third of this 
trio of travelers. His marked ability along 
mechanical lines had been given full play by 
his father. Harry's ambition was to produce 
an engine that would be suitable for use in 
air craft and that would excel anything here- 
tofore known. How well he and his comrades 
had succeeded we shall presently learn. 

Just now the three lads were hastening to 
New York to meet at the club rooms of the 
Biack Bear Patrol their chum Ned Nestor, 
who had summoned them by telegraph from 
their stopping place on Long Island. 

For purposes of greater seclusion during 
their experiments a hangar had been con- 
structed on some vacant property owned by 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELQIUM. 16 



Jack Bosworth's father. In addition to being 
out of the regular line of travel the place 
afforded the further advantage of being with- 
in easy reach of a railroad as well as being 
near the beach of Long Island Sound. Here 
Ned and his friends had worked industriously 
for several weeks constructing an aeroplane 
along lines conceived by the boys themselves. 

On this particular day Jimmie, Jack and 
Harry had been making the final adjustments 
on the frame and planes of the new air craft 
when a message had come over a "pony'* wire 
from the nearby railroad station. Wonder- 
ingly, but unhesitatingly the boys had at once 
dropped their tasks and, at a suggestion 
from Jack, had chosen to use their motor- 
cycles rather than wait for the next train. A 
watchman whose services in the past had been 
invaluable had been left in charge of the 
hangar and its precious contents. Their start 
had been without incident, and it was not un- 
til they approached the village a few miles 
from the hangar that they experienced any 
difficulty. Apparently the run would be a 
quick one. 

At the village, however. Jack's mount had. 



16 UNDER FIRE IN FLANDERS; 



indeed, developed a "hot box'^ which effectu- 
ally prevented operating the machine. 

In spite of Jimmie's threat to tow Jack's 
disabled machine at a rapid pace he was using 
a great deal of care and was running slowly^ 
The boys had not proceeded far when Jack 
called out: 

"Cut across lots, Jimmie ! Go through the 
old foundry yards. It'll save nearly two 
blocks of travel!'' 

Jimmie's only reply was to nod his head. 
At the next street intersection he steered his 
motorcycle toward a foot path which led 
diagonally across a vacant lot formerly used 
by a foundry. A thick screen of shrubbery 
and bushes growing near the walk hid the lot 
from the view of anyone on the street. Not 
until they had passed through the opening in 
the bushes did the boys observe that a group 
of young fellows of about their own age were 
engaged in a game of ball on the vacant lot. 
These lads seemed to be rather low charac- 
ters. 

It was too late to turn back, however, so 
Jimmie gave a discordant squawk of his horn 
and held to the path, nearly colliding with a 
base runner who was sliding for second. 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELaiUM. 17 



Shouts of wrath and execration rose from the 
throats of the roughly dressed crowd of play- 
ers and spectators. In an instant fists were 
being shaken toward the intruders, while 
chunks of cinder were wrenched from the 
ground and hurled in the direction of the 
cyclists. Coarse threats and foul language 
were mingled freely with appellations of scorn 
and hatred. 

"Get out of here, you^re buttin^ into a 
game I" shouted one. 

"Soak the snobs !*' cried another, brandish- 
ing the bat he held. 

"Get 'em, fellers!*' yelled a lad, hurling a 
piece of cinder with poor aim. "Everybody 
soak 'em good and hard !" 

One lad more venturesome than the others 
hurled a bat at the machines, now almost clear 
of the crowd. Jimmie had opened the muffler 
and turned on the power. Mingled with the 
roar of the exhaust came a sharp musical 
twanging that told of broken spokes. The 
bat had reached Jimmie's rear wheel, but for- 
tunately the machine did not collapse under 
the now uneven strain. In another minute 
they would be clear. 



18 XTNDEB FIRE IN FLANDEBS; 



"Don^t let ^em get away !'^ yelled one of the 
toughs, drawing a revolver. "Don't let 'em 
get away ! Stop the snobs !'' 

Seeing that the machines were winning 
their way to safety, the excited youth pulled 
the trigger again and again. 



OB, THE BOY SOOUTS IN BELGIUM. 19 



CHAPTER n. 

Secret Service Duty. 

''Great Smoking Fireboxes !" exclaimed Jim- 
mie. 

"No, Jimmie, you should say *Hot Boxes/ *' 
corrected Jack. 

"I meant to say 'Great Frozen Hot Boxes/ *' 
smiled Jimmie. 

"Here, here !*' Harry cried impatiently, hold- 
ing up a warning hand. "Just imagine what 
Ned would say if he heard that !" 

"All right, when I see him I shall ask his 
permission to use that as an intense explosive 
when the occasion requires." 

"You mean 'expletive/ Jimmie,'* Jack again 
suggested. 

"You win the argument!*' Jimmie an- 
nounced resignedly, sinking further into the 
depths of a great chair. "I wish Ned would 
hurry !" 

The three boys were seated in the club 
rooms of the Black Bear Patrol and were the 
only members present. Nearly the entire 
fourth floor of the handsome residence of Jack 



20 UNDEB FIRE IN FLANDERS; 



Bosworths's father had been given over to the 
use of the Black Bear Patrol. All the mem- 
bers had lent their best efforts to fitting the 
rooms up in a manner becoming the use to 
which they were being put. About the walls 
hung trophies of their prowess as hunters and 
fishermen. Rugs of skins were on the floors, 
chairs and settees fashioned by the boys them- 
selves offered comfort, while pennants and 
ribbons indicating prizes awarded in athletic 
contests were plentifully in evidence. 

By great good fortune the boys had suc- 
ceeded in escaping from the attention of the 
gang of rowdies they had unwittingly dis- 
turbed earlier in the day. Having just time 
to leave the damaged motorcycles with their 
friend Pierre they caught the next train for 
New York, and had proceeded at once to the 
club rooms, where they now rather impa- 
tiently awaited the coming of Ned Nestor. 

"Maybe Ned didn't think we could get here 
so quickly,*' Harry suggested, moving a camp 
stool nearer the window and seating himself. 

"Maybe he didn't think we nearly failed to 
get here at all !" 

"If it hadn't been for the good qualities of 
that little *buzz-wagon' of mine we would be 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELOIUM. 21 



arguing with that gang of toughs out on 
Long Island this minute!" declared Jimmie 
with some force. 

"Right you are, Jimmie! You can handle 
a motorcycle. Fll hand you that. But they 
nearly got us in spite of your ability !" 

'They're a tough lot of lads," admitted 
Jack. "They work only when they have to 
and loaf around living on someone else. It 
is getting to be a caution the way they an- 
noy us, too. There ought to be some way of 
stopping them. We should see father about 
it." 

"Good idea. Jack ! Just now, it's too hot to 
think about that subject. What do you say 
to having a pitcher of lemonade?" 

"The ayes have it!" declared Jimmie in a 
grave nianner. 

A step on the stair interrupted further re- 
marks. 

Ned Nestor, accompanied by an older man 
whom the boys at once recognized as Mr. No- 
bles, an attorney associated with Jack's 
father, came into the club room, glancing 
quickly about with a worried look on his usu- 
ally bright and sunny face. His dark eyes 
were positively somber. 



22 UNDEE FIBE IN FLANDERS; 



"Guilty, your Honor, as charged in the in- 
dictment," gravely remarked Jimmie in greet- 
ing as he rose to his feet and lifted his right 
hand. "Fm guilty. My alibi's no good !** 

A general laugh went round the group as 
this characteristic greeting was given. The 
boys noticed, however, that Jimmie's hand 
formed the well-known Boy Scout signal, and 
also detected the quick lift of the lawyer's 
hand with the palm outward, the thumb and 
little finger touching and the other three fin- 
gers extended upward. Instantly they all fol- 
lowed suit and then a general handshake fol- 
lowed. 

"And now, Ned," began Jimmie as they all 
took seats, "why the ^four-eleven' ? Somebody 
trjdng to run away with the town?" 

"It looks mighty serious!" Ned soberly re- 
plied. 

"Great Frozen Hot Boxes !" ejaculated Jim- 
mie. 

"What's that?" inquired Ned, instantly half 
rising. 

"I've got a new Tby-word,'" Jimmie has- 
tened to explain. "I'm using it only on spe- 
cial occasions, such as getting shot at or some 



OB, THE BOY SOOUTS IN BBLOIUM. 2S 



little thing like that, or having a motorcycle 
put out of business/' 

"That's finer* ironically declared Ned. 
"Now we'll omit the special occasions and it 
will be all right. Where did you get it?'' 

"Where Jack got his real hot box!" de- 
clared Jimmie. 

In answer to Ned's puzzled looks the boys 
quickly detailed the events of the morning. 
Their previous experiences had taught them 
to overlook nothing no matter how trifling it 
might at first appear. * 

A big pitcher of lemonade was prepared 
and passed about, to which the attorney 
helped the boys do full justice. 

"Now," began Jimmie, as the pitcher was 
emptied and he sat with a huge slice of lemon 
in each hand, "can't you do something to stop 
that gang of rowdies out there ? They bother 
us a lot ! Only the other day they threw sev- 
eral milk bottles into the road in front of our 
machines. The broken glass nearly cut our 
tires to scrap !" 

"Possibly I might hire a detail of guards 
to protect you and make the lads stop," laugh- 
ingly decided the attorney, "but they'd only 
stop while the guards were there. If you stop 



24 UNDER FIRE IN FLANDERS; 



them yourself, Jimmie, they'd stop while you 
are there! See the point?" 

"ni think about that!" declared Jimmie, 
sinking back into the big chair and medi- 
tatively chewing on a lemon rind. 

"But, Ned," protested Harry impatiently, 
* Ve're anxious to hear the story of this hurry 
call. What^s the reason for such haste?" 

Ned's face, which had cleared somewhat, 
again became grave. 

"I wanted you boys to help me, I need your 
advice." 

"We're the regular little advisers !" stoutly 
maintained Jack. "What we don't know we 
can find out from Jimmie and his dream 
book !" 

"You're wonderfully kind. This case needs 
more than a dream book, I'm afraid. It looks 
to me like international complications, with 
some treason and a few other things on the 
side !" 

"Whew, what big words!" gasped Jack. 
'Why don't you give the case right over to 
the Secret Service Department and be done 
with it?" 

"Because it isn't considered polite to return 
presents !" 



OB, THE BOY SOOUTS IN BELGIUM. 25 



"Do you mean to say V* began Jack in 

astonishment 

"Just that!'^ nodded Ned. "The Chief has 
asked me to take this case in hand and make 
an attempt to forestall a dangerous man in 
his suspected attempt to sell out the United 
States! 

"This fellow is a ^bad man' who has been 
engaged in various enterprises of a very sus- 
picious nature whereby he always made 
money. He has a reputation for being a 'gun- 
runner' and an opium smuggler, as well as 
several other things that are decidedly not 
nice. 

"His latest act is the alleged theft of some 
plans of the defences of the Panama Canal, 
and it is thought that he is going to try to get 
across the Atlantic and endeavor to sell these 
plans to one of the nations now concerned in 
the European war ! What makes it worse is 
that he is a naturalized citizen of the United 
States, is a trained military man as well as a 
navigator, and knows that he is wanted to 
the extent of a very handsome reward. He's 
a desperate man." 

"Then all we've got to do is run out and pick 



26 UNDER FIRE IN FLANDERS; 



him up, return him to the United States Mar- 
shal, take a receipt and collect?*' 

'That's all !" 

"Fine!" put in Harry. *'Do we visit the 
burning mountains of Mexico again or go to 
the North Pole or into Death Valley?'' 

'Worse than any of those !" soberly declared 
Ned. "It looks as if we'd have to go across 
the Atlantic and get mixed up in the scrap 
over in Europe if we get our man ! He is re- 
ported to have left Colon some days ago and, 
if indications are correct, is now on the Atlan- 
tic ocean bound for the other side where he 
hopes to sell the plans." 

"And the Chief hands us a package like 
that? Kind of him, I must say !" Harry rath- 
er indignantly answered. "No older men 
handy?" 

"He asked me to take the case," returned 
Ned. "If you boys want to help me, all right. 
It's a dangerous mission, and you are not re- 
quired to go. There's no disgrace if we fail, 
and there may be no little credit if we suc- 
ceed. But he's a dangerous character !" 

"Let's get out the big car and take a ride 
around the park to settle our brains," sug- 
gested Jack. "I'm all in a whirl !" 



0B» THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELQIUM. 21 



Gleefully accepting the proposition, the en- 
tire party made for the garage. Jimmie alone 
pleaded that he was hungry and asked to be 
excused from the trip. He declared that 
Wolves were always hungry, especially red- 
headed ones, and that he would await the 
boys^ return to the club rooms. Accordingly 
he was left behind. 

A ride through the pleasant scenes of Cen- 
tral Park did much to relieve the boys of the 
strain under which they had been laboring 
during the earlier part of the day. They were 
accompanied by their friend the attorney, who 
thoroughly enjoyed their company. 

*WeUl have the engine in place tomorrow,'* 
Harry announced joyfully, "and then maybe 
we can plan to take the aeroplane along !" 

"It seems to be settled, then, that we shall 
undertake the mission?" inquired Ned, much 
relieved to note the attitude of his chums in 
the matter. "This is volunteer service, re- 
member !" 

"Do you think for a minute that we'd see 
you undertake a trip of this kind and remain 
quietly at home?" asked Jack, dividing his 
attention between the car and Ned. "Why, 
Ned, Old Scout, we couldn't think of such a 



28 UNDER FIBE IN FLANDEBS; 



thing. It's enough for us if you decide to go 
anywhere. We'll trail along and do what lit- 
tle we can to help !" 

"That's the talk, Jack!" declared Harry 
heartily. "We're with you, Ned, on anything 
you see fit to undertake !" 

"If the ^Grey Eagle' only comes up to our 
expectations," Ned hesitated, "I'd not be 
afraid to cross the Atlantic in her!" Then, 
turning to the attorney, he continued: "The 
new airship is expected to mark a revolution 
in aerial navigation. We've been working on 
it this long time, and tomorrow sees the in- 
stallation of the engines." 

"Yes, sir," gleefully put in Harry, "that lit- 
tle craft has greater lifting power than any 
aeroplane of which we have any record. It 
handles better than a Taube or a Voisin or a 
Curtiss, and we have had a twenty-four-hour 
trial of her with the old engines while we 
were carrying nearly nine hundred pounds 
weight besides we four boys !" 

"It's simply marvelous," put in Jack, "the 
way the craft handles. In the fuselage is 
room for we four comfortably, and on occa- 
sion we can crowd in two more, with plenty 
of room for stores. Not an inch of space is 
wasted, but there is no crowding." 



OB, THE B07 SCOUTS IN BELOIUH 29 



"To what do you attribute this wonderful 
lifting power and the other remarkable quali- 
ties?" inquired their friend. 

"Principally to the way the planes are set 
and balanced," replied Jack. "That is the 
idea of Ned, here. He has been studying that 
end of it ever since he shot the eagle on the 
cliff in California. Really, it is remarkable ! 
Then, with the new engine that Harry has 
designed, we should be able to make a twenty- 
four-hour flight as a matter of course, instead 
of considering it a remarkable matter !" 

"Come, come. Jack," protested Ned, "you 
take none of the credit yourself, when you 
know full well that your share in the affair 
was not a small one. But let's get back to the 
club rooms. Jimmie The Wolf will have satis- 
fied his appetite by this time." 

Accordingly, the car was turned toward 
home, and in a short time the party again 
ascended the stairway to the club rooms. 

Imagine their astonishment to find that Jim- 
mie was not there ! 

For a long time they sat about the rooms 
discussing the equipment needed for the trip. 
Details of the case were gone over again and 
again and discussed from all angles. Intense 



30 XJNDEB FIBE IN FLANDEBS; 



interest was manifest on the part of all the 
boys as they talked. 

A stumbling step on the stair interrupted 
their talk. 

Covered with blood, his clothing in tatters, 
Jimmie half fell into the room, reeling toward 
a chair in utter exhaustion. 

'Well, Great Frozen Hot Boxes, I stopped 
'em !" he cried. 



OB, THE BOY BCOUTS IN BELOiniL 31 



CHAPTER in. 

Jimmie Stops a Gang. 

Jimmie apparently forgot his hunger as his 
chums in the big motor car left the vicinity of 
the Black Bear club rooms/ Casting aside 
the lemon rind upon which he had been medi- 
tatively chewing while they were present, he 
stepped to the window to watch their de- 
parture. Assured that they were safely out 
of sight, he dashed madly down the stairs 
with hair rumpled and jacket but half but- 
toned. 

Not many minutes passed ere he was seated 
in one of the numerous east-bound trains on 
the Long Island Railroad. His destination 
appeared to be the station nearest the hangar 
where the boys had located their workshop. 
His impatience at the frequent stops in- 
creased as the distance lessened. He could 
scarcely sit still. 

With his lower lids puckered up into a 
straight Une, drawing crow's feet about the 
comers of his usually wide-open, frank blue 
eyes, with little lumps of hard muscle pro- 



32 UNDEB FIRE IN FLANDERS; 



truding from the comers of his jaws, and a 
bright flush showing in his cheeks underneath 
the ever-present freckles, Jimmie looked very 
unlike the merry lad his chums were so well 
accustomed to greet. He was plainly angry- 

Scarcely had the train halted at the station 
where the boys had experienced their diffi- 
culty with the motorcycle earlier in the day 
before Jimmie dropped off. He ran a few 
steps quickly, then forced himself to a walk. 
Again he started to run. 

« 

"Great Frozen Hot Boxes !'* murmured the 
lad, as he strode rapidly along the nearly de- 
serted street. "If Ned could see me now he'd 
call me to a finish ! That's slang,' I know, but 
it goes today !'' 

Turning a comer, Jimmie slowed his pace 
a trifle until he came near the vacant lot 
marking the scene of the encounter with the 
gang of ruffians. Apparently controlling him- 
self with an effort, the boy walked along the 
fringe of bushes that hid the lot from passers- 
by. A glance through an opening showed him 
that the lot was not deserted. Apparently the 
same group of young fellows occupied the 
place. Their game of ball, however, had been 
finished, and they were gathered about a 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELOIUBL 33 



rudely constructed shelter before which 
blazed a small fire. In a tin bucket simmered 
a stew of vegetables and meat All were in- 
tently watching the cook's operations. 

"Howdy do, gentlemen!" Jimmie quietly 
said as he neared the group. Several jumped 
up in amazement, for all had been too ab- 
sorbed to note the advent of the newcomer. 

'"Well, what do you want, now?" demanded 
one of the lads, addressing Jimmie in a gruff 
tone of voice with a note of menace. 

"I'm looking for your captain, or whatever 
you call him," announced Jimmie in even 
tones that belied the feelings surging within 
his breast. Not a hint did he give of the storm 
within. 

"This ain't no time to be runnin' around 
disturbin' us!" growled the spokesman. 
"You've done enough of that already !" 

"That's just what I wanted to speak about, 
if you please," replied Jimmie in his most 
suave tones. "I feel that there has been too 
much interference already, and I wanted to 
square things !" 

"Oh, you do, do you?" roughly demanded 
another lad of burly proportions, shoving his 
way through the group now gathered in a 



34 UNDEB FIRE IN FLANDERS; 



close knot. *Who give you any license to be 
runnin' around squarin' things? I don't see 
any streets named after you !" 

A hot retort was on Jimmie's lips, but he 
choked it back. 

From the rear of the crowd came the voice 
of another lad who, following the instincts of 
his kind, was ready to give advice, but slow 
to follow it with actions of his own : 

"Soak de guy, Pete. He's too lippy, any- 
how. His whole gang's too fresh ! Dey tink 
dey can run us 'cause dey got money !" 

"Sure, soak him!" cried another, edging 
forward. 

"If you'll let me know which one of you is 
captain or leader of your gang, I'll talk busi- 
ness with him!" annoimced Jimmie, not a 
particle disturbed by the rough talk and men- 
acing attitude of the tough characters whom 
he confronted. 

"I'm de captain of dis bunch!" announced 
the burly lad boastfully. "If you got any 
squarin' to do you better take us all down to 
de comer and set 'em up for de whole lot 
of us !" 

Ignoring the suggestion that he buy re- 
freshments for the entire gang, Jimmie faced 



OB, THE BOY 8C0XTTS IN BELOIUIL 36 



the lad squarely, and, although his height was 
much less than that of the fellow whom he ad- 
dressed, he took a step forward and looked 
fearlessly into the other's eyes. 

'There's been a lot of rough stuff pulled off 
lately,'' Jimmie stated in a low tone. "Some- 
how, we've been unable to travel back and 
forth without running foul of you or your 
friends. Purely by accident we have had the 
misfortune to incur your displeasure and ^* 

"Sure, you pulled rough stuff," interrupted 
the self-styled captain. *Tou've pulled too 
much of de rough stuff. You got to quit !" 

'That's just what I'm here for!" snapped 
Jimmie, dropping the suave manner. "I came 
back purposely to put a stop to it" 

"Well, stop it and get out!" returned the 
other. 

"Surest thing you know," gritted Jimmie, 
TU stop it if you've got sand enough to give 
me a chance. I don't suppose I can handle the 
whole gang of you, but if you're Americans 
you'll pick out a man to represent you, and 
I'll stop him. If I do that, you are to agree 
that your gang lets us alone. If he stops me, 
we'll pull up stakes and stay away from this 
section. Is that fair?" 



36 UNDER FIRE IN FLANDERS; 



A general laugh went up* around the group 
at this offer, for Jimmie was much smaller 
than many of the boys, and the proposition 
appeared so ridiculous that they could not at 
first believe he could really mean to challenge 
any of them to combat 

"Sure thing," jokingly remarked one of the 
lads at length, "take him on, Pete, and break 
him in two. We'll see fair play !" 

"Is it a go?" asked Jimmie, unbuttoning his 
jacket. 

*Why, kid," warned the one addressed as 
Pete, "you better run home and tell your 
mother to wipe your nose. This ain't no place 
for a nice little boy like you. You'll get 
stepped on!" 

"You're not able to do that!" flashed back 
Jimmie, paling with anger. "Your feet are 
big, but not big enough !" 

"Now, don't get personal, or I'll have to 
hurt you !" 

Jimmie's jacket and hat were on the ground. 
He stood erect, keeping a watchful eye on the 
group gathering more closely. 

"Come on, now," he offered, "I'm giving you 
a fair chance. If you fellows want to be 
square and right, pick out one of your gang, 



OR, THE B07 SCOUTS IN BELOIUM. 37 



and if I Kck him, we win. If not, you are wel- 
come to the town. This trouble has got t6 
stop some time, and it might as well be now V^ 

"You guys started it, anyhow!" declared 
Pete, with an air of injured innocence. "We 
ain^t done nothin' to you !" 

'Tou don't call throwing milk bottles into 
the road to cut our tires anything, then? 
Maybe you don't call it anything to throw a 
bat into my machine or to shoot at us?'' 
queried Jimmie. 

"Aw, go on !" sneered Pete, loftily. "You're 
too little !" 

"You're a coward !" declared Jimmie, stoop- 
ing as if to pick up his jacket and hat. "You're 
a big bluff ! You're afraid !" 

"You're liar !" retorted the larger lad, add- 
ing an epithet of extreme insult as a final re- 
joinder. 

Like a flash Jimmie straightened from his 
crouching posture. Without pausing to re- 
cover his poise he shot out a stinging blow 
that landed on the jaw of the bluffing brag- 
gart with a resounding smack. It was fol- 
lowed by another of equal force. Under the 
unexpected onslaught the lad dropped in his 
tracks. A gasp went around the group. 



38 UXDEB FIKE IN FLANDEB8; 



"Now," announced Jimmie hoarsely, 'Tm 
going to lick somebody, if it takes in the 
whole gang of you. If youVe got a scrapper 
in this bunch, trot him out, and lef s get this 
thing settled!" 

"ril take you on !" announced another lad, 
stepping forward. 

"I^m trusting to you fellows to see fair 
play!" announced Jimmie, watching his new 
antagonist closely. "Are you ready?" 

"You bet!" airily replied the new cham- 
pion. "Come on !" 

And Jimmie did "come on." Like a whirl- 
wind he went after the larger lad with a vim 
that kept him on the defensive. 

Shortly blood- was trickling from an in- 
jured nose, while cut lips indicated where 
Jimmie's vicious left had reached the target. 
From the very first it was apparent that the 
larger lad had none of the better of the argu- 
ment His very weight told against him, in 
that he was not able to move about as quickly 
as his lighter antagonist. 

Fighting rapidly but cautiously, Jimmie 
dodged heavy swings, always coming back 
with a return that carried a sting. He was 
playing a game that he had learned years be- 



OR, THE BOT SCOUTS IN BILOIUII. 39 



fore when it had been necessary for him to 
protect his corner on the Bowery from the 
encroachments of other newsboys. In these 
encounters he had learned the truth of the 
old saying that "continual dropping will wear 
away a stone/' although he would not have 
put it exactly that way. 

His theory was that if a telling blow were 
landed early in a fistic encounter, another in 
the same place would accomplish more than 
if planted in another spot that was not al- 
ready sore. Therefore, he endeavored to play 
for one spot, while his antagonist scattered 
his attention to any portion of Jimmie's body 
that he thought might be reached. Of tener 
than not Jimmie was well out of reach by the 
time his opponent arrived. In this manner 
the smaller lad kept up a continual rain of 
light jabs, waiting for an opening at the oth- 
er's jaw. His theory was soon proven correct. 

Becoming enraged at his unsuccessful at- 
tempts to land a knockout, the larger lad at 
length tried to rush Jimmie. This, appar- 
ently, was just what was wanted. A sidestep, 
a quick forward lunge, accompanied by a 
lightning-like hook, and the bully went down 
to stay. Jimmie's fist had connected squarely. 



40 UNDEB FIRE IN FLANDEBS; 



Absorbed in watching the defeated lad, 
Jimmie had failed to observe that Pete had 
regained his feet. Too late to protect him- 
self, he realized his danger. A terrific smash 
full in the face felled the Wolf, to the cheers 
of some and shouts of disapproval f rota oth* 
ers. 

"Cut it, Pete! Play square! Have a heart!*' 
some shouted. 

Although staggered by the unexpected and 
brutal attack, Jimmie lost no time in getting 
to his feet. Exhausted by his recent battle, 
and with no time to recover his wind, the lad 
was scarcely a match for his burly foe. Em- 
ploying all the tricks of which he was master, 
he managed to avoid the other's rush, but was 
compelled to take severe punishment, in ex- 
change for which he offered little aggressive- 
ness. 

Directly an opening appeared, to Jimmie's 
delight. One straight arm punch, delivered 
with his entire remaining strength, fell 
squarely on the bully's face. He tripped and 
fell backward, landing bodily on the kettle 
wherein the boys had been cooking their stew. 

Several of his comrades hastened to rescue 



OR, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELGIUIL 41 



their fallen friend, while others crowded 
around Jimmie to offer congratulations. 

Disengaging himself from their attentions 
as quickly as he could, Jimmie hastened back 
to the station and, without attempting to 
make himself presentable, took the next train 
to the city. Arriving there he made his way 
in a taxi to the club rooms of the Black Bear 
Patrol. 

Well nigh exhausted from his severe strug- 
gle, the boy staggered up the stairs, burst into 
the club room and annoimced his victory: 

**Great Frozen Hot Boxes, I stopped 'em!*' 

Ned jumped to his feet, preparing to go to 
Jimmie's assistance. He was interrupted by 
the whirring of the telephone bell. 

"Hello! This is Nestor. What's that? 
We^U be right out!" 

Turning a startled face to his companions, 
Ned cried: 

"The watchman says the hangar is burn^ 
ing!" 



» ' 



42 UNDEB FIBE IN FLANDERS; 



CHAPTER IV. 

Fire and Its Result. 

"Get the big car out as quick as you can, 
Harry V^ suggested Jack. "Ned, help me wash 
up this young Wolf,** and we'll put him to bed 
and then hurry out there. Things are moving 
pretty fast today !** 

Despite a weakness in his knees, Jimmie 
was already on his feet. With a protesting 
hand raised to decline assistance, he made un- 
steadily for the wash room. He would not 
admit defeat. 

"No, you don't !" he announced. 'Tou don't 
put me to bed while you fellows go out and 
have a lot of fun. I'm going with you !" 

"But you are in a horribly messed-up state ! 
What happened?" 

"Get out that new uniform from my lock- 
er,'' Jimmie urged, "and I'll wash up a bit, 
and be on hand in a jiffy. I'm all right !" 

After a questioning glance at Ned, which 
was answered with a nod. Jack dashed for the 
locker and produced a clean uniform. Will- 
ingly the two lads assisted Jimmie to remove 



OB, THE BOT SOOITTS IN BELGIUM. 43 



as much as possible the marks of his recent 
encounter. Quickly divesting himself of his 
soiled and blood-stained garments, the lad 
slipped into his new uniform and dashed down 
the stairs, fastening buttons as he went. Be- 
hind him clattered Jack and Ned, followed by 
the attorney. 

"Fm going, too, if you have room for me,^* 
stated Mr. Nobles. 

**Hop in," invited Jimmie, "but you'll have 
to hang onto your teeth, for Harry gets ab- 
sent-minded sometimes, and drives as if there 
were no speed ordinances. He likes to burn 
up tires!'' 

Not a second was lost by the party in stow- 
ing themselves into the big car, which Harry 
at once headed for the east side. Across the 
Williamsburg bridge he began to demonstrate 
the value of Jimmie's advice. The lad dashed 
under the noses of teams, in front of trolley 
cars, and through traffic generally in a way 
that threatened collision a dozen times. How- 
ever, he was completely master of the car 
and by his daring and skill avoided accident. 

During the time that the congestion of 
traffic required a moderate pace, Jimmie en- 
lightened Mr. Nobles with stories of Harry's 



44 UNDER FIRE IN FLANDERS; 



ability and skill as a driver of automobiles in 
dangerous places. 

'Why, one time when we were out west/' 
he related, "we saw a cyclone coming. We 
knew that if it ever caught us we would be 
surely goners, so Harry just got us into the 
car and started ahead of it. He went so fast 
that we couldn't see anything at all of the 
landscape. A man with us thought he'd look 
ahead, but there were so many chickens and 
things caught on the wind shield he couldn't 
see, so he put up his head once to look over. 
Do you know, we were going so fast the wind 
actually blew that fellow's teeth right down 
his throat when he opened his mouth to tell 
us there was a big canyon right ahead?" 

In spite of the nervous tension under which 
the boys were laboring, they joined in the 
laugh which the attorney started. 

'Where was this, Jimmie, and what car did 
you use?" 

'ITp in Montana," gravely answered Jim- 
mie, the while his eyes twinkled. "The car 
was that same little old 'Scout' we had when 
we found the 'Hidden Dynamo' that those 
train robbers used. It was near Kicking 



OS, THE BOT SOOUTS IN BELOIXTM. 46 



Horse Canyon in the Crazy mountains. Some 
ride V 

"You'll do, all right, Jimmie!" laughingly 
remarked Mr. Nobles. "For speed, you cer- 
tainly have made a record !" 

"Hang on!" warned Harry over his shoul- 
der. * We're going to get out of town, as that 
freight conductor used to say." 

For a few miles conversation was impos- 
sible. Harry's expert manipulations of the 
big car produced a burst of speed that would 
have been positively dangerous in less skillful 
hands. The boys took great pride in keeping 
every piece of machinery used by them in per- 
fect order at all times, in preparation for an 
emergency such as the present, and, there- 
fore, felt no less confidence in the machine 
than they did in its driver. To the attorney, 
however, the ride was anything but pleasant, 
and he was glad when Harry abruptly slack- 
ened pace. 

At once the reason for this sudden change 
in speed was apparent. A burly constable 
with raised hand blocked the path. 

"What's the charge, officer?" demanded 
Harry. 



46 UNDER FntK IN FLANDEB8; 



"SpeedinV' was the laconic response, grim- 
ly delivered. 
*^Where*s your station house?'' 

"About half a mile ahead/' was the reply. 
"I'll ride." 

"Climb in !" heartily invited Harry. "Get 
into the back seat, there," he added, with a 
wink at his chums. "Hurry up !" 

Scarcely had the officer seated himself 
when Harry again started the car, urging it 
to a high speed in spite of the protests from 
their guest, who was wedged fast between 
the other occupants. 

"We're goin' to a fire!" announced Jimmie 
impatiently. "If you'll just quit that noise 
you're makin' we'll give you a fast ride, and 
then bring you back to the station house 
right side up with care !" 

Regardless of vigorous threats from the 
unwilling captive, Harry maintained a rapid 
pace, and was soon out of the village, and in 
sight of the hangar which the boys had left 
earlier in the day. 

Scarcely had the car stopped before a gate 
leading into the enclosure surrounding the 
hangar ere the boys leaped to the ground. 
Ned already had his key in hand, so that no 



OB, THE BOT SOOITTS IN BELOIUH 47 



time was lost in gaining an entrance. Dash- 
ing toward the hangar the boys were sur- 
prised to observe a group of lads of about 
their own age standing about the watchman, 
who was inspecting a partly burned side of 
the building. At once these boys were recog- 
nized as members of the gang which had been 
encountered by the three motorcyclists 
earlier in the day. 

Ned paused a moment, swung his hand to 
his hip pocket, where he carried an automatic 
pistol, and then advanced toward the crowd. 

''What does this mean?" he inquired 
brusquely of the watchman, who stood nerv- 
ously wiping the sweat from his forehead. 

''Why, Mr. Nestor,*' replied that individual, 
"I was sitting in the little office there by the 
gate not thinking of any danger when I hap- 
pened to look out of the window and saw 
smoke coming up from behind the hangar 
there. I telephoned to the club rooms right 
away and then came out here with the fire 
extinguisher. 

"Just as I came around the corner I saw a 
man squeeze through the fence there where 
some boards are pried off and then I went at 
the fire. I guess it would have got the' best 



48 UNDEB FIRE IN FLANDEBS; 



of me even then if it hadn't been for these 
young men who came through the same hole 
in the fence and helped by throwing dirt on 
the blaze. They saved the hangar and the 
Grey Eagle, too, Mr. Nestor. They have done 
bravely !" 

Releasing his grasp on the automatic Ned 
stepped forward with hand outstretched to 
the foremost member of the group. The 
leader, with badly bruised lips and a black- 
ened eye, confusedly extended his hand to 
grasp Ned's proffered palm. Ned's shake 
was a hearty one. 

"I want to thank you on behalf of the Boy 
Scouts," he began. "You have given us val- 
uable service and we will not be apt to forget 
it. My name's Nestor. I want you to meet 
my friends," he added, turning toward his 
chums, who had followed him closely. 

**We met them earlier in the day," smiled 
the lad. "In fact, we met the little fellow 
twice. I remember the second meeting well ! 
He handed me this and this," indicating his 
injured eye and lips. "He surely is some 
scrapper, all right, and we're glad to get 
acquainted !" 



OB, THE BOT SOOUTS IN BELGIUM. 49 



"Pete thinks so, too!" announced another 
member of the group. 

With a sheepish grin the boy called Pete 
now stepped forward, extending his hand 
first to Ned and then to Jimmie. 

"I'm obliged to you," he stated, addressing 
Jimmie. "I guess it was just that trimmin' 
I needed. WeVe been talkin' things over 
since you left us and weVe decided we'd like 
to join the Boy Scouts if you'll have us. You 
look pretty good to all of us !" 

"Hurray !" shouted Jimmie through his own 
bruised lips. "Ned, here's a chance to form 
a new Patrol. What do you say?" 

^We'll talk it over," Ned answered. "It 
means a great deal." 

"Well, your fire is out and if you've got a 
hammer and some nails we'll fix the fence 
for you and then we might as well go home," 
volunteered one of the boys. 'We can't do 
any more here. But you mustn't forget to 
let us know about our joining the Scouts." 

Having followed more slowly, the constable 
now approached the boys. 

"Well," he growled, "if you fellows are 
ready, you might come along back with me 
and visit the station. But I warn you, no 



50 UNDEB FIRE IN FLANDERS; 



more speedm\^*' Then examining the group 
more closely he cried : 

"Hello, Pete, what you doin' here? You git 
home !'' 

"Hello, Dad !'' replied Pete. 'Tm ready to 
go now." 

"How^d you get here, anyhow?" inquired 
the constable, who proved to be none other 
than the father of the lad known as Pete. 

Explanations of the day's adventures so 
far as Pete was concerned were given, 
wherein Jimmie and his chums received full 
credit from the now friendly Pete and his 
comrades. They dwelt at some length on 
Jimmie's courage and ability as well as his 
spirit of fairness. 

"Well, all I've got to say," decided the con- 
stable at the conclusion of the tale, "is that 
I rode with you fellers and I didn't see no 
speedin'! If you'll give me a ride back to 
town, I'll be much obliged. Anybody that can 
lick that boy of mine can't get arrested for 
speedin' in this town while I'm constable !" 

"Thank you," replied Ned. *We won't 
exceed the limit in your town unless we know 
it is necessary. Just now, I'm great puzzled 



OB, THE BOT SOOUTS IN BELaiUH 61 



about the identity of the fire-bug and his 
reason for burning the hangar." 

"Maybe it's some anarchist who's sore be- 
cause he hasn't got an airship of his own/^ 
ventured Jack. "Some folks play *dog in the 
manger/ especially if they're down on their 
luck a Uttle !" 

"My dream book," interrupted Jimmie, 
"says to look out for a tall, short, dark com- 
plexioned man who is smooth-shaven and 
wears pink whiskers and light hair. He is in 
some way connected with the Panama Canal 
and hates water ! Perhaps he's trying to stop 
something!" 

"A most accurate description of the very 
fellow!" laughed Jack. "I think I saw him in 
my dreams last night !" 

Ned glanced quickly towards Jimmie* 
Often in the past he had discovered that 
Jimmie's insight and powers of jumping at 
conclusions had been the means of leading 
the boys out of puzzling situations and now 
assumed that the boy's jocular manner was 
simply a cloak for more serious thoughts. 
Using the deaf and dumb language, he 
signalled : 

"Come to one side. I want to talk to you." 



62 X7NDEB #IBE IN FLANDEB8; 



Walking slightly apart from the group now 
proceeding toward the gate where the big 
automobile had been left he asked in a low 
tone : 

^What do you know, Jimmie? Did you see 
anything?*' 

"Not a thing r' declared his fellow Wolf. 
"I just happened to have a stray thought go 
through my head. That's all V 

"That's funny ! I was sure you had discov- 
ered a clue !" 

"No. It just seemed to me to be the only 
natural conclusion to be reached. Here we 
are getting ready for a trip in the Grey Eagle. 
Also you just come in with a story about this 
traitor who has stolen the plans of the Pan- 
ama defences. Then the hangar is set afire. 
Why shouldn't it be the work of— well, some 
interested party?" 

"That's as good a solution as any other we 
now have," decided Ned, dropping the subject 
on approaching the gate. "Let's get back to 
town. I have some important matters to 
discuss with the boys." 

After instructing the watchman in regard 
to repairs on the fence and the hangar, Ned 
talked a few moments with the group of boys 



OB, THE BOT S00UT8 IN BELOIXTM. 53 



who had expressed a desire to become Boy 
Scouts. Then entering the machine he gave 
the word to return to the Black Bear Club 
Rooms. 

The return journey was completed without 
incident Mr, Nobles declared that he would 
attend the conference to be held and would 
then proceed to other work of importance 
requiring his attention. 

Entering the rooms the boys found this 
message : 

"Call Mr. Bosworth on the phone at once. 
He has important news !'' 



54 Uin)EB FnUB IN FLANDEBS; 



CHAPTER V. 

Jimmie Finds a Spy. 

"But Fm hungry !" protested Jimmie. "Fm 
nearly starved !" 

"Come to think of it, I guess you have a 
right to feel a little gaunt and underfed," 
admitted Ned. *We ought to get down to 
Mr. Bosworth's office as quickly as we can, 
though. He needs us.'' 

"If you'll let me inveigle a little sustenance 
under my surcingle," Jimmy replied, "FU go 
with you as far as you like, but right now I'm 
so thin that I can't tell whether this pain is 
a backache or a stomach ache. I'm hungry, 
I tell you !" 

'What do you want to eat, Jimmie?" 
queried Harry. "Say the word and I'll get it 
for you if I can." 

"Not very much," The Wolf stated with 
twinkling eyes, "just a couple orders of ham 
and eggs, five or six cups of coffee, some 
potatoes, some cauliflower in cream, a little 
roast lamb, some turkey and cranberry sauce, 
a side order of macaroni, some stewed com, 



OB, THE BOT SOOTJTS IN BILaiUM. 55 



some lettiice with dressing, an order of celery, 
some Parker House rolls and any other littie 
odds and ends that may be lying around loose. 
I guess if I could get a little lunch like that 
I'd be good for a couple of hours or until 
dinner is ready. You know, Fm hungry !" 

"Jimmie, you always were hungry !'' de- 
clared Ned, joining in the general laugh which 
greeted Jimmie's modest demands. "If it 
were not for you and your appetite I suppose 
weM forget to eat/' 

"Maybe so,*' the smaller lad admitted, 'T3ut 
if that's the case there's something wrong 
with you. You better go see a doctor." 

^What doctor would you suggest that we 
visit?" 

"Go to see my old-time favorite, Dr. Cook !" 
shouted Jimmie. "Now I'm off for a restau- 
rant. Who's with me?" 

A canvass of the group showed that all felt 
the need of lunch and it was determined to 
visit a restaurant on the way to Mr. Bos- 
worth's office. In a short time the boys were 
seated in a nearby establishment supplying 
their needs. Darkness had now fallen. 

*^What did Mr. Bosworth say he wanted, 
Ned?" asked Harry while the lads accom- 



56 UNDER FIRE IN FLANDERS; 



panied by Mr. Nobles were waiting for their 
orders to be filled. "Is it something more 
referring to the Panama plans?** 

"Hush!** warned Ned. "Not so loud in 
here, please.** 

"Excuse me, Ned, I forgot this was a public 
place.** 

"Yes,** went on Ned, nodding his acknowl- 
edgment to Harry. "He said that some new 
developments have been discovered and he 
wants us to make haste. He asked how soon 
we can be ready to go.** 

^What did you tell him? Right away, 
I hope.** 

"I think you heard me say we*d dp the best 
possible,** replied Ned. "Much depends on 
the delivery of that engine, Harry, for I*m 
convinced from what I*ve read of the Euro- 
pean conflict and from what I have been told 
of police regulations on the Continent that 
we will probably have to make some quick 
jumps in order to catch the fellow. It does 
not seem probable that we can apprehend the 
man before he gets across the Atlantic,** the 
boy finished with a sigh. 

"That engine will be delivered tomorrow 
morning!** announced Harry. "When our 
Superintendent promises delivery on anything 



OB, THE B07 SCOUTS IN BELGIUH 67 



you may be sure that it will be there at the 
appointed time/^ 

"Good!*' was Ned's satisfied comment 
"There's a lot of work ahead of us if my 
understanding of the matter is at all correct, 
and we ought to feel extremely thankful that 
a good start is assured." 

'What's that about a bad beginning mak- 
ing a good ending?" queried Jimmie, rousing 
himself from a study of the menu. 

"You mean to say There's many a slip 
'twixt the cup and the saucer,'" purposely 
misquoted Jack, grinning at the boy. 

"There's many an egg has quit playing the 
shell game, too !" retorted Jimmie pleasantly. 
"Be quiet, boys, here comes the waiter!" he 
added, unfolding his napkin. "I'm glad to 
see I have one friend !" 

"Speaking of slips," remarked Mr. Nobles, 
"just take a look at the hungry face of that 
fellow looking in at the window. He's evi- 
dently missed connections with a good square 
meal for several days !" 

"I've been looking at him for this long 
time," declared the red-headed Wolf. "You 
thought I was studying this menu to order 
some more steaks and things, but I've been 



58 UNDEB FIRE IN FLANDEBS; 



looking at him. He's been there ever since 
we sat down and he's been eyeing us all the 
while !" 

^'What does he look like?" asked Ned, who 
sat with his back toward the window, "I don't 
want to turn unless it's necessary." 

''He's a slight built, rather dark, smooth 
shaven fellow with a cast in his left eye and 
a scar at the comer of the right one. Looks 
like a tough character wearing good clothes 
as if unaccustomed to them. I should say he's 
a 'Panhandler' by profession," replied Jimmie. 

"Maybe he thinks he's going to beg a meal 
from us as we go out of this place," suggested 
Harry. "Lots of them try that." 

"Forget him, here are the steaks!" cried 
Jimmie. 

During the progress of the meal conversa- 
tion turned upon ordinary subjects remote 
from the project in hand. None of the boys 
cared to discuss the matter in a public place 
and by mutual consent the talk drifted to 
other topics. Shortly they prepared to pro- 
ceed to Mr. Bosworth's office, where the 
lawyer was awaiting their coming. 

As the boys left the restaurant they looked 



OB, THE B07 SC017TS IN BELaiUK 69 



about for the man who had been seen at the 
window, but he was nowhere in sight. 

Not long after this they were seated in 
Mr. Bosworth's office discussing with that 
gentleman the details of their proposed jour- 
ney. It appeared that their experience on 
other trips would enable them to reduce 
their baggage and other impedimenta to a 
minimum. 

"Now, boys," proceeded Mr. Bosworth after 
reviewing the points already known, "we are 
informed by the Chief that the man you are 
after left Colon by means of a launch. It 
appears that he must have trans-shipped to a 
United Fruit Compan/s steamer somewhere 
in the Gulf of Mexico, for his hat and coat 
were discovered in the abandoned launch. 

"At first it was believed he had accidentally 
fallen overboard. Later a drunken deckhand 
from the fruit steamer, after the manner of 
sailors, was enjoying himself in Mobile. He 
confided to one of the Secret Service agents 
there, who (in the guise of a dock laborer) 
was on another mission, that his vessel had 
picked up a man from a launch east of Colon. 
This party had later been transferred while 
in the Gulf, he said, to a vessel bound for 



60 UNDER FIRE IN FLANDERS; 



some European port with a cargo of cotton 
from Galveston/^ f 

"Then he^s well on his way by this time!" 
exclaimed Ned with a note of regret 'We'll 
have to hurry to catch him !" 

"Yes," returned Mr. Bosworth, "but remem- 
ber that the cotton steamer is a tramp vessel. 
Probably her bottom is covered with barna- 
cles and she won't be able to make her usual 
speed, which at best is slow. You ought to 
beat him across by taking one of the faster 
vessels from this port. Fve been looking up 
the sailings somewhat." 

"If the trial of the new engine proves to 
be half what we expect, as we have every 
reason to believe," Ned remarked, "we ought 
to be able to have the Grey Eagle dismantled 
and ready for shipment in two days. That ^ 
being the case, we could then sail next ^" 

Loud voices from the outer office attracted 
the attention of the group. Jimmie's angry 
tones were heard. 

"What do you want here?" the lads heard 
him ask someone. 

A muffled reply from the other was not 
intelligible. 

"You clear out of this or you'll wish you 



OB, THE BOY SOOXTTS IN BELGIUH /61 



had!" retorted Jimmie. "I think you're a 
fake, that's what I think !*' 

'"What's the matter, Jimmie?" called Ned, 
rising. 

With flashing eyes the younger lad entered 
the room. He had left without attracting 
the attention of the others. 

"Our friend from the restaurant window 
was out in the corridor with a wiping cloth," 
replied Jimmie. "My dream book told me that 
someone was doing a little eavesdropping and 
I slipped from this room into the outer one. 
I stood by the door listening until I heard 
someone there. It was the same fellow and 
he had his ear glued to the crack. When I 
opened the door he made a bluff at wiping 
off the marble wainscoting, but he wasn't 
quick enough ! I think he's a spy !" 

Quick glances of apprehension were ex- 
changed by the members of the little group. 
They were recalling the numerous incidents 
of the day, not forgetting the attempt to burn 
their hangar. 

"What do you think of that?" gasped Harry 
in amazement. 

"I know what I think!" snapped Jimmie. 
"I think we're up against an organized gang ! 



62 UNDER FntE IN FLANDEBS; 



Just one fellow didn^t go and steal those plans 
on an independent footing. Somehow there's 
either a leak in the Service or else the gang is 
posted to watch us to prevent our taking a 
hand in the matter. TheyYe not overlooking 
many bets !" 

"Jimmie, I think you're more than half 
right!'' stated Ned. "But I wish you'd omit 
the slang just a little more. What's to be 
done?" 

"About the slang?" queried Jimmie. 

"No, about the opposition to our trip which 
seems to have developed," replied Ned. "I'm 
leaving the slang for you to conquer !" 

'What do you suggest, Mr. Bosworth?'^ 
asked Harry. 

"If I remember correctly, you Boy Scouts 
have a watchword," was the lawyer's reply. 
'What is it?" 

"Our motto is /Be Prepared,'" answered 
Harry. 

"And I further suggest that you boys make 
haste." 

"Thank you," acknowledged the lad. "Now 
what do you say, boys, are we ready to 
return ? We ought to get a little sleep." 



OB, THI BOY BCOTTTS IN BELOIUSL 63 

''Look around and see that all fire is out," 
warned Jimmie. 

'Thank you, Jimmie!*' Mr, Bosworth ex- 
claimed. "That remark reminds me -that I 
nearly overlooked giving you these pictures 
of the alleged thief. They arrived only today. 
The chap has used so many names that his 
last one is not worth remembering. This is 
his face !" 

* With that sharp nose and chopped-off chin, 
he looks like a rat!" commented Jimmie as 
the boys inspected the pictures of the alleged 
thief. 

All the boys at once observed the striking 
resemblance. 

Good-byes were soon said and the boys 
departed. Long after their departure Mr. 
Bosworth sat with Mr. Nobles discussing the 
venture, the issues at stake and their confi- 
dence in the lads. 

Little time was lost by the four in making 
their way to the hangar, where they found 
the watchman had repaired the damaged 
fence and had put everything to rights so far 
as possible. The Grey Eagle rested lightly in 
its position under the shelter, as if anxious 
for flight. 



64 UNDER FIRE IN FLANDEB8; 



Early the following morning the lads were 
astir. Breakfast was dispatched quickly and 
all took up the tasks of the previous day 
which had been interrupted by the events al- 
ready related. 

Soon a motor truck approached the enclo- 
sure, its driver sounding his Klaxon for 
attention. Admitted by the watchman he 
drove to a position in front of the hangar, 
adjusted a pair of skids and helped unload his 
burden. Ned signed a receipt and the driver 
then made haste to depart. Just as the truck 
was leaving the grounds Jimmie appeared. 

"Upon my honor as an expert,^^ he cried, 
"that driver is our hungry spy of last night ! 
How does it come he's out here?'' 

"That's strange!" mused Harry. 'Where 
did the factory get him?" 

"I don't know," admitted Jimmie, 'T}ut he's 
there all right!" 

"The fellow's gone now," Harry exclaimed 
impatiently. "Let's get a little gasoline and 
turn the engine over. I'm getting anxious." 

"Wait a bit," interrupted Ned. "Wouldn't 
it be a good idea to inspect the machine first? 
Maybe they forgot to put in the piston rings 



OBy THE BOY SOOXTTS IN BELGIUIL 66 



or something. Hurry-up jobs are sometimes 
neglected a little/^ 

"Not in our shop!^^ boasted Harry, *'This 
engine^s all right T' 

"Better look it over, anyway, Harry,'* sug- 
gested Jimmie. "Here^s a wrench. It's easy 
to remove the cylinder heads and crank case 
cover/' 

Shortly a startled cry from Harry drew the 
boys to his side. 

"Look, fellows," he shouted. "Look what's 
in here !" 

"Candles !" scorned Jimmie. "Two candles 
m the crank case !" 

"Those are not candles !" gasped Jack. "Go 
easy there !" 



66 TTMDSB I1S& IN FLANDEBS; 



CHAPTER VI- 
A Murderous Act 

"Guess you^re right/^ admitted Jimmie, 
picking up one of the objects. "But they're 
about the size of candles, though. I see now 
this is wrapped in heavy oiled paper. Besides, 
there isn't any wick. Why, it bends like a 
gum drop!'' he exclaimed, manipulating the 
object. 

"For pity's sake, Jimmie, let that thing 
down easy ! Do you want us all to be blown 
to bits? That stuff is dynamite !" 

"Huh! Dynamite !" scorned Jimmie. *Why, 
you're talking like a fish! How'd dynamite 
get in there? That just came from the 
factory !" 

"Sure thing,'' acquiesced Jack. "But re- 
member who drove the truck to this place 
with the engine on it! The hungry spy was 
on the job !" 

"Well, Great Frozen Hot Boxes !" ejaculated 
Jimmie gingerly, holding the object at arm's 
length. "If I ever catch him !" 

"Lay it down gently. Don't let it drop!'* 
advised Harry. 



OB, THE B07 SCOUTS IN BELGIUK 0T 



*T[t looks innocent enough — ^just like a big 
bunch of vaseline wrapped in paper," com- 
mented Jimmie, depositing his burden on the 
ground. 

"But for all that, the engine, and perhaps 
we boys, would have been blown to bits if we 
had started the machine with those things in 
the crank case!" advised Ned, approaching 
the spot. 

^We^re lucky!" Harry breathed. "How 
shall we get rid of it?" 

"Let^s drown it !" suggested Jack. "That's 
the best way !" 

"It won't drown! They use it to blast 
under water !" 

"Then we'd better explode it. Let's take it 
down to the beach, put it on that old piece of 
wreckage and shoot at it." 

With the prospect of a little target practice 
this suggestion was accepted by all. No time 
was lost in securing automatics and ammuni- 
tion. The boys were shortly at the spot 
indicated. 

"Now, boys, I'll tell you what we'll do," 
spoke up Jimmie. "We'll pretend that we 
have caught the traitor and he's been sen- 
tenced to be shot at sunrise. These two sticks 



68 I7NDEB TZBZ IN FLANBEBS; 



of dynamite will be the spy and we the firing 
squad. This is the wall. Are you ready?" 

"Bloodthirsty as ever, I see !" laughed Ned 
as Jimmie became enthusiastic over the game. 
"Always looking for trouble !" 

"We ought to put a black mask on the 
Wolf," added Jack, "and give him first shot. 
Executioners in the olden days wore black 
masks !" 

"rm no train robber!" protested Jimmie 
indignantly. "Keep the masks for the other 
fellows, ril stand up and play fair !" 

"But you'll oblige us by taking the first 
shot, won't you?" 

"Thanks!" dryly responded the lad, wrin- 
kHng his freckled nose. 

"Firing squad, attention !" sung out Jack in 
an authoritative tone. "Tenshun! Ready! 
Aim! Fire!" 

At the command Jimmie raised his auto- 
matic directed toward the target. With the 
word "Fire" he rapidly touched the trigger, 
sending all eight shots hurtling toward the 
dynamite. 

Mingled with the reverberations of his shots 
a loud, sharp detonation from the wreckage 
told the boys that Jimmie's aim had been true. 



OB, THE B07 SCOUTS IN BBLaiUM. 69 



Pieces of timber thrown high in the air by 
the explosion came tumbling to the beach in 
confusion. Astonished, the boys viewed the 
result. 

"Just imagine where we would have been 
with that stuff in the crank case !" whispered 
Jimmie in an awestruck tone. 

"Lef s get back to work and get out of this 
place!'' suggested Jack. "This makes me 
nervous ! I want to get busy !" 

Accordingly the boys hastened back to the 
hangar to still the alarm of the watchman and 
proceed with the work in hand. 

Long before dinner time the engine had 
been properly located, tried out and pro- 
nounced fit. The boys were jubilant at the 
result. 

"Now we're ready to start just as soon as 
we pack out kit!" announced Ned. "Boys, 
let's make things hum around here !" 

"Let's telephone Mr. Bosworth that the 
engine's running great and ask him to 
arrange for our passage," suggested Harry. 

"Good idea, Harry; get him on the wire for 
me, will you?" 

Mr. Bosworth was pleased at the announce- 
ment. Arrangements had been made, he said. 



70 X7NDIB FnUE IN FLANDEBS; 



to secure passage for them on a swift vessel 
leaving New York two days later. They 
would thus have ample time for trials and 
adjustments of the engine before dismantling 
the "Grey Eagle." 

Accordingly the boys worked with a vim 
that afternoon. 

"I tell you what," Ned spoke up as the boys 
were eating supper at the close of a busy day, 
"we have been very fortunate so far in avoid- 
ing serious trouble. I hope we get away all 
right!" 

"Oh, weVe the regular little side-steppers !" 
gleefully assented Jimmie. "I wish we knew 
who the guys are who seem to be trying to 
put us out of business. What is that saying, 
'Know about it ahead of time and yq*iVe got 
four arms'?" 

" Torewamed is forearmed,' Jimmie," cor- 
rected Jack. "You seem to think only of 
boxing gloves and other things like that !" 

"If I could get the chap that put that dyna- 
mite in the engine, tried to burn the little old 
'Grey Eagle' and has been spying on us, he'd 
think I had brass knuckles on !" stoutly main- 
tained the lad. 

"He deserves it, all right!" agreed Jack. 



OBy THE BOY SCOXTTS IN BELOIDII. 71 



"But how will you manage when you get 
across the water?'' he continued. "Those 
fellows over there don't understand English 
and you can't imderstand French !" 

"Why, I'll point to my mouth and rub my 
belt buckle ! Then they'll know I'm hungry !" 
was Jimmie's reply. "That goes anywhere!" 

A general laugh went around the group at 
this solution of linguistic difficulties. Jim- 
mie's appetite was a subject of general knowl- 
edge and many a joke did the boys have at 
his expense. 

'What will our first move be, Ned?" in- 
quired Harry. 

"Pass the potatoes !" put in Jimmie. 

"After we land," replied Ned, ignoring the 
interruption, "we'll have to discover whether 
this cotton steamer has arrived. If she has 
not, we'll wait until we learn what port she 
makes. Mr. Bosworth stated that she was 
the "Nymph" and cleared from Galveston for 
Le Havre. I figure that we ought to beat her 
across by at least two days." 

"But cotton is contraband, isn't it?" asked 
Jack. 

"I believe it is," admitted Ned. "If discov- 
ered, she may be seized and the chase lead us 



72 UNDER FIRE IN FLANDERS; 



to another place. We must take a chance/' 

"Why should cotton be contraband?" de- 
manded Jimmie. "They can^t use cotton to 
fight with! Who'd shoot a cotton bullet?'' 

"You forget, Jimmie, they shoot the bullets 
with the cotton !" 

"Go on, now, you're trying to complete my 
education !" 

"Fact," asserted Ned. "You see, cotton is 
used largely in manufacturing high explo- 
sives. If all the cotton supply were exhausted 
there could be no powder or other such explo- 
sive made, I understand !" 

"What else do they use for making 
powder?" 

"Well, they use a lot of nitrogen and so on. 
I don't know all the ingredients. Each coun- 
try has a formula of its own." 

"Believe me," announced Jimmie forcefully, 
"when I get back I'm going to read up on that 
subject in the encyclopedia !" 

"When we get back with this traitor," 
announced Harry, "we'll all have money 
enough from the reward so we can go through 
college !" 

"Hurray! When we get back! Shall we 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELOIUU. 73 

decide which college we'll honor, or shall we 
leave that for latei; consideration?" 

"Better wait," advised Ned. "No knowing 
what might happen !" 

How true his words were to prove ! Could 
the boys have anticipated the many incidents 
that were to occur and the dangers which 
confronted them, perhaps their hearts would 
not have been so light. However, care and 
gloomy forebodings had no place in their 
healthy young minds and they discussed the 
future only with thoughts of success. 

Three days later our four friends were 
standing in the bows of the Compagnie 
Generale Transatlantique's steamer "Havre" 
watching with interest the flying fish dart 
from the curling waves at the vesseFs prow. 
Already they had become familiar with the 
vessel, had visited every place from stem to 
stern and had been favored by all the crew. 

Although the rules of navigation forbid 
passengers occupying the bridge while a ves- 
sel is under way, the captain had laughingly 
promised to give the lads lessons in naviga- 
tion. To avoid any complications he had 
asked them to sign articles which would make 



74 UNDER FIBE IN FLANDEBS; 



them members of the crew and thus permit 
them on the bridge under his directions. 

Accordingly the lads had signed the papers, 
considering the matter a huge joke, and had 
speculated on various ways of spending the 
sum of one dollar each, which had been stip- 
ulated as the wage they were to receive for 
their services as assistant stewards. 

"Well be rich by the time we get back!*^ 
Jimmie had declared. 

Below decks were stowed the boxes con- 
taining their precious "Grey Eagle" and other 
belongings. At the dock in New York the 
lads had checked each box as it went on board, 
noting the number carefully and comparing it 
with the list they had previously prepared. 

Eagerly now they rehearsed every step of 
unpacking and assembling the airship. A 
special duty was assigned to each lad so that 
no time need be lost when they were once 
ashore in France. Between their excitement 
over the proposed task, the wonders of the 
sea and the prospects of the trip before them 
the lads were busy during all their hours. 

As the Lizard Light was passed on their 
port and the vessel headed to pass Cherbourg 
Light to starboard the boys felt that their 



OS, THE BOT SCOUTS IN BELGIUM. 75 



journey was nearing its end. Imagine their 
surprise to receive a summons to the cap- 
tain's cabin which the steward delivered. 

Wonderingly the boys obeyed the call, spec- 
ulating on the cause. 

In answer to their ring an under steward 
received them and admitted them to the cap- 
tain's reception room. They had not long to 
wait before the captain appeared, holding in 
his hand a paper which the boys at once rec- 
ognized as a wireless telegraph blank. 

The serious look on the captain's face filled 
the lads with apprehension. Wonderingly 
they conjectured what might be in store. 

"Gentlemen," began the captain, "you prob- 
ably know that I am a subject of the country 
of France and that war has been declared 
between that country and Germany?" He 
glanced from one to another. 

"Yes, Captain," admitted Ned, acting as 
spokesman, "we understand that such is the 
case and we are very sorry, indeed !" 

"It pains me," continued the captain after 
a pause, "to state that I have informa- 
tion here," indicating the wireless message, 
"which, if true, makes the situation a very 
delicate one for you !" 



76 UNDER FIBE IN FLANDERS; 



Puzzled, the boys waited anxiously for the 
captain to continue. 

"This message^' the captain at length pro- 
ceeded, *'comes from some private individual 
and, of course, cannot be regarded by me as 
official. It states, however, that you four 
young men are German spies. While I should 
dislike very much to do anything of the sort, 
it will be my duty to detain you until you can 
assure me that this message is the result of 
a mistake. I hope you will be able to do so !" 

"Thafs our friend 'Hungry* again!" de- 
clared Jimmie. "Oh, the brass knuckles for 
'Hungry* when I lay my eyes on him !*' 

Wonderingly the captain listened to Jim- 
mie*s outburst and then turned to Ned for 
explanation. It Was forthcoming without 
delay, the boys considering it better to be 
absolutely frank with their friend. All the 
important features of their connection with 
the case were laid before the captain, together 
with their passports and other means of iden- 
tification. As a final proof of their innocence 
of the charge, Ned suggested that the captain 
send an inquiry by wireless to Mr. Bosworth. 

This the captain was not willing to do, 



OB, THE BOT SCOUTS IN BELOIUU 77 

declaring that he was satisfied the warning 
he had received was untrue. 

"It seems/' he said, "that this party is 
determined to cause you trouble and in my 
estimation there is but one thing you can do 
to protect yourselves against hiiti while you 
are here." 

**What is that?'* asked Ned eagerly. 

"Enlist in the aviation corps of the French 
army !" 



78 UNDEB FIBE IN FLANDERS; 



CHAPTER Vn. 
Greeted With BuHets. 

"Thank you, Captain/' Ned replied after a 
Bhort pause. "You have certainly treated us 
royally and we appreciate it. We believe 
you mean well, but it is a matter of impor- 
tance and we'd like a little time in which to 
consider the subject. May we think it over?" 

"Certainly!" replied the captain heartily. 
"You are right ! Consider it well and remem- 
ber that I shall help you if I can !" 

"We are now citizens of the United States !" 
spoke up Harry. "We wouldn't want to com- 
plicate international matters at all." 

"True !" rejoined the captin, "but remember 
that you have a bold and desperate man to 
deal with. Judging him by what I now know 
I believe he will not stop at trifles. Remem- 
ber that if you are enlisted in the French 
army you have the protection of that nation." 

"While I don't want to underrate the abil- 
ity of your army," put in Jack, "I feel that 
this fellow is a man of ability and cunning 
and that he would attempt harm to us just 
the same, enlisted or not." 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELaiXTM. 79 



**But think also of the glory that would be 
yours if you assist my country in her time of 
need. You would also be rewarded !'* 

"Well think of that, too/^ agreed Ned. 
**But we must remember that we are citizens 
of the United States and that we do not wish 
to do anything that will draw our country 
into the war !'' 

"I shall say no more !" declared the captain. 
*Tou have several hours before we arrive at 
Havre. After you have reached a decision, 
please inform me and be assured of my desire 
to assist you.*^ 

With protestations of their gratitude the 
boys left the captain^s quarters and sought 
the seclusion of their own room. There a con- 
ference was at once held to consider the 
weighty subject which had just been pre- 
sented. All felt that the anticipated step was 
one of great moment and that more than 
their own personal safety or inclination was 
involved. After reviewing the facts now 
known, Ned said: 

**Boys, you are the ones to decide this 
matter. What do you think? Shall we do 
as the captain suggests or remain neutral ?^^ 

"There isn't any such thing as remaining 



80 UNDER FIRE IN FLANDERS; 



neutral!*' declared Jimmie. "If there is a 
fight started a fellow just naturally sides 
with one or the other and that's all there is 
toitr 

"Sure/' spoke up Jack, 'T3Ut he can keep out 
of trouble, can't he? He don't have to mix 
in where he's not wanted !" 

"If we take sides with France we'll have to 
do scouting and other work for that country 
against Germany, won't we?" asked Harry. 

"Why, certainly !" stated Jimmie with some 
impatience. ^'We'll have to go up and find out 
where the Germans are located. Then we'll 
come back and tell our friends where they are 
and they'll drop a nice little bomb over there 
and scatter Dutchmen all over the land- 
scape !" 

*Well, the Germans never did anything to 
us, did they?" 

"They have never harmed us at any rate !" 
put in Jack. "For one, I believe we'd better 
go ahead as we are and leave the scrap to the 
other fellows ! Our business is to try to inter- 
cept this thief and to keep him, if possible, 
from getting the United States into trouble. 
We're here on a mission of peace only !" 

"And I say we'd better secure peace even 



OB, THE BOT SCOUTS IN BELGIUM. 81 



if we have to start a scrap to get it!" 
declared Jimmie seriously. 

A general laugh greeted this announce- 
ment. Jimmie's desire for peace even at the 
expense of a fight was well known. All 
the boys knew well his sense of fair play as 
well as his readiness to settle arguments by 
forcible means. Not for nothing was his 
hair red. 

"Let^s take a ballot," suggested Ned. "Of 
course, there are but four of us, so there may 
be a deadlock." 

"Not much chance of a deadlock with four 
votes cast one way!" quickly put in Harry. 
"I know how you and Jack and The Wolf 
stand !" 

Laughingly Ned handed a slip of paper to 
each boy. 

"Each of you put his sentiments on the 
paper and drop the slip into this hat," he 
directed. "Jimmie will count the vote." 

Only a few moments were required for the 
boys to prepare their ballots. A hat was then 
passed and into it the slips were dropped. 

Jimmie at once thrust in a hand and drew 
forth a folded ballot. 

"Number one!" he announced. "Hear ye! 



82 UNDEK FIRE IN FLANDEBS; 



Hear ye! The solemn work of Ned Nestor, 
Chief of the Wolf Pack !" 

"Never mind the comedy, Jimmie! What 
does he say ?^* 

"He says to remain neutral, whatever that 
is !" replied Jimmie. "Then this next fellow/^ 
he continued, reaching for another ballot, 
"has made a picture of a potato vine as his 
sentiments. That's surely some fine artist! 
That picture makes me hungry !" 

"That's mine !'' declared Jack. 'TThat's an 
olive branch !'' 

"Thanks !" dryly responded Jimmie, reach- 
ing for another ballot. "This one," he went 
on, "has made a picture of the Stars and 
Stripes!'' 

"I'll take that!" cried Harry. "Old Glory 
Forever !" 

"Noble sentiments for a Black Bear !" was 
Jimime's comment. "Now this last fellow has 
made a picture of a Hawk or a Falcon or an 
Owl. I can't tell exactly which it is intended 
to represent!" 

"That's your ballot, let's see it !" cried Jack, 
reaching for the paper. "I don't believe 
you're much of an artist !" 

A friendly argument resulted in which it 



OB, THE BOT SCOUTS IN BELaiUM. 88 



was left as a matter of doubt whether Jimmie 
had intended to draw a picture of the Dove 
of Peace or the American Eagle. Much good- 
natured chaffing resulted, but it was decided 
that either bird would serve as a vote for 
neutrality. 

"Now, Ned, it's up to you to inform the 
captain that we are much obliged for his 
kindness, but that we^U stick to the U. S. A. !" 

"All right, here goes! Come along with 
me, boys." 

Although somewhat disappointed, the cap- 
tain received the announcement of the boys^ 
decision pleasantly and took occasion to com- 
pliment them on their loyalty to country and 
principles, declaring at the same time that he 
would be glad to aid them in any way possible. 

With lighter hearts now that their decision 
had been made, the boys repaired to the deck 
to watch the approach of the coast of France. 
Not long afterward they were gazing at the 
scenes in the harbor of Havre and were 
greatly interested in noting the differences 
between the customs of that place and those 
of New York. 

Due to the friendly assistance of the cap- 
tain, their belongings were speedily passed 



84 UNDER FIXE VX FLANDEB8; 



through the Customs office and the boys were 
free to proceed at once with their task of 
assembling the Grey Eagle. 

Ned secured the services of a carter to haul 
the boxes to a spot favorable for their pur- 
pose and after lunch at a restaurant near the 
wharf the boys superintended the work of 
loading. 

By mid-afternoon the boys viewed with sat- 
isfaction the completed aircraft which had 
been taken to a field a short distance outside 
the city limits. An interested crowd of boys 
hovered near to watch. 

Just as Ned announced everything ready a 
motor drew up near their position, discharg- 
ing the captain as its only passenger. He was 
greeted with enthusiasm by all four boys and 
asked to inspect their work. 

' 'T have some news for you," announced the 
captain after proclaiming his astonishment at 
the results so speedily obtained. 

"Hurray!" shouted Jimmie. "News is 
always welcome." 

"It is this," went on the captain. "The 
Nymph came into harbor about noon today. 
She evidently made good time across the 
Atlantic." 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS UX BELaiUM. 85 



*'And what about the passenger?^' asked 
Ned eagerly. "Did he land in good shape or 
has he been lost overboard?*' 

"I am informed by the captain of the 
Nymph," replied their friend," that his pas- 
senger left the vessel as they were entering 
the harbor. A launch drew up alongside and 
the passenger entered that after squaring his 
accounts properly. He is no doubt ashore 
now." 

"Then look out, Boy Scouts !" declared Jim- 
mie, drawing a deep breath. "The rascal is 
probably going to head for Paris at once!" 

"According to the Chief of Police," contin- 
ued the captain, "he has not yet presented his 
passports for inspection. If he is found he 
will be apprehended and required to explain 
his presence." 

"That won't help us much, Tm afraid," Ned 
ventured. "He is crafty enough to keep out 
of the way of the police for a while. I only 
hope he doesn't get to Paris or to Berlin be* 
fore we find where he is !" 

"Now I must return," declared the captain. 
"I have done all I could for you and I wish 
you every success." 

Good-byes were said rather reluctantly. 



«6 UNDER FIRE IN FLANDERS; 



for the boys had become quite attached to 
their friend. Turning their attention to the 
final adjustments of the Grey Eagle the boys 
soon had everything completed. They were 
provisioned and prepared for a long flight. 

"What is the first move, Ned?^' asked Jack, 
stowing the last article in place. "Do you 
suppose this thief will head for Paris?" 

"Possibly we would be wise to try out the 
Grey Eagle a bit to make sure everything is 
all right,'' replied Ned thoughtfully. "Then 
if it proves in good shape, we can return and 
try to learn what the fellow did upon landing. 
Maybe he's here in town yet." 

"In case he has not left town we will, of 
course, try to get hold of him here, won't 
we?" inquired Harry. 

"I think it would be best to nab him as soon 
as possible." 

"Maybe he has already gotten to a place 
where he can hide the plans until he finds a 
market for them," suggested Jimmie. 

"He's a shrewd chap, all right," assented 
Ned, "and we can't tell what he may do. I 
think we can find the launch that put him 
ashore and possibly induce the owner to tell 
us where our friend has gpne." 



OE, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELaiUM 87 



"Unless the French are different from any 
other nation on earth," Jack laughed, "they 
are afflicted with an itching palm and if 
we can give the launch owner a chance to 
increase his revenue he will be as willing to 
tell us whefe he put the thief ashore as he 
was to do the job in the first place. Let's try 
out the Grey Eagle and hurry back." 

Accordingly the boys took their places 
and Ned in the pilot's position started the 
engine. After the first few explosions ta 
warm the cylinders he closed the muffler, elim- 
inating the sound of the exhaust. 

A touch of the throttle, a tilt of the planes 
and the machine began to move forward. 
Accelerating the speed of the motor and with 
a greater inclination of the planes the Grey 
Eagle swept majestically off the earthy soar- 
ing into the air above the heads of the crowd 
gathered about Cheers reached the boys as 
they arose. 

"Let's circle the city and go over the har- 
bor," suggested Harry. "We can get a pretty 
good view of the city that way." 

"I can get a good view of a monoplane over 
to the north," Jimmie stated. "It is coming 
this way, too !" he added. 



88 XJin)EB FIRE IN FLANDERS; 



It was as Jimmie had said. A giant mono- 
plane, resembling in its conformation a great 
bird, was rapidly approaching the Grey Eagle. 

"Let's give him a run, Ned!" cried Jack 
excitedly. 

"Sure!" acquiesced Ned. * We'll show him 
a little speed !" 

Accordingly he turned on power and in a 
moment the Grey Eagle was skimming along 
at a great rate. In order to better manipu- 
late the machine Ned inclined the planes and 
ascended several hundred feet. 

"The other fellow is climbing, too!" re- 
ported Jimmie. 

"Is he gaining any?" inquired Ned, busy 
with the levers. 

"You're right, he is!" answered Jimmie. 
"He's overhauling us !" 

'Well, let him come," Harry suggested. 
"This is a trial trip!" 

"How near is he now?" asked Ned over 
his shoulder. 

"About a quarter of a mile behind us, I 
should judge !" 

"After a bit we'll make it a whole mile," 
smiled Ned. 

At that instant the boys heard a peculiar 



OB, THE BOY SOOUTS IN BELOIUIL 89 



whizzing noise. It was followed by a sharp 
report from the rear. A puff of white smoke 
showed from the pursuing machine, but 
quickly disappeared. 

"He^s shooting at something!'^ declared 
Jack. 

Ned glanced at his companions. Again the 
peculiar noise was heard, followed by another 
report and another cloud of smoke. 

"Great Frozen Hot Boxes!" cried Jimmie. 
"He's shooting at us !'* 



90 UNDER FIBE IN FLANDEBS; 



CHAPTER Vra. 
Imperiled in a Trap. 

"He can^t be shooting at us!" protested 
Harry vigorously. "We haven't done any- 
thing to him. It must be a mistake !" 

"Mistake or not, I know the sing of a bullet 
by this time, and if that wasn't one that just 
passed us, FU give up !" 

"Watch out!'' shouted Jack, peering 
through a pair of binoculars he had hurriedly 
seized. "He's aiming at us again !" 

Again the peculiar sound as of quickly torn 
silk cloth greeted the ears of the boys. Jim- 
mie involuntarily ducked his head. 

"Perhaps we'd better slow up a bit, Ned, 
and see what this chap wants," suggested 
Harry anxiously. "This is a warm reception 
to France, I must say! Wonder if they 
always do this to newcomers?" 

"Don't know, I'm sure," replied Ned as he 
slackened speed. 

"Let's descend a little and see if he follows. 
Maybe we can land and he'll explain himself. 
Try it and see, Ned." 



OB, THE BOY gOOUTS IN BELOIUM. 91 



'Tick out a good spot and Til make a land- 
ing," Ned replied. 

"Here's a good one," Jimmie announced. 
''Come down in that field by the barn with 
the thatched roof. See, by that clump of 
trees." 

"Sure I do! But do you notice how the 
houses are set close to the barns ? How neat 
the country looks from this position !" 

"Don't try to get our attention off the 
chap behind us like that, Ned!" protested 
Jimmie. "If he shoots again, Fll get sore!" 

Evidently the aviator in the monoplane 
divined their intention of landing, for he fired 
no more shots, but contented himself with 
following closely in their wake, although keep- 
ing slightly above them. 

In a short time Ned had brought the Grey 
Eagle gently to earth in a vacant field beside 
the buildings indicated by Jimmie. 

The monoplane was circling slowly about, 
evidently in an effort to make a good landing. 
The pilot did not seem to be sure of his 
ground. 

Directly the machine had reached the earth, 
however, the pilot, accompanied by another 
person, leaped from the machine and with a 



92 UNDEB FIRE IN FLANDERS; 



drawn revolver in his right hand walked rap- 
idly toward the boys. 

'What uniform is that he's wearing ?'' ques- 
tioned Jimmie. 

'*I don't know. Possibly that of the French 
Aviation Corps." 

As the two men neared the Grey Eagle the 
one in uniform addressed the lads in French. 
They shook their heads to indicate that they 
did not understand. At this he addressed his 
compahion. 

With the stoop of his slender frame accen- 
tuated by the sloping shoulders, his quick, 
shifty movements of the hands and hurried 
glances from small, beady black eyes, the 
other man did not compare favorably with the 
erect carriage and frank, honest appearance 
of the man in uniform. Jimmie tapped Ned 
excitedly on the arm. 

'Tve got his number!'' he whispered eag- 
erly. "That's The Rat or I'm a Dutchman! 
Look at his chopped-off chin and peaked 
nose.'' 

"He looks remarkably like the pictures Mr. 
Bosworth gave us!" declared Ned in a star- 
tled tone. "I wonder if it is really he?" 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELOIUH 98 



"If it is the same one, well soon find out !" 
declared Jimmie. 

Then clearing his throat the lad called out 
brazenly : 

'Well, Old Horse, how's Panama?'' 
Accustomed as he evidently was to sur- 
prises of all sorts, the suddenness of this ques- 
tion startled the man under discussion. He 
gave a quick start and glanced keenly at the 
lad. A flush overspread his face. 

"The Nymph made a quick voyage, didn't 
she?" continued Jimmie in an aggravating 
tone. "I didn't think she could do it!" 

Evidently recovering himself with an effort 
the man did not deign a reply to the lad's re- 
marks. Instead, he directed his conversation 
to the officer, evidently endeavoring to con- 
vince that functionary of something. Ap- 
parently he was having a hard time doing so. 

At length the officer spoke again to the 
boys, this time using rather imperfect Eng- 
lish. He smiled pleasantly as he said : 

"Your pardon, gentlemen, but I shall ask 
you to excuse my English. I am an officer of 
the French army and shall have to ask you to 
show your passports and explain your pres- 
ence here." 



94 UNDER FIRE IN FLANDERS; 



"Your English seems to be all right/' 
answered Ned, speaking slowly and in a low 
tone. *We are citizens of the Ubited States 
and are here on a pleasure trip.* Our pass- 
ports will convince you. Will you be pleased 
to examine them?" he continued, drawing 
forth a document from his inner pocket. The 
other boys followed his example. 

In a manner that impressed the boys very 
favorably the officer examined the papers, 
comparing the descriptions given therein with 
the lads standing before him. Evidently he 
was satisfied. Turning to his companion the 
officer spoke a few words in French, whereat 
the other turned and made for the monoplone. 
As he departed the officer said : 

"I am sorry to make you trouble, but I have 
a report that you are German spies. I shall 
have to place you under guard f6r a short 
time while I go for assistance and orders. 
You will not object?" 

"Certainly not!" replied Ned pleasantly. 
"We will do everything we can to help you to 
establish our identity. But I wish to ask," he 
continued, "that you do not let that other 
fellow get away." 

'Why not?" asked the officer in surprise. 



OB, THE BOY S00X7TS IN BELOIUH 95 



'^Because we suspect him of having com- 
mitted a crime in jAonerica and it is our pur- 
pose to arrest him and have him extradited !'^ 

A look of astonishment came over the 
officer's face. 

"But he gave me the information concern- 
ing you !" he protested. 

"Ah, ha! Just as I thought!" declared 
Jimmie with some heat. 

"However/' continued the officer,. "I shall 
make sure he remains until my return. I shall 
leave him on guard !'* 

"Good night!" wailed Jimmie. "The Rat! 
That's the limit!" 

Evidently pleased at his solution of a diffi- 
cult problem the officer turned to his compan- 
ion, who came hurrying back from his trip 
to the monoplane. Addressing him rapidly in 
French, the officer evidently outlined his 
plan, for the boys saw a crafty look of satis- 
faction appear on the repulsive face. He eyed 
the boys with a disgusting leer. 

"I shall be compelled to search you, gentle- 
men!" announced the officer, stepping for- 
ward. "One at a time, please !" 

Rapidly he felt the pockets of the lads, but 
discovered nothing. 



96 UNDEB FIRE IN FLANDERS; 



"Now, if you please, will you not step into 
the stable so convenient?" he asked pleasantly 
as if inviting the boys to lunch. "I shall leave 
the gentleman on guard armed with my pistol 
and shall return with my superior officer as 
quickly as I can. Thank you," he added as the 
boys stepped toward the stable in obedience 
to his request. 

Adjusting a big bar across the door, their 
captor called out: 

"Await me with patience. I shall not be 
gone long." 

"Here's hoping he falls and breaks his 
neck!" growled Jimmie, kicking a post. 
"What a rotten jail this is, anyhow !" 

'Wonder what's the idea, anyway?" mused 
Jack. "This Rat chap seemed to have the 
officer fellow hypnotized !" 

"Oh, it's just the Continental idea of polic- 
ing a place, I suppose," Ned answered with 
an attempt at cheerfulness. "He'll return 
soon with a squad and they'll take us to some 
place for examination." 

"And I suppose The Rat will be on his 
way by that time !" protested Harry with an 
injured ain "Or maybe he'll shoot us up a 



OB, THE BOY SOOUTS IN BELGIUM. 97 



Kttle first. He^s got a gun that officer gave 
him !" 

"If he goes doing any stunts like that/' 
Jimmie flashed, 'TU show him two can play 
at the same game ! Fve got my automatic !" 

'Where did you have it?^^ asked Ned in- 
credulously. 

"In my breast pocket holster/' replied Jim- 
mie. "The brainy officer just punched my hip 
pocket and forgot that I had this slung around 
my neck. He's a bright chap, that fellow !" 

'Wonder what's the chances of getting out 
of this place," Jack ventured. "This window 
looks too small for us to climb through." 

"Maybe we could get out through the roof !" 
Ned suggested. 

"I don't believe it," Jack replied thought- 
fully. "That roof is good, old-fashioned 
thatch put on to stay and we couldn't burst 
through unless we had a hole made in it to 
start with !" 

"Let Jimmie pretend he's hungry and bur- 
row out below the walls," laughed Harry. 
"Set a full meal outside the place and I'll 
wager Jimmie would be out of this prison 
inside of five minutes !" 

"I'm going to endeavor to get the ear of our 



98 UNDER FIRE IN FLANDERS; 



pleasant looking jailer!'' Jimmie announced 
suddenly. "I have an idea that his beautiful 
white soul might by some chance be sullied to 
the tune of a bribe !" 

"Don't do it!" advised Ned. "He's not 
worth wasting time on !" 

"But we've got to get out of this hole some 
way !" protested Jimmie impatiently. "Do we 
sit around here all night?" 

"It isn't night yet by a long ways !" argued 
Harry. "Keep your temper, Jimmie; we're 
coming out all right! We're not down yet!" 

"I'd like to know what you call it !" Jimmie 
answered, somewhat aggrieved because his 
plan was not accepted. "They've got us fast !" 

"Listen!" commanded Ned, holding up a 
warning hand. "What's that?" 

"That," cried Jimmie excitedly, "is Monseer 
Le OfRcaire on hees r-r-return. He brings 
wiz heem zee whole French ar-r-my !" 

"Not much!" declared Harry at the win- 
dow. "It doesn't sound like his engine! If 
this stack of fodder wasn't in the way I could 
see !" 

"Ask The Rat to remove the stack!" sug- 
gested Jimmie. "Let me look !" 

Although the boys did their best to catch a 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELaiUH 99 



glimpse from the window of the approaching 
motor they found it impossible. However, the 
noise grew more distinct and presently the 
droning of the motor sounded nearly over- 
head. As Harry had said, the reports of the 
exhaust had a sound unlike those from the 
monoplane. Evidently a third machine was 
approaching the place where the boys were 
held prisoners. 

"Let^s break out !" protested Jimmie. "This 
is fierce !^^ 

'Wait a minute!" cautioned Ned. 'Well 
know soon enough !" 

"Anyhow, he^s got a hot box!" declared 

Jimmie. "I can smell smoke and he has 

landed close by. He's been running pretty 
fast!" 

"YouVe got a great nose on you, Jimmie !'^ 
declared Jack, laughing. "If everything you 
smell was true, what would we do ?" 

"I smelled your hot box out on Long 
Island!" Jimmie returned tartly. "Besides," 
he added, "my nose is as good as the rest 
of ^em !" 

"Nothing the matter with your nose,^^ 
maintained Jack, "only it's stubbed and 



100 UNDER FIBE IN FLANDEB8; 



freckled and wrinkles when you lose your 
temper !^' 

"Yes," agreed Jimmie with a laugh, "and 
it's got a perfectly good smeller inside! 
That's more than some folks can say 1" 

* Wonder what our friend The Rat is doing 
just about now?" put in Harry. *We haven't 
heard from him for quite a few minutes." 

"Call to him and ask him for a drink of 
water !" 

"Maybe he wouldn't pay any attention," 
protested Harry. 

"I'll shoot through the door, then! That'll 
fetch him!" 

"Jimmie, you're reckless!" laughed Ned, 
knowing full well that Jimmie would not con- 
sider such a dangerous experiment. "Per- 
haps we'll find out in a short time just what 
is going on." 

"Yes, I think so!" agreed Jimmie. "I can 
smell that hot box again! It is getting 
stronger ! I'll bet he's got two hot boxes !" 

At this a general laugh went up. The 
boys found $t impossible to resist Jimmie's 
droll humor in trying moments. Many times 
had the lad held courage in their hearts by 
his comments on trivialities. 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELaiUH 101 



Directly the boys heard the loud clamor of 
an engine which evidently belonged to the 
aircraft that had so recently approached. 

"Now, what's he up to?" queried Harry, 
trying vainly to look from the one small win- 
dow. "Sounds as if he were starting away !'' 

"That's what he's doing!" replied Jack. 
"Cooled his hot box I" 

"He did not !" protested Jimmie vigorously. 
"I smell it yet r 

"That doesn't smell like burning grease!" 
protested Ned as he sniffed the air. "It 
smells more like hay or straw burning!" 

"Listen!" commanded Harry, raising a 
hand for attention. 

All distinctly heard a crackling noise just 
outside the bam. 

"Boys, this barn's on fire !" shouted Jimmie. 



102 UIIDJBB FIKE IN FLANDSBS; 



CHAPTER IX. 

A Mysterious Warning. 

Ned gave a gasp of astonishment at the 
statement. 

Rushing toward the window he attempted 
again to secure a view of their surroundings. 
Driven before a gust of wind a puff of smoke 
entered, causing the boy to step back choking. 

"Can you crawl through that window, Jim- 
mie?" asked Ned. 

"Guess ifs too small!" returned Jimmie, 
eyeing the window speculatively. "1*11 try it, 
but I don^t believe I can make it !" 

Accordingly the lad stripped off his jacket, 
handed his automatic and holster to Jack and 
prepared to make the attempt 

^^Look out for The Rat, Jimmie !" cautioned 
Harry anxiously. 

"Yes, look out for him!" put in Jack. "It 
would be just like him to stand to one side 
and pot you as you drop from the window!" 

"rU keep an eye out for him!" Jimmie 
answered. "Just as soon as I get out of here 
I^m going to devote a few minutes to using 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELaiXTM. 103 



the brass knuckles on that fellow ! He surely 
needs something!" 

Ned and Harry stood by to give Jimmie 
any possible assistance in his endeavor to 
leave the building. A cloud of smoke drifted 
past the window. The crackling of flames 
grew louder momentarily. 

"That's some smoke!'' declared Jimmie, 
coughing as he approached the narrow open- 
ing. "I'll bet the fellow that built this shack 
never intended to have it bum! Wish he'd 
made the window a bit bigger !" 

"Are you ready, Jimmie?" asked Ned. 
Then as the lad nodded his reply, continued, 
"Scoot around in front and let down the bar 
from the door just as quickly as you can. 
That thatch won't last long !" 

"Sure, Jimmie," put in Jack, "don't stop to 
put the knuckles on with The Rat until you 
let us out of here. We'll referee the bout!'^ 

Jimmie did not reply to this suggestion, but 
shut his jaws with an expression familiar to 
the boys. They knew that the lad would do 
his best to rescue them from their dangerous 
situation. 

Jimmie's first attempt to crawl through the 
window met with unquestionable defeat* 



104 UNDER FIRE IN FLANDERS; 



Without a doubt the opening was too narrow 
to permit him to pass with any degree of 
ease. 

Supported from the floor by his two chums, 
Jimmie gave a backward glance and shook 
his head doubtfully, then turned again to the 
task in hand. It would be a tight squeeze, 
but he was determined. 

Thrusting up one arm he put that through 
the window first, then laying his head on his 
shoulder he attempted to push that through 
the opening. Only with the greatest diffi- 
culty did the lad manage to get his head 
through. Wriggle as he might, he found it 
impossible to follow with his chest. Evi- 
dently the passage could not be negotiated. 

"Come back, Jimmie,*' called Ned in fear. 
^We don't want you to get stuck in that place 
if the old trap is going to burn down r 

"Come on back, Jimmie; we'll find some 
other way !" cried Jack. 

By this time the smoke swirling around the 
stack of fodder had filled Jimmie's eyes. With 
every breath he drew in great draughts of 
smoke-laden air until he was nearly choking. 
Reluctantly he admitted defeat and endeav- 
ored to return. That seemed far from easy. 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELGIUM. 105 



Just as he was about to draw his head 
through the opening a gust of wind fanning 
the growing fire dashed a burst of flame 
toward the lad. Caught fast in the vise-like 
embrace of the frame the boy could not escape 
this scorching onslaught. Quickly he jerked 
himself back, badly lacerating one ear. He 
was not in time, however, to escape the loss of 
his eyebrows and a part of his red hair. 

"Don't try that again, Jimmie," advised 
Harry. "It won't do r 

"Much obliged, Fm sure !" coughed Jimmie. 
"You're right!" 

"How about the door, fellows?" suggested 
Ned. "Do you suppose we could batter it 
down ? It may not be as solid as it looks !" 

"Never can tell till you try!" hopefully 
spoke up Jack. "What shall we use as a bat- 
tering ram? They failed to leave us any- 
thing." 

"Pull loose some floor boards," Jimmie ad- 
vised, wiping the blood from his injured ear. 
"Get a good heavy plank !" 

"Guess not this trip!" said Harry, reject- 
ing the suggestion. "This floor is made of 
hard packed dirt and there are no boards !" 

"If it was lighter in here, we could see 



106 UMDEB FIRE IN FLANDEBS; 



better !'' Ned cried. "Have any of you got an 
electric searchlight with you?" 

A quick canvass of the group showed that 
none of the boys had the desired article. All 
had been left on the Grey Eagle. 

"Pull out that post there!" advised Jack, 
handing the pistol and jacket back to Jimmie. 
"All of us get hold of it." 

"I^m going to turn in a ^four-eleven\^" 
announced Jimmie, adjusting the strap of his 
holster over his head and drawing his auto- 
matic from its place. "Maybe someone will 
hear it and unbar the door !" 

"Shoot straight up, Jimmie!" cautioned 
Ned. 

"All right, Boss!" replied the lad, pointing 
the weapon toward the thatch and pressing 
the trigger. "Look at that fire up there !" he 
added, directing the attention of his chums 
toward the roof. 

"The thatch is burning through!" gasped 
Harry excitedly. 

"It won't be long before the roof falls!" 
added Jack. 

Jimmie pressed the trigger again and again 
in the hope that the sound of his shots would 
reach friendly ears and procure their release. 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELGIUM. 107 



Fire now began dropping from several 
places in the thatch, while the barn filled with 
smoke. The crackling of the flames grew 
louder as the fire spread. All the boys were 
coughing and choking from the smoke they 
were compelled to inhale. They grouped near 
the door. 

"Here comes the fireman!" yelled Jimmie 
in delight, as the others were preparing again 
to attempt an onslaught on the post that had 
resisted their previous efforts. "Go, slow, 
lads! One at a time!" 

His shout had been called forth by a rattle 
at the barred door. Springing quickly toward 
the entrance he called out : 

"Hurry up, there! Pull that bar off the 
door ! We're choking !" 

A few words unintelligible to Jimmie came 
in reply. 

Directly the bar was removed and the door 
opened, letting in a great rush of fresh air. 
As if urged to greater effort in its mad at- 
tempt to destroy the boys, the fire blazed up 
with redoubled fury. The entire roof burst 
out in flame, no doubt augmented by the sud- 
den rush of air through the now wide opened 
doorway. The barn was doomed. 



108 UNDER FIRE IN FLANDERS; 



Bursting through the entrance, the boys 
nearly ran over an old man trembling with 
excitement. His peculiar costume excited 
their curiosity at once. Dressed in a loose 
fitting jacket that fell outside baggy trousers, 
his bare feet thrust into wooden shoes, and 
with his long white hair falling down over his 
shoulders, he presented a sight the boys long 
remembered. He was talking excitedly in 
French. 

'Well, Rip Van Winkle," offered Jimmie, 
after his first full breath of pure air, "we^re 
much obliged to you, Fm sure. Come away 
from there, now," he added, "the roof will fall 
presently !" 

But in spite of Jimmie^s urging the old 
man tried to enter the stable again, all the 
time mumbling to himself. 

'What is he saying?" inquired Ned, detain- 
ing the old man. 

^'Listen!" commanded Jimmie. Then ad- 
dressing their rescuer : 

*What did you say? What do you want in 
there?" he shouted. 

"Jimmie, Jimmie !" cautioned Ned. "Maybe 
he isn^t deaf!" 

"Sure enough!" agreed Jimmie, in a self- 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELGIUBI. 109 



condemnatory tone, "I forgot, and tried to 
shout at him because he doesn^t understand 
English V' 

"What is he saying?" again asked Ned, 
drawing nearer. 

"La vasche, la vasche!" repeated their 
friend. 

"Oh, it's the boss you want?" triumphantly 
responded Jimmie. Then, indicating Ned, he 
said : "This is our boss ; ask him !" 

But the old man shook his head and tried 
again to enter the barn. 

"ril bet I know what he wants !" cried Jack. 
"He thinks his cow is in the barn, and he's 
looking for it! Here, Mister, is this it?" 
Jack emitted a long and very dignified 
"Moo-oo-oo !" 

A smile overspread the aged features as the 
man nodded vigorously. 

Ned glanced at Jimmie with a twinkle in 
his eye. Catching Ned's glance, the lad turned 
away with a very red face and mumbled: 

"She ain't here ! She went down to the deli- 
catessen about half an hour ago to get a pint 
of milk. You needn't wait !" 

"That's a good one, Jimmie !" Ned laughed. 
"He didn't want me!" 



110 UHDEB FIBE IN FLANDEBS; 



'That's a horse on me, all right !" admitted 
Jimmie sheepishly. 

Taking the old gentleman by the arm, Ned 
led him carefully away from the burning 
building. He pointed back and shook his head 
as if to indicate that nothing remained inside 
the building. In a short time the roof fell 
with a crash. Silently weeping, the old man 
sat watching the destruction of his stack of 
fodder and barn. 

'Well, where is The Rat?" asked Jimmie, 
recalling the boys to the present. "If I could 
get hold of him, Fd warm his jacket! " 

''Don't know, Tm sure !" replied Ned. "May- 
be he went away in the other airship that 
arrived just as the fire started !'' 

Jimmie gave a gasp. Turning to Ned in as- 
tonishment, he said: 

"Ned, you don't suppose that the officer re- 
turned and then they burned the place and 
left us there to die ! I don't believe it !' ' 

"Say," put in Jack, "if it wasn't so hard to 
believe, that would be the most reasonable so- 
lution of the whole matter !" 

"Wonder what they did to the Grey Eagle 
before they left!" suggested Harry. "Sup- 



OB, THE BOY SOOUTI JX BILOIUM. Ill 



pose we take a stroll over there and look 
about." 

"I can see the machine there in the field 
where we left it," spoke up Jimmie. "Sup- 
pose we ask the old party here for some sup- 
per!" 

"Hungry again, Jimmie?" laughed Ned. 

"Sure I am, and so are you, if youM admit 
it!" returned the boy. "Let's get something 
to eat and ask the old fellow if he noticed 
which way the airship went as it left here. 
He must have seen it!" 

"All right, go ahead and ask him !" grinned 
Ned. 

"Aw, shucks!" sputtered Jimmie. "You 
know I can't talk French!" 

"Go on, Jimmie, say Tolly Voo' to him, any- 
way!" laughed Jack 

"Polly Voo, yourself, if you want to!" an- 
swered Jimmie, somewhat sulkily. "IVe made 
a fool of myself once, and that's enough ! Be- 
sides," he added, "I want to wash this blood 
and dirt off my ear !" 

"That's right, Jimmie, we nearly forgot 
you !" said Ned. ^ We ought to be scolded for 
neglecting you after your brave effort !" 

Approaching the old man, who still be- 



112 ITNDE& FIRE IN FLANDERS; 



moaned the loss of his property, Ned indicated 
by signs that they wanted water to bathe the 
injured boy's bleeding ear. Comprehending at 
once, the man fetched a basin of water and 
set it down before them. 

"Now, when it comes to the supper, FU 
ask him for it myself !" declared Jimmie. "You 
promised while we were in New York I might 
do that!'' 

"Sure as you live !" agreed Jack. "I remem- 
ber that !" 

Filled with enthusiasm at the prospect of 
his venture in sign language, Jimmie tapped 
the man's shoulder and then pointed to his 
own mouth. Describing a circle with his 
hands, he indicated a plate heaped high, and 
then patted his stomach. His efforts were 
effective. 

Instantly comprehending, the man smiled 
and disappeared into his cottage, to return at 
once with a bowl of stew and loaf of black 
bread. 

Under the attack of four hungry boys the 
bread and soup were soon dispatched, and 
Ned pressed upon their host a piece of money. 

"Let's be on our way now," suggested Har- 
ry. "I don't believe we need to wait for the 



.. ♦ 



OB, THE BOY SOOUTS IN BELGIUM. 118 



officer^s return. He and The Rat are prob- 
ably miles away by this time. Maybe they^re 
in Paris !^^ 

'We'd better head for Paris, too V^ advised 
Jimmie. 

"Lef s overhaul the Grey Eagle first, and 
see if it^s all there V^ 

"Come on, fellows, weVe paid the landlord, 
and Tm ready!" 

Jimmie raced the short distance to the air- 
ship. Followed by his chums, the lad exam- 
ined closely every part of the machine. 

"Hello, whaf s this?'^ he cried in a moment. 
"It looks as if The Rat and the officer left us 
a farewell note !" 

"Not The Rat!" urged Harry. "That's a 
Boy Scout message !" 



% . 



114 UNDER FIRE IN FLANDERS; 



CHAPTER X. 

Boy Scouts for Targets. 

"Pooh!" scorned Jimmie. "I suppose you 
think the old gentleman is leader of the Patrol 
and wrote this note to ask us to come again !" 

"Maybe he^s asking us to return his lost 

. What was it he was looking for and 

couldn^t find?" asked Ned, with twinkling 
eyes. 

"He said he wanted his ToshM" was Jim- 
mie^s brazen reply, for he had now quite re- 
covered from his embarrassment. "Fve got 
a French word that I won't forget in a hurry I 
Oh, I'm learning !" 

"Let's examine that message a little more 
closely," requested Ned, from his position on 
the ground beside the machine. "It surely 
looks like Boy Scout work, but was evidently 
prepared in a hurry." 

"It looks like a leaf from a memorandum 
book !" 

"I believe that's what it is ! Where did you 
find it, Jimmie?" 
"Right here, under the spark lever. It was 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELGIUM. U6 



jammed beneath the click. I was just going 
to throw it away when I saw the marks on 

itr 

^^Look at the signature!" spoke up Harry, 
peering over Ned^s shoulder. "That^s Eng- 
lish, anyway! Can you read it, Ned?" 

"Yes, it says ^Jean Voisin,' just as plain as 
can be !" 

"That isn^t English !" put in Jack. "That's 
French!" 

"What Patrol does he belong to?" asked 
Jimmie. "Look for his mark. If he's a friend 
of ours he'll. put that in, too." 

"Here's a picture of a Hawk's head. Maybe 
that's his Patrol. And then here are some 
other marks that indicate his rank, no doubt !" 

"He makes a pretty good picture of ^Signs 
in Stones!'" was Jack's comment. "Three 
stones piled one on top of another. That's a 
neat picture. Why," with a startled glance 
around, "that's ^Danger I' " 

"Correct! Go to the head of the class !" de- 
cided Jimmie. 

"I vote we get going somewhere!" put in 
Harry, moving around the end of the planes. 
"Hello!" he added, stumbling over an object 



116 UNDER FIRE IN FLANDERS; 



on the ground. "Guess my eyesight is poor! 
I didn^t see those stones !" 

"Take another look!" advised Jimmie. 
^"Weren^t they piled on top of each other? I 
thought I saw the pile just as you kicked it !'' 

"Guess they were," admitted Harry. 'Who 
did that, I wonder?" 

"Maybe The Hawk did it," Jimmie suggest- 
ed from his perch in the aeroplane. "It would 
be just like him to add that to the note." 

"Hello!" cried Ned, as he examined the 
ground near Harry's position. "There's an- 
other little pile of three stones !" 

"I see them !" shouted Harry, pointing out 
their position. "And here's another one lying 
l)eside the pile. That means 'Danger in this 
direction,' according to my understanding. 
What do you think it means?" 

'Wait a minute !" cried Jimmie. "Ned, in 
what direction is Paris from our present loca- 
tion?" 

"Roughly speaking, southeast," answered 
Ned. 

"Then I'll bet that's a warning for us not 
to go to Paris!" Jimmie exultantly went on. 
The compass shows that the two piles of 



4i 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELGIUM. 117 



stones lie almost directly southeast from the 
Grey Eagle! That's it r 

"I wonder if The Rat knows Boy Scout 
signs and put those things there to head us 
off from following him! It is a sure thing 
that he was headed for Paris when he left 
here !" decided Jack. 

"Guess you're right, Jack/' Ned agreed. 
"But why should he sign himself ^Jean Voi- 
sin' ? I can't understand that !" 

"What does Toisin' mean, Jimmie, asked 
Jack, laughing. 

"Search me !" replied the lad. "I'm not up 
on French!" 

"I think it means ^Neighbor'," Ned an- 
swered thoughtfully. ^Wasn't that the mean- 
ing given in the article we were reading about 
airships where it told that Taube', the Ger- 
man name, means Tigeon' and that Toisin' 
means ^Neighbor?' I believe that's it!" 

"Rather sarcastic, I should say!" ventured 
Harry. "It wasn't a very neighborly act to 
* shut us up in that barn and then burn it down, 
while he flew away! He added insult to in- 
jury when he left this note ! How did he ex- 
pect us to find the note if we were burned in 
the barn?" 



118 UMDZR FIRE IN FLANDEBS; 



"That was rather a nervy piece of busi- 
ness !" scornfully decided Jimmie. "I vote we 
use the brass knuckles on him !^^ 

"It^s too bad you didn^t live a hundred years 
or so ago, Jimmie!" Ned laughed. "If we 
didn^t know you so well, we'd be thinking all 
the time that you were a pirate and itching 
for a fight r 

"I'm not much of a scrapper," Jimmie 
stated, "but if we ever meet, you will have 
a chance to practice ^First Aid' on The Rat !" 

Laughingly the boys received this state- 
ment, for they all knew well Jimmie's tend- 
ency to exaggerate, yet they all felt that he 
had ample grounds for feeling aggrieved at 
the one called "The Rat" 

It was decided that their recent captor and 
his companion had departed for Paris and 
that, as nothing could be gained by returning 
to Havre at this time, their best course would 
be to go to Paris also. 

No time was lost in preparing for flight. 
Waving a farewell to the friendly old man 
who had saved their lives, the boys seated 
themselves in the Grey Eagle and were soon 
under way. 

Dusk was falling as they rose above the row 



OB, THE B07 SCOUTS IN BELaiDM. 119 



of trees at the roadside, and as Jimmie turned 
on the switch controlling the lights illuminat- 
ing the instruments under the pilots cowl, he 
asked : 

"Shall we put on the searchlight, Ned?" 

"No, I don't think we'd better have that 
going,'' Ned decided. "Some of the country 
people hereabouts might become alarmed and 
send word to the War Department that a Ger- 
man invasion is taking place!" 

"Good idea!" assented Jimmie. "But do 
you know how to steer?" 

"Yes. Southeasterly is the general course- 
I'll make it a little southeast by east about 
a quarter south, for we flew some distance to 
the southward of Havre in crossing the river 
before we were overhauled." 

"We ought to see the lights of Paris when 
we get up higher, anyway," Jimmie suggest- 
ed. "How big a place is Paris? How far 
is it?" 

"It is a little bigger than Peapack, N. J.,'^ 
replied Jack, "and is just about a hundred 
miles from Havre, unless they have moved it 
since the last maps were made. I don't think 
they've moved it, though !" 

^Would they move it if the Germans took 



120 nilDEB FIKE IN FLANDEBS; 



it?" asked Jimmie, with a grin at his tor- 
mentor. "I don^t suppose the river is near 
enough the ocean to be 'tied'!" he added. 
"That last is a pun!" 

'Well," returned Jack, ^T. understand they 
would move all but the stores where writing 
paper and envelopes are sold !" 

"Oh, I know that one!" shouted Jimmie. 
"They're 'stationery' !" 

"I see a light ahead!" cried Harry. "What 
is it?" 

Out of the darkness ahead the boys descried 
a train with lights carefully guarded. In a 
short time the Grey Eagle was sweeping near 
the flying monster as it wound its way across 
the country. 

"Chase 'em a little way, N^d!" suggested 
Jimmie. 

Ned nodded his head in response, and 
veered the planes a trifle. 

Soon the people on the train became aware 
of the presence of their flying visitor. Heads 
were thrust out, but quickly withdrawn. 

"Goodness!" cried Jimmie, aghast. "Just 
look at that, will you I Why," the lad contin- 
ued in a horrified tone, "that whole train 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELaiUM. 121 



seems to be filled with injured persons. Every 
one is bandaged up !" 

^Trobably a train with wounded coming 
from the battle front," suggested Ned, giving 
a touch to the levers. ^TLet's get out of here !'' 

"I should say Tes^ !" replied Jimmie, horri- 
fied at the sight of so many wounded men. 
"Why, they had a whole trainload of injured !" 

"That's the way they injure them nowa- 
days — by the trainload!" declared Jack. 
"They tell me those guns the Germans have 
are awful !" 

"I guess they can't be much worse than 
the machine guns the French use!" put in 
Harry. "Six himdred shots a minute, I un- 
derstand to be the capacity of one of the mod- 
ern machine guns. That's going some !" 

"And if the United States got into war with 
some nation, we'd probably have to see things 
just like this, with Americans instead of 
Frenchmen as the wounded !" shuddered Jim- 
mie. "That is awful!" 

"Well, what can you expect when a whole 
nation gets to shooting up another nation? 
They try to kill as many as they can!" said 
Ned. 

"But I can't comprehend why they do it!" 



122 UNDEB FIRE IN FLANDERS; 



declared Jimmie emphatically. "It doesn^t 
seem right ! I think it is cruel !" 

"Imagine a nation represented by one man," 
suggested Harry. "Take your own case. 
Didn^t you go out and declare war on Pete 
and his gang on Long Island? And see what 
chance The Rat has if you ever get him !" 

'Well, that wasn^t so very different, come 
to think of it," admitted Jimmie. "But I had 
a perfectly good reason !" 

"That^s what these nations think !" declared 
Harry. "They don^t stop to think of the in- 
dividual soldiers any more than you stopped 
to think of your lips and fists. The ones to 
suffer are the fellows like that trainload of 
wounded boys bound for Paris !" 

'Tou win the argument !" admitted Jimmie. 

"But that makes me think . If they're 

bound for Paris, why not follow their trail, 
and we'll get there, too. That's Boy Scout 
trailing for you !" 

"All right, we'll follow," replied Ned, turn- 
ing on power. "Only we're not going to poke 
along like that train !" 

At Ned's touch the Grey Eagle responded 
with an increase of speed that soon left the 
train far behind. Jimmie sighed as it disap- 



OB, THE B07 SOOUTS IN BELaiUM. 123 



peared from view. Jack noticed the sigh and 
comfortingly said: 

'Tou should worry about that stuff, Jim- 
mie. Forget itT' 

"rm worrying about what would happen to 
the boys of the U. S. A. if we get into a war 
with some other country ! Maybe they couldn't 
lick us, but before it stopped a good many 
would be hurt !" 

"What's that thing over there to the norths 
ward?" asked Harry, pointing in the direction 
indicated. 

"Where?" asked Ned. "I can't see any- 
thing!" 

"It looks like a tall pole or something stand- 
ing straight up!" 

"I see it !" cried Jack, looking through a pair 
of binoculars. "It looks like the pictures of 
the Eiffel Tower ! That's what it is !" 

"Let's see," requested Jimmie, reaching for 
the glasses. 

*Tes, sir, that's what it is, I believe!" he 
added. "Look, Ned!" 

Ned surrendered the levers to Jimmie and 
gazed at the object. 

"I believe you're right, Jimmie !" he agreed. 
'We're near Paris!" 



124 UNDER FIRE IN FLANDERS; 



"Then we^d better decide where we want 
to stop," suggested Jimmie. "Have you any 
idea as to localities?" 

"Not in the slightest," replied Ned. "I think 
we'd better get in touch with the War Office 
as quickly as possible to head off The Rat !" 

"I can see the houses below us!" spoke up 
Harry. 

"Nobody home but the clock, and that's on 
a strike!" put in Jimmie. '^Why don't they 
have a few lights going down there? The 
town's as dark as a miser's pocket! Have 
they all gone visiting?" 

"Probably it is an order on account of the 
war!" explained Jack. "They're afraid of 
German aeroplanes flying over and dropping 
bombs." 

'Well, we won't drop any bombs !" asserted 
Jimmie. 

"Yes, but they don't know it!" argued Jack. 
'Tiet's put on the searchlight and try to find 
a good landing place. What do you say?" 

It was agreed that this would be the proper 
thing to do, and the boy turned the switch. 
He directed the shaft of light downward. 

Housetops, trees, streets, were revealed in 
the glare from the powerful flame. By its 



OB, THE B07 SCOUTS IN BELGIUM. 125 



light the boys saw that they were only a short 
distance above the earth. No place for land- 
ing appeared. 

"I see the river," announced Jimmie. "Don^t 
get us wet !" 

"Guess we'll have to swing around and land 
in one of these wide streets, Ned !" suggested 
Harry. "I can't make out any other vacant 
spot big enough for a safe landing. Is that a 
good idea?" 

"I guess it's as good as any," replied Ned. 
FU swing around and try that broad street 
we just crossed !" 

"Hope there's somebody home when we 
land !" Jimmie put in. 

At that moment the boys saw below them a 
flash of light. A sharp report assailed their 
ears, and again they heard the peculiar tear- 
ing, whistling sound of a bullet in its flight 
through the air. 



UT9 



126 UNDER FIRE IN FLANDERS; 



CHAPTER XI. 
A Boj Scout Rescuer. 

"That^s getting entirely too common nowa- 
days V^ protested Jack. 

"Maybe it was some nervous resident who 
thought we were coming to blow him out of 
his happy home," Jimmie responded. "It isn^t 
often a fellow can hit anything shooting 
straight up like that r 

As he spoke, another flash of light and a re- 
port from the street bespoke another attempt 
to fire upon the Grey Eagle and its occupants. 
This time the bullet came nearer the mark, 
for it tore its way through one of the lower 
planes. Alarmed, the boys peered downward. 

"Hurry up and get landed, Ned !" urged 
Jimmie. "This isn^t so funny as it might be I 
Maybe that fellow will hit us accidentally !" 

"And go around covering himself with glory 
ever afterward !" put in Harry. "I wish they'd 
pass a law against carrying concealed 
[weapons V* 

^ Watch out now," commanded Ned, tersely. 
"I don't know what this street is like. Maybe 
there are telephone wires there !" 



OR, THI B07 SCOUTS IN BELGIUM. 127 

"111 handle the searchlight !'' volunteered 
Jimmie, seizing the controller as he spoke. 
"FU give you plenty of chance to see." 

Under the skillful handling of Ned the Grey 
Eagle came gracefully to a landing on the 
broad, smooth asphalted street. The boys 
were not even jarred by the impact as the 
aeroplane slid to a resting place. 

Although the muffler had been deadening 
the sound of the engine's exhaust to a mere 
hum, and no clamor of the motors had, there- 
fore, disturbed the city's inhabitants, a large 
crowd of boys and old men quickly gathered. 

Talking volubly and excitedly in the French 
tongue, they clustered about the machine, ad- 
dressing shouts and inquiries at the boys. Un- 
certain what course to pursue, the lads re- 
mained in their positions. Scarcely had the 
machine come to a standstill, however, before 
uniformed police dashed out of side streets, 
approaching the Grey Eagle on the run. 

"Here come the cops !'' cried Jimmie, catch- 
ing sight of the foremost. 

"Ned, I guess it's up to you to be spokes- 
man, as usual," suggested Jack, as the crowd 
parted to afford the officer a nearer approach. 



128 UNDER FIEE IN FLANDERS; 



"Sure, he knows more French than any of 
us !" chuckled Jimmie. 

A rapid question in French was addressed 
to the boys by the policeman, who had now 
gained the side of their machine. Ned spread 
his hands palm upwards and shrugged his 
shoulders in a deprecating gesture. 

Again the officer spoke in the same lan- 
guage, but more vehemently this time. Ap- 
parently he was demanding an answer to his 
former question. 

"We heard you the first time, Old Scout!'' 
replied Jimmie. "But if it's just the same to 
you, we don't know what you mean ! If you 
expect to hold conversation with us, you'll 
have to start talking United States !" 

Instantly a murmur went round the crowd. 
The boys could hear various ones repeating 
in awed tones "Etats Unis, Etats Unis." 

Noticing the murmur, Jimmie swelled out 
his chest and said : 

"You see, lads, I made them understand me 
first shot ! Notice how quickly they grabbed 
that United States stuff? I'm good, eh?" 

But evidently the officer was not satisfied. 
Brandishing a club, he started to climb up the 
frame work of the Grey Eagle. 



OB, THE BOY 800XITS IN BELGIUH 129 



"Now take it easy, there, Buddie !'^ warned 
Jimmie. " YouVe got all night, so take it easy ! 
Go slow, and it'll last longer !" 

Without heeding him the policeman, evi- 
dently determined to carry out his purpose, 
continued to mount the structure. Jimmie 
was fast losing his temper at this familiarity, 
and quickly produced his automatic. 

"Now, back up, you rough-neck !" he gritted, 
aiming his pistol at a spot well above the 
officer's head. "You are going too far !'' 

Evidently the tone if not the words pene- 
trated the officer's comprehension, for he pre- 
cipitately retreated to the pavement. He was 
rescued from complete rout only by the ap- 
proach of several other officers who came run- 
ning up at that moment. Jimmie took advan- 
tage of the confusion to slip the automatic 
back into its holster inside his jacket. 

"I wonder if these fellows are not the *Gen- 
darmes' of Paris that we've read about?" 
queried Harry from his seat in the darkness. 

"Possibly they are," replied Ned. "I under- 
stand they are very efficient as protectors of 
the public, too ! They look like fine men." 

"Aw, shucks!" protested Jimmie. "One of 
the Broadway Squad could eat a half dozen 



130 UNDER FIRE IN FLANDERS; 



of these fellows! They don^t look like so 
much r' 

"Just the same, let's go easy with them* 
We'd better not start anything that will result 
in our getting into trouble of any kind/' 

"All right, Ned," acquiesced Jimmie. "Just 
as you say." 

"Better throw on a little light and let them 
see what we look like, they're coming in a 
bunch!" warned Jack, who had been watch- 
ing. 

With the snap of the switch a flood of light 
swept over the four boys in the Grey Eagle. 
It revealed to the approaching officers their 
visitors seated, and with their right hands 
raised in salute. 

Instantly comprehending the situation, the 
one who seemed to be in command of the 
squad smiled at the lads and raised his own 
hand in return. He seemed immensely re- 
lieved when he saw the character of those 
who had surprised them by the nocturnal 
visit. 

Approaching as near as possible, he spoke 
politely in French, addressing the group of 
lads. Ned shook his head and replied: 

"Excuse me, officer, but we can't under- 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELaiUM. 131 



stand you. Perhaps you understand English. 
That's the only language we can speak/' 

"Ah !'' answered the officer pleasantly. "And 
whom have I the honor of addressing? I do 
not seem to recognize you !" 

"We are four boys from the United States/' 
replied Ned pleasantly, "making a trip 
through France for pleasure. We have been 
detained and are, therefore, somewhat con- 
fused as to our location in Paris. Perhaps 
you could direct us to a good hotel, and also 
to the War Office.'' 

"Certainly, gentlemen," responded the offi- 
cer, "I shall be most happy to accommodate 
you in any way possible. But, first, it will be 
necessary for me to examine your passports 
and to report your presence to the Prefect of 
Police. It is only my duty, you know !" 

"If we can be sure of a guard to protect our 
aeroplane," Ned suggested, "we shall be glad 
to accompany you to the office of the Prefect 
We must communicate with your War Office 
at the earliest moment possible. We wish to 
avoid international complications." 

A look of astonishment and interest over- 
spread the features of the officer. Turning to 
his companions, he rapidly gave orders. Two 



132 UNDER FnUE IN FLANDERS; 



of the Gendarmes at once began forcing back 
to a respectful distance the curious crowd. 
Ned and his companions were impressed with 
the respectful promptness with which the on- 
lookers obeyed the officer's commands. 

Alighting from their positions^, the boys 
stretched their cramped legs in relief, and 
stood at attention ready for the next move. 

"When does the next * Jitney bus' arrive?'' 
asked Jimmie. 

"Your pardon, please," spoke up the officer, 
"I do not understand the term you have just 
used. My use of English is imperfect." 

"My use of English is also imperfect," 
spoke up Jimmie, confusedly, "and I am the 
one to apologize. That term is United States 
slang for a public motor bus. Ned, here, says 
I use too much slang !" 

"I comprehend," laughed the officer, "and 
you are not at all at fault I regret to say, 
however, that since the war began no busses 
are run in the streets of Paris. We shall be 
compelled to walk." 

Leaving the Grey Eagle in charge of the 
two men detailed to protect their precious 
property, the boys set oif at a brisk walk in 
company with their new-found friend, and 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELGIUH 133 



were soon standing before the desk in a police 
station. A white-haired sergeant confronted 
them. 

A glance at the kindly expression in his eyes 
told the boys that they would not fare illy at 
his hands. Ned determined to confide fully 
in the officer and to tell him the object of their 
visit. 

Immediately upon arriving the officer who 
had accompanied them conferred with his su- 
perior in a low tone, using the French tongue. 
Watching closely, the boys were convinced 
that his report was not unfavorable. 

At length the elderly sergeant made an 
entry in a book, and then addressed the boys. 
His manner was dignified, yet conciliatory. 

"Very much to my regret, gentlemen, I have 
to inform you that, although your passports 
and identification seem to be perfectly proper, 
there is lodged with the police department a 
complaint that you are here seeking informa- 
tion that would be put to improper use." 

"In other words,'' Ned put in, as the ser- 
geant paused, "we are suspected, and perhaps 
accused, of being here as spies !" 

"I don't like to use just that term," returned 



134 UNDER FIRE IN FLANDERS; 



the sergeant, and then added : "But, after all, 
B, name matters very little," 

'Tour informant," spoke up Jimmie, "is 
probably well known to us. We have had deal- 
ings with him before this. You may not be- 
lieve it, but we know him to be not only a thor- 
ough rascal, but a traitor as well !" 

This statement was received by the ser- 
geant with considerable astonishment. His 
glance at Jimmie was plainly a question. 

Briefly the boys gave a synopsis of the 
events already known, not forgetting to men- 
tion the dangerous situation in which their 
enemy had succeeded in placing them only a 
short time previous to the present. 

Not a word of the story was lost by either 
the officer or the sergeant, who occasionally 
exchanged quick glances full of meaning. 

'Tou surely have occasion to suspect this 
person whom you call The Rat,' and I am sure 
your efforts will be crowned with success," 
the sergeant offered, at the conclusion of the 
story. ''However, my orders are to detain 
you if found, and present you at the War 
Office. You will, of course, appreciate my po- 
sition and understand what 'duty* means." 

"Yes, sir," Ned returned, "we believe we 



OB, THE BOT gOOUTB IN BELOIUU. 186 



know what 'duty* means, and we surely can- 
not object to your doing yours, but we would 
like very much to know where this man we 
referred to is located at the present" 

A smile overspread the face of the sergeant 

"He is under surveillance. He cannot get 
far away until permitted to do so by agents 
of the War Office. Although his credentials 
appeared to be fully as valid as your own, we 
cannot afford to take risks at such a time as 
now. He will be produced in good season." 

'Thank you !" Ned replied heartily. "I feel 
easier now, and hope our mission is nearly ac- 
complished. If we can once obtain extradition 
papers and return the fellow to the United 
States we shall be pleased." 

**When can we visit the War Office, and lay 
our case before the proper officials?" asked 
Harry eagerly. *We don't want to lose any 
time !" 

"Perhaps not before morning," was the an- 
swer. "It is late now." 

"Isn't it possible to get someone on the tele- 
phone?" suggested Jack, indicating the in- 
strument at the sergeant's elbow as he spoke. 

"That would be rather irregular, unless the 
case were very urgent !" 



136 UNDER FIRE IN FLANDERS; 



"This case seems to me to be extremely urg- 
ent/^ persisted Jack. 

"Perhaps you are right," thoughtfully ac- 
knowledged the other. "I shall assume re- 
sponsibility and make the effort at any rate." 

Accordingly, he asked for a number, and in 
a short time was conversing in French with 
someone who appeared to be his superior. He 
soon replaced the instrument and turned 
again to address the boys. 

"An interview has been arranged for morn- 
ing," he announced. "In the interim we will 
provide you the best accommodations at our 
command." 

"Does that mean that we bunk in the cool- 
er?" indignantly protested Jimmie, pushing 
forward. "I protest, your Honor! It isn't 
fair!" 

"There is no other way !" declared the ser- 
geant kindly. 

"But let us go to a hotel !" argued Jimmie. 
'We can pay our way !" 

Shaking his head, the sergeant gave direc- 
tions for their disposal^ and indicated that the 
interview was at an end by rising from his 
chair. 

Jimmie was not easily mollified, however, 



OR, THE B07 SCOUTS IN BELOIUIl 137 



and began a vigorous protest, which was with 
difficulty silenced by his chums. He declared 
that he felt highly insulted at being placed in 
a cell in a police station, 

"Hello, look who's here !" cried Jack, in the 
midst of the argument. 

A young lad ot about their own age had en- 
tered. He was dressed in a khaki uniform 
which seemed to be a modification of their 
own. 

As the four boys gazed at the newcomer his 
hand rose in the well-known Boy Scout salute. 
This was immediately answered. 



138 UNDER FnUE IN FLANDEB8; 



CHAPTER Xn. 
At the War Office. 

For only a moment the newcomer stood at 
attention, then quickly crossing the room, he 
extended a hand in greeting. His frank coun- 
tenance beamed with pleasure as he shook 
hands with each of the four boys. 

Jimmie broke the silence which followed by 
saying: 

"Well, Scout, I see by your badge that 
you^re a Hawk !" 

"Yes,^^ slowly answered the lad. "I belong 
to that Patrol." 

• 'We're Black Bears and Wolves,'^ volun- 
teered Jimmie. 'We're all from New York, 
We just came over here on a little pleasure 
trip !" 

"Oh !'' returned the newcomer, in a tone of 
interest. "You are a long way from home. I 
hope you are enjoying yourselves." 

'We don't like the hotels here very well," 
returned Jimmie. "The sergeant here is going 
to give us a nice room in the 'Hotel de Flop !' " 

"I don't understand," puzzled the boy, 
"where is the 'Hotel de Flop?' " 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELGIUM. 139 



41 
4i 



"Right here in the cooler!'^ explained Jim- 
mie. Then noticing that he had not simplified 
matters, he continued: "The gentleman at 
the desk is going to put us in the *pen' for the 
night In the ^dungeon' V^ 

"Now I understand!" laughed the other. 
That would be disagreeable," he went on. 
Perhaps we can arrange it some other way !" 

^Well, if youVe got a *puir with His 
Honor," Jimmie stated, "we'd appreciate it 
highly, I can tell you ! We don't like the out- 
look!" 

"Perhaps the better way to begin would 
be by introductions," suggested the lad. "My 
name is Francois Poincaire. I reside in 
Paris." 

"Glad to meet you, Fm sure!" declared Jim- 
mie, again extending his hand. "My name's 
Jimmie McGraw, of New York." Then, indi- 
cating his companions, he named them in 
turn. "Now I guess we're acquainted." 

"Thank you," acknowledged Francois. "Just 
let me make a note of the names. I can re- 
member them better if I write them down." 

With this he drew from a pocket a memo- 
randum book and pencil. As he was search- 
ing for a blank page, Jimmie nudged Ned. 



140 UNDER FIRE IN FLANDERS; 



Drawing down one eyelid the lad took from 
a pocket the note that had been found on the 
Grey Eagle. Carefully unfolding the paper, 
Jimmie compared it with the pages of the 
memorandum book in which Francois was in- 
scribing their names. 

Nodding his head the lad rapidly conversed 
with Ned in the mute language used to great 
advantage by the boys at various times. 

"It looks like the same kind of paper!" he 
signaled. 

"That looks rather strange !" returned Ned 
in the same manner. 

"Maybe he's in league with The Rat!" Jim- 
mie ventured. Then as Francois looked up 
with a pleasant smile from his task, the lad 
said: 

"Well, Mr. Neighbor, we got your message 
all right, but we couldn't see our way clear 
to stay away from Paris !" 

A puzzled look came over the face of Fran- 
cois. He shook his head. 

"May I take a look at your handwriting?" 
requested Jimmie, reaching out a hand for 
the meromandum book which was handed to 
him. 

Quickly running over the leaves Jimmie 



OR, THE B07. SCOUTS IN BELOIXTM. 141 



soon found wnat he sought. Drawing from 
his pocket the message he fitted it to the stub 
of a torn page. Flushing with hardly sup- 
pressed excitement, he turned to Francois: 

"So that^s the kind of a Boy Scout you are, 
eh ? In league with The Rat, are you ? Well, 
all IVe got to say is that you're in mighty 
poor business ! It's a funny thing you should 
happen to leave this note and then happen to 
drop in here just at this time ! Can you ex- 
plain it?'' 

Jimmie's disgust was apparent to all. His 
rather uncertain temper was rapidly getting 
the better of him as he considered what 
seemed to be evidence of the guilt of their 
newly made acquaintance. 

Touching Jimmie on the arm as a warning 
of caution, Ned said : 

"Your handwriting is remarkably like the 
signature of this message. Perhaps you may 
be able to tell us something about it." 

"Yes," laughed Francois with ease. "I 
didn't have time to do more than leave that 
message and the ^signs in stones.' In fact, I 
had barely time to do that! I felt sure you 
would understand !" 

"We interpreted the message correctly, I 



142 UNDER FIBE IN FLANDERS; 



believe/' answered Ned, %\it we attributed 
the authorship to another person. You were 
a stranger to us when we found the message 
and we believed it was written by another/' 

'1 see now the mistake I made/' ventured 
Francois soberly, "If I had it to do over again 
I should take a different course. But my time 
was limited and I did the best I could under 
the circumstances.'' 

"Did you pile up those stones?" asked Jim- 
mie, still ruffled. 

"Yes/' was the frank admission. "I tried 
my best to warn you not to come to Paris. I 
knew the dangers in store for you !" 

"Maybe you didn't know the dangers we 
were in at that time !" 

"No, I didn't After we had gotten some 
distance away, I looked back and saw smoke 
rising from the barn. Did it burn?" 

"If it didn't burn, I don't know what to call 
it!" declared Jimmie indignantly. "Who set 
it afire, anyhow? Do you know anything 
about that?" 

"No, but I suspect a person. I am very 
sorry that I did not remain to assist you, for 
I understand now that you were in periL At 



OR, THE B07 SCOUTS IN BELaiUH 143 



that time I believed you were in danger only 
from the person to whom I refer." 

^Wtiy did you sign the note Jean Voisin?" 
asked Jimmie. 

"I thought you, being aviators, would recall 
the word and would know what it meant 
Jean, of course, was simply added to make a 
complete name. I did not think that you do 
not understand French." 

"You^re progressing !" declared Jimmie. 
'^Now, if youll tell us how you happened to 
be on the spot, we'll be much obliged to you !" 

"I am interested in aviation and hope soon 
to be able to qualify as an army aviator," an- 
swered Francois. "Today I was making a 
trial flight with a man who is conducting a 
school for aviators. We had proceeded to 
Havre early in the day and intended to return 
to Paris in the afternoon. While at Havre my 
instructor was approached by a man who 
offered to pay well for being carried to Paris. 
We did not like his looks, but money is always 
acceptable and it was decided to accept him as 
a passenger." 

"Did he say why he wanted to get to 
Paris?" inquired Jimmie. 

"No. Later in the day he came to us and 



144 X7NDEB FIRE IN FLANDERS; 



said that he would go part of the distance 
with another aviator who intended to race 
with a new aeroplane. We were to follow and 
be prepared to pick him up if a landing were 
made. He offered to pay extra for this ser- 
vice. 

"Accordingly we noted the direction taken 
by your machine and the one following. We 
proceeded more slowly and arrived after the 
departure of the one which had chased you. 
As we landed I saw that you were being held 
prisoners in the barn. I had already learned 
that you were Boy Scouts and my instructor 
had told me that this man intended harm if 
you followed. 

"Thinking only to warn you as you came 
from the barn after your captor had de- 
parted, I placed the hastily written message 
and the stones. I had barely time to regain 
my place when we were again in flight.^' 

*Well/' decided Jimmie, "I guess you^e a 
good scout after all and I want to ask you to 
overlook my suspicion of your intentions." 

"I can readily do that," smiled Francois, 
"if you'll agree to forgive my stupid neglect 
of you when you were in peril." 

"Let's forget that part entirely," urged 



OB, THE B07 SCOXTTS IN BELGIUM. 145 



Jimmie. "The thing to do now is to get this 
fellow who came to Paris with you. We want 
him !" 

• 

In answer to Francois^ puzzled look Ned 
explained briefly the reason why they were 
seeking "The Rat*' and ended with a descrip- 
tion of their present plight. The boys all felt 
that Francois could be trusted. 

'Wait a moment and I will see what can be 
done/' the boy offered. 

Turning to the sergeant who with the offi- 
cers had been waiting at a respectful distance, 
he spoke rapidly in French. A brief conver- 
sation ensued, following which the sergeant 
again made use of the telephone. 

This time Francois himself conversed with 
the party at the other end of the line and 
seemed to be urging compliance with his re- 
quest. Evidently satisfied with the result of 
his efforts, he returned to the boys with 
beaming countenance. He was eminently 
pleased at the outcome. 

"We will proceed at once,'' he announced, 
"to the War Office, where we will be met by 
some officials who wish to listen to your story. 
They consider it important enough tp bring 
them from their homes !" 



146 UNDER FIRE IN FLANDERS; 



"How did you do it?'' inquired Jack, "Have 
you influence?" 

Francois only smiled in reply. He seemed 
anxious to start at once and was impatient at 
the short delay necessary in assigning an 
officer to accompany the lads, for they were 
still in the hands of the police. 

After a brisk walk of short duration the 
lads were conducted into a great building 
and shown to a suite of handsomely appointed 
rooms. Here, seated at a large table, were 
several distinguished looking men. 

As the lads entered, accompanied by the po- 
lice officer, they paused a moment. All eyes 
were turned in their direction. 

At a silent signal from Ned all stood at at- 
tention and gave the Boy Scout salute. A 
faint smile showed for an instant on the faces 
of those about the table. Returning the salu- 
tation with a military salute, they acknowl- 
edged the boys' greeting. Seats were indi- 
cated for all. 

"Since it is understood that you young men 
do not understand French," began a gentle- 
man at the head of the table, "it has been de- 
cided that we will carry on these proceedings 
in the English tongue." 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELOIXTM. 147 



"Thank you!" Ned spoke up. **We regret 
very much the fact that we cannot understand 
your language. We hope you will not be in- 
convenienced." 

"Scarcely," smiled the gentleman. "English 
is familiar to all assembled here, even to the 
stenographer who will make notes of what 
is said." 

"Gee!" whispered Jimmie, somewhat awed 
by the surroundings and the men before him. 
"This is going to be a regular court !" 

"Looks like it," answered Jack, who sat 
near by. "We're all right, though. Those 
men look very friendly and we are on the side 
of right!" 

Once more Ned was required to detail their 
experiences and the causes that led up to their 
trip to Paris in quest of the man whom they 
believed to be an enemy of their country. His 
statements were listened to with interest by 
alL As he spoke of the desire of himself and 
comrades to prevent the United States becom- 
ing involved in trouble with another nation, 
quick glances were exchanged. The lad's 
earnest manner was evidently making a fa- 
vorable impression upon his hearers. 

"And so," concluded Ned in his recital, "we 



148 XTNDEB FIBE IS FLANDEB8; 



feel that we are asking a great deal if we re- 
quest you not to buy those plans which he is 
alleged to have stolen, but for the sake of 
international peace we do if 

"My lad/' spoke up one of the men, "have 
you considered what we might do with the 
plans you mention should they come into our 
hands?'' 

"Of course," Ned replied, "we boys all 
understand that the most friendly relations 
exist between your country and ours and we 
cannot believe that you would purchase the 
plans from the alleged thief for any purpose. 
They might be valuable, however, to a country 
at war with the United States." 

"But think for a moment that France was 
on the Isthmus of Panama long before your 
country took over the work of building the 
canal. Is it not probable that we already have 
topographical maps from which we could de- 
termine very accurately just where defenses 
of the canal might be placed?" 

"That's true enough," admitted Ned. 

"Even were we disposed to make war upon 
your country," continued the gentleman, 
"such plans would not be necessary to our 
ends. It seems to us scarcely necessary to 



OR, THE BOY SCOXTTS IN BELaiXTM. 148 



secure information in such an undesirable 
way as the one which the man of whom you 
speak is about to offer us." 

*Tm glad to hear you say that!" Ned re- 
sponded in a tone of relief. "Now, if we could 
get this fellow and start him back, we'd feel 
better." 

*We will hear what he may have to say," 
announced the man. 

Turning in his chair he indicated to an 
officer standing near that he might bring in 
a visitor. In a moment "The Rat" entered 
the room. 

*We understand that you wished to inter- 
view us," began the man who had questioned 
Ned. "Will you kindly state the purpose of 
your visit?" 

A quick glance about the room seemed to 
satisfy the visitor that he might expect little 
success from any attempt to dispose of his 
wares in that market. Guessing full well that 
the boys had been given an opportunity to tell 
their story, he said with a short laugh: 

"I have an important communication to 
make, but I think it can wait. I will return 
in the morning when there are no Germans 
present !" 



150 UNDER FIBE IN FLANDERS; 



CHAPTER Xin. 
Left to Starve. 

Wheeling in his tracks, The Rat sprang 
for the door. In his path stood the officer 
who had conducted him into the apartment. 
Surprised at the sudden movement, this 
worthy made no effort to stop the departing 
guest, but remained motionless in his posi- 
tion. 

Throwing out an arm in the familiar 
movement employed by football players when 
warding off an opponent, "The Rat'^ landed 
his fist squarely on the solar plexus of the 
officer. Emitting a coughing grunt, that in- 
dividual was bowled over in a most undigni- 
fied manner. 

Ere he could regain his feet and his dig- 
nity, "The Rat" had dashed madly out of the 
room, through the corridor and made good 
his escape. 

^Walked right in and turned around ^" 

quoted Jimmie, with a grin at the officer's 
evident discomfiture. 

"He didn't leave his card, either," smiled 
Harry. "Wonder where he's going in such a 



0B» THE BOY 80O17TS DC BELGIUM: 151 



hurry/' he added. "He is surely up to some- 
thing!" 

"Probably he will head for Berlin now that 
he sees there is no market where he can dis- 
pose of his goods in this town," ventured 
Jack. 

Thrown into surprised confusion by the un- 
usual and undignified interruption of their 
deliberations, the gentlemen who had re- 
ceived the boys were apparently unable to 
give coherent thought to the matter in hand. 
They were recalled to a consideration of the 
case by Ned. 

"Cannot we put out a dragnet and have 
this fellow arrested?" he inquired presently. 
"If you can detain him on some charge, we 
will at once cable for the necessary papers to 
secure his exchange to our country. He is 
far too dangerous a man to allow at large." 

"Thank you for the suggestion," exclaimed 
one of the gentlemen. "It is a good one and 
we will act upon it at once." 

"Rest assured," spoke up another, "the po- 
lice will at once take the man into custody 
and the matter will be arranged as you wish." 

Considering the matter closed and with re- 
peated assurances of friendship for the boys 



152 UNDER FIBE IN FLANDEBS; 



and the country they represented, the gentle- 
men wished them a hearty good-night after 
telephoning instructions to the police depart- 
ment regarding the arrest of "The Rat/' 

Francois volunteered to accompany the 
boys to a suitable hotel, where accommoda- 
tions could be secured, and in his company 
they left the War Office. Owing to the scarc- 
ity of cabs and other street conveyances due 
to the presence at the front of all available 
men, the boys were compelled to walk to their 
proposed lodging some distance away. 

"There's something the matter with me,'* 
Jimmie announced as the lads were once more 
upon the street. "I have a funny feeling !" 

"Possibly you are upset by the different 
drinking water," Ned suggested anxiously. 
"I hope you are not going to be ill !" 

"Are you feverish, Jimmie?" inquired Jack. 
*Tou look all right r 

"No," responded the lad with a twinkle in 
his eye, "I think I have a cold. You remem- 
ber the old saying: Teed a cold and starve 
a fever!' I'm quite sure I have a bad cold 
and want to take treatment!" 

"Again?" queried Harry, laughing. "Jim- 
mie, you've got a chronic case of semi-star- 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELGIUM. 163 

vation. I believe you could eat in your 
sleep !'' 

"You're right, Harry/' agreed Jimmie. 
"I'm a healthy young chap and besides I do 
the thinking for the whole party. It takes 
considerable nourishment to keep my think- 
ing machine in working order." 

"In that case/' laughingly responded Ned, 
"we may as well go along with you to a res- 
taurant and see that you don't overdo the 
matter. You might diagnose your case as 
pneumonia instead of a simple cold!" 

**Where can we find a place open at this 
time, Francois?" asked Jack, who was walk- 
ing beside their newly found friend. 

"There are none in this section," replied 
Francois. "We may find some still open in 
another quarter, although the locality is not 
of the best. I will show you the way if you 
Uke." 

"Lead on. Scout," urged Jimmie. 'We'll 
follow you !" 

Francois conducted the lads to a section of 
the city where every indication betokened it 
to be of the less desirable class. The houses 
were old and the streets were not well kept. 
There were few people abroad at that hour 



154 UNDER FnUS m FLAin>EBS; 



and these were evidently men who followed 
no regular employment, but gained a precari- 
ous living from odd jobs. 

Noting the character of the passersby and 
the section of the city, the lads commented 
rather unfavorably in that regard. Their 
distrust was not lessened when they observed 
the character of the restaurant which they 
finally entered. Francois apologized for the 
place, but stated that it was the best available 
at that late hour. It was too late to go else- 
where. 

"Poulet au champignons!" cried Jimmie, 
glancing over the greasy menu. *ls that 
chicken with champagne or champagne with 
chicken?" 

"It is fowl with a mushroom sauce," ex- 
plained Francois. 

"All right, send in five orders of that !" as- 
sented Jimmie. 

"What shall we others eat?" Jack inquired, 
teasingly. 

"That order was for the whole bunch !" de- 
clared Jimmie, indignantly. "You don't sup- 
pose Fm going to eat five hens, do you?" he 
added. 

A waiter in a soiled apron presently ap- 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELOIUM. 165 



peared and received their orders with an in- 
jured air. Evidently he did not relish being 
roused from his inactivity. Scarcely had his 
shuffling feet carried him kitchenwards be- 
fore a man entered the place and engaged in 
conversation with the cashier. Jack, keenly 
alert because of their surroundings, noticed 
that the newcomer seemed to be indicating in 
a guarded way the lads seated at the table. 

"FU bet," he whispered to his companions, 
"that we get *held up^ when we leave this 
place. That fellow looks suspicious to me !*' 

The boys stole surreptitious glances at the 
man indicated and all agreed with Jack that 
he was evidently a low character planning to 
attack them as they left the place. They were 
confident, however, that nothing in the way 
of robbery would be attempted in the restau- 
rant. 

Contrary to their expectations they found 
the quality of the food much better than the 
appearance of the establishment would indi- 
cate and were grateful to Jimmie and Fran- 
cois for their good offices. 

As they were settling with the cashier, 
Jimmie glanced from the window and espied 
the suspected man standing outside, evidently 



156 UNDER FIRE IN FLANDERS; 



waiting for them to appear upon the street 
He had drawn back into the shadow. 

For perhaps a block the boys walked to- 
gether in a close group discussing the possi- 
bility of an attack and the best means to ward 
it off should it be made. Their attention was 
attracted by a low whistle. An answering 
signal at once came from across the street. 

At that moment an automobile dashed up 
from the rear. As it drew up to the curb 
near the boys two men sprang out. Other 
forms were seen approaching on the run. The 
boys were surprised by the suddenness of 
this movement and were hardly prepared to 
resist so strong a force. 

In the darkness of the street they could not 
measure the number of their opponents. They 
tried to keep close together, hoping thereby 
to better withstand the anticipated attack. 
Ned struck out bravely, landing a straight 
arm punch on the jaw of a man who ap- 
peared directly before him. 

Apparently robbery was not the object of 
the assault. No attempt was made to dis- 
able the lads or rifle their pockets. They 
were seized in rough arms, while dexterous 
hands wound cloths about their faces effect- 



OB, THE BOT 8COX7TS IN BELaiUM. 157 



ually preventing an outcry. Their arms were 
securely pinioned. At a low spoken command 
the men lifted the now helpless boys into the 
waiting motor, which at once dashed madly 
along the poorly paved street. 

Struggle as they might, the lads were un- 
able to release themselves from their bonds. 
Not a word was spoken by their captors dur- 
ing the wild ride. At length the prisoners 
gave over their useless efforts. 

Directly the machine was turned into a 
smoother street, but the speed was in no wise 
diminished. At length a halt was made. 
Dragged from their places like so many sacks 
of grain, the captives felt themselves hoisted 
to the shoulders of their abductors. Judging 
from sounds that they were being taken into a 
building of some sort, all awaited with con- 
siderable anxiety some indication of the next 
development. 

This was not long in coming. A passage- 
way was negotiated followed by a journey 
down a flight of creaking stairs. The boys 
were presently deposited in not too gentle a 
manner upon a hard floor. Footsteps retreat- 
ing up the creaking stairway indicated that 
they were to be left alone. Nothing had been 



158 UNDER FIRE IN FLANDERS; 



said that would indicate the identity of their 
captors. 

Jimmie's impatient and frantic efforts ta 
free himself from the bonds and gag were in- 
terrupted by a voice full of venom. 

"Might as well save your wind, young fel- 
low!" the lads heard a familiar voice say. 
"You^ll need it all before you get out of this I'^ 

Then, since answer was evidently impos- 
sible, the voice went on : 

"You fellows are so good at getting out of 
tight places, let's see you get out of this ! You 
cooled the hot box, saved your hangar from 
burning, slipped away from Havre and got 
out of the barn in the country, but you did 
it only because you had help or wheedled some 
one into your way of thinking. This is differ- 
ent. You get no help here ! 

"You are in the cellar of an old warehouse 
that has been abandoned because the struc- 
ture burned. On one side is the river Seine; 
on the other is a street blocked by debris from 
the ruined warehouse. No one ever visits this 
locality, so you'll have lots of time to think it 
over. Next time, don't try to interfere with 
' my plans ! Do you understand ?" 

In despair the boys lay helpless and listened 



OR, THE BOY SCOUTS IS BELaiUn 169 



to their informant as he closed a heavy door. 
This was barred on the outside and heavy 
materials were thrown against it. Then si- 
lence reigned. 

For a long time the lads lay listening for 
sounds that would indicate the presence of 
others. A muffled splash of water now and 
again was the only indication of movement 
that reached their ears. 

Presently a movement showed that one of 
the boys was shifting his position. A sudden 
gasp followed by a violent exhalation of 
hreath showed that a struggle was taking 
place. A tearing pf cloth was heard. 

*^Whoo !'' gasped Jimmie. "That was a tough 
jobr 

"Any of you fellows got loose yet?'* the lad 
continued. 

For obvious reasons no answer greeted his 
question. 

"Oh, I forgot!" cried the lad. "Maybe 
you're all fixed like I was. Where are you?" 
he continued, taking a stumbling step. * Why 
don't you talk?" 

Quickly Jimmie produced a searchlight 
from an inner pocket. 

It was the work of but a few moments to 



160 UNDER FIBE IN FLANDERS; 



find and release his fellow prisoners. A great 
stretching of arms and indrawing of breath 
followed this act. All were loud in their ex- 
pressions of gratitude to Jimmie and won- 
dered at his ability to break loose from the 
bonds. 

"I guess they didn't take the trouble to tie 
me very tight," explained Jimmie modestly, 
but the abrasions on his bleeding wrists spoke 
eloquently of the heroic struggle the lad had 
made. 

'We'll fix you up as soon as we get to a 
drug store !" asserted Jack. "Those cuts must 
hurt pretty badly. Jimmie, you're a brick !" 

"Aw, shucks!" deprecated Jimmie. "Let's 
get out of here !" 

"Here's a window with some bars over it," 
announced Harry, who had been examining 
their prison. "Maybe we could crawl out of 
that!" 

"Yes, and drop into the river !" scorned Jim- 
mie, approaching. 

"Perhaps there might be a police boat on 
the river," suggested Francois. "If we could 
attract their attention they would help us." 

"Good idea!" Junmie approved. "I'll turn 
in a ^our-eleven.' " 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELaiUM. 161 



Drawing his automatic, the boy sent two 
shots into the rapidly rushing stream which 
lapped the sides of the building. He followed 
these with two more and again two and again 
two, emptying the pistol. As he was reload- 
ing, Francois, who had been peering across 
the river, cried: 

'They've heard you! They are coming! I 
see the police boat !" 

Losing little time in explanations, the po- 
lice loaded the five boys into their boat, bring- 
ing the gunwales nearly to the water's edge. 
A rattle of revolver shots greeted the tiny 
craft as it pulled out of the shadow of the 
ruined warehouse. A man dimly outlined 
stood above them sending shot after shot in 
their direction, but with poor aim. 

Highly incensed, Jimmie swung his auto- 
matic around and fired. 

Instantly a scream echoed through the 
night. 



162 XTNDEB FIBE IN FLANDERS; 



CHAPTER XIV. 

The Gray Eagle Damaged. 

At once the police officer at the oars hesi- 
tated. A parley was held in which it was de- 
cided to continue on their course to the sta- 
tion where the boys would be left and a report 
made. 

Accordingly the man again bent to his oars, 
bringing the boat in a short time to its land^ 
ing place. The boys were immediately pre- 
sented before a sergeant, who took their 
story in detail, making suitable entries in a 
book before him. Francois acted as inter- 
preter. 

Only a glance at the badly soiled condition 
of the boys' uniforms was necessary to con- 
vince the police of the veracity of their story. 

Before the lads had succeeded in making 
themselves presentable, an officer who had 
been detailed for the purpose returned and re- 
ported that although he had thoroughly 
searched the spot, no injured man could be 
discovered. It was, therefore, decided that 
if Jimmie's parting shot had found lodgment, 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELOIUU 163 



his target had been carried away by confeder- 
ates. 

"What shall we do now?'' questioned Harry, 
as the boys again entered the office with 
brushed uniforms and washed faces. 

"Go to a hotel and get some sleep!" sug- 
gested Jack. "WeVe had about enough ex- 
citement for one night according to my no- 
tion!" 

"Object, Your Honor!" put in Jimmie. 
"Suggestion of counsel is immaterial and ir- 
relevant ! We ought to get back to the Gray 
Eagle!" 

'Why so?" inquired Harry. "The police left 
a guard there !" 

"Suppose they did !" persisted Jimmie. "Is 
that a guarantee that the machine is safe? 
Fm going back, anyhow ! You can sleep !" 

"Can't we telephone out there and learn if 
everything is all right?" put in Jack. "The 
officers would be glad to report." 

"How would you get them on the 'phone?" 
scorned Jimmie. "Did you see any linemen 
stringing wires to the middle of the street?" 

Jack was compelled to admit that his sug- 
gestion was impractical. 

'Well, then," Jimmie went on, "since the 



164 UNDER FIRE IN FLANDERS; 



^-< 



officer here is satisfied that our passports and 
story are all right, we'd better be on our 
way/* 

Hastily parting from their friends at the 
police station to whom they owed their recent 
rescue from an awkward situation, the five 
boys at once set out to visit their beloved 
aeroplane. Jimmie stormed freely against the 
man whom they were pursuing, declaring that 
he would be delighted to use brass knuckles if 
ever the opportunity offered. 

His companions made no objections to his 
speech, for they knew it was only his way of 
relieving his pent-up feelings. 

During the long walk the boys discussed the 
situation at some length. Jimmie held that 
"The Rat" would be well on his way toward 
Berlin if he could secure transportation, while 
Jack and Harry contended that he would not 
be satisfied to leave Paris until he was assured 
that the boys were well out of his way. They 
thought it likely that he would remain and 
make another effort to work them harm, since 
his previous attempts had thus far resulted in 
failure. They feared his vindictiveness. 

"Aw, shucks !" protested Jimmie. "He prob- 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELaiUM. 165 



ably beat it right out of town as qiiick as he 
blocked that door to the cellar !" 

"You're forgetting the man who shot at us 
while we were in the police boat/' Jack sug- 
gested. 'What was he doing there? Who 
was he?" 

"He was probably a guard that 'The Rat' 
had posted to make sure we didn't break jail 
and get the door open," Jimmie replied. 

"It was rather peculiar that the police didn't 
find any trace of him!" interposed Ned. "I 
felt sure when I heard that scream that he 
was hit pretty hard by Jimmie's bullet. He 
certainly yelled some !" 

"Maybe he was just scratched on the leg or 
something," replied Jimmie. "And again, 
maybe he wasn't hit at all, but let that wail 
out to get us to come back so he could get a 
better aim at us !" 

"You never can tell," decided Jack. "Any 
one that would get mixed up in a gang like 
that would be pretty full of tricks !" 

"Maybe he went into the river," put in Fran- 
cois. 

"Nix on the drink !" quickly vetoed Jimmie. 
"There wasn't any splash ! If he'd gone over- 
board he'd have made one grand disturbance !" 



lee XTNDEB FIBE IN FLANDEB8; 



*^Not if he was shot and killed instantly," 
argued Francois. 

"How could he be killed instantly if he let 
a holler out of him as big as the Singer build- 
ing?" questioned Jimmie, indignantly. "No, 
sir," the boy continued, "you'll find that the 
fellow was a natural born coward and was 
more scared than hurt. I don't think I came 
anywhere near him! He's telling the gang 
right now what a brave man he is !" 

"Have it your own way, Jimmie," decided 
Ned. "We are more interested in the move- 
ments of The Rat,' anyway. The question is : 
Where has he gone and how can we get him? 
That's the thing to decide !" 

"Believe me," insisted Jimmie, "the next 
chapter of The Rat's' life history will be enti- 
tled ^Beating it for Berlin' and it'll start in 
sudden and go mighty swift ! He's probably 
going as fast as that fellow Gilroy went away 
from the Devil's Punch Bowl in California!" 

His chums laughed as they recalled the in- 
cident. For the benefit of Francois they de- 
scribed the amusing incident with which those 
who have read the previous volumes of this 
series are already familiar. 

Directly the boys were delighted to observe 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELQIUM. 167 



the outlines of the Gray Eagle looming up be- 
fore them in the street. 

Their approach was halted by a challenge 
from one of the guards. 

Upon discovering their identity, thanks to 
the good offices of Francois as interpeter, the 
policeman allowed them to proceed. 

**The crowd has disappeared, I see,^' Ned 
said to the guard. 

"Yes, they soon satisfied their curiosity and 
returned to their homes," as the reply. "After 
all, an aeroplane is no longer wonderful." 

"Then you haven't been bothered since we 
left?" ventured Ned. "I suppose it got sort of 
lonely out here in the street." 

"No one has been here. Monsieur, except the 
servants you sent." 

"The servants we sent?" questioned Ned 
wonderingly. "We sent no one ! I don't quite 
understand you. What do you mean?" 

"Your servant," insisted the man. "The man 
you sent to get the papers from your strong 
box. He has left the place but a few 
minutes." 

Ned turned a puzzled look to his chums now 
grouped about. 



168 XTNDER FIRE IN FLANDEBS; 



**What sort of appearing chap was he?^^ 
inquired Jimmie, advancing, 

Qiiickly the man began a description which 
the boys at once recognized as belonging to 
but one person of their acquaintance. 

"The Rat!" gasped Jimmie in bewilder- 
ment "Why, my dream book said he was on 
his way to Berlin an hour ago !" the lad insist- 
ed vigorously. "Now you tell me he's been up 
here claiming we sent him !" 

"Maybe you didn't look closely enough in 
your dream book, Jimmie," consoled Jack. 
"You evidently failed to examine the first 
chapter of ^Beating it for Berlin' to learn 
whether he was to make any stops enroute !" 

"But we didn't send anybody !" insisted Jim- 
mie, addressing the policeman with a positive 
manner. 'We have no servants !" 

"Pardon, but he had with him an order 
from you stating that he was to be nermitted 
to visit your machine and return with certain 
papers," insisted the guard. "My companion 
further down the street has it now." 

"Call him over here," requested Ned. "I 
want to see that !" 

While waiting for the approach of the other 
guard, Francois engaged in conversation with 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELaiUH 189 



the one before the lads. Turning to Ned the 
boy explained that he was informed The Rat, 
in company with another man, had visited the 
aeroplant with the alleged order. Thinking it 
genuine, the guards permitted him to seek the 
article wanted. 

Not being inclined to trespass, the guards 
had not accompanied the searcher, but had 
waited at a respectful distance until the man 
and his companion were ready to leave. They 
had believed that they were doing only what 
the boys wished in the matter, hoping to be of 
assistance. 

"Here is the permit, gentlemen," offered the 
second guard. 

Ned took the paper and examined it by the 
light of an electric searchlight held conveni- 
ently close by Harry. A quick exclamation 
brought his chums crowding about to investi- 
gate the cause. 

"Look at this !" Ned cried. "If that isn^t 
cheek !" 

"It is blank paper?" queried Jack. "Let me 
see it." 

"Well, of all the nerve!" gasped Jimmie, 
taking the paper from Ned's hand and exam- 
ining it closely. ^What do you think of that?'* 



170 XTNDEB FIRE IN FLANDERS; 



"May I see?" inquired Francois, interest- 
edly crowding forward. 

"Sure," replied Jimmie. "Here he has writ- 
ten a *ha, ha' message, and given it to the 
guard, claiming it was his pass to search our 
machine ! FU bet the villain has wrecked the 
Grey Eagle from stem to stem !" 

"Let's look it over and find out," suggested 
Harry at once. 

Producing searchlights, in compliance with 
Harry's thought, the boys carefully examined 
the outer parts of the machine. Apparently 
not a thing had been disturbed. The instru- 
ments were all in place, the lockers intact, and 
all guy and brace wires were in place. The 
boys felt easier. 

"Maybe he put some more dynamite in the 
engine !" urged Jimmie. 

"He didn't have time !" declared Jack. 

"By the way, Jimmie," suggested Ned to 
the lad who was near the instruments, "why 
need we grope around here with only search- 
lights. We have lots of current, suppose you 
turn on the lights for us." 

"Right-0!" assented Jimmie, reaching for 
the switch. 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELaiXm 171 



No illumination resulted- Again the switch 
was turned. 

"He's cut a wire somewhere !" declared the 
lad. 'TVIaybe he had a pair of pliers and just 
nipped off what he could reach." 

"Try to start the engine, Harry," requested 
Ned. "Maybe he cut the wires leading to that 
as well as the lamp circuit. It would not sur- 
prise me to find that he had done so. It would 
be just like him !" 

For the first time the engine failed to re- 
spond to Harry's touch on the levers. There 
was no current. The wires had been severed. 

"Harry, you are familiar with the lay out of 
this little wagon," Jimmie suggested. "Sup- 
pose you overhaul the wiring and repair it." 

For nearly an hour Harry, whose experi- 
ence about automobiles had been very exten- 
sive, labored, with the assistance of his chums, 
to repair the damage done by their enemy. 
Nearly every electric wire in the equipment 
had been severed, apparently with the aid of 
powerful pliers. 

At length the boys were rewarded by a 
flash of light from the lamps. This enabled 
the work to go ahead more quickly, and in a 



172 XTNDEB FIRE IN FLANDEBS; 



comparatively short time the engine had been 
wired and started. 

Francois now came forward with a sugges- 
tion. He had been conversing earnestly with 
the guard while the boys worked on the ma- 
chine. 

"The man tells me/' he said, **that the two 
men were talking as they left the place. He 
heard them mention Lille several times, and 
thinks that is their destination. Perhaps it 
would be well to consider this." 

"Hurrah for Lille!'' shouted Jimmie* 
'Where is the place?" 

"It is about 125 miles nearly due north of 
Paris," replied Ned. 

"It may be only a trap!" objected Jack. 
"Better go slowly!" 

"Trap nothing!" Jimmie protested. "He 
didn't know the guard overheard him. And, 
if he did, he probably didn't think he'd tell 
us!" 

"It can do no harm to go there, anyway," 
argued Harry. "If we go to Berlin it won't 
be much out of our way. I vote we go to 
Lille." 

All thought of sleep had been driven from 
the boys by their recent experiences. They 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELOIUll 173 



were now anxious to be in pursuit of The Rat. 

Ned showed the policeman his permit from 
headquarters, and lost no time in preparing 
the Grey Eagle for flight. Soon the machine 
soared into the air. Jimmie waved his hand 
to the policemen, whose white gloves vibrated 
a message of good wishes until he could no 
longer see them. 

Below them dimly lay Paris. The Seine 
wound through a valley now dark and uninvit- 
ing. The eastern sky, however, was becoming 
gray. 

"I hear another machine !" announced Har- 
ry presently. 

The droning of a motor became apparent to 
all. A monoplane was rapidly approaching. 
The boys watched its approach with interest. 

"He*s going above us," announced Harry as 
the machine drew near." 

Suddenly a rifle shot rang out in the morn- 
ing stillness. A bullet ripped its way through 
the forward rudder, causing the Grey Eagle 
to veer abruptly in its flight. Another shot 
came from the monoplane. 



174 UKDEB FIRE IN FLANDZBS; 



CHAPTER XV. 

A Battle in the Air. 

Ned with difficulty brought the Grey E?igle 
back to a tranquil position. So unexpectedly 
had the rifle shot struck the forward rudder 
that he had been very close to losing control 
of the craft and pitching the entire party to 
earth. With a frantic effort he regained his 
balance. 

Due to the fact that the boys had not felt 
speed essential to their purpose, no attempt 
as yet had been made to put the Grey Eagle 
to its best pace. The monoplane, however, 
seemed to be traveling at a high rate of speed, 
and was not long in securing a favorable posi- 
tion for the evident purpose of its occupants. 

"If he gets above us, he^ll drop a bomb!" 
cried Jimmie, in an angry tone. "I'll bet it's 
The Rat ! He's been watching for us to start !" 

"Put on a little more speed, Ned," urged 
Jack anxiously. "Let's try to prevent his get- 
ting above us, if we can. I don't like this !" 

"Hang on !" cried Ned, glancing upward to- 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELGIUM. 175 



ward their pursuer. "Fm going to try to 
dodge him if I can. He's clever, though V^ 

Obedient to Ned's request, the boys pre- 
pared for sudden and unexpected evolutions 
on the part of the Grey Eagle. They were 
none too soon, for almost instantly Ned be- 
gan a series of movements that were calcu- 
lated to frustrate any attempt on the part of 
the enemy to successfully launch a missile 
with telling effect. Darting and dodging 
hither and thither, the lad gradually drew 
away from the monoplane, which slackened 
speed. 

With a pull at the controlling levers Ned 
suddenly began an ascent that quickly car- 
ried the Grey Eagle to a level above that of 
the monoplane. He hoped thereby to gain the 
advantage of position, but the pilot of the 
other machine was evidently prepared for just 
such a move. He sheered off abruptly to one 
side, as if abandoning the chase. 

"There he goes, the coward !'' exulted Jim- 
mie, as the Grey Eagle was brought to an 
even keel at a slight elevation above its rival. 
"Now see him beat it when he thinks we have 
the best of him V 

"If you think he's going to leave us alone,'* 



176 UNDER FntE IN FLANDERS; 



Jack suggested, 'let's get down a ways- It 
won't be so cold as up here, and we can see 
the country better. Except for a river or 
two, I can't distinguish anything down there. 
We ought to take a look at the place." 

"Sure," agreed Harry, "let's travel a little 
lower." 

"Where is the other fellow now?" ques- 
tioned Ned, as he brought the Grey Eagle 
downward. "I don't see him in front of us." 

"I can see him away off to the right," an- 
nounced Francois. 

"Yes, there he is, as big as life, and twice as 
natural!" put in Jimmie. "Let me have the 
binoculars, and I'll see if I can make out who 
the fellows, are. I guess it's getting light 
enough now so I can see." 

After a long examination of the other ma- 
chine, Jimmie handed the glasses to Harry. 
He shook his head and glanced quickly at Ned. 
"I wonder what that fellow thinks of himself," 
he said presently. "Do you supoose he rea- 
lizes that other people consider him the worst 
kind of a sneak? He surely must be case 
hardened if he doesn't hate himself!" 

"If his past actions toward us is any indi- 
cation," Ned offered, "he probably thinks he 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELGIUM. 177 



is a fine fellow being heartily abused by four 
boys." 

"Really feels sorry for himself?" Jimmie 
asked, with contempt. 

"I shouldn't wonder a bit ! People get queer 
views sometimes." 

"Here he comes back again!" announced 
Harry, who had the glasses. "He's hitting it 
up some, too! Looks like he's in an awful 
hurry!" 

Astonished, the boys saw their pursuer 
heading again for the Grey Eagle, but this 
time at a much greater altitude. His course 
was laid so that it would cross that of the 
machine containing the five boys. 

With some anxiety the lads observed the 
maneuver. Jimmie drew his automatic from 
its holster, prepared to reply should any more 
shots be fired in their direction. The clamor 
of the approaching motor grew louder. 

"He's going to cross away above us!" an- 
nounced Harry, watching closely. "I can see 
both the pilot and the passenger now," he 
continued, "and it looks remarkably like The 
Eat. I believe it is he !" 

"Here comes the sun at last !" shouted Jim- 
mie. "I'm glad we can have some more light. 



178 UNDSB FIEE IN FLANDERS; 



We can tell better what the fellow is doing/' 

"Guess we^U have to be ready for anything 
from him!*' Harry said, with his eyes still at 
the glasses. "They're evidently trying to do 
something up there. The passenger is work- 
ing away at a part of the machine !" 

"What does he seem to be doing?" Jimmie 
inquired. 

"I can^t tell from here, but I can see him 
apparently adjusting something. He seems to 
be quite busy about it, whatever it is !" 

"Maybe he^s preparing a bomb or something 

to drop on usl'^ 

"He's dropping his wrench or something!" 
cried Harry excitedly. "I can see something 
flashing in the sunlight as it drops from the 
bottom of his chassis. There, he's dropped 
another," he continued. 

'What can it be?" wondered Jack. "He 
can't be dropping tools." 

"I see the flash of some more!" announced 
Jimmie excitedly. 

"Why, there are lots of them !" was Harry's 
astonished statement. "If we don't look out 
some of them will hit us! Any more speed, 
Ned?" 

"Lot's of it," reassuringly answered Ned, 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELaiUM. 179 



gazing upward at the other machine, now al- 
most overhead. "It puzzles me, though, what 
that fellow is dropping. It can't be he had 
ballast and wants to discharge it." 

All the boys were intently observing the on- 
coming monoplane as it appeared to be fol- 
lowing a course at some distance above their 
own level. The curious flashes of light, as if 
from falling objects, caused them consider- 
able wonderment. Not for long were they left 
in doubt. 

Directly the monoplane had passed ovei) 
the Grey Eagle the boys heard a whizzing 
noise, as of a piece of metal rushing through 
the air at a high rate of speed. This was fol- 
lowed by several more. Then came a crash 
aboard the Grey Eagle itself. Ned gave utter- 
ance to a cry of pain. 

"Jimmie, Jimmie!" he called. * Where are 
you, Jimmie?*' 

"Here I am, Ned, what's the matter?" re- 
sponded the boy. 

"Can you take the levers? I can't see a 
thing! I'm hit!" 

Jimmie sprang to the levers at Ned's re- 
quest, noting with horror that blood was flow- 



180 UNDER FntE IN FLANDERS; 



ing freely into Ned^s eyes from a gash in his 
forehead. 

"Jack, Harry, Francois!" cried Jimmie. 
"Help Ned out of his seat here, so I can sit 
in. He's badly hurt! Help him quickly!" 

Willing hands were extended to Ned's as- 
sistance. Guiding him in his efforts to leave 
the pilot's position, Francois and Harry soon 
were able to seat Ned in a more favorable 
place. Jack, meanwhile, had unlocked a box 
containing a first aid outfit, and now was 
ready to assist his chum with medical atten- 
tion, which seemed to be badly needed. 

"What was it hit me?" Ned asked presently, 
as Jack succeeded in stopping the flow of 
blood. "I saw a flash and heard something 
strike, then felt a smash right on my fore- 
head. I guess he got me, all right." 

"I'll bet I know!" announced Jimmie. "The 
fellow was dropping a lot of iron bolts or ar- 
rows or darts or something. One of 'em fell 
through the cowl and has smashed the com- 
pass. Maybe it was the glass cover of the 
<jompass that hit you. I see the bolt now !" 

"Where is it?" inquired Harry. "Let me 

look at it." 

"Here it is, sticking through the floor. 



OB, THE BOY 8G0UT8 IN BELGIUM. 181 



Kerens the place it went through the cowl, 
leaving a jagged hole in the metal'* 

Harry proceeded to extract the bolt from 
its lodging place, and soon brought it forth 
for inspection. Jimmie kept a sharp lookout 
for the other machine, preparing to elude it if 
it returned. 

With a considerable degree of interest the 
boys examined the object brought forth by 
Harry. It was a bolt or shaft of iron about 
nine inches long, and had been provided with 
a vane at one end, evidently for the purpose 
of causing it to fall perpendicularly in its 
flight. 

"GeeT* ejaculated Harry. "A few bushels 
of those things dropped into a regiment of 
soldiers would play sad havoc! TTiey'd go 
through a man!" 

"You're right, they would !'* declared Jack. 
'If they were dropped from any considerable 
distance, they'd go through more than a 
man !" 

^'Well, Ned, you're lucky the thing didn't 
hit you instead of the compass," congratu- 
lated Harry. 'We need both, but you more 
than the compass, if either is to be spared! 
I'm glad it wasn't worse!'* 



182 UNDER FntE IN FLANDBBg; 



"Let's be ready for him if he returns," sug- 
gested Jimmie. 

"Let's get out of his way!" offered Harry. 
'"We can beat him !" 

"Not much!'* argued Jimmie. 'We don't 
have to run away! If he comes back again, 
I'm going to show him that he's monkeying 
with a buzz saw when he bothers us ! If he 
can drop slugs like that, I can shoot !" 

"Bloodthirsty again !" smiled Ned. * Would 
that be right, Jimmie?" 

"Yes, sir!" stoutly maintained Jimmie. 
^We've got some rights!" 

"Well, we won't have much cause to argue 
about it," Harry announced. "He's heading 
away off to the northeast and going fast." 

"Probably heading for Berlin," suggested 
Jack. "Let him go !" 

"If they leave us alone, we'll be there soon, 
ourselves!" Ned replied. "I don't think he 
ever intended to go to Lille at all !" 

"I can beat him in a race !" boasted Jimmie. 
*What speed do you think we are making 
right now, without half trying?" 

"Don't know, I'm sure," replied Ned, glanc- 
ing over the side. 

"Well, I can double that! Keep your eye 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELOIUIC. 183 



on me! See me overhaul that railroad train 
down below us. It's a passenger or mail 
train/' 

"Yes, and it's going some!" Jack stated. 
"You'll have to hurry!" 

Jimmie, in an endeavor to exhibit his skill 
with the machine, began urging it to greater 
speed. Up to this time the boys had not en- 
deavored to secure speed, preferring to wait 
until the engine, so recently from the shop, 
had been given time to get "down to bear- 
ings." 

They were expecting great things of the 
new motor, but were scarcely prepared for 
the burst of speed which Jimmie coaxed it to 
yield. 

In a few moments they had overhauled the 
train and were speeding along a short dis- 
tance ahead of it. Jimmie had brought the 
craft to a distance but little above the flying 
locomotive and its burden. 

"See him try to beat us!" cried the lad, tri- 
umphantly. 

"He never can do it," agreed Jack. "Be- 
sides, he'll have to slow up for the bridge 
across that river ahead. That puts him out 
of the race !" 



184 UNDSB FIBE IN FLAMDESB; 



"Here comes our friend again V^ cried Fran- 
cois, pointing. 

'"Well, of all things!" declared Jimmie. 
"He's got nerve !'' 

"Keep yours, and show him what a Wolf 
can do," advised Ned. 

Nodding his acknowledgment, Jimmie be- 
gan an ascent which he hoped would carry 
him above the approaching enemy. He was 
not quick enough, however, to execute this 
maneuver, and contented himself with flying 
directly ahead at an increased altitude. Un- 
consciously the boy still followed the line of 
the railroad as it approached the river ahead. 
The train had now been left a mile or more 
behind. 

Anxiously watching the enemy, the boys 
observed that he was about to attempt to 
cross above them once more. More arrows 
were expected. 

Harry had trained his glasses upon the ap- 
proaching machine, and from time to time 
announced the movements of the pilot and 
his passenger. 

He's almost overhead now," reported the 
lad. "The passenger is trying to fix another 



OB, THE B07 SCOUTS IN BELGIUM. 185 



batch of arrows, I beUeve! Get ready for 
himr 

Jimmie determined to execute a daring ma- 
neuver to throw the pursuer off his trail. 
Calling to the boys to secure themselves with 
safety belts, he buckled on his own, then gave 
the levers a touch. 

With the first impulse of the engine the 
Grey Eagle leaped ahead. Jimmie threw his 
whole weight on the lever controlling the hori- 
zontal rudders, and the machine climbed up 
at an agle that threatened to unseat the pas- 
sengers. Apparently his motive was to ram 
the other machine. 

With a quick movement he threw off the 
power, altering the rudders at the same mo- 
ment. The Grey Eagle began to drop back- 
wards toward the earth. Again Jimmie ma- 
nipulated a lever and the rudders guided the 
craft into a complete backward somersault 
that brought them some distance to the rear 
of the other. Gasping at the sudden move- 
ment the boys stared about. 

A roar came to their ears from below. Min- 
gled with a cloud of thick black smoke they 
could see pieces of timbers falling where once 



186 UNDER FISE IN FLANDEBS; 



had been the railroad bridge. The missile 
had passed them, thanks to Jimmie. 

"The train !" gasped Jimmie, with a startled 
look at his friends. 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELGIUM. 187 



CHAPTER XVI. 

A Journey With Joff re. 

^They'll go right into that wrecked 
bridge!" gasped Jack, with horror. "Can't 
we head 'em off? Swing around, Jimmie, and 
flag 'em!'' 

"Sure," urged Harry excitedly. "Hurry! 
Hurry !" 

Jimmie was already tugging desperately at 
the levers. He brought the Grey Eagle about 
so sharply that the machine careened to a 
most alarming angle, threatening to execute 
another upside down movement. 

By throwing his weight sharply against the 
lever controlling the vanes, however, Jimmie 
avoided the completion of this reverse, and 
brought the machine again to its normal po- 
sition. Heading back over the course they 
had so recently traveled, he brought the ma- 
chine low down and skimmed along at a swift 
pace only a short distance above the track. 

In plain view now, the onrushing train 
rushed madly along with its burden. Plainly 
the engine crew were doing their utmost to 



188 XTNDEB FIEE IN FLANDEB8; 



cover as much ground in as little time as lay 
within their power. 

An immense cloud of black smoke was vom- 
ited from the stack, tossed upward by the 
sharp exhaust. It trailed like an ever-grow- 
ing streamer, hiding the coaches from the 
view of our friends. 

''How shall we stop them?" questioned Ned 
sharply. "We haven't a red flag nor anything 
with which to signal them.'* 

''Swing 'em down !'' suggested Harry eager- 
ly. "They'll stop!" 

"I don't know whether the French railroad 
men understand the signals used on United 
States roads or not!" Ned replied. "They're 
getting closer and we must do something!" 
he added. 

"Land on the track and they'll stop!" pro- 
posed Jack. 

"Sure!" put in Jimmie with sarcasm. 
"After they run over us !" 

"What can we do?" Ned cried. '"We must 
gtop them!" 

"Francois, what signal will these French- 
men understand?" asked Jimmie. "Shall we 
swing 'em down, or have you anything to sug- 
gest?" 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELOIUM. 189 



"Oh, I don^t know/^ cried Francois. "I don^t 
understand the railroad signals well enough 
to know what to do." 

'TU tell you what," Jimmie ventured, "I'll 
swing off to one side, round to quickly, and 
run alongside the locomotive. As we draw up 
alongside, you call out to the engineer to stop. 
He'll understand French. Get your lungs 
ready for a big whoop, there's lots of noise." 

Francois began drawing deep breaths, pre- 
paring for the effort. 

The Grey Eagle was veered away from the 
tracks to a distance considered by Jimmie 
suitable for his purpose, and again quickly 
wheeled about. This time the boys were pre- 
pared for the sharp deflection of the planes, 
and assisted by throwing their bodies to the 
outer side of the turn. 

Slightly miscalculating the speed of the on- 
rushing train, Jimmie brought the Grey 
Eagle parallel to its course at a point some 
two car lengths behind the locomotive. A 
quick touch of the throttle soon carried them 
out of the cloud of smoke and cinders abreast 
of the driver, who leaned from his position 
interestedly watching the maneuvers of the 
great aeroplane. 



190 UNDSB FIRE IN FLANDEBS; 



Scarcely a mile separated the group from 
the wrecked bridge. This distance was rap- 
idly lessened by the swift iron monster. 

"Hurry, now, Francois!'' shouted Jimmie, 
again applying the muffler to deaded the 
sound of the Grey Eagle's motors. "Tell 
himr 

Francois' shouts were plainly heard by the 
engine driver, but he evidently mistook them 
for some friendly greeting, for he smiled and 
waved his hand, as if congratulating the boys 
on their skill. 

Ned was frantic. He waved his arms and 
pointed down the track. Again the engineer 
responded with a wave of his hand. Seem- 
ingly he thought the boys were inviting him 
to a race, and was waving his acceptance. 

"You big mud-head !" yelled Jimmie, at the 
top of his lungs. "Can't you get anything 
through that chunk of ivory? Shut her off!" 

This sally was, of course, not intelligible 
to the engine driver, who could not be expect- 
ed to understand English. The boy's manner, 
however, appeared to convey a meaning dif- 
ferent from that of his companions. A change 
came over the face of the driver. He glanced 
down the track. 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELOIUM. 191 



*mut her off! Shut her off!" yelled Jim- 
mie, again swinging one hand in the well- 
known horizontal sweep known to all railroad 
men in this country, indicating "Stop/' Again 
and again Jimmie repeated the sign. 

Ned, Harry and Jack, catching the inspira- 
tion of Jimmie's energetic action, joined in 
making the same signal. This concerted effort 
on the part of the boys evidently conveyed to 
the engine driver the thought that something 
was wrong. He looked questioningly at the 
lads. 

"Shut her off!" again yelled Jimmie, des- 
perately shaking his fist at the driver. "If I 
ever get hold of you, I'll punch your dome I" 

Ned ceased making the stop sign and fran- 
tically pointed ahead. He then moved his 
hands as if picking something from his left 
with his right, in the familiar "Uncouple" 
movement of railroaders. 

As if comprehending the "cut off" or "un- 
couple" signal, and at the same time compre- 
hending that something was wrong with the 
track, the driver closed the throttle, looking 
down the line of rails ahead. 

What he saw caused him to make desperate 
efforts to stop the onrushing monster. His 



192 UNDER FIBE IN FLANDEB8; 



efforts were rewarded by a distinct slacken- 
ing of speed, but he was not a moment too 
soon. 

Carried onward by the extreme momentum 
of its flight, the train crowded the locomotive 
forward, until it seemed to the anxious boys 
as if it surely must be plunged into the open 
bridge. Bravely the driver remained at his 
post until the locomotive actually dropped 
from the spread rails. 

Not until his charge had bumped onto the 
ties and careened drunkenly to one side did 
the driver leap for safety. His fall on the bal- 
lasted track came only as the train ground to 
a standstill. 

Again swinging the Grey Eagle in a quick 
turn, this time more easily and gracefully 
made, Jimmie brought the aeroplane to a land- 
ing beside the coaches. Men were dropping 
from the cars as the boys settled easily to a 
position of rest. They came running across 
the intervening space. They were in uniform 
and several carried rifles. 

Taking in the entire situation at a glance, 
an ofiicer stepped forward to greet the lads* 
With outstretched hand he greeted Ned, who 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELOIUU 193 



stood a trifle in advance of his companions. 
He spoke in French. 

Ned grasped the proffered hand heartily, 
but shook his head. 

"I'm sorry," he stated, "but I cannot under- 
stand you.'' 

"Pardon me," the officer hastened to say in 
English. "I did not notice that you are not of 
my country. I wish to thank you for the 
brave and honorable deed you have just 
done." 

"Your gratitude is certainly appreciated," 
Ned answered, "but we scarcely deserve it. It 
was partly our fault that the bridge was 
wrecked. If we hadn't been over the rail- 
road, the bomb would not have done that dam- 
age. We couldn't do any less than try to stop 
you." 

"Nevertheless, we are all grateful for your 
act," continued the officer, "and I must also 
compliment you on your skill as a pilot You 
handled the aeroplane with exceeding ease 
and adroitness." 

"You'll have to give Jimmie, here, credit for 
that," Ned replied with a smile, as he pro- 
ceeded to introduce his chums. 

Protesting his inability to perform any 



IM UNDER FIRE IN FLANDERS; 



feats out of the ordinary, Jimmie was 
dragged blushing to the foreground, where 
he was made to listen again to the compli- 
mentary remarks concerning his ability as an 
aviator. 

"But come with me," invited the officer pres- 
ently. "I wish you to meet the General. You 
are fortunate in finding him here at this 
time.'* 

Making their way through the groups of 
soldiers gathered about, the boys arrived at a 
car much better appointed than the others. 
Here were grouped several officers surround- 
ing a studily built man of medium height. 
His white hair and mustache gave a touch of 
dignity to the rounded face, while flashing 
eyes betokened the vigor that lurked in his 
well-knit frame, and indicated one of the 
secrets of his power with men. He was no 
less a person than General Joff re, pride of the 
French army. 

Approaching to a respectful distance, the 
boys stood at attention and gave the Boy 
Scout salute. This was returned at once by 
the General, who used the same salute with 
dignity and gravity. 

A few words spoken by the officer who had 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELGIUM. 195 



conducted the boys from their machine served 
to explain who they were. 

"I wish to thank you, gentlemen," said the 
General. "You have, indeed, averted a catas- 
trophe, and we are very grateful." 

"Please do not mention it, sir!" Ned pro- 
tested. "We felt that we could not do other- 
wise than stop your train, if possible." 

"But how do you happen to be in this vicin- 
ity?" 

In a few words, Ned briefly recounted the 
adventures through which they had passed 
but a short time previously. Leaving out 
many details, he gave only an outline of the 
incidents, concluding with : 

"And here we are, and this wrecked bridge 
is the result of The Rat^s latest attempt to put 
us out of his way." 

"A most remarkable recital!" commented 
the General, after listening with interest to 
Ned^s story. "You may be sure of our assist- 
ance in capturing this person, if it is at all 
possible." 

"Thank you !" returned Ned heartily. "Now, 
perhaps, we have done all we can. I think we 
shall have to be going." 

"Just a moment," protested the General. 



196 UNDER FIBE IN FLANDEBS; 



"Our men have already attached telegraph in- 
struments to the wires and have, no doubt, 
reported this damage to the bridge. Will you 
not wait a short time until we learn what 
measures will be taken to move the train for- 
ward?'' 

To this the boys readily consented, and 
watched with interest the rapidity with which 
the men working the telegraph secured re- 
sults. 

Shortly an orderly approached, saluted, and 
handed a paper to the General. Reading the 
message rapidly, he turned again to the boys. 

"It is impossible," he stated with a show of 
slight impatience in his voice, "to secure 
transportation for some hours. Traffic be- 
yond the bridge is in a congested condition, 
and a repair train cannot reach us for some 
time. The delay, while annoying, is unavoid- 
able. I shall again thank you, and wish you 
every success !" 

Extending his hand, the General indicated 
that the interview was at an end. With hearty 
handclasps the boys departed for their aero- 
plane, leaving the soldiers grouped about the 
General. 

Just as Ned was about to start the engine, 



OB, THE B07 fliOUTS IN BELaiUM. 197 



Jimmie leaned over and placed a detaining 
hand on his arm. Ned glanced quickly at the 
boy. 

"Say, fellows/' suggested Jimmie. "If the 
General is in a hurry to go somewhere, he 
can^t do better than take a trip with us. What 
do you say to inviting him to have a little 
ride?^' 

'We can carry him, all right," responded 
Ned, "but the quarters will be rather cramped. 
We haven^t room to entertain many visitors." 

"If we can stand it, he ought to get along 
for a while !" 

"All right, then, go ask him if you want 
to," Ned grinned. 

In an instant Jimmie was on the ground 
racing toward the train. Not many minutes 
passed before he was seen returning, accom- 
panied by the General and the officer who had 
first greeted them. 

To the rousing cheers of the soldiers, the 
Grey Eagle, with its precious freight, rose 
above the wreckage of the bridge. Headed 
to the northward, the boys and their guests 
were soon far from the scene. 

'Where will you go. General?" asked Ned 
from the pilot's seat. 



198 UNBEB FIBft^IN FLANDERS} 



'Here comes that monoplane again !" inter- 
rupted Harry, who had been using the binocu- 
lars. "He's coming up fast from the east- 
ward !'* 

"Then he's going to get what's coming to 
him!'' gritted Jimmie, unlocking a compart- 
ment and drawing forth a magazine rifle. 

It was true. The monoplane was again 
darting toward the Grey Eagle, as if vindic- 
tively determined to bring harm to the lads. 

As it approached a shot rang out. Jimmie 
quickly threw his rifle to his shoulder and re- 
plied with shot after shot. 

A sharp lurch of the other machine told the 
boys that one of Jimmie's missiles had found 
lodgment in a vital place. Plunging down in 
a forward movement the machine appeared to 
drop straight to earth. 

"The Rat is there I" cried Harry, with the 
glasses in hand. "He's taking the levers away 
from the wounded pilot I He can't right the 
machine !" 



OB, THE BOT SCOUTS IN BELOIUIL 199 



CHAPTER XVn. 

The Rat Repulsed. 

Straight toward the earth, like a hawk 
darting for its prey, fell the monoplane, carry- 
ing the wounded pilot and The Rat. 

In fancy the boys pictured the terrible scene 
soon to be witnessed at the spot where the 
craft should fall with its human freight 
Jimmie, horrified to think that his act should 
have caused the loss of two men^s lives, turned 
to replace the rifle, anxious to get the weapon 
with which the attack had been repulsed out 
of his grasp. 

Even the General, experienced to scenes of 
unusual gruesomeness as he was, turned his 
head aside, not caring to witness the end. 

All were startled to activity and attention 
by Harry's shout. 

"Look, look!'' cried the lad, who had fol- 
lowed with the glasses the descent of their 
enemy. "Look, he's made it ! Oh, I'm glad !" 

*What?" Ned asked, his attention having 
been directed toward bringing the Grey Eagle 
to a position near the expected event 



200 UNDER FIRE IN FLANDEBS; 



"The Rat must have succeeded in getting 
control of the craft just in time/^ explained 
Harry. "Just as I thought it would plunge to 
the earth the forward rudders caught the air, 
and instead of diving head first into the 
ground, the machine took a sudden swoop and 
skimmed away as nicely as you please ! That 
was simply wonderful !" 

Sighs of relief escaped the lads involun- 
tarily as this news was announced. Much as 
The Rat deserved punishment for his mis- 
deeds, none of the boys cared to be directly 
responsible for his sudden demise in such a 
horrible form. They preferred turning him 
over to the proper authorities where he might 
be properly dealt with. 

"I guess he^s going to have his hands full 
now," suggested Ned musingly. "Possibly 
we^d better get out of here as quickly as we 
can. The General will want to arrive at his 
destination without delay." 

"Sure enough!" Jimmie asserted. "Where 
will you go. General?" 

"My intended destination," replied the Gen- 
eral, "is an aviation center not far from here 
in the direction of Lille. There many aero- 
planes are being received from the factories 



OR, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELOIXTM. 201 



for testing, and used in the instruction of 
pilots for military purposes. If you will be 
kind enough to give me passage to that point, 
I shall be very grateful." 

"Certainly we will," quickly responded Ned. 
*'Can you give me the directions?" he contin- 
ued. "We will make up some lost time." 

"I think if you steer about northeast or 
northeast by north," suggested the General, 
"we shall soon see the place." 

"Sorry, sir," apologized Ned, "but the chap 
in the other machine dropped some darts a 
few minutes ago and wrecked our compass. I 
can steer only approximately on any course. 
Would you recognize landmarks?" 

"Possibly," rejoined the General. "How- 
ever, it is now about seven o^clock. The sun, 
there, is about east by south, so we can get a 
course from that. If you steer for a hill or 
group of trees until nearly above them, and 
then select some other prominent point in the 
landscape and steer for that, we shall shortly 
arrive close enough to the destination so that 
we can see some of the numerous aviators in 
their practice work." 

"Thafs a good idea!" Ned acknowledged. 



202 UNDER FIRE IN FLANDERB; 



'1 shall do that, and shall hurry along a little. 
Possibly we may shake off The Rat/' 

Never had the boys felt the sense of pride 
in their aeroplane that they did that day. 
The engine, designed by Harry and his chums, 
proved to be all that they had expected. Run- 
ning with muffler closed, Ned sent the plane 
along at a terrific pace. Above the whistling 
of the wind the hum of the motor was not dis- 
tinguishable, and conversation could be car- 
ried on with comparative ease. Without a 
tremor the great machine covered mile after 
mile with a grace and speed that excited the 
frank admiration of their two guests. It was 
a ride to be remembered. 

*We need several machines like this!" ex- 
claimed General Joffre, lost in wonderment 
at the behavior of the craft. 'Will you tell 
me what make it is? The design is one not 
familiar to me." 

"It is a design familiar to nobody," Ned 
smiled, "except we four boys. It is a machine 
constructed by us from our own designs." 

"I am astonished!" confessed the General. 
"It is wonderful to observe how easily it han- 
dles and how rapid its movements. Will you 
tell me what make of engine you are using?'' 



OB, THE B07 SCOUTS IN BELGIUM. 203 



"It is an engine designed specially for us 
by McGraw, Bosworth, Stevens and Nestor, a 
United States concern !" laughed Ned. "You 
see/^ he went on, "when the plane had been 
thought of, we believed we needed an engine 
suitable for a craft of so high a character. 
We couldn^t find what we wanted in any store, 
nor was it manufactured. We just had to 
make plans and have it built in the automo- 
bile factory belonging to Harr/s father. 
They did a pretty good job for us, too T' 

To this statement the General heartily as- 
sented, expressing freely his admiration for 
the entire craft and its appointments. 

"Unless I am mistaken,'* presently declared 
the General, who had been dividing his atten- 
tion between admiration of the Grey Eagle 
and the landscape, "we are approaching the 
vicinity of the place I mentioned. That range 
of hills ahead should be the last before we 
reach the plain where the aviation instructors 
are at work." 

"Hurrah !*' shouted Jimmie. "Now well see 
some real flying! Fve always wanted to see 
the French aviators. Maybe I can get a few 
pointers by watching them. I understand 
they're among the very besf 



204 UNDER FIRE IN FLANDERS; 



"Yes/' admitted the General, "I can hon- 
estly say that we have some very skillful and 
daring men in the aviation corps. You may 
remember it was a Frenchman who first suc- 
ceeded in crossing the English channel in an 
aircraft. Their exploits are many and of no- 
ble character.'' 

"It's funny how The Rat got a French 
chauffeur to help him out !" mused Jimmie. "I 
thought the Frenchmen as a rule were more 
honest." 

"Possibly misrepresentations were made," 
suggested Ned. "You know The Rat wouldn't 
be above lying a little !" 

"That's so," assented Jimmie. "By the 
way," he added, "where did The Rat go ? We 
left in such a hurry I never noticed." 

"He made a landing," Harry answered. "I 
saw him come easily to earth, and then I lost 
sight of him as we put on speed. We've lost 
him !" 

"Well, I certainly hope so!" emphatically 
declared Jimmie. "The next time we see him 
I hope- it will be through a prison grating !" 

"You will probably not have the opportun- 
ity of seeing your enemy for some little time," 
commented their guest. "He is no doubt by 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELOIUH. 205 



this time well on his way towards Flanders!" 

"Flanders?" mused Jimmie. "I don't recall 
any such town as that. I'm not very well 
posted on the geography of France, though." 

"Flanders is a country, not a town," kindly 
corrected the General. "It is a name used to 
designate the country called Belgium." 

"Oh, I know where that is !" declared Jim- 
mie at once. "That is between France and 
Germany, isn't it? They stopped the Ger- 
mans !" 

"Yes," sadly replied his informant, "they 
checked the German advance, but at fearful 
cost to themselves. It was done in an en- 
deavor to protect their neutrality. The first 
encounter occurred at Liege." 

"Another case of demanding peace, even at 
the expense of a fight!" put in Jack. "That's 
Jimmie's creed !" he added. 

"Why do they call the country 'Flanders' ?" 

asked Jimmie. 

" 'Flanders,' " replied the other, "is a name 
derived from an old nickname or appellation 
for the people who inhabited that section. For 
a long time the people who lived there were 
known as *Fleed-men,' or men who had es- 
caped from other countries. The name gradu- 



206 UNDER FIRE IN FLANDERS; 



ally was turned into the present form of 
Tlemish/ and the country known as *Flan- 
ders\" 

"Then the people are made up of contribu- 
tions from other nations?" inquired Jimmie, 
very much interested. "They were all mixed 
up?'' 

*Tes/' was the answer, 'Tjut many, many 
years have passed, and gradually there has 
grown up a distinct nation. Of course, the 
country, because of its peculiar position, has 
long been the scene of international fighting. 
It is said that Caesar and his legions had bat- 
tle there with the original inhabitants, called 
the Nervii. Many a battie has been fought 
at different times on Flemish territory." 

"Isn't the battleground of Waterloo where 
Napoleon met defeat, located in Flanders?" 
asked Ned, recalling his history. 

"It is," replied their guest, "and also other 
famous battlegrounds. For many years Flan- 
ders has been the scene of much warfare." 

"Do they talk English there?" questioned 
Jimmie eagerly. 

"The people speak French, German or 
Flemish in different sections," was the an- 
swer. "English is not commonly used. The 



OB^ THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELGIUM. 207 



people cling tenaciously to their language, 
customs and superstitions. It is in that sec- 
tion," continued their informant, "where so 
many fairy tales originated. The inhabitants 
largely hold firm faith in the existence and 
activities of sprites, witches, fairies and hob- 
goblins of all sorts. With their other primi- 
tive ideas, they also hold to the cardinal vir- 
tues of honesty, sobriety and industry. No- 
where, except possibly in Holland, will you 
find a more industrious and worthy class of 
people/' 

"It seems too bad to have good folks like 
those shot up by the Germans, just because 
they wanted to go across the country !" pro- 
tested Jimmie. "Couldn't Germany have gone 
around some other way?" 

A faint smile greeted this characteristic 
remark. 

"Possibly," agreed the other, "but it seems 
the more direct route was chosen. It is re- 
grettable, of course, but, for that matter, the 
whole war is regrettable. It brings good to 
no one." 

"I agree with you!" quickly responded the 
boy. "It's no good!" 

"Sail— Ho!" cried Harry, who had been in- 



208 UNDER FIRE IN FLANDERS; 



dustriously using the binoculars while listen- 
ing to the conversation. "I see an aeroplane !'* 

"Where away?" asked Ned, scanning the 
horizon eagerly. 

"Almost dead ahead," replied Harry. "Just 
a little to the left and above that hill. It is 
just above the trees." 

"I see it !" declared Ned. "I can't make out 
what it is like, though. It looks something 
like a biplane, but Fm not sure." 

"That's what it is!" asserted Harry. 
"You've got good eyes !" 

"Maybe it's some fellow from the aviation 
camp out for a trial run or else breaking in 
a new pilot," suggested Jimmie. 

"If that's the case," Jack put in, "we are 
near the place. Fm glad of that ! I'm inter- 
ested in the idea of seeing the French craft." 

"Keep your eyes open, then," advised Har- 
ry. "It looks as if we were going to cross the 
hill in a minute, and then we'll know !" 

"I see them !" shouted Jack in a short time. 
"I see a lot of them ! Oh-h-h !" exclaimed the 
boy excitedly, "there must be fifty machines, 
and all in the air at once ! It looks like a bee- 
hive !" 

"Just see those hangars !" was Ned's excited 



OS, THi; BOY SCOUTS IN BELGIUM. 209 



comment. "There must be nearly a hundred 
of them !" he continued in an awed tone. 

"Not quite a hundred/' laughed the General, 
^*but there are quite a number. More ma- 
chines are arriving daily, while others are 
either broken in practice or are sent away for 
duty at the front." 

Admiringly the boys gazed at the inspiring 
spectacle of so great a number of aeroplanes 
in the air at one time. Their interest knew 
no bounds. Here was an opportunity for 
gaining much information. 

All too soon was the Grey Eagle in the vi- 
cinity of the camp. Its coming was detected 
by some of the air scouts almost as quickly 
as the camp had been located by the boys. 
Several at once advanced and hovered near, 
in an effort to learn the identity of the vis- 
itor. 

Proceeding directly to a spot indicated by 
the General, Ned brought the machine grace- 
fully and easily to the ground. A group of 
aviators and officers quickly surrounded them 
and assisted the passengers to alight. Recog- 
nizing the General, they set up a hearty 
cheer. 

Turning to an officer in his immediate vicin- 



210 UNDER FIRE IN FLANDERS; 



ity, the General spent several minutes in ani- 
mated conversation. Apparently he was ques- 
tioning that individual closely concerning im- 
portant matters. 

At length he turned to the boys with a 
smile on his face. 

*Tou may rest easy on one score, at least/' 
he said. "Your friend, The Rat, made his way 
into Flanders about half an hour ago!*' 

"How do you know?'' asked Jimmie incred- 
ulously. 



OB^ THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELOIUU. 211 



CHAPTER XVin. 
An Interrupted Race. 

"My information comes from the officer, 
here, replied the General, with a smile at the 
boy's pertinent query. "He states that an 
observer near the boundary reports by tele- 
phone that a monoplane resembling that used 
by The Rat was seen crossing to the eastward 
only a few minutes previous to our arrival 
here. He was traveling high and rapidly.*' 

"In that case, we'd better get going our- 
selves," urged Jack. 

"But I want to stay here a while and watch 
these French airmen," Jimmie objected. "Be- 
sides, it wouldn't be polite to go away so soon. 
The General hasn't had a chance to ask us to 
lunch," he added, with a wink at Ned who was 
standing near. 

"Same old cold, I suppose," protested Jack. 
'Tou had a lunch only a few hours ago, and 
now you're hungry again! What's the mat- 
ter?" 

"Hunger seems to be an affliction from 
which Jimmie always suffers," laughed Ned. 
"I'm sure I don't know what to do !" 



212 UNDEB FIRE IN FLANDEB8; 



"That's not an affliction/* maintained Jim- 
mie, joining in the spirit of the chaffing, 
"that's what they call a disease !'* 

"It's chronic, whatever you call it!" assert- 
ed Harry. 

'Well, it's a mighty good thing you fellows 
have me to be your alarm clock, anyhow!" 
stoutly returned Jimime. "If it wasn't for 
me to remind you once in awhile, you'd forget 
to eat I'm useful !" 

Laughingly giving instructions that the 
boys should be well supplied with breakfast, 
the General asked to be excused for a short 
time. He at once retired, in company with 
the officer who seemed to be in command of 
the camp, to a building set apart for office 
purposes. 

The boys walked about, under the guidance 
of a non-commissioned officer who had been 
detailed for the purpose, inspecting the new 
aeroplanes arriving in cases from the factory, 
those already assembled, and a number which 
had been tested. They saw several machines 
which had been badly damaged, some by rea- 
son of defects and others by unskillful han- 
dling by novices. A number of aspiring can- 
didates were being given practical instruction 



OB, THE BOT SCOUTS IN BELGIUH 213 



in aviation by experienced men. None of the 
recruits were permitted to take charge of a 
machine until after several flights had been 
made in company with their instructors. Then 
they were given charge of a machine and per- 
mitted to make their first flight imaccompan- 
ied. Jimmie declared that his fingers itched 
to have charge of one of the larger machines 
intended for attack. The small scouting ma- 
chines did not interest him. 

The large planes were built with space for 
mounting a machine gun, with room for its 
operator and a supply of ammunition. Above 
the gunner's seat the pilot was located, where 
he could get an excellent view of his surround- 
ings and direct the craft as desired by the 
gunner. 

A bugle call attracted their attention. Their 
guide announced, through Francois, who act- 
ed as interpreter, that lunch was ready. 

"I declare, I nearly forgot I was hungry !'' 
asserted Jimmie. 

*Tt's mighty interesting!" agreed Ned. 
*'But I don't think they have anything the bet- 
ter of our little old Grey Eagle, when it comes 
to ease of handling and speed. We can show 



214 UNDEB FIRE IN FLAMDEB8; 



any of them a clean pair of heels when that 
engine gets nicely smoothed up!'' 

"Right you are, Scout!" Jimmie returned 
vigorously. "And they haven't any of them 
got anything on me when it comes to eating! 
Advance, Comrades!" he continued with a 
laugh. "Let us attack the cold cure !" 

Before the boys had devoured the splendid 
luncheon provided for them under the direc- 
tion of the commander, they were again vis- 
ited by their recent passenger. He had been 
very busy during the short interval and, as 
the boys later learned, had gotten in touch 
with the entire battle front by means of tele- 
graph and telephone. Orders had been issued 
with whirlwind promptness,-and information 
received, to be glanced at only once ere it was 
safely stored in the master mind. 

Long after their visit the boys learned to 
value the ability of the man whom all France 
was depending upon to bring her out of the 
terrible crisis in which she was then placed. 

After inquiring if their wants had been 
properly supplied, the General approached 
Ned on a subject that the lad had anticipated 
would be mentioned. It was one that he 
dreaded. 



OB, THE BOT SCOUTS IN BELOIUfiL 815 



Seating himself at Ned's invitation, the 
General began: 

*What do you think of our little camp by 
this time?" 

"It is great!" heartily responded Ned. "I 
like it r 

"And the principle, is it not a correct one?" 

"I think so," replied the lad. "I believe it is 
a grand idea to teach the men everything pos- 
sible about the matter before sending them 
out on the firing line. Do they seem to learn 
readily?" 

"Yes," was the answer, "but we are in need 
of one thing. We must have more instruct- 
ors! There are not enough men who can 
teach !" 

What Ned dreaded he saw all too plainly 
was coming. 

"Do you not perceive our need of men?" 
continued his questioner. 

"Yes, sir, I can," returned Ned. Then, as 
if determined to meet the issue squarely, he 
went on, looking straight into the other's 
face: 

"If it were not for the fact that we are citi- 
zens of the United States and, therefore, neu- 
tral, I would be delighted to offer my services 



216 UNDEB FIRE IN FLANDEBS; 



in any way they might be used. We are on a 
mission that requires our time and utmost en- 
ergy, however, and it would be out of the ques- 
tion for us even to think of such a possibility/' 

For just a moment no answer was made. 
The two sat gazing silently across the table. 
At length the General spoke in a lower tone: 

"You are right, my lad! Loyalty to your 
country and her needs should always be your 
first consideration. Let principle be of far 
greater moment than any pecuniary gain, and 
you cannot go far wrong I" 

So saying he arose and extended his hand to 
Ned. In that firm clasp Ned detected the emo- 
tion that swept over this master of men, who 
carried the responsibility of a nation at that 
moment on his shoulders. 

Long afterward he declared that one of 
the proudest moments of his life was the one 
in which he and Joffre clasped hands across 
the table in the aviation camp. From that 
time his efforts to instil into the minds of his 
comrades ideas of patriotism and loyalty in- 
creased. 

After giving instructions that the boys 
should be well cared for during such time as 
they wished to remain, the General prepared 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BBLGIUIL 217 



to go about his duties. As he was leaving^ 
Ned asked : 

*We feel that we must continue our chase 
of The Rat and try to prevent his selling the 
plans to any other nation. He is, no doubt, 
on his way to Berlin, and we ought to follow. 
Can you give us a pass to go through or over 
your lines with the Grey Eagle?" 

"That is impossible,'* returned the other. 
"No one but the regular aviators are permit- 
ted to do that, and then only under orders. 
If, however, you should make such a move 
without my knowledge or consent, I could not 
prevent it. The men in the trenches will have 
orders not to fire on any aeroplane like the 
Grey Eagle if a white cross is painted on the 
lower side of the plants. There is plenty of 
white paint here." 

Expressing their sincere thanks, the boys 
left the General and proceeded to their sight- 
seeing. Jimmie was very anxious to find the 
paint pot and brush, declaring he could take 
a hint easily. This was easily arranged, and 
in a short time two large white crosses were 
on the lower side of the Grey Eagle's planes^ 
where they could be easily seen. 



218 XTNDEB FIBS IN FLANDEBS; 



'Tou have quite a machine there/' politely 
suggested a pilot 

"Thank you/' replied Ned, with Francois 
interpreting. 

"Perhaps it is quite swift?" continued the 
other. 

Ned shrugged his shoulders. He did not 
wish to boast. 

"I believe my monoplane is able to travel 
faster/' stated the other. 'T am a firm be- 
liever in the merits of a monoplane !" 

"Possibly/' replied Ned, a little nettled at 
the fellow's insistence. "We are satisfied. 
Our machine carries a heavy load." 

'What do you say to a little race?" ques- 
tioned the pilot. 

'What shall we do, boys?" queried Ned, 
turning to his companions. "Shall we keep 
still and let him have his own way or not?" 

"I should say not!" vociferated Jimmie, 
bridling at once. "If you let him get away 
with anything like that, he'll take the whole 
house next! I say we'd better show him a 
trick or two. We can do it !" 

"Maybe not/' cautioned Jack. "These fel- 
lows are pretty smooth!" 

"They haven't got anything on the little old 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELOZUIL 219 

Grey Eagle when it comes to getting out of 
the road. Some day FU show you !*' 

^'Well, I vote we show this gentleman right 
now !" urged Harry.' 

It was accordingly agreed that a trial race 
was to be run between the machine owned by 
the boys and that of the French pilot. Quickly 
the news went round the camp, and by the 
time preparations had been made everyone 
was keenly alert The boys went carefully 
over every part of their machine, examining 
every guy and fastening. 

At last the Grey Eagle was pronounced 
ready, and final instructions were given as to 
the course. It was agreed that as a test of all 
the qualities necessary in a machine a mes- 
sage should be carried to an outpost on the 
firing line not many miles to the eastward. 
An officer there would give a receipt for the 
message, and the return of the receipt to the 
camp would determine which machine was the 
winner. 

"Be careful, boys," cautioned Francois. "I 
think the pilot is telephoning to a friend of 
im to have a receipt ready written and put up 
on a hoop on a long pole, after the manner of 
your American train order deliveries. He can 
then drop his message, pick up the receipt, 



iTf 



220 UNDXB FIBE IN FLANDEBS; 

and beat you without being required to land 
at alir' 

"Did you hear him telephoning?" asked 
Jimmie indignantly. 

"Just now !" replied Francois. "He has but 
just left the booth r 

"Then well fix him r declared Jhnmie. *T11 
report him !" 

"Please do not!" begged Francois. "It 
would only make trouble I" 

"In that case, Ned, weVe got to beat this 
fellow by some few minutes. He^s going to 
try to win the race by a trick !" 

"Evidently we Ve got him scared !" laughed 
Ned. 

"It looks that way, surely!" agreed Jimmie. 

After receiving explicit instructions regard- 
ing the location of the point where the i^es- 
sages were to be delivered, the boys mounted 
their machine. Ned followed the example of 
the Frenchman, and warmed his engine well 
before announcing that he was ready. 

Several had advised Ned to remove some 
weight from his craft before starting, and 
also strongly advised against carrying four 
passengers. To these objections, however, 
Ned returned but one answer. He had agreed 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELGIUM. 221 



to run the race in ordinary condition, and he 
would not now retreat. 

At a pistol shot, fired as the starting signal, 
both machines seemed to leap into the air. 
Ned had opened the muffler for the start, and 
Jimmie declared afterward that a stream of 
fire a mile long burst from the exhaust pipe. 
The roar of the Grey Eaglets motor completely 
drowned out the noise of the monoplane. In a 
short time the camp had been left far in the 
rear. The Grey Eagle easily took the lead 
and steadily gained on the rival air craft, in 
spite of the Frenchman's best efforts. He was 
using every trick and device of which he was 
master. 

Soon Harry, who had been using the binocu- 
lars constantly, announced that he could see 
a group of men standing in a field, evidently 
watching for the coming of the machines. 
They were grouped near some trees. 

Ned prepared to make a quick landing. He 
saw, however, upon nearing the ground that 
the spot did not offer suitable advantages and 
rose again. Continuing over a slight wooded 
rise, he found an open space which seemdd 
satisfactory. Here he made an excellent 
landing. 



222 UMDEB FIBE IN FLANDERS; 



"Stay where you are," he cried, springing 
to the ground. "I'll run back through these 
trees and get a receipt for the message." 

"That will give the monoplane an advan- 
tage !" cried Jimmie. "They picked that poor 
landing spot because he doesn't have to stop !" 

"That's some trick, I must say!" chimed in 
Harry. 

Ned ran rapidly back toward the group of 
men. He could see the monoplane descending 
and noted the preparations for delivery of the 
receipt 

"Halt!" a voice commanded, coming from 
the ground at Ned's feet 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELGIUM. 223 



CHAPTER XIX. 

Captured and Under Fire. 

Startled by the unusual circumstance of a 
human voice coming, apparently, from the 
very earth at his feet, the boy paused in won- 
derment. He glanced inquiringly about, 
searching for the owner of the voice. 

No one appeared, and thinking it either a 
trick of his imagination or the work of some 
ventriloquist who desired to play a joke upon 
him, Ned again started up the slight rise, in- 
tending to hasten toward the group of offi- 
cers, where he would get the receipt for his 
message. 

Already the droning of the monoplane's 
motors told him that there was need, of haste 
if he would make the return trip to the Grey 
Eagle and hope to even overtake his rival 
before reaching the aviation camp. Impa- 
tient at the trick he thought had been played 
Ned fumed. 

"Halt!" again came the command, and ap- 
parently from the same direction. No one 
was in sight, and Ned was plainly puzzled. 



224 UNDEB FIBB IN 7LANDEB8; 



Glancing along the slope to his right, he 
saw what at first sight seemed to be the open- 
ing into a burrow of a fox or wolf or some 
other creature of similar habits. Curiously 
enough, Ned detected a pair of eyes peering 
forth from the darkness of the excavation. 

With a start the boy realized, however, that 
the rifle barrel protruding from the cavity 
was not the property of fox or wolf, but indi- 
cated the presence of a human being. A closer 
glance showed him that the eyes were not 
those of a wild animal, but belonged to a man. 
A glint of metal and flash of color from the 
blackness behind the small opening betokened 
a uniform. Ned's thoughts rioted frantically. 

His first impulse was to turn and hasten 
from the spot as rapidly as his legs would 
carry him, but he realized that the man with 
the rifle was a determined character, and 
might not hesitate to shoot 

A volley of questions issued forth from the 
opening, but the language was one unfamiliar 
to Ned, and he could only shake his head. 

"I cannot understand you," he at length 
ventured. "Can you speak English? Per- 
haps we might understand each other better 
if you can.*' 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELOIUM. 226 



"English?" repeated the man from his loca- 
tion. "Yes, I speak English very good r This 
statement was belied by his accent and pro- 
nunciation, but Ned accepted it at its face 
value, giving his whole attention to the mat- 
ter of carrying on the halting conversation. 

"Why do you stop me?" Ned asked. "How 
did you get in there?" 

"We stop all spies coming from the Ger- 
mans!" replied the voice. "You will remain 
where you are and my comrade will appear !" 

"That's nice!" scorned Ned hotly. "Why, 
you are entirely mistaken ! I have never been 
in Germany! I am from the United States!" 

"You have had a long journey," replied the 
other, with mock sympathy, "and will need a 
rest before proceeding. Therefore, we will be 
glad to have you accept the hospitality of our 
poor quarters !" 

"But I am from the aviation camp to the 
westward of here. I am in a race with a 
French air pilot, and you will cause me to lose 
the race !" stormed Ned, beginning to see that 
the fellow meant to detain him. 

^We have very comfortable quarters!" 
urged the other. 



226 UNDKB FIBE IN FLAHDEB8; 



'Well, occupy them, thenP gnapped Ned. 
"I am going on !" 

'^Listen!'' commanded the other. '^Unless 
you accept our so freely offered hospitality 
of the drawing room, we shall be obliged to 
put you to sleep in one of our nice new beds. 
They are quite comfortable, I assure yoiL No 
one of the occupants has ever complained !" 

Ned caught the significance of the remark, 
and decided that he did not care to become 
a lodger with this man as landlord. He knew 
full well why none of the tenants mentioned 
ever complained of the quarters. The tenants 
referred to would never complain again of 
any quarters. 

Wisely concluding that nothing would be 
gained by further efforts to convince the fel- 
low of his identity, Ned put away all thought 
of immediate escape, and with it also laid 
aside the cherished hope of beating the 
French pilot and his monoplane. That must 
wait. 

A man in uniform appeared from behind 
a clump of bushes a short distance to the right 
with such startling suddenness that Ned 
nearly lost his composure. He carried a rope 
and approached Ned with a smile. Ned held 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELOIUIff. 227 



UT9 



up a protesting hand and waved away the 
bond. 

"You don't have to tie me up!" he said. 
I'll go with you peaceably. I shall not try 
to run away from such good landlords !" 

"Will you not step into the parlor?" sug- 
gested the newcomer. 

Believing compliance with their wishes the 
only way to placate them, Ned followed his 
captor to the clump of bushes, behind which 
he discovered a narrow shaft leading down- 
wards into the earth. Steps, uneven but firm, 
were cut into the sloping side, affording sure 
footing. 

Under a low lintel Ned stooped and found 
himself in a sort of cave or cellar, the sides 
propped and supported by short lengths of 
small saplings, the roof braced with larger 
logs, the only opening, the burrow-like hole 
in the hillside, providing light and ventila- 
tion. 

A bunk with straw for mattress afforded 
sleeping accommodation, while straw was 
plentifully strewn on the floor, making a fine 
rug. 

"I do not understand the arrangement,"' 
Ned began, as he surveyed the interior of the 



228 UNDEB FIRE IN FLANDEBS; 



place. '^What is the idea? Why bring me 
here?" 

"If I had not captured you, another might 
have been minded to put you to sleep!" re- 
plied the first speaker. "Not all of the men 
in the trenches are considerate of Germans, 
but I liked your looks, and so you are here 
.now instead of fast asleep," he added, tap- 
ping his rifle and smiling significantly, while 
he still looked out from his window. 

"Germans are not usually welcome in the 
drawing room," added the other soldier, "and 
they are put to sleep as soon as possible !" 

"But Fm not a German!" protested Ned 
lagorously. 

"No?" inquired the other politely. "Listen 
a moment, I hear an officer approaching. We 
shall soon learn if you are a ^Bosche^ !" 

Ned was startled to discover a fourth per- 
son in the narrow confines of the place. The 
late arrival was evidently an officer. 

Saluting, the two occupants of the burrow 
began a report in French concerning their 
captive. Evidently full details were being 
asked and given, for the conversation con- 
sumed much time. 

"Come with me," the officer said to Ned 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELGIUM. 229 



at length, as he turned toward an opening 
that had heretofore escaped the lad's atten- 
tion. 

"But, officer," protested the boy, "my com- 
rades are out there, waiting for me to return ! 
I cannot leave them!" 

A few words of command from the officer 
caused both soldiers to make hasty prepara- 
tions for departure. They were evidently 
about to sally forth to capture the crew of the 
Grey Eagle. Ned fumed. He had been very 
foolish, he thought, to make so rash a state- 
nient. 

The officer indicated that Ned was to pro- 
ceed into the passageway. 

For some distance they passed through a 
tunnel-like opening, scarcely large enough for 
a full-grown person to negotiate. At inter- 
vals an opening, somewhat similar to the one 
first seen by Ned, gave ventilation and light. 
It served the double purpose of window and 
loop-hole, the officer explained, in case Ger- 
mans should venture too near. Once, as he 
paused to look forth from one of the open- 
ings, he called Ned^s attention to a clump of 
trees some little distance away. 

"Can you see that man moving about?" he 



230 UNDEB FIRE IN FLANDERS,' 



questioned. *Tes? Well, presently you will 
see him throw up his arms and fall. Our 
sharpshooters will get him! Your men are 
too reckless. They expose themselves too 
much! Now he is preparing a position for 
one of your guns. Tonight your friends will 
drag up to that clump of trees a gun this big," 
he formed his arms into a circle. "Then the 
ranges will be given them, and they will start 
shelling these trenches. After they have de- 
molished our so hardly earned resting places, 
they will charge. Tomorrow night they will 
charge. Then they will occupy these trenches 
— ^perhaps !" 

"My friends haven't got a gun, except an 
automatic pistol and a rifle!" protested Ned. 
**We will not charge the trenches, because we 
do not know they are here. If your man had 
not stopped me I would never have suspected 
that this hillside was undermined as it is !" 

"Ah!" ejaculated the officer, eyeing Ned 
closely. "Perhaps you tell the truth. But 
come," he added, "we must proceed." 

Not far from where they were standing a 
larger excavation had been made, and this 
was fitted up more luxuriously than the other. 
A mirror was on the wall, a stove in the cor- 
ner, and a telephone instrument rested on an 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELGIUM. 231 



upturned box near the bunks. As they ap- 
proached, shouts of laughter greeted their 
ears. Evidently the life in the underground 
passages had not destroyed the soldiers* sense 
of humor. 

Turning a corner, the cause of the merri- 
ment was at once apparent. One soldier was 
seated on an empty provision case, his face 
covered with lather. Another stood beside 
him, endeavoring to play the part of a bar- 
ber, but with very indifferent success, judging 
by the expletives from the lathered one. All 
seemed hugely enjoying the circumstance. 

As the officer entered he called out a low 
order. Instantly every man was on his feet 
standing at attention. Even the lathered sol- 
dier stood. Simultaneously their hands were 
raised in military salute, and remained so un- 
til the salute had been returned by the officer. 

Picking up the telephone, the officer spoke 
rapidly for a few moments, then replaced the 
instrument and directed a question to the 
man watching from the window. That indi- 
vidual replied at some length, pointing out 
toward the same clump of trees that had been 
indicated to Ned by the officer himself. Evi- 
dently something unusual was taking place. 



S82 UNDEB FIRE IN FLAHDEBS; 



A sharp exclamation from the soldier on 
watch brought the others to their feet He 
was excitedly pointing toward the trees and 
speaking rapidly. Ned saw a cloud of white 
smoke appear in the grove. 

Following the glances of the men, he was 
startled to see hurtling through the air a 
large black object. It appeared to be ap- 
proaching their position. Ned clearly fol- 
lowed the missile until it fell to earth but a 
short distance away. Scarcely had it touched 
the earth before their burrow was shaken 
and rocked by a mighty explosion. 

Dirt fell from the roof in showers. Ned 
had clapped his hands to his ears as the mis- 
sile fell, expecting an explosion, and thus did 
not suffer the painful shock that would other- 
wise have been felt. 

Glancing from the opening he saw an im- 
mense cloud of heavy black smoke hovering 
all about the place where the shell had landed. 
An awful odor crept into the place, nearly 
choking the men. 

Again a cry from the man on watch star- 
tled Ned. -Ajiother shell was coming! He 
turned to run back along the passageway, 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELGIUM. SSS 



but stumbled on the uneven floor and felL 
A shout from the officer roused the boy. 

Looking backward, he could see a revolver 
leveled in his direction, and lost no time in 
scrambling to his feet. Just in time he dodged 
around an agle in the passage. Shot after 
shot came tearing into the dirt at his side* 
Luckily the officer^s aim was poor. 

In a half-panic Ned raced as fast as he wa» 
able along the narrow tunnel. His one 
thought was to regain the open air and find 
his chums, who would be frantic at his long- 
delayed return. He had gone but a few steps 
until the earth seemed to rock violently. A 
burst of air from the rear swept the boy off 
his feet. His ears were deafened by a terrific 
blast that shook the entire surroundings. 

Scrambling upward beneath the weight of 
dirt that had fallen, Ned with great difficulty 
stood upright. Strangely enough, daylight 
was all about him. The roof of the trench 
had fallen ! 

Glancing backward, Ned saw a yawning pit 
where once had been the roomful of soldiers. 
A heavy black cloud of smoke hung over the 
place. 

Astounded at the narrow margin by which 



234 UNDEB FIRE IN FLANDEBS; 



he had escaped the disaster that had over- 
taken the men in the trench, Ned stood for 
an instant, unable to decide what to do. Then 
his training prompted him to return to lend 
whatever aid might be in his power to such 
as needed it 

Search as he might, the boy could find no 
indication of living men. All, seemingly, had 
been blown to atoms. As he was turning 
away from the scene, sick at heart, he 
brushed aside a low-growing bush. From an 
upper branch fell an object. It was part of 
a man's arm, with a revolver still clutched in 
the hand. Ned ran at full speed from the 
spot. 



OB, THE BOY SOOXITS IN BELGIUM 236 



CHAPTER XX. 
Lost Above the Lines. 

Impatiently awaiting the return of their 
comrade, the four boys sat in the Grey Eagle, 
Jimmie insisted on keeping the* motor run- 
ning, in order that it would be warm and 
ready for instant flight upon Ned's return 
with the receipt for the message. 

"It seems to take an awful long time!" 
fumed Jack, peering into the growth of 
bushes nearest the Grey Eagle. **He can't be 
lost!" 

"Lost nothing!" exclaimed Jimmie scorn- 
fully. "You can't lose Ned Nestor! He*s 
probably having an argument with the guys 
over there, who will do everything they can 
to delay him so their friend can win !" 

"That wasn't exactly a fair thing to do, 
anyhow!" protested Francois. "I think it 
was arranged for a huge joke !" 

"Joke?" queried Jimmie, bristling. "Joke? 
If those things are jokes, I haven't any sense 
of humor. That's no joke !" 



2S6 XTNDEB FIRE IN FLANDEBS; 



"It's a mighty low sort of trick, I say!" 
spoke up Harry. 

"That's what it is," chimed in Jimmie. 
"And, say, Francois," he went on, *Ve like 
you, and you're a good friend of ours, but 
please don't try to smooth over this French- 
man's actions. It won't go !" 

"All right/' repUed the lad. "I don't ap- 
prove of it any more than you do, but I want- 
ed to make peace, that's all." 

'Well, you just remain neutral, and it'll be 
all right!" 

A general laugh went up at this declara- 
tion. They knew that Jimmie loved neutral- 
ity and peace, even if he had to fight to get 
them. 

Directly the clamor of the monoplane's mo- 
tors ceased. The noise had been growing 
louder and more distinct, but now died away 
entirely. Jimmie stood up in his place and 
peered anxiously about. 

'What's going on?" he questioned. "Is he 
stopping?" 

"I don't think so," ventured Francois. "He's 
just shutting off power, and will volplane 
down to a point where he picks up the re- 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELOIUBl 237 



ceipt. Then he will swing upward again un- 
der power and be away !'' 

The boy's conjecture was, indeed, correct. 
The pilot of the monoplane glided swiftly 
down to a level barely clear of the earth. 
Swooping along, he caught the immense hoop 
on which the message had been fixed, 
wrenched it from its standard, and again 
started upward. 

"There he goes!'' shouted Jimmie disgust- 
edly, as the roar of the exhaust from the 
French machine reached their ears. "Engine 
working like an IngersoU, everything all 
right, clear track, nothing to do till tomor- 
row ! Great Frozen Hot Boxes ; this is some- 
thing fierce !" 

"Keep your head, Jimmie,'' advised Jack 
consolingly. 'We've lost this race, but there 
may be others. Ned will return directly." 

'Well, what's keeping him?" demanded 
Jimmie, controlling himself with an effort. "I 
wonder if they are reading the message be- 
fore replying." 

"They're a bunch of pikers!" declared 
Harry. 

Of course, we know that Harry's applica- 
tion of the term to the ones in charge of the 



238 UNDER FIRX IN FULNDEBS; 



receipt was in this case unwarranted. Ned's 
delay could not in any way be charged to their 
actions at this time. 

"Fm going to run along the path a little 
ways and see what's keeping Ned !'' declared 
Jimmie at length. "I know something's 
wrong !" 

"Better stay here, Jimmie," advised Harry. 
"Ned wouldn't like it if you wander away 
from the machine even a little way." 

"That's right, Jimmie," added Jack. "Ned 
might return here by another route than that 
which he followed, and you'd miss him !" 

"Besides," continued Francois, "I think it 
is going to rain. I felt a big drop just now 
on my face, and it seems to be getting 
colder." 

Glancing about, the boys agreed that a 
change in the weather was imminent. Their 
previous experiences enabled them to forecast 
changes with a fair degree of accuracy. Just 
now they could not decide what might be in 
store. Heavy clouds were forming on the 
horizon, but the sun was still shining on the 
Grey Eagle and its crew. 

Speculating and debating on the cause of 
Ned's delay, the boys passed away several 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELOIUM. 239 



minutes. Presently the suspense became un- 
endurable to Jimmie, who provided himself 
with several clips of cartridges for his auto- 
matic and, declaring his intention of finding 
Ned, set out. 

'*Go careful with that smoke wagon 1*' 
called Jack. 

"Guess I know how to run one of these 
things V^ declared Jimmie. "If it's necessary, 
Fm going to clean house on that bunch back 
there! They haven't any right to hold Ned 
so long as this ! I'm sore !" 

Walking rapidly, the boy soon entered the 
undergrowth that hid him from sight of those 
in the Grey Eagle. Every instinct alert, the 
lad slipped silently along in the general di- 
rection taken by his comrade some time pre- 
viously. He was studying the ground care- 
fully. 

At one point he stopped abruptly, examined 
the turf at his feet, then glanced about with- 
out raising his head. He was standing in the 
very spd^^ where Ned had been halted. Fol- 
lowing the footprints with his eyes, Jimmie 
detected the opening, and on further exam- 
ination noticed that the aperture had been 
made by hands wielding tools. 



240 UNDER 7IBE IN FLANDEBS; 



"Great Frozen Hot Boxes !'^ gasped the boy, 
"There's a cave, as sure as guns are iron! 
Some of those fairies or pygmies or hobgob- 
lins have gone and geezled Ned 1 Here's their 
window !" 

Stepping lightly over the surface, Jimmie 
took great pains to leave the tracks of Ned 
and his captor undisturbed. Arriving at the 
entrance behind the clump of bushes, the boy 
stooped, and for some time examined care- 
fully every mark. At length he straightened 
and set off in the direction of the Grey Eagle, 
evidently following another trail. 

Directly he glanced ahead and saw, to his 
amazement, that his chums were in trouble. 
He slipped cautiously out of sight behind a 
friendly shrub, and crept close to the machine 
and its occupants. 

Jack, Harry and Francois had viewed with 
some misgivings the departure of Jimmie 
upon his quest, which they considered useless. 

Determined to remain at the spot where 
Ned had left them until his return, they set- 
tled themselves and begain a conversation on 
many topics. The scenery attracted their at- 
tention most, and they were admiring a range 



OB, THE BOY SC0X7TS IN BELOIUM. 241 



of hills to the eastward when they heard a 
command : 

"Surrender ! You will be shot !" 
Surprised at the gruff voice, which they 
did not recognize, the boys turned instantly, 
to find themselves covered by two rifles held 
in the determined grasp of men in uniform. 
This, at least, was no joke !'' 

'What do you want?'' stormed Jack indig- 
nantly. "Put down those guns! Don't you 
know they might go off and hurt somebody?" 

"This one has already accounted for several 
of your countrymen !" replied one of the men 
with a laugh. "It is ready to do a like serv- 
ice for you if you do not surrender at once ! 
Come, time is short !" 

'What does a fellow have to do when he 
surrenders?" asked Jack. "We strive to 
please, but are not quite posted as to your 
customs 1" 

"Alight from that machine instantly !" com- 
manded the other. 

"Why?" questioned Jack argumentatively. 

"Because I have told you ! I shall shoot if 
you do not !" 

"That's a mighty good argument. Old 
Scout," agreed Jack, "but we don't like your 



242 UNDER FIBE IN FLANDEBS; 



methods. You are a little too rough in your 
play!" 

"Play!" stormed the other, fast losing pa- 
tience. "This is not play, as you shall soon 
learn. Come, I shall not argue !" 

'^Well, the nerve of some people's children !" 
exclaimed Harry. "Say, Buddy," he added, 
"we're from the United States, and we don't 
see how you can boss us around like that. We 
haven't harmed you !" 

"United States!" scorned the soldier. "So 
said the other. All Germans come from the 
United States! No," he decided, shaking his 
head, "you must invent some other story. 
That is not good !" 

"Do you mean to call us Germans?" Harry 
cried, rising. ^Why, you better look out or 
I'll get sore ! We're not Germans ; we're Yan- 
kees !" 

"Have your own way about it, but come out 
of that machine instantly!" replied the sol- 
dier, dropping his air of banter and raising 
his rifle. 

Just as the boys were preparing to obey 
this command, they were startled to hear 
Jimmie's voice crying : 

"Stay where you are, boys ! And you Land- 



'■ L .iaj»H>-n 



OS, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELOIUM. 243 



Sturm fellows, drop your guns and put up 
your hands! Do it quick, or something will 
dropr^ 

Chagrined at the thought of being captured 
by a single boy, the soldiers attempted a show 
of resistance. Their opinions underwent a 
swift change as Jimmie, seeing their inten- 
tions, fired into the ground at their feet. He 
was advancing, keeping the soldiers well cov- 
ered. 

"Take their rifles, boys," Jimmie directed. 
"Lay 'em away !" 

Raging at this sudden reversal of affairs, 
the soldiers could do nothing else than meekly 
permit their arms to be removed. 

"Now, then," went on Jimmie, "where did 
you put our comrade?" 

"He went through the trenches with our 
superior," answered one. 

'Where is he now?" asked Jimmie, keeping 
his automatic ready. 

Characteristic shrugs of the shoulders was 
the only reply. 

At that instant the boys heard a terrific 
screaming in the air, followed by the boom 
of a distant cannon. Instantly they felt the 
shock of a bursting shell of large proportions. 



244 UNDER FIRE IN FLANDERS; 



"Look, look!" cried Francois, using the 
French language. "It is one of those dread- 
ful shells. Look at the awful black smoke !" 

For the moment all eyes were turned in the 
direction indicated. It was, indeed, as Fran- 
cois had said. The dreaded smoke was there. 

Again they heard the scream of a shell, and 
this time as it exploded the tremor of the 
earth was greater, although the detonation 
was not so loud as in the case of the former 
shell. 

"That hit into something!" declared Jimmie 
excitedly. 

'Where are they coming from?" asked 
Harry. "Who's shooting?" 

"Those are the dreaded German shells !" re- 
plied Francois. 

For a few moments the boys stood, expect- 
ing to hear other shells. None came, how- 
ever, and they were about to give their atten- 
tion to the soldiers when Jimmie espied Ned's 
figure running toward them. 

"Well, look what the cat dragged in!" he 
exclaimed, rushing toward his chum. "Where 
did you come from. Scout? Aren't you lost?" 

Ned shuddered and hid his face. He was 



OB, THE B07 SCOUTS IN BELGIUIL 246 



horrified at his recent experience. In a few 
words he told the details. 

"There's an aeroplane rising from the east- 
ward !'' cried Harry. 

'*ni bet it's a Taube!" declared Jimmie. 
'It's bird-shaped !" 

Upon seeing the flier the soldiers became 
panic stricken. They declared that all were 
in danger from bombs and darts, and begged 
the boys to take refuge in the trenches, where 
only lay safety. 

"Let's wheel the Grey Eagle under those 
trees," suggested Ned, "and get into the 
trenches with them. It is safer than out 
here 1" 

No time was lost in carrying out this sug- 
gestion, and friendship having been estab- 
lished by Ned's safe return, all were soon at 
ease in the somewhat crowded quarters. 
Their anxiety was not lessened, however, for 
the German flier proceeded to pass above their 
position, dropping an occasional bomb. This 
continued until darkness, accompanied by a 
fog and rain, compelled him to retire to the 
shelter of his own lines. 

Jimmie's hunger, added to the discomfort 
of the trench, compelled the boys to consider 



246 UVDEB FIKE IN FLANDERS; 



a change. Finding repairs to the damaged 
trench possible, a detachment of soldiers had 
appeared. They were joined by the two with 
whom the lads had become so well acquainted. 
"Let's fly back to the aviation camp and get 
supper!" Jimmie proposed. "I have got an- 
other of those bad colds !" 

In a short time the boys had mounted the 
Grey Eagle and were away from the scene. 
Below and all about them lay the fog. Sounds 
came faintly up to their ears. Suddenly a 
piercing scream indicated the passage of an- 
other of the giant shells. A roar told that it 
had landed and exploded. Ned steered away 
in another direction. Below them a great 
flash of light accompanied a terrific roar. A 
cannon had been fired. 

"Where are we, Ned?*' quavered Jimmie. 
"Can you tell?'' 

"We're right over a battery!" replied Ned, 
shifting the levers. "They seem to be firing 
and fired at! We're between two fires!" 

"We're lost, that's what we are," cried Jim- 
mie, "and no compass !'* 



\ 

0B» THE B07 SCOUTS IN BELGIUM. 247 



CHAPTER XXL 
Coffee With the Kaiser. 

^*Lost?" was Harr/s startled ejaculation. 
"Don^t say that r 

'Why not?" inquired Jimmie, peering into 
the thick fog that enveloped them. * Why not 
say it, when it is so? We sure are lost!" 

Gradually the din below them increased, as 
gun after gun was added to the number in 
action. It seemed that a general bombard- 
ment was in progress along the whole line. 
Ned drew the Grey Eagle to a greater height, 
for the sake of safety, hoping to be out of 
range of shells. 

"Suppose we just whoop it up for a few 
minutes the way you're headed, and see if we 
can't get away from this racket !" urged Jim- 
mie. 

With a nod of consent Ned touched the 
throttle, sending the Grey Eagle ahead on 
fleet wings. The machine dashed into banks 
of fog so thick the boys were soon dripping 
wet. 

"Up, up, Ned !" cried Jack. * We're into a 
tree !" 



<, \ 



248 UNDER 7IBE IN FLANDEB8; 



A quick pull at the levers sent the Grey 
Eagle almost straight up. The tree was 
cleared by a narrow margin. Ned glanced 
about and shook his head. He had barely 
saved the craft and its freight. 

Slowing pace and flying low, Ned located a 
clearing where he determined to land. He 
circled easily to rest in a plowed field of per- 
haps two or three acres in extent, and the 
boys at once proceeded to find shelter under 
a growth of trees beside the field. 

"I see a highway!'' announced Jimmie in a 
moment "Also, I hear hens talking. Guess 
I'll forage and get some eggs and things !" 

The boys were surprised at Jimmie's short 
absence. Bearing two fowls and a hatful of 
eggs, he was back with little delay. 

''We're lucky!" he announced. "The house 
is all shot up, folks gone, but hens still on the 
job. There's three or four cases of eggs back 
there, just lying around. HoVll you have 
'em, fried, scrambled, boiled, broiled, baked, 
stewed, poached, omelette, or just plain 
eggs?" 

"Make some coffee, too, Jimmie," directed 
Ned, "but don't let the fire show. No telling 
who may be scouting around here." 



0B| THE B07 SCOUTS IN BELaiUH 249 



"Right-0, Scout!'' agreed Jimmie, in a low 
tone. "Jack, will you get out that can of 
sliced bacon and the coffee, and FU look after 
the fire. Harry, there's still water in the 
'Eagle's' tanks for coffee!" 

Jimmie took a stick about an inch in diame- 
ter, and with his knife sharpened one end. 
This he thrust into the earth, after clearing 
away the leaves and rubbish. Stepping to the 
Grey Eagle he took from its place a funnel 
used for filling the gasoline tanks. Plugging 
the lower end by using his finger, Jimmie 
drained from one end of the fuel tanks about 
a quart of gasoline. This he carried to the 
holes and poured a pint or more into each 
hole. A match applied completed the stove. 

Jimmie set the coffee pot over one hole and 
used another for frying bacon. Plenty of eggs 
were available, so the boys did not place a 
limit on anyone's appetite. Jack afterwards 
declared that he never tasted better coffee 
or eggs. The coffee was drained to the last 
drop. 

During the progress of their meal the 
sound of cannonading had been continuous. 
No shells had struck near their position, but 
Ned ventured to mount a rising piece of 



260 UNDER FIRE IN FLANDERS; 



ground not far from their camp, in an effort 
to make a survey of the situation. 

He reported that the fog was thinning, but 
was still too thick to permit of navigating the 
Grey Eagle. He advised getting a little rest. 
Gladly the tired boys availed themselves of 
this suggestion. Toward morning Jimmie, 
dreaming that he was pursued by a monster 
shell, woke screaming. This roused the oth- 
ers, but they remained sheltered by the tree. 

"I hear more firing!" announced Ned. ^T. 
wonder if this is a continuation of the same 
battle, or is it a new one starting !" 

^TU bet it's a new one starting,'' replied 
Jack. "See that bunch of autos and men and 
guns out there on the highway! They're 
headed this way, too! Maybe we'd better 
move a little." 

"They're going past," put in Jimmie. 
"The/re headed west ! I believe they're Ger- 
mans !" added the boy in astonishment 

"I guess you're right, Jimmie !" Ned agreed. 
"How does it happen?" 

"I know!" spoke up Harry. *We got lost 
and flew accidentally into German territory. 
We are probably now in Flanders." 

"I'm hungry!" announced Jimmie prps- 



OB, TSE B07 SCOUTS IN BELGIUM. 251 



ently, after the guns had passed, "rm going 
back to get some more eggs!" 

Directly he returned with a liberal sup- 
ply of fresh eggs. 

"After breakfast," remarked Jack, *l'm go- 
ing to wring out my clothes and hang 'em up 
to dry! That fog makes things awful wet!" 

"Nice clothes line handy," announced Jim- 
mie, "see it?" 

He pointed to a wire suspended not very 
far from the ground. 

"What's that?" queried Harry. "It looks 
brand new. I wonder what it can be ! Oh, I 
know !" he cried. "It's a military phone line !" 

"That's nice!" Jimmie laughed. "Hello, 
Central! Oh, look!" he continued, "see the 
nice big buzz-buggy coming, and no officer 
near !" 

All the boys turned to look down the road 
at an automobile tearing along at a rapid 
pace. It struck a hole, wrenched an axle, 
lurched heavily to one side and then stopped 
just before toppling over. Several men in 
the uniforms of officers jumped quickly from 
the machine. 

One of the men at once produced from the 
auto a case from which he took a set of field 



862 UNDEB FIRE IN FLAMDEB8; 



telephones. Stepping to the side of the road 
and attaching a clamp to the wire Jimmie had 
discovered, he pushed a pin into the ground 
and began a conversation. Harry touched 
Ned's arm. 

''Get ours out, Harry," exclaimed Ned. 
"Maybe we can get some information. I don't 
know, though, whether our phone would work 
herer 

Although the instruments seemed to be 
wound to the same resistance, Ned could 
make out but little of the conversation. 

'It is in German," he said, "and all I could 
get was the last part. The fellow said some- 
thing about 'Uhlans,' and I know they are the 
light cavalry of Germany. Possibly he is 
sending for a troop !" 

"Must be some dignitary if he can get a 
troop of Uhlans whenever his auto breaks 
down !" mused Jimmie. "Say," he continued, 
"that bunch out there look hungry! Suppose 
we ask 'em to have breakfast !" 

"Go as far as you like," Ned agreed. 
"There are lots of eggs !" 

In a moment Jimmie was racing down the 
road. The boys saw him give the Boy Scout 
salute, and then point toward their resting 



OR, THE BOT SCOUTS IN BELGIUM. 263 



place. After a short conference the entire 
party made their way to the spot where Jack 
and Harry were preparing new "stoves" and 
had already set a pot of coffee boiling. An- 
other can of bacon was opened to supplement 
the chicken stew which Jimmie had been pre- 
paring. 

"Help yourselves, gentleman !" Jimmie 
cried hospitably. 

They accordingly fell to with vigor. It was 
noticed that the oflScer who seemed to be in 
command of the party, a tall nian of com- 
manding presence, whose well-knit frame 
showed years of training, did not seat him- 
self, but remained on his feet. His stern yet 
kindly face bore evidence of days and nights 
of anxiety. The keen eyes seemed to take in 
every detail. The boys at once felt a liking 
for this man. 

After all had been supplied with a plateful 
of bacon and eggs and stewed chicken, with 
an aluminum cup full of coffee, Ned addressed 
the leader, in an effort to be of assistance in 
their trouble. 

"You have had a bad accident to your ma- 
chine,'' he said. 



S54 UNDEB FIRE IN FLANDEB8; 



"Yes," was the reply, "we shall be de- 
layed a short time." 

"We have a very good aeroplane there," 
volunteered the lad, pointing toward the Grey 
Eagle, "and if you care to accept, I can carry 
two of you to your destination, provided it be 
not too far." 

"Thank you for your courtesy," replied the 
oflScer, "but we are traveling in a party, and 
do not wish to separate. By the way," he 
continued, "how does it happen that you are 
here?" 

Feeling that he could trust the kindly face 
before him, Ned briefly recounted the main 
incidents leading up to their present position. 

"What is your present plan?" asked the 
oflScer. 

"I wish to get to Berlin as quickly as pos* 
sible," Ned replied eagerly. "I shall swear 
out a warrant for The Rat, have him arrested 
and get extradition papers out and have him 
taken back to the United States." 

"And what is his offense?" asked the officer. 

"He has stolen some plans of United States 
fortifications." 

"Ah, and he is trying to dispose of them to 
Germany?" 



OR, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELGIUM. 255 



"I fear that is his intention. I am almost 
at a loss to know how to prevent his doing 
so. Perhaps I can get to see the Kaiser. I 
understand he is very powerful, and is also 
friendly to the United States. He might be 
able to help me have this fellow arrested." 

"No doubt the Kaiser will be delighted to 
assist you in your most worthy endeavor. I 
may be in Berlin shortly, and if I see the 
Kaiser I will speak to him about your matter. 
We appreciate your courtesy, and shall hope 
to reciprocate. The morning is very chill!" 
he concluded, as if the subject were closed. 
Turning away he buttoned his great coat. 

"Here comes a monoplane!" announced 
Jimmie, who had been scanning the morning 
sky, as well as keeping a sharp lookout all 
around. 

"And whaf s more important, here comes 
a troop of cavalry," Harry rejoined, looking 
down the road. "They've got a lot of empty 
saddles! I wonder if they have been in an 
engagement!" 

"Those are for us, I believe," an oflScer said, 
preparing to depart. 

At this moment a roar from the woods be- 
hind the party told of the planting of one of 



260 UNDEB FIRE IN FLANDEBS; 



the guns which had so recently passed. An- 
other and yet another caused the earth to 
tremble. At regular intervals the cannon 
were fired almost as rapidly as they could be 
loaded. 

Amidst the frightful din the boys saw the 
monoplane descend not far from their camp, 
but separated by a strip of woods. Their at- 
tention was diverted for the moment by the 
arrival of the group of horsemen. 

Shaking hands with all five boys, the officer 
in command turned. A quick salute was ex- 
changed, and the boys saw another officer 
assist his superior to mount. The horse was 
a magnificent animal and restless. 

"Look there !" whispered Jimmie into Ned's 
ear. "See the boob getting up on the wrong 
side! He isn't much of an army oflScer!'' 

Ned's smile as he turned back toward the 
fire was not observed by Jimmie, who at once 
began to explain to his comrades how the 
man had gotten onto his horse from the 
right, or "off," side, when he should have 
mounted from the left, or "near," side, rais- 
ing his left foot first. 

The joke was hugely enjoyed until Ned ex- 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELOIUll 257 



plained that he understood that to be the only 
way a certain man could mount a horse. 

"And who is that man, if you please?" Jim- 
mie asked. 

"The man we have just entertained," an- 
swered Ned, "the Kaiser !" 

"Well, Great Frozen Hot Boxes!" shouted 
Jimmie. "Now that you mention it, I can see 
how much he resembles his pictures. Well, 
what do you know about our frying bacon 
and eggs and making coffee for him?" 

Instantly all was confusion about the little 
camp. AH the boys began talking at once, un- 
mindful of the fact that cannon were boom- 
ing but a short distance away, and that the 
enemy might reply at any moment 

Jimmie had already gathered and cared for 
the dishes, and as he came up to the party 
after a trip to the Grey Eagle, he seemed to 
be aware of their danger. Breaking into the 
conversation he said: 

"Ned, we^d better be getting out of here! 
These Germans are probably shelling a 
French battery, and if the Frenchmen reply, 
or should make a charge to get these fellows, 
weM be in a mighty bad place !" 

"Jimmie, you^re right !" decided Ned. "This 



S58 UNDER FIRE IN FLANDERS; 



locality is getting rather warm for fellows 
about our size! Fm ready to goV^ 

As the boys turned to take a last look at 
their camping spot under the trees which had 
afforded them protection, a shell came scream- 
ing through the air. Evidently the French- 
men were getting the range of the German 
guns. The shell landed in the top of the big 
tree and exploded, covering the boys beneath 
with a shower of limbs and splinters. 

"Oh, look!^' cried Jimmie, pointing across 
the field toward the Grey Eagle. '^See that 
fellow by the plane ! Hold on, there, you !" 

A man beside the machine seemed to be 
lighting a fuse. He laid a package on the en- 
gine, glanced at Jimmie running with drawn 
automatic, then bounded away through the 
trees with Jimmie in pursuit. 



OB, THE BOT SCOUTS IN BELOIUU 259 



CHAPTER XXn. 

Thrown From the Clouds. 

"That's The Rat r ' shrilled Jack. "He's try- 
ing to blow up the Grey Eagle ! That was he 
in the monoplane ! Hurry ! Hurry !*' 

At once the lad dashed * toward the Grey 
Eagle. Without stopping to reckon the con- 
sequences, he darted for the package, seized 
it, with its still sputtering fuse, and started to 
carry it away from the aeroplane. 

Harry, who had been close behind his chum, 
reached Jack's side in an instant with drawn 
knife in hand. It required only a moment's 
time to cut the fuse close to the bundle. A 
last spurt of flame showed that the effort had 
been successful. Both boys realized their 
narrow escape. 

"What shall we do with this stuff, Ned?" 
asked Jack shakily. 

"Put it on the soft ground at the far side 
of the clearing!" Ned answered. "But I'm 
worrying about Jimmie. He may get into 
trouble out there all alone. Can you follow 
and learn where he has gone?" 



260 UNDEB FIRE IN FLANDES8; 



*^I don't know about that!'' Jack hesitated 
"It would be hard work and, besides, he will 
come back all right! He won't stay long!" 

'*He won't be back right away if The Rat 
succeeds in giving him the worst of it!" de- 
clared Harry anxiously. 'Til go find him !" 

''Thank you, Harry," Ned said gratefully. 
"We can't afford to lose Jimmie, and I'm 
afraid The Rat is getting desperate !" 

Harry started for the spot where his chum 
had disappeared. He had not proceeded far 
when the boys heard the roar of the mono- 
plane's engine. In an instant the machine 
rose in plain view above the trees. 

"There he is!" Francois cried. "There's 
Jimmie on the machine !" 

It was true. Jimmie appeared on the chas- 
sis of the monoplane, and seemed to be at- 
tempting to climb into the body of the craft 
The boys saw him lean far out to peer around 
the curved side of the body. As the machine 
rose the pilot described an immense circle, 
evidently trying to get clear of the surround- 
ing trees before attempting to lay a course 
in any direction. With the added burden of 
Jimmie's shifting weight he seemed to have 
trouble in keeping the machine steadied. 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELGIUM. 261 



Two shots in quick succession were heard. 
Jimmie and The Rat were exchanging com- 
pliments. Neither had scored. 

The machine was now swinging back to- 
ward the clearing, where the boys stood lost 
in amazement at the predicament of their 
chum. 

Harry, who was nearest the Grey Eagle, 
clambered aboard and unshipped the maga- 
zine rifle Jimmie had used early the day be- 
fore. However, he could get no opportunity 
to shoot without endangering their chum. 

"He^s coming right over us !" cried Jack in 
an excited tone. 

"Sure ! He's circling around, trjdng to get 
high enough to clear these big trees!*' an- 
swered Ned. "But how can we help Jimmie ?'' 

"Take a shot at the pilot, Harry!'' advised 
Jack eagerly. 

"Don^ shoot, Harry!" cautioned Ned. 
*Tou might hit The Wolf!" 

Nearer swept the aeroplane and its war- 
ring passengers. Jimmie and The Rat con- 
tinued to exchange shots, but the conditions 
were unfavorable to accurate marksmanship. 
Suddenly the machine turned upward. 

Horrified, the boys stood in their places, un- 



262 UNDEB FIRE IN FLANDEB8; 



able to move. Jimmie seemed to lose his grip 
on the framework. He dropped from the 
aeroplane. 

Expecting to find the lad badly mangled, 
Ned dashed away in the direction of Jimmie's 
probable landing place. Jack followed at a 
rapid pace. Harry raised the rifle and sent 
shot after shot in the direction of the retreat- 
ing craft with vindictiveness. The clamor of 
the motor suddenly ceased. Evidently a bul- 
let had reached a vital part of the machinery. 
Realizing his danger, the pilot began volplan- 
ing down in an extreme effort to make a safe 
landing clear of the trees. 

Harry ran in the direction taken by Ned, 
intending to lend his aid in rendering what 
assistance he might to Jimmie. A shell from 
some distant gun fell a short distance in front 
of him and burst, sending into the air a 
shower of dirt. Staggered and stunned, the 
boy, determined to do his best, blundered 
ahead. A bullet whizzed past, but he 
pressed on. 

An attacking party, sent forward under 
protection of the French guns, was evidently 
trying to rout the battery recently planted by 
the Germans who had passed the boys at 



OB^ THE BOT SCOUTS IN BELOIUML 268 



breakfast Other bullets came singing 
through the trees. Frantic with fear for the 
safety of himself and his comrades, but de- 
termined to rescue Jimmie if possible, the boy 
went on. 

Directly he was overjoyed to see Ned and 
Harry returning. His heart sank, however, 
when he observed that Ned was carrying 
Jimmie^s form. Lying across Ned^s shoulder, 
his left leg thrown forward and encircled by 
Ned's left arm, the hand of which clutched 
the bo/s left wrist, Jimmie lay limp and help- 
less. His eyes were closed, and his head rolled 
from side to side with every movement of 
Ned's body* 

"Is he V^ Harry did not dare to say the 

dreaded word. 

"Don^t know yet,'' gasped Jack, beside the 
leader and his burden. 

* Where did you find him? What is that 
blood?" asked Francois. 

"He's bleeding at the nose," replied Jack, 
answering the latter question first. "As he 
fell, he struck the top of a small tree and bent 
it until it broke. Then he fell onto the roof 
of a covered trench or pit and caved that in. 
We pulled him out of a mess of broken poles 



864 UNDSB FIRE JX FLANDEBS; 



and dirt. They are charging this position and 
shooting, so we didn^t dare stop out there to 
examine him. Get some water and open the 
medicine chest!" 

Ned staggered to the edge of the clearing 
nearest the Grey Eagle and laid the bo/s limp 
form on the turf. Harry had dashed ahead 
and now ran up with the medicine chest and 
a bucket of water. 

Nearly exhausted with his violent exert- 
tions, Ned at once set about measures to revive 
the boy, if possible. Both the other lads con- 
tributed their best efforts to the same end. In 
a short time they were rewarded by seeing 
their chum's eyelids twitch. A gasp and 
shake of the head told them that Jimmie still 
lived. Harry threw his hat into the air. 

''Hurrah !'' he shouted. "Can't kill off a 
Wolf so easy as that!'' 

''Jimmie," called Ned, "are you hurt? Can 
you speak?" 

To both questions Jimmie only nodded his 
head. 

"Where are you hurt most, Jimmie ? Speak 
to me if you can !" 

"All over!" was the scarcely audible reply. 
^'Great " 



OB, THE BOT SCOXTTS IN BELOIUM. 265 



*' Frozen Hot Boxes !'' Ned supplied the 

balance of Jimmie^s newest pet expression, 
and smiled as he observed the grin on the 
lad's face. 

In a moment Harry and Jack were manipu- 
lating Jimmie's limbs to discover whether he 
had suffered a fracture. Then they rolled 
him over and began to feel cautiously of his 
ribs and spine. 

*'Just a case of having the wind knocked 
out of him V^ announced Jack gleefully, as the 
boys rolled their comrade onto his back 
again. 

*Tm going to sign the pledge !" came Jim- 
mie's faint voice. "That was a drop too 
much!" he added, with a forced grin at his 
friends. 

"Stop it, Jimmier' commanded Ned. "That 
was too serious !'* 

"Did you get him?" inquired the prostrate 
lad. 

With a start the boys remembered The 
Rat. They had seen the monoplane descend- 
ing, but in the excitement had forgotten him. 
Forgotten, too, had been the danger in which 
they were now placed. With one accord they 



SMt6 UNDER FIRE IN FLANDERS; 



scrambled to their feet and began to look 
about 

"I move we get out of here as quickly as 
possible/' voted Jack. 

*Tou're right!" Ned assented eagerly. 
"Let's carry Jimmie to the machine, and be 
on our way. He will need a little help, I 
guess !" 

Supported between Harry and Jack, with 
Ned carrying the rifle, Jimmie was helped 
back to the Grey Eagle. The boys began pre- 
paring for a quick departure from the spot to 
one of greater safety. 

'*What shall we do with the dynamite?" 
anxiously inquired Jack. 

'Explode it !" suggested Jimmie. ''With all 
this other noise going on, nobody will notice 
it. They'll think if s only another shell !" 

The package still lay where it had been 
deposited. Harry picked up the rifle, intend- 
ing to fire at the dangerous stuff in an effort 
to explode it and thus remove the danger of 
its bringing harm to anyone. 

His first shot went a trifle high. The next 
was sent with truer aim, and a terrific roar 
greeted the boys. Just as the blast reverber- 



OR, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELOIUM. 267 



ated through the clearing several horsemen 
dashed into view from the highway. 

One in the lead shouted an order to his 
companions, as he pointed toward the group 
of boys. Instantly the others dashed for- 
ward across the clearing. The boys were 
quickly surrounded by the horsemen, who 
threatened them with drawn revolvers. 
Harry slipped the rifle into its resting place. 

The leader was shouting questions and or- 
ders in German. 

Ned shook his head and held up his hand. 
He took a step forward. 

"I cannot understand you," he said. "Can 
you speak English?" 

"Not very well," answered the officer, "but 
good enough to tell you to surrender. Escape 
is impossible. You must come with us !" 

"What is the charge?" queried Ned. ^'What 
have we done?" 

The officer laughed loudly. Apparently the 
joke was a huge one. 

"Charge?" he repeated incredulously. "Do 
you not know that war is in progress, and it 
is not necessary to have charge or warrant? 
You are prisoners because we carry our war- 
rants in these," indicating his revolver. "You 



268 UNDER FIRE DT FLANDERS; 



must either come with us or be shot Which 
shaUitbe?" 

'^We surrender!" stated Ned hopelessly. 
'Where do we go?" 

'Ttfarch along with us. We shall ride 
slowly." 

"But our comrade here has just suffered a 
bad fall!" Ned protested. "He cannot walk 
far in his present condition !" 

"So?" commented the officer, with a quick 
glance at Jimmie. "Yes, he is evidently weak- 
ened, and is but a boy. We must provide as- 
sistance for him. You other four lads can 
walk, however, for a short distance." 

An order was spoken in a low tone to two 
of the cavalrymen, who at once set off at a 
sharp gallop. The others prepared to sur- 
round the lads to prevent escape, while the 
officer himself offered Jimmie a ride at the 
rear of his own saddle. The horse was a mag- 
nificent bay, and Jimmie's heart bounded with 
pride at the thought of riding with the officer. 

Refusing to answer Ned's further ques- 
tions, and deigning no explanation in regard 
to the care of the Grey Eagle, the officer rode 
silently among his men. Not far from the 
place the boys noticed the two troopers re- 



OS, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELOIUH 269 



turning with four led horses saddled and 
bridled. 

"There," offered their captor. "You may 
mount and ride !" 

"Get up on the 'off' side, Ned," suggested 
Jimmie With a grin. "Then he may think 
you are related to the Kaiser, like I am !" 

"But the hair?" questioned the officer. He 
could not see the grimace made by the boy at 
his back, but laughed loudly at his own joke. 

Riding at a rapid pace that kept the boys, 
and especially Francois, bobbing about at a 
great rate, the little party soon left the whiz- 
zing of bullets and sharp scream of shells a 
goodly distance in the rear. They approached 
a little valley through which ran a winding 
stream. 

'T see a castle just ahead !" cried Jimmie. 

"Yes, there are we going!" replied the offi- 
cer. "There is headquarters where we take 
all distinguished prisoners, especially rela- 
tives of the Kaiser. And others who have red 
hair," he added with a chuckW. 

Turning in at a great gate, flanked on 
either side by immense stone posts, the party 
clattered up the path to the very castle itself. 
At the entrance they were halted by a sentry, 



270 XTNDEB FIRE IN FLANDEBS; 



who permitted them to pass through after 
receiving an answer to his challenge. 

The boys gazed with frank curiosity at the 
scenes about them. It seemed like a page 
clipped from a story book. There they recog- 
nized the many features about which they 
had read but scarcely believed existed. 

Jimmie was helped down from his position, 
while the other boys dismounted without as- 
sistance. For a few moments they found 
walking very difficult, owing to the strange 
experience of riding horseback. 

"I wish they had couches for travelers!'' 
announced Jimmie. "I feel rather tired some- 
how ! This has been a hard day !" 

Ned was at once overtaken with remorse 
at his f orgetfulness of Jimmie's shaken con- 
dition. He was quickly busy with arrange- 
ments for his chum's comfort. The other 
lads gathered about, eager to help. 

"I say, officer," Ned called out, "this boy 
needs rest." 

"And he shall have it!" a man at Ned's 
elbow spoke. 

The lad was astonished to see one of the 
men who had breakfasted with them, and who 
appeared to be the Kaiser's chief aide. 



OB, THE B07 SCOUl!S IN BELGIXTM. 271 



CHAPTER XXni. 
A Mysterious Door. 

"How do you do !" greeted Ned, pleased to 
recognize their friend. He stepped forward 
and extended his hand, which the other 
grasped firmly. 

"Your young friend ?'* queried the other. 
"Is he hurt badly?" 

In a few words, Ned outlined the circum- 
stances following the breakfast. He told of 
Jimmie's fall from the low-flying monoplane, 
of his striking a small tree which broke the 
force of his fall, and of his crashing through 
the roofed-over trench. The rest of the story 
was supplied by their captor, who seemed 
greatly interested in Jimmie's welfare. 

"Bring him inside,'* commanded the officer. 
"We will provide comforts for him without 
delay, although this is far from being a hos- 
pital.'' 

"I can walk all right," protested Jimmie. 
"I'm only shaken up and tired out! Ned's 
system of 'setting up' exercises has kept us 
as hard as nails, and aside from being shaken 
to pieces, I'm all right!" 



272 UNDER FIRE DT FLANDERS; 



Smiling at the exhibition of grit^ the officer 
helped Jimmie to his feet and then guided 
him through a nearby door. The little party 
was conducted to what had evidently been a 
luxurious bed chamber in the rambling build- 
ing, which was half chateau, half castle. 

Here stood a giant four poster bed with a 
great canopy, and into this Jimmie was tum- 
bled after his shoes had been pulled off by 
his chums. 

"Now, you may lie there and sleep if you 
like,'' announced the officer. "I will have 
some food brought to you directly." Then, 
turning to Ned, he continued: "It is neces- 
sary, under the circumstances, to detain your 
party for a time. We are informed that you 
are acting as spies in the interest of our 
enemy, and until we can investigate that re- 
port, we shall be required to maintain a sur- 
veillance. You will make it easy?'' 

"Certainly, we will, sir !" replied Ned, grate- 
ful for the assistance to his chum, '^e are 
only anxious to make sure that the man about 
whom we spoke this morning is not allowed 
to carry out his intention." 

A meaning smile greeted this remark. The 
officer went on: 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELaiUH 273 



"Do not trouble your mind in that direc- 
tion. I think I am safe in saying that Ger- 
many does not desire war with your country, 
and certainly does not care to make war upon 
yoxmg men of your standing/' 

"Thank you again !'* Ned exclaimed. "You 
are very kind !'' 

"I will leave you now for a time," stated 
the officer. "Should you need anything, you 
may communicate your wishes to the man 
just outside the door. I have much work to 
do, and the time passes rapidly. It is already 
well past noon. I will see you again pres- 
ently.'' 

As soon as the officer had departed Ned 
glanced out into the passageway. A soldier 
in uniform stood not far away. At Ned's 
appearance he first brought his rifle into po- 
sition, then upon seeing the lad he stepped 
forward inquiringly. Ned gave the Boy Scout 
salute, shook his head and withdrew again 
into the apartment Jimmie had dropped 
asleep. 

"Gritty little rascal," commented Jack, 
indicating with a nod the sleeping figure. "He 
got an awful bump, but won't admit it." 

"Jimmie's chock full of grit and good sense 



274 UKDEB WIRE IS FLAHDEB8; 



and loyalty and lots of other fine qualities T 
declared Ned, tenderly watching the sleeping 
lad 

"Don't know what we'd do without him!" 
Harry almost choked. "I wish there were a 
lot more just like him, red hair and all," he 
ended with a laugh that spoke eloquently of 
his affection for The Wolf. 

Truth to tell, the boys had been far more 
alarmed at Jimmie's recent danger than any 
of them were willing to admit 

"Here comes the dinner !" announced Fran- 
cois in a tone of relief. 

"Hurrah for the pieman!" criek Jack, ad- 
vancing to meet a man bearing a huge tray 
piled high with dishes. "I'm hungry enough 
to eat a bear !" 

* What's that about a bear?" asked Jimmie, 
attempting to rise. 

"Go to sleep, Jimmie !" ordered Harry. 
"Nothing is going on that you'd be interested 
in at all. We're only going to have dinner!" 

"All right, I'll go to sleep— after dinner!" 
declared the lad. 

No time was lost by the five hungry boys 
in attacking the food, which, though simple, 
was plentiful and well cooked. As they ate 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELOIUH 275 



they discussed the situation in general and 
their own position particularly. 

"This looks like it had been a pretty fine 

place before ^^ said Jimmie, glancing about 

the apartment. *^But they've knocked it about 
some !'' 

"Francois," asked Ned, "do you know the 
country hereabouts well enough to tell us 
what place this is? It looks like an old estab- 
lishment." 

"No, I do not know the place," replied 
Francois. "It is in Flanders and, therefore, 
I have not learned of it. I have not seen all 
in France yet," the boy ended, with a smile. 
"To me this is just a castle." 

"It belongs to the Duke de Swell Elegant 
Upper Crust!" answered Jimmie, promptly. 
His disrespect for titles at least had suffered 
no harm from his tumble out of the sky earlier 
in the day. "He's a half brother," he con- 
tinued, "to the Baron von Cheap Skate. They 
ran the livery stable here !" 

Laughingly the boys greeted this sally. 
Francois asked : 

"And where are the Duke and Baron, now 
that the Germans are here?" 

"They are down in the feather foundry 



276 XJltoEB FIRE IN FLAHDEBS; 



shooing geese/' declared Jimmie, gravely. 
'They are working for Walker and Doolittle." 
'Hark ! I hear singing," said Francois. *1 
do not know the song.'' 

"That's not strange," returned Jimmie. 
"That's 'Die Wacht Am Rhine,' and you're not 
supposed to recognize that, you know!" 

"How inspiring and yet how awful it is!" 
whispered Francois. "It makes me feel as if 
I wanted to go out and do something real 
big." 

"Let's go out and listen to it," suggested 
Harry. "They have some good voices in that 
bunch. I like that singing." 

Opening the door the boys stepped quietly 
out into the corridor. From their right came 
the sounds of music and laughter. Stepping 
closer the boys peered through hanging por- 
tieres and saw a great room full of soldiers. 
Some were seated at small tables playing 
cards, others lay stretched on the floor at full 
length in a row, while others walked about 
watching the card playing. All seemed at ease 
after hard work, for here and there one had 
removed the heavy hobnailed boots, while hel- 
mets and service caps were deposited on a 
convenient rack. A stack of rifles in one cor- 



OB, THE BOY BOOUTS IN BELOIUH 277 



ner spoke grimly of the business which had 
been temporarily laid aside while the soldiers 
rested. At a piano an officer was seated. 

While he played with no small degree of 
skill a group gathered about him and sang 
with excellent voices. As the "Wacht Am 
Rhine" was finished a grand tenor voice 
started an encore, "Silent Night." Bursts of 
applause greeted his song and urged him to 
continue. In the German tongue, "Sing Me 
to Sleep" sounded strangely sweet to the 
listening boys. 

As the song ended, the pianist struck a few 
chords of a livelier tune, and Jimmie uncon- 
sciously whistled "Oh Where, Oh Where Has 
My Little Dog Gone?" So interested were his 
companions that they lifted their voices and 
sang, immindful of the roomful of soldiers. 
Quickly the man at the piano accompanied 
them. One by one the soldiers joined in until 
the entire roomful were roaring out the 
words. 

Laughingly the boys were seized and thrust 
through the curtains. Greeted by cheers and 
exclamations from the group, they became 
embarrassed and begged to be excused, but 
the soldiers, having foun4 some new object 



278 XTNDEB FIRE IN 7LANDEBS; 



of interest, would not let them go. They in- 
sisted on having more songs. 

^"We can^t sing, really we can't !'' protested 
Ned. 

"Ah, you speak English?" asked the pianist 
"Sing us an English song, if you please. We 
would like to hear one.'' 

'"We are from the United States," Ned 
said xmconsciously squaring his shoulders. 
^We do not know any real English songs at 
all." 

"So?" inquiringly the officer commented, 
drawing out the word very long. "Then per- 
haps you will sing us one of the songs of that 
country. I have traveled in your country 
and have heard many songs there. Try this !" 

He struck a few chords of "Dixie" and at 
once the boys began. As the four fresh yoimg 
voices filled the room with the tune so famil- 
iar to all Americans, their audience listened 
appreciatively, bursting into applause at its 
conclusion. Others followed, but the boys 
were fairly delighted when the player started 
"The Star Spangled Banner." 

Many of the soldiers were familiar with 
the tune and while they did not know the 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELOIUM. 279 



words, they listened eagerly as the boys 
sang. 

^Thank you/' the pianist said as the boys 
concluded, '^e have enjoyed your effort 
very much. Will you not remain here?" 

"I believe we would be more model prisoners 
if we stayed in our room, thank you," an- 
swered Ned. "We are under arrest, you 
know !" 

Laughingly the officer agreed to excuse 
them under the circumstances and again com- 
plimenting them on their vocal efforts and on 
their model conduct as prisoners, he per- 
mitted them to return to their room. \ 

Jimmie again sought the comfort of the 
great bed, declaring that he had not slept in 
a real bed in ages and this was so good he 
was afraid it would not last. The other boys 
began an inspection of the place. 

"Hello!" cried Harry presently. "Here's 
a piece of wire. Now I wonder what they 
were doing with such a thing in a place like 
this!" 

"Let me have it, please," requested Jack. 
*lVe found a hole in the wall and I want to 
poke something into it. It looks inviting !" 

Harry brought the piece of wire to Jack 



280 UHDEB FIRE IN FLANDERS; 



and watched him as he investigated the in- 
terior of a curious hole. 

'WeU, what do you think of this?" he 
shouted in a moment "Here's the mate to 
your key-hole, Jack. It looks just like that 
one I" 

"Maybe it is a key-hole/' Jack responded. 
"Try to pick it!" 

The two holes were a short three feet apart 
and the wire was more than five feet long. 
Harry, therefore seized the free end and 
without disturbing Jack began prodding 
about in the hole he had discovered. Directly 
a low rumbling was heard coming as it seemed 
from the wall. The boys looked up startled. 
As Jack withdrew the end of the wire he no- 
ticed a flash of fire from the interior of the 
key-hole at which he had worked. 

"Hello, boys !" he cried. "I struck fire here 
just now !" 

*^What are you two boys trying to do?" 
inquired Ned approaching. 

"Just getting some Fourth of July here, 
that's all," replied Jack. 

"Try it again," Ned suggested. "Let me 
see, too." 



0B» THE BOY BOOUTB IN BELGIUH 281 



*Tou do it just like this/' directed Jack. 
"Harry had the end of the wire in that hole 
over there and I had the other end in this 
hole. Just as I pulled the wire out of this 
hole when we heard a noise, I saw fire flash 
and heard a little snapping or crackling 
sound I" 

"Try it again," urged Ned. "Keep the wire 
in both holes !'' 

In a moment the boys had followed out 
Ned's instructions and all were startled to 
hear again the low rumbling, grinding noise. 

"Keep your wires in place !'' Ned whispered. 
"Something's coming off here that isn't on 
the program ! Oh, look there ! Look ! Look !" 

As he spoke Ned pointed to a section of 
the wall. It was slowly swinging outward 
from the room, revealing a doorway. A damp, 
musty odor came from the opening. Beyond 
all was pitch blackness. 

The swinging section traveled easily back- 
ward until the doorway stood wide open. A 
snap was heard. For a moment the slight 
whirring noise continued, then the door 
slowly swung into place again. 



282 UNDER FIRE IN FLANDEB8; 

"Well, of all things!'* gasped JimiiEiie, sit- 
ting up in bed. 

"I see it !*' cried Ned. '^When the door is 
opened and that snap comes, the wire should 
be taken away. The wire, you see, forms a 
circuit and a concealed motor swings the door. 
I believe it will stay open if you take the wire 
away when it snaps. Try it again, boys!" 
he urged. 

Again the wire was inserted in the holes. 
Again the door swung open and again the 
snap was heard. Quickly motioning to the 
boys to break the circuit, Ned was delighted 
to notice the whirring noise stop. 

**Where are your searchlights, boys?" he 
asked. "Jimmie, have you still got your auto- 
matic handy? They didn't take it away, I 
hope." 

"I dropped it when I fell from the Rat's 
aeroplane," confessed Jimmie. "I couldn't 
hang onto it all the way. Why didn't you pick 
it up?" 

* We were busy," replied Ned in suppressed 
excitement. "Anybody else got a gun? I 
have mine and also have a searchlight" 



OK, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELOIUBl 283 

"Here's mine," announced Jack, producing 
the weapon. 

"And mine/' echoed Harry, bringing forth 
his own automatic 

"Come on, then, boys," Ned invited, 'T)ut 
go slow and keep quite !" 



284 uhdeb fire m FLAHDEBS; 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

Under the Castle. 

'Wait a minute, let me get my shoes on r 
protested Jimmie. 

"Aw, never mind your shoes !*' urged Jack 
'"We can't wait I'' 

"Better let Jimmie put on his shoes/' agreed 
Ned. 'We won't want to leave anything here. 
Let's take all our belongings!" 

'Why, where are you going, Ned?" asked 
Jimmie busy with the lacings of his shoes. 
"Aren't you coming back here?" 

"Not if my suspicions are correct!" replied 
Ned. 

'What! Going to get out and make for 
the Grey Eagle and hike out for Berlin?" 
questioned the lad incredulously. 

"That's just what I plan on doing ! You see, 
it's like this,", explained Ned. '^As we came 
up here I noticed that this rambling old build- 
ing seems to have been built at different pe- 
riods. Part is in good repair, but part has 
almost fallen down. The Germans in shelling 
the place added to the dilapidated condition 



\ 



OR, THE BOY SOOUTB IN BELGIUM. 286 



of the older section. On the north side a large 
portion of the older structure is in ruins/' 

"I see/' interrupted Jimmie. "And when 
this secret door opened up, you figured that 
we could go down into the basement and find 
a passageway leading to the ruined old part 
that has been knocked to pieces. Then if 
there's a hole between the two we may be able 
to crawl out into daylight and be on our way 
before these fellows get wise to the game." 

"Exactly/' agreed Ned. "Now let's go care- 
fully and keep quiet. There's no knowing 
whether we shall get out or not, but there's 
no need of disturbing these fellows in either 
case. Get your searchlights ready." 

"But, Ned/' protested Jack, "didn't this offi- 
cer say he'd do all he could for us? Don't 
you think he'll keep his word?" 

"It is not his disposition I question," Ned 
replied, "so much as his ability. I don't know 
how much influence he has." 

"Guess you're right," put in Jimmie. "Let's 
be on our way, and get back to the little old 
Grey Eagle. This bed's fine, but I'd prefer 
sleeping on the ground under our own airship 
to being here." 

Carefully throwing the rays of their 



286 UHDEB FIRE DT FLAHDEBS: 



searchlight on the floor of the passageway 
the boys silently stepped through the small 
door which had been found by such a pecu- 
liar accident- 
After entering the passage Ned turned to 
examine the mechanism that operated the sec- 
tion of wall, and without any difficulty dis- 
covered what he sought After a moment's 
careful scrutiny the lad touched a part of the 
apparatus and was highly pleased to notice 
the door swing back into place. Not a sound 
except the slight humming of the motor ac- 
companied the operation. The device worked 
perfectly. 

"Now, how can we get out again in case 
we have to come back?" questioned Harry un- 
easily. " You Ve got us in here for keeps !'* 

"That's easy,'' declared Ned confidently. 
"All that is necessary is to touch the lever 
completing the circuit and the motor oper- 
ates. It doesn't make any difference whether 
the circuit is completed from the room or 
from this passageway. The motor operates 
when the circuit is closed." 

'Where does the juice come from?" asked 
Jimmie, frankly puzzled. "They can't run 
motors and things without electricity I" 



OB, THE B07 SCOUTS IN BELGIUM. 287 



"Maybe the fellow that lived here had a pri- 
vate plant!" 

"Maybe he did, but what keeps it running 
now that he^s gone?" 

"I don^t know, I'm sure. Let's not worry 
about that !" 

Cautiously proceeding along the passage- 
way a short distance, the boys came to a flight 
of rude stairs c"t into the wall. There was 
but little room on the narrow steps, and if 
they had not been guided by the flame from 
their electric torches they must have suffered 
a fall. 

Beyond the stairs lay a black opening from 
which came a damp, musty odor. Jimmie 
sniffed distrustfully and shook his head. 

"Come back, Ned," he urged. 'Tou're go- 
ing to the slaughter house where the old Duke 
kept pigs and things !" 

"No, don't go back yet!" protested Jack. 
"Let's push on and see what there is ahead. 
Maybe Ned's conjecture is correct!" 

Without further parley Ned took a few 
steps along the passage until he came to a 
turn. Here he paused to wait for his com- 
panions. 

"Look here, boys," he announced. "This 



S88 UHDEB FIRE IN FLAHDEBS; 



passage splits. One goes straight ahead and 
the other turns to the left I fancy that one 
runs back toward the rising ground at the 
rear of the castle/' 

"Then we don't want to take that/' decided 
Harry. 

"If we go straight ahead/' Ned continued, 
'1 figure that we shall come out near the 
wrecked portion of the building." 

"Straight on, then," spoke up Jack, and as 
this seemed to be the decision of all, Ned 
turned to proceed. 

A tremendous splash mingled with a chok- 
ing cry from the leader. Ned was floundering 
about in water, throwing showers of spray 
over his companions, who came crowding for- 
ward, all excitement. 

"What's the matter, Ned ?" cried Jack. "Do 
you need help?" 

As he spoke he turned the shaft of light 
from his electric toward his chimi, revealing 
the lad dripping wet, standing in water a little 
more than knee deep. His hat and torch were 
gone. 

"Come out of that!" commanded Jimmie,^ 
laughing. 

"Guess I will, thank you/' replied Ned. "I 



0B» THE BOY SOOUTS IN BELGIUM. 280 



failed to see that water until I was in it. The 
rock is so black and the water runs so 
smoothly I neither saw nor heard it." 

Examination revealed a stream of water 
issuing from the tunnel to the left and flowing 
along the one in which they now found them- 
selves. At one side a narrow shelf afforded 
foothold. 

After securing Ned^s searchlight which, ow- 
ing to its waterproof covering, was not dam- 
aged, the boys proceeded more cautiously. 

In a short time they found the passage 
partly blocked by huge masses of stone, evi- 
dently the remains of masonry dislodged by 
the invaders' shells. A faint odor of powder 
dung to the place. 

'^Here's where the opening to the old por- 
tion of the castle was located, or Fm no good 
guesser I" ventured Jimmie. 

Although careful search was made for an 
opening none was discovered, and the party 
continued along the tunnel-like place. Directly 
Ned paused and held out a warning hand, 
stopping the advance. 

"I heard a noise," he explained, "and could 
not make out what it might be. Can any of 
you tell what that noise is?" 



290 UHDEB vibe DT FLAHDEBS; 



Listening carefully, the boys distinctly 
heard a whirring rumble, but could not deter- 
mine its cause nor what it indicated 

"Oh, IVe got it !'* gleefully announced Jim- 
mie directly. "The Duke de Wun Lung had 
nothing else to do, so he installed his own 
power plant! This stream of water comes 
from a spring in the hill back there some- 
where, and the old chap just led it along here. 
It runs through a water wheel, and the waste 
water runs out a nice little hole in the cellar 
wall ! Pity he didn't put in a ram and have 
water in the house !" 

"I believe youVe right, Jimmie!'' agreed 
Ned. "Let's see!'' 

Following the passage a short distance, the 
boys discovered that Jimmie's guess had been 
correct. A complete apparatus was found, 
operated by the power of the stream flowing 
through the tunnel. 

"But that doesn't help us any," Harry pro- 
tested. "There is no opening to the outside 
world except for the water !" 

"Let's go along back and look over the walls 
more carefully," offered Francois. "Maybe 
we overlooked an opening in the hurry I" 

Accordingly the boys slowly retraced their 



OB, THE BOY SOOUTS IN BELGIUM. 291 



steps, examining every inch of the walls. 
Shortly after passing the place where Ned had 
fallen into the current of water, Jimmie, who 
had been in the lead, turned back with a 
muffled hiss. He snapped the switch on his 
searchlight. 

''What is it, Jimmie?" queried Jack, follow- 
ing the leader. 

'1 see a light in the passage !" replied Jim- 
mie. "It flickers like a candle light and seems 
to be dodging about. 

"Maybe it's the Duke's private ghost !'' whis- 
pered Jack with a grin. 

"Hush !" hissed Jimmie. "Cut out that non- 
sense !" 

Proceeding cautiously, the boys indeed saw 
a faint reflection on the side wall. In a mo- 
ment they heard voices. 

The light came from a small opening about 
shoulder high. Through this opening also 
came the sound of conversation. In an instant 
Jimmie was peering through the hole. He 
dropped back shaking with excitement. 

"Guess who the ghosts are!" he gritted in 
a whisper. 'Tou'd never believe it ! The Rat 
and our old friend Hungry are in there!" 

Astonished, the boys crept carefully to the 



292 UHDEB FIRE DT TLUXDES8; 



opening to peer through and to listen. It was 
as Jimmie had said The Rat and the man 
who had followed the boys in New York were 
standing near the middle of a small apart- 
ment On the floor sputtered and flickered a 
candle. 

As the boys gathered about the opening The 
Rat was speaking. 

*' ^And so/' the boys heard, '1 settled for 

the red head. No person could survive a fall 
like that But they got us after all, by shoot- 
ing into the machinery. We had to land. 
Then the soldiers got me and brought me here. 
Fm mighty glad you happened to show up!*' 

'TTes,'* replied the one whom the boys had 
named "Hungry," "I felt you'd want me. 
After landing at Antwerp I made good time, 
but I was surprised when they nipped me and 
put me in here with you !" 

"Now,*' continued The Rat, '^they're wait- 
ing the arrival of some high officer, so they 
can have a trial. The boys will get theirs. 
Maybe FU be searched, and I don't want them 
to find this package." 

As he spoke he drew from its place of con- 
cealment at his waist a flat package about the 
size of a long business envelope. 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELGIUM. 293 



* What I want you to do is to carry this for 
me until after the examination is over," The 
Rat went on. "I think you'd better let me 
hang it down your back. It will be out of the 
way there !*' 

Intently the boys watched the adjustment 
of the flat package. Ned greedily eyed every 
movement, with fingers itching to get posses- 
sion of the parcel. However, he knew that the 
opening through which they peered was too 
small for him to negotiate, and it was out of 
the question to expect The Rat to hand him 
the envelope. Again The Rat spoke : 

"Now, if my story goes with this new man, 
and they hold the boys and let us go, we'll be 
all right. If, however, they decide to let the 
boys go and hold us, I'll have this dynamite 
handy in my pocket," here he indicated his 
coat pocket, which bulged suspiciously, "and 
at a favorable moment I'll throw it. If I can 
get Ned Nestor, so much the better. The red 
head is out of the way, and that'll settle the 
t\^o who are most dangerous. In the excite- 
ment, we'll slip through the crowd." 

"Good scheme !" agreed Hungry. "And you 
say your pilot is at work repairing the dam- 
age to the machine?" 



SM UHDEB FIRE DT FLANDEBS; 



**He claimed that he would be able to repair 
it in an hour. He will wait for me at the spot 
I described to you. I rely upon him !'' 

"And then we'll be off! There's a market 
for the plans?'' 

*1 should say there is!" declared The Rat. 
"Three different governments are dickering 
for them right now I We'll make our pile on 
this!" 

"When is this officer expected to arrive?" 

"Any minute now. He's late, as it is. Now, 
don't give yourself away! Just stick close to 
me and remember the arrangements!" 

Jimmie tugged at Ned's sleeve. Turning 
away from the opening, the boys returned 
quickly toward the room in which they had 
been placed for rest and safe keeping. Ned 
easily found the lever to operate tfieir secret 
door and the lads passed again into the cham- 
ber. 

As Jack closed the door with the short 
length of wire, Jimmie said: 

"Well, you see, boys, I'm a dead one ! Won't 
The Rat be shocked?" 

"Yes, and I'm about the same I" replied Ned 
soberly. "That fellow certainly is a rascaL 
He's planning on dynamiting me !" 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BISLOIUBl 296 



"No, he isn't/' protested Jimmie. ''He's 
planning on a fiasco or my dream book is 
wrong. Remember your motto, Scout, and 
'Be Prepared' ! We'll give him a mighty big 
surprise when the time comes !" 

"Thank you, Jimmie," replied. Ned, smiling 
faintly. 

A soldier was rapping on the door. 

"The young gentlemen are wanted by the 
court," he annoxmced. 



296 miDEB FIBE DT FLAHDEB8; 



CHAPTER XXY. 

Hie Musketeer's lIGstake. 

At the western side of the castle, close 
against its massive wall, a great carved chair 
from the drawing room had been placed. In 
it was seated an officer examining a pile of 
papers placed on a small table by his side. 
About him were grouped several officers and 
an orderly. 

Lighted by the rays of the setting sun, the 
towers and embrasures of the old castle, with 
clinging ivy hiding the rough stones, present- 
ed a beautiful picture to the lads as they 
stepped out that afternoon to meet the officer 
who would inquire into their case and decide 
their fate. 

The great lawn, dotted here and there with 
clumps of shrubs, was to all appearances de- 
serted save only for the group beside the wall 
Because of the peculiar features of the case, 
it had been brought to the notice of the officer 
who had been on his way to the firing line, 
where his presence was required. He had con- 
sented to pause at the castle for a short time 
to consider the case. 



OB, THE B07 SOOXTTS IN BELaiUU 297 



As the boys, escorted by the soldier, ap- 
proached the group the officer rose, and with 
a smile extended his hand to Ned. 

"Fm glad to meet you again so quickly," he 
said. "I enjoyed my breakfast immensely,." 
he added. "You have most excellent cooks !" 

"Thank you," answered Ned, recognizing 
him as another of their early morning guests. 
"We Boy Scouts try to prove capable in that 
Kne." 

"I can testify to your ability in that direc- 
tion," answered the officer, turning to the one 
in charge of the castle. "You, also, can bear 
testimony in the cook's favor, can you not?" 

"Gladly !" replied the other. "I am delight- 
ed to see the practical results of the Boy Scout 
training. It possesses much merit !" 

"I agree with you," said the first speaker. 
"But here come the prisoners. Let us get this 
disagreeable business finished !" 

Ned's hands clenched and his face turned 
a shade paler as he observed the little group 
which now approached. He drew his com- 
rades back a step until they were almost 
against the massive walls of the castle. 

"Boys," he whispered, "you better stand a 



UNDES FIRE IN FLAHDERS; 



little farther to one side. If anything should 
happen, you know, it might ^^ 

"Shut up!'* snapped Jimmie. ''We didn't 
come all this way to back out now. If he 
starts anything, Fll plug him !" 

Further conversation was impossible, for 
the officer held up a warning hand to the 
boys. He turned to greet the newcomers. 

Between two heavily armed soldiers 
marched The Rat and Hungry, who ap- 
proached the place with vindictive glances at 
the boys. The Rat's surprise at seeing Jim- 
mie well and grinning had turned to rage. 

Scarcely acknowledging the pleasant greet- 
ing of the officer. The Rat at once launched 
into a long story, using the German tongue. 
Ned could not follow the speech, but judged 
from the gestures and glances in their direc- 
tion that the man was accusing the boys of 
some misdemeanor. 

'Tou may speak English,'* directed the offi- 
cer, ''for the benefit of our young friends here 
who do not understand your present lan- 
guage." 

"You have understood what I have just told 
you," sulked The Rat. 

"Your statement will be accepted for what 



OB, THE BOY SOOUTB IN BELGIUM. 290 



it is worth/^ was the reply. "Just now we are 
inquiring with special regard to your pres- 
ence here. It has been stated that you came 
in an airship from France, that you landed 
near our lines, and that you have on your per- 
son certain documents of interest to this coun- 
try. All this, if true, would indicate that you 
are here as a spy in the interest of France. 
Also, if that is true, there is but one course 
for me to pursue. Can you refute the 
charge?'^ 

Overcome with rage at the evident re- 
versal of his plans, The Rat choked a moment, 
while he glared at the officer. Then, shaking 
his fist at Ned and his companions, he burst 
out in a torrent of abuse. 

"Those fellows are the spies !" he cried. "I 
can prove to you that they came from the 
United States to enlist in the French aviation 
corps, and have that other boy, who is a 
native of France, to help them gather infor- 
mation which they will sell to your enemy!" 

"Startling, if true,'* calmly answered the 
officer, apparently not in the least disturbed 
by the statement "But, concerning yourself, 
I have heard and seen quite enough to justify 
me in holding you for further examination on 



800 UNDES FIBK IN FLAHDEBS 



the original charge of being a spy. Have you 
anything further to say on that subject?'' he 
questioned 

*Tes, just this !'* shouted The Rat, making 
a swift movement toward his coat pocket 
'Tou'll never try me as a spy!'* 

Withdrawing his hand quickly he swung 
his arm, launching toward Ned the deadly 
stick of dynamite. Instantly he and his com- 
panion sprang away, racing across the lawn, 
their paths separating as they went. 

Jimmie had not forgotten his baseball tac- 
tics. Just as the man swung his arm the lad 
jumped into the air, waving his arms. He let 
out a yell that would have been envied by f an- 
dom from coast to coast It had the desired 
effect. The Rat's aim was spoiled. 

With wonderful dexterity The Wolf leaped 
forward and caught the stick of dynamite in 
midair ! Whirling about as he seized the dan- 
gerous missile, he regained his feet, holding 
at arm's length the object which meant de- 
struction if The Rat had carried out his in- 
tention. 

Involuntarily the little group about the offi- 
cer had dodged, as they realized that the ex- 
plosive thrown against the hard wall would 



OB, THE BOY SOOUTB IN BELGIUM. 301 



bring about a catastrophe in which they did 
not wish to share. 

As Jimmie, with a grin on his freckled face, 
turned to deposit the missile on the table, the 
officer in command gave a quick order to the 
two guards who had accompanied The Rat 
and his friend Hungry. 

"Get the man with the plans !'^ 

Rifles were swung to shoulders and the two 
shots rang out as one. Astonished beyond 
measure, the little group heard a deafening 
explosion and saw a cloud of smoke appear 
where The Rat had but a moment before been 
running. A slow smile spread over the face 
of one marksman. 

Hungry tripped, fell at full length, and lay 
as he had fallen. 

Running forward, the two soldiers exam- 
ined the spot where The Rat had last been 
seen by the little group. Shaking their heads 
the two men returned to the prostrate Hun- 
gry. He was helped to rise and then, sup- 
ported between the pair, conducted back to 
the little knot of men near the castle. 

"You are a good marksman,^' commented 
the officer, as the soldiers came to a halt and 
saluted, "but you were never furnished bul- 



SQ2 UNDES FIRE IN FLAEDEBS; 



lets such as that one you fired just now. 
Where did you get it?" 

*1 fired a bullet from my regular supply, 
sir/' answered the soldier, still smiling, as he 
lifted his hand in salute. 

^There is something peculiar about this 
matter !'* declared the officer. '*When I order 
you to shoot a man, why should he explode?" 

*1 think perhaps I can explain the matter," 
volunteered Ned, stepping forward. Then, as 
the officer turned attentively toward the lad, 
he continued: ''When the man started to run 
he threw, as you know, this stick of dynamite 
at me. I believe he had more dynamite on his 
person somewhere and the soldier's bullet ac- 
cidentally struck it !" 

"Quite reasonable!" agreed the officer. '1 
believe you !" 

"But not by accident, sir !" interrupted the 
soldier. "When I saw him start away I also 
noticed his pocket still bulging. I suspected 
that he had more dynamite in there, and I 
aimed at the object inside his coat — ^and hit 
it!" he concluded, somewhat proudly. 

"Most excellent markmanship !" was the 
officer's comment. "But will you tell me why 
you aimed at the dynamite?" 



OB, THE BOY SCOUTS IN BELGIUM. 303 



"Because I had heard these young men say, 
and also heard your statement that the man 
had plans of a fortification in his pocket. I 
thought that he wouFd carry the document in 
a belt about his body, and that if the dyna- 
mite exploded it would destroy the plans, and 
thus assist the young men in their efforts to 
prevent their country's secrets falling into 
improper hands. I did not intend to disobey 
your orders r* 

"You were very considerate," spoke up 
Ned, "and we appreciate your kindness very 
much, indeed. But you made a mistake !'' 

"A mistake?" questioned the soldier. "No, 
I shot straight!" 

*Tou made a slight mistake, nevertheless," 
replied Ned. "The plans are on that man 
there between you two. He has them on his 
back!" 

*T[t's a lie I" yelled Hungry, looking about as 
if speculating on his chances for making an- 
other attempt at escape. 

^TThat man has the packet of plans that The 
Rat gave him not more than half an hour ago. 
We saw the exchange made!" 

"It's a lie!" again declared Hungry. "He 



804 UNDER FIRE IN FLANDERS; 



had the plans all the time. They are blown 
to bits now, and you^ll never see them !^' 

'llow do you know this?" questioned the 
officer, turning to Ned. 

Omitting details, Ned described the inci- 
dents leading up to the time the boys saw the 
exchange of plans from The Rat to Hungry 
in the underground room. As he finished the 
recital he smilled a bit and said : 

"I must admit, sir, that we were really try- 
ing to get away from this place and return to 
the Grey Eagle. I did it, however, because I 
was very anxious to get to Berlin ahead of 
that fellow out there !" 

"You are not to be blamed for your zeal!" 
consoled the officer kindly. "Do not blame 
yourself for the attempt It shall not be re- 
membered against you.'* Then turning to the 
soldiers he continued: 

"Search this man and see if he has the 
packet !" 

A hand was thrust down Hungry's collar 
and the packet brought forth. With an in- 
considerate jerk the soldier broke the string 
and handed the parcel to his officer. Hun^ 
gr/s consternation was complete. 

"Pardon me, gentlemen,'* the officer apolo- 



OB, THE B07 SCOUTS IN BELGIUM. 305 



gized to Ned and his friends. "I think I shall 
have to examine the contents !" 

Peering over the officer's shoulder as he un- 
folded the contents of the little package, Ned 
gave a shout of joy. 

"Hurrah !'* he cried, jumping about. "Hur- 
rah I The Rat fooled himself ! Those are not 
the plans of a fortification after all !" 

"What?" incredulously gasped Jimmie, 
pressing forward. 

"Not a bit of it!'' declared Ned. "This is a 
plan of the harbor at Colon, showing the pro- 
posed breakwater and sea wall, with locations 
for the scows that carried away the dirt from 
the Panama Canal !" 

"Then they would have no value to any 
other country?" asked Jack. 

"Not the least, except perhaps after the 
canal is opened to general traffic they might 
be useful to a captain in bringing his ship up 
to the entrance. But other charts will be 
issued of far greater value." 

Gladly the boys shook hands, overjoyed to 
think that the efforts of The Rat had failed 
to bring about international difficulties be- 
tween their country and any other nation. 



306 imDXB FIBK IN FLANDERS; 



*^And now," continued the officer, as the 
matter seemed to be settled, '1 must hasten 
forward I have some disagreeable work be- 
fore me, and cannot spare more time. I will, 
however, give you a pass that will afford you 
protection into neuti^ territory." 

"Can we take the Grey Eagle with us?" 
queried Jimmie anxiously. 

'Tou may dismantle it and take it as 
freight only," replied the officer. ''We can- 
not allow you to operate it in this territory 
under the present conditions. It is too dan- 
gerous an undertaking !" 

''We want to thank you for the kindness 
you have shown us !" declared Ned, as the offi- 
cer prepared to depart "You have been most 
kind!" 

"I have but tried to be fair with you," was 
the reply. " Your example of loyalty to coun- 
try and devotion to duty have been exceeded 
only by your bravery under trying circum- 
stances. I shall always remember the Boy 
Scouts with pleasure. 

Before nightfall the boys were again at 
their beloved Grey Eagle. 

Arrangements had been made for packing 



OK, THE BOY SOOUTB IN BBLGIUll 307 



cases in which to ship the aeroplane, and in a 
few hours they were on their way toward 
Holland. From ports in that country, which 
was neutral territory, they would arrange to 
take ship for home* 

''Well, I^m glad to get my face turned to- 
ward little old New York again,'* grinned Jim- 
mie, as the train in which they rode bumped 
along. 

"Just the same, I vote three cheers for those 
officers !*' put in Jack. 'They treated us finely. 
I like *em all. Both the French and Germans 
were fine! When we get home," he contin- 
ued, "the boys will be delighted to hear about 
the adventures that befell us when we were 
'Under Fire in Flanders' !" 

'Tes," added Harry, "and Fm glad the 
'Musketeer's Mistake' let us start for home so 
quickly. I've had about enough of this fight- 
ing business. War is not a nice game !" 

But the boys were not destined to reach 
home as quickly as they thought, neither had 
they seen the last of war. . In fact, they had 
not proceeded far until thpy met further ad- 
ventures that commanded their entire atten- 



SOB UNDES FIRE IN FLAHBEBS; 



tion and made them better acquainted with 
the unpleasant side of war. 

What happened to them wiH be told in ihe 
next volimie of this series, entitled: Boy 
Scouts in the North Sea, or The Mystery of 
U13. 



THE END. 



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at 75c per copy by the publishers 

M. A. DONOHUE & CO. 
701-727 S. Dearborn St.» CHICAGO 



ALWAYS ASK FOR THE DONOHUE 

Cot^»«gEdMoaiMdTO»wqiK««<h«b— tortbetoitmo—T 



"Jack Harkaway" 

Series of Books 



ForBoyi 

B7 BncMbtldse Heoimg 



TU* •didon of Juk Hnkaww 
U printed tram Iwta elur t jp«, 
B*w plBtoL on ■ wary ■u»run 
nualltr of book papOT *Bd Urn 
book* tn ■abnantiallr bousd ia 
biaiten' elolh. The coTeia ue 
ODians sad KMrmotin, »iih tltl* 
luTlaB k MpuaM ooth 1b oolan 
from iMw dita. EsBh book In 
printed wrnpn, wltli eorar 
Oc^CB »nd (itU. OMb Umo. 

1 Jack Harknrsy'* School D«ya 

2 Jock HwkswwT After School DxTS 

3 Jack Hukawar Afloat andAabof* 

4 Jack Harkawaj at Oxford 

5 Jack Harkawar'a Adventuraa at Oxford 

( Jack Harkawar AmODK the Brigands of Itafr 
7 Jack Harkaway's Eacw* From the Eklsanda 

olHaly 
t Jack Hariuway'a Adventuraa ArooBd tfaa World 
9 Jack Harkaway In America aad Cuba 
It lack Harkaway'a Adveoturea In China 
11 Jack Harkaway'a Adveoturca In Greece 
13 Hck Harkaway'i Eacapa From the Brtgaoda 

of Greece 
13 Jack Harkaways Advcntorea Id Anatralla 
M Jack Harkaway and Hla Boy Tinker 
15 Jack Harkaway'a Boy Tinker Among the Tmka 
WawlIlMnd>nT<rflk«abnetilWpMlMUtoaBr>ddnM. Eaab 

75c 
M. A. DONOHUE & CO. 

m-737 DEARBORN STREET CHICAGO 



ALWAYS ^«« ^OR THE DONOHUEI 

COMPLETE EDITIONS— THE BBST FOR LBA8T MOVfKV | 

■ 



Donohuo's Plays, Dialogs, 
Rsadiigs, RtcHafisns, eu. 

CAREFULLY eompiled aeifes ot books, wkiok laeludet 
ereythi^g thai i« fffosfa, popular Mid np-to-dftte. Bai* 
braoiiig. Humorous, Sentimeatal, Patiiotio, Sexiout* 
Comic, Eloqaexit, Pathetic. Chaiaoier mad DUled 
fikeiohot that are ahraya in demaad. 

MODEL SERIES OF SPEAKERS AND DIALOGS 

Noe. 1 to 14, reoitatioaa and dialoti lar all 
piioe, lie each. 

OOMIG READINGS AND RSGITATIOM8 

102 paces all somio and humorous, pxfoe* Bo m 
Sfcin^th. 

PATRIOTIC RECITATIONS AND READINGS 




92 paces for all patriotic oowsions, prise, 8eift 
He in doth. 

TOMMY'S PIRST SrSi^KR _ ^ 

Orer 800 short, rii^pto plasis for llltis «o^ Ctoiki 

TOMMYS SECOND SKAKBR _ ^ 

Orer 200 serious, ouainl piaoss lor older mms. CMli; 
Mc. 

DEARBORN SPBAKBR AND DIALOGS 

Orisinal and selected readincs for all pwposss with obMV* 
Tations for study and practice. Cloth, 99c. 

YOUNG FOLKS DIALOGS AND DRAMAS _ ^ 

Short, prett jr, f unnjr for all oooarions, pap tr Be CMK 
Mc. 

BVBRYBODY^ SFSAKER AND BNTBRTAINBR 

Contains seleot res dings, dialogs and dramas. Illast ral aS. 
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AMERICAN STAR SPEAKER AND ELOCUTIONIST 

Complete test on how «o reeito. 226 sslegti«n» MS 
pages. Cloth tlJI. 

The above books have been eafsfully prepared for pupfito 
•f all ages, and are espeeiall j adopted for the use of Scnools, 
Churches, Lyceums, Anniversaries, Temperance Societies* 
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public entertainmein. 

For sale by all Book and Newsdsalers, or will beaeat ta aagr 
add r ess in the United States, Canada or Mexieo, postage paid* 
on reoript of price, in currency, xooney order or stampsi 

M. A. DONOHUE & CO. 

fM-737 S. E«ARBORN STREET :t CfflCAOO 






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Complete Bd h ioog and yoo will get the best lor the least mooey 



THRILLING. INTERESTING. INSTRUCTIVE 



BOOKS 



By HARRY 
CASTLEMON 

No boy's library is complete unless it oontuns all of 
the boom by that charming, delightful writer of boys' 
stories of adventure, Harky Castlbmon. The follow- 
ing are the titles, umform in size, style and binding: 



Boy Trapper, The 
Fnmk the Young Naturalist 
Frank in the Woods 
Frank on the Lower Missisnppi 
Frank on a Gunboat 
Frank Before Vicksburg 
Frank on the Prairie 
Frank at Don Carlos Ranch 
The First Capture 
Smiggle lor a Fortune, A 
Arrows Medicine 



1 

2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 



All of the above books may be had at the store where 
this book was bought, or will be sent postage prepaid 
at 75o eachi by the publishers. 

M. A. DONOHUE & CO., 
701-727 S. Dearborn Street, CHIGAGO 



ASK YOUR BOOKSELLER FOR 

THE DONOHUE COMPLETE EDITIONS 

and yon will get the beat for the lext money 



BOYS* COPYRIGHTED BOOKS 

ThlB most attractive and highest class list of cop3nighted books 
for bo3rs ever printed. In this list will be found vie works of W. 
Bert Foster, Capt. Ralph Bonehill, Arthur M. Winfiek!, etc. 

Printed from large clear type, illustrated, bound in a supericv 
quaUty of ctoth. ^i^gj CUNT WEBB SESIES 

By W. Bert Foster 
I. — Swept Out to Sea; or, CUnt Webb Among the Whalers. 
2.— The Frozen Ship; or, Clint Webb Among the Sealers. 
3. — ^From Sea to Sea; or, Clint Webb on the Windjammer. 
4*— The Sea Express; or, Clint Webb and the Sea Tramp. 

THE YOUNG SPORTSMAN'S SERIES 
By Capt. Ralph Bonehill 

Rival Cyclists; or. Fun and Adventures on the WheeL 

Young Oarsmen of Lake View; or, The Mystery of Hermit Island* 

Leo the Circus Boy; or, Life Under the Great miite Canvas. 

SEA AND LAND SERIES 
Four Boys' Books by Favorite Authors 

Oscar the Naval Cadet Capt. Ralph Bonehill 

Blue Water Rovers Victor St. Clare 

A Royal Smuggler William Dalton 

A Boy Crusoe Allen Erie 

ADVENTURE AND JUNGLE SEIOES 
A large, well printed, attractive edition. 

Guy in the Jungle Wm. Murray Graydeo 

CasA:et of Diamonds Oliver Optic 

The Boy Raihroader Matthew White, Jr. 

Treasure of South Lake Far m... W. Bert Foster 

YOUNG HUNTERS SERIES 
By Capt. Ralph Bonehill 
Gun and Sled; or. The Young Hunters of Snow Top Island. 
Young Hunters in Porto Rico; or, The Search for a Lost Treasure. 
Two Young Crusoes; by C. W. Phillips. 

Throufi^ Apache Land; or, Ned in the Mountains; by Lieut R. B> 
Tayne. BRIGHT AND BOLD SERIES 

By Arthur M. Winfield 
Poor but Plucky; or. The Mysteiy of a Flood. 
School Days of Frea Harley ; or, Rivals for All Honors. 
Bv Pluck, not Luck; or, Dan Granbuxy's. Struggle to Rise. 
The Misang Tin Box; or, Hal Carson's Remarkable City Adventure. 

COLLEGE LIBRARY FOR BOYS 
By Archdeacon Farrar 
Julian Home; or, A Tale of College Life. 
St Winifred's; or. The World of SchooL 

For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of 50 cents. 

M. A. DONOHUE & CO. 
701>733 So. Dearborn Street, Chicago 



BOTS> COPYRIGHTED BOO£5 

Friitad from larpe, clear type on a ettporior goalHy of paHPf 
<Bd)dtiriieH nitk ongmal iUustoatioiisby aninent artistB. and boima 
fai a eupvior quality of hock binden' doth, onumentect with ilhiB- 
InMwd eoyeia» fteaped In eolon from unique and amnopriate di 
eadi book wTi^;yped m a glased paper wrapper printed in eolois. 



MOTOR BOAT BOTS SBRIBS 
9y Louis Arundel 

l«— TIm Meter CluVa Crulio Down fbm MTisfaitppi; oTi Tko Dask: 

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2«--The BirA Boys on the Wing ; on Aeroplane Chums in the fiosles. 
8.— The BM Boys Among me Clouds; or, Young Aviators in a 

Wreck. 
M mi^ »^— I vy^iit: or, A Hydroplane Round-up, 

Leroplane Wonder; or, Young Amtors on a Cattle 



CAKOB AlID CAMPflRB 8SRIBS 
By St Goofge Rathborae 

I.— Canoo Mates in Canada; or, Three B<^ Afloat on te Saa- 



2.— Toung Fur Taxers; or, xrapa ana xraus m me wuoer 
3.— Thefieuse Boat Beys; or. Drifth« Down to tiio San 
4.— ClMns in Diiie ; or. The Strange Crnlae in tiie Motor Boat 
8.---CanmMates ki Mlaiigan; or, Willi Pack and Paddle in the Ffam 

Weoda* 
e.--RodqF Mowitaki Boys; or, Campkig in the Big Game Countiy. 



IW aide by an bookasBers, or sent postpaid on reoeipl ef M cents. 

M. A. DONOHOB k CO. 
101 -TSS So. Dearborn Street, CUces^ 



25 



eff 



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