Amos was already fumbling around for his shoes. Through the open window came a medley of sounds, constantly growing in volume. Evidently a battle was on, and the roar of cannon began to be deafening. Outside, the villagers were greatly excited. They could be seen hurrying this way and that in the light of breaking dawn. Some were in full flight heading toward the south, while others doubtless must be making for underground retreats in the shape of cellars, the existence of which they were aware of.
“I can’t seem to find one of my shoes,” complained Amos. “Just throw that light of yours around here a second, won’t you, Jack?”
This being done the missing footgear was located, and soon placed where it belonged.[106] Meanwhile that dreadful noise grew louder and more terrifying. It was by this time difficult to converse without shouting. There were stunning explosions in the air that caused quick flashes as of lightning. Others made the ground fairly tremble from the violence of the concussion.
“All ready, Amos?” called Jack presently.
“Give me ten seconds to get my coat on and I’ll be with you!”
Amos was very much excited, as well he might be. Never in all his life had he listened to such a dreadful combination of awful noises. It was like half a dozen thunder storms rolled into one. If those Germans believe in carrying on a campaign of “frightfulness” they were certainly hewing pretty close to the line right then.
“It’s getting worse all the while, Jack!” he called out.
“Yes, as more guns come into play,” replied the other. “This must be one of the drives we’ve heard so much about.”
“But we said we believed nothing could push[107] those British chaps out of the trenches they’d dug themselves into,” said Amos.
“I don’t know how it is,” Jack told him, “but some way has been found by the Kaiser’s men to break through. Once that happens, you know, the whole line of defense crumples up like an egg shell.”
“Perhaps they’re using gas shells,” suggested Amos, for they had heard some talk along those lines from soldiers they had met returning wounded from the front.
“I wouldn’t put it past them,” said Jack, “you know that as chemists the Germans lead the world. They firmly believe they are fighting for their existence as a nation. Are you all ready, Amos?”
Upon the other replying in the affirmative they left the little room and made their way to the lower part of the house. Here a single lamp burned and by its meagre light they discovered the old burgomaster, who looked more solemn than ever.
“The Germans must have broken through the[108] British line of defense, which was only two miles away from here,” he told them, gravely, “and I fear it will mean the ruin of all we have left, for the fighting draws closer all the while, and they must soon be among the houses.”
“Some of the people have gone away,” Jack remarked, “and we think we ought to get out, too, while there is time.”
“Please yourselves, young messieurs, and it is wise of you, I must say, though if you choose to remain there is room in the cellar below.”
“Then you mean to stay here and take desperate chances?” the boy asked.
“It is my duty. I could not forsake my children when they need my counsel so much. It may be that cellar shall be our tomb. Nevertheless some one must remain to watch over the women and children who cannot get away.”
Amos was greatly affected on hearing the old man say this. He realized as never before that heroism is not confined to dashing deeds on the field of battle. In those days and nights that tried men’s souls numberless occasions arose[109] wherein humble individuals, often weak women, proved their right to the claim of heroism, though history would never blazon their deeds upon its pages.
Impulsively Amos seized the honest hand of the aged burgomaster and squeezed it. He always considered that he was being honored in having the privilege of calling him a friend.
“Look, there’s that boy Jacques again, with his Belgian flag!” called out Jack, pointing to a small figure that was parading up and down just outside the window.
“He utterly refuses to join the others in the cellar,” said the old man, “and he is too nimble for my infirm limbs to overtake, so I must let him take his chances. He is wild over the opportunity to do something to avenge his father, should the hated men in the spiked helmets reach here. Alas! I fear poor little Jacques will go to join his father ere long, when that spirit fills his heart. Those Germans spare not when the lust of battle is on them.”
[110]
Jack also shook hands with the old burgomaster ere leaving.
“I surely hope it may not turn out as badly as you fear,” he said in parting, after pressing some money into the other’s unwilling palm. “The drive will be halted before it reaches your place. If a chance comes to us we will look you up again later. Good-bye!”
The old man somehow had taken quite a fancy to the boys, and it was evi............