r that village.

The next morning they were off before daybreak and, eight miles
farther, crossed the Moselle at Zell. They left the road before
they arrived at Alf; for they were now approaching the great road
between Coblentz and the south, and might come upon bodies of
troops upon the march, or halting; and might be asked troublesome
questions. They therefore struck upon a country lane and, keeping
among the hills, crossed the main road between Bertrich and
Wittlech; and slept in a copse, near Dudeldf. They had walked
five-and-thirty miles, and were so dead beat that even the cold did
not keep them awake.

Next morning they got a fresh supply of bread and cheese, at a tiny
village between Dudeldf and Bittburg and, leaving the latter place
to the left, made straight for the frontier, across the hills. The
road to the frontier ran through Bittburg; but they were afraid of
keeping to it, as there were sure to be troops at the frontier.
Several times they lost their way; but the pocket compass and map,
which they had brought with them, stood them in good stead and,
late in the evening, they arrived at the stream which forms the
frontier. It was, fortunately, very low; for the cold had frozen up
its sources. They had, therefore, little difficulty in crossing
and, tired as they were, gave a cheer upon finding themselves in
Luxembourg.

They tramped along merrily, until they came to a cottage; where
they boldly entered, and were received with the greatest kindness,
and hospitality. The Luxembourg people at once feared and hated
Prussia, and were delighted to do anything in their power for the
escaped prisoners. The peasant made a blazing fire, and some hot
coffee; and the tired travelers felt what a blessing it was to sit
down without listening, every moment, for the step of an enemy.

The peasants told them, however, that they were not yet altogether
safe for that, owing to the complaints of Prussia, both the Dutch
and Belgian Governments were arresting, and detaining, escaped
prisoners passing through their territories. After some discussion
the boys agreed that, next morning, they should dress themselves in
the change of clothes they had brought--which were ordinary
shooting suits--and should leave their other clothes behind; and
then walk as far as Spa, twenty miles to the north. They would
excite no suspicion in the minds of anyone who saw them arrive; as
they would merely be taken for three Englishmen, staying a