t one of
the numerous hotels there, returning from a walk. Their feet
however were so much swollen, the next morning, that they were glad
to remain another day quiet in the cottage; and the following day
they started, and walked gaily into Spa.

After strolling about the place, some time, they went to the
railway station at the time the evening train started for Brussels;
asked for tickets--in very English French--and, at eleven o'clock
at night, entered Brussels. Here their troubles were over. A good
night's rest, in a good hotel, completely set them up again and,
the next morning, they left by train for Dunkirk.

There they reported themselves to the French officer in command;
and received permission to go on board a Government steamer which
was to leave, the next morning, for Cherbourg.

Chapter 14: A Perilous Expedition.

Upon the eleventh of November the boys arrived at Tours. They had
started for that place, as the national headquarters, the moment
they arrived at Cherbourg. At Tours men's hopes were high for, a
week before, Aurelles de Paladine had driven back Von der Tann, and
reoccupied Orleans. Every hour fresh troops were arriving, and
passing forwards. The town was literally thronged with soldiers, of
all sorts: batteries of artillery, regiments of cavalry, squadrons
of Arab Spahis--looking strangely out of place in their white
robes, and unmoved countenance, in this scene of European
warfare--franc tireurs, in every possible variety of absurd and
unsuitable uniform.

In all this din and confusion, the young Barclays felt quite
bewildered. The first thing was, evidently, to get new uniforms;
then to report themselves. There was no difficulty about the former
matter, for every tailor in Tours had, for the time being, turned
military outfitter and, by dint of offering to pay extra, their
uniforms were promised for the next morning. That matter settled,
they determined to go at once to the Prefecture, and report
themselves.

As they turned out of the crowded Rue Royal, they received two
hearty slaps on the shoulder, which almost knocked them down; while
a hearty voice exclaimed:

"My dear boys, I am glad to see you!"

They looked round and--to their astonishment and delight--saw
Colonel Tempe. For a minute or two, the hand shakings and greetings
were so hearty that no questions could be asked.

"I thought a German prison would not hold you long, boys," the
colonel said. "I saw your father, a