even if he were discovered I do not
suppose his life would be forfeited, although he might be detained."

"Why did he go, who sent him?" she asked.

"A highly placed member of the Belgian Government. I was told on best
authority he was specially requested to go," said Harry.

"Then I am not surprised he placed his services at their disposal,"
said Eve.

"No more am I."

It was quite true. Alan had accepted this dangerous mission which, if
successfully accomplished, would render great service. He had full
permission to go and did not underestimate the risk.

Discarding his uniform he put on civilian clothes and posed as a
Belgian. He spoke French fairly well and this helped him. After many
narrow escapes he succeeded in reaching Brussels, where he was in
danger of discovery every hour. He walked about the streets openly,
sat in several cafes, and talked with the people. There were hundreds
of German officers and soldiers, but there was nothing particularly
suspicious about Alan's appearance. He was well disguised and did not
look at all like an Englishman.

Despite this some officers looked at him curiously and in the course of
a few days he fancied he was followed.

He succeeded in his mission and learned by heart what he had to say on
his return. There were many willing Belgians ready to help him at the
risk of their lives. In a fortnight he was ready to leave the city;
but this was more difficult than entering it. On every side were
Germans, and nobody was allowed to leave Brussels without a special
permit, and these were hard to get. He had to wait as patiently as
possible for a favorable opportunity. Every day he remained the
situation became more dangerous.

So far he had avoided speaking to any of the Englishwomen who were
still in the city. He knew he was watched, that the first false step
might be fatal.

He did not think there would be much risk in calling at the English
nursing home. Many Belgians went there, and he had so far passed as
such.

He called, Nurse Ranger received him in her private room. She heard
who he was and why he was there. She volunteered to assist him in
getting away.

She offered to procure him a permit to leave Brussels, but was afraid
it would take some time. When it was secured it would only take him to
Bruges or somewhere within the German occupied territory.

Alan said his chief difficulty was to get out of Brussels. Once free
from the city he wo