because they were out of the fire zone, or perhaps the barbarians did
not think it worth while to meddle with him. There was no wine in the
house. He procured a little brandy which he gave to Alan and sipped a
small quantity himself.

Alan learned that he was in the enemies' country, that it would be
difficult for him to get to the Allied lines. He might be taken at any
moment and shot on the spot. He had left his permit in the hands of
the guard when he galloped away.

Jean Baptistine said there was no immediate danger. Soldiers did not
often come his way. His guest had better lie concealed for a few days.
He would be glad of his company, something might happen, the Boches
might be driven back defeated.

Alan being tired went upstairs to lie down. The bed was clean, the
room smelt fresh. Jean told him to rest comfortably. He threw himself
on the bed; before Jean left the room he was asleep.

The sun streaming through the small windows woke him. He sat up,
wondering at first where he was.

On the old-fashioned table he saw a pair of gloves and a cigar-case.
How came they there?

He got off the bed, took the cigar-case in his hands, and stared in
amazement. The monogram V.N. was engraved on it, he recognized it, he
had given it to Vincent Newport when he resigned his commission; and
Captain Newport was posted among the missing. How came the case here,
and the glove?

He was examining them when Jean came up the crazy stairs into the room.

To Alan's rapid question he said:

"He was an officer, he escaped from the escort, they tracked him down.
I hid him, but it was no use--they found him."

"What became of him?" asked Alan.

"They took him away," he said. "They would have shot me but he pleaded
for me, said I did not hide him, knew nothing about it, that he crept
into the house and took the clothes he was wearing himself."

"Then he is alive?" said Alan.

"I believe so. Look," said Jean. He pulled open a drawer and Alan saw
in it an officer's uniform.

CHAPTER XXIV

TAKEN PRISONER

It was Vincent Newport's uniform. Alan did not hesitate to use it, he
felt he would be safer, as nobody would imagine him to be the man who
escaped through the line from Bruges.

Jean raised no objections and Alan gave him the clothes he wore. He
offered to guide him to a spot where he might get through the enemy and
reach his friends. It would be difficult but there was risk
everywhere. Alan pr