ot. They were partly Belgian soldiers, it turned out, along with
some civilians, possibly men versed in explosives or strategy to be
employed to delay the advance of the German artillery.

Of course, they were very much excited at meeting the boys. The khaki
uniforms seemed to soften their anger to some extent, but one who
appeared to be in authority started to scold them for walking so
blindly into a trap.

Through the guide Rob hastened to explain how it came they had not
suspected the truth. Then as questions began to follow, he also told who
and what they were, even mentioning something concerning their
self-imposed mission into the danger zone of the fighting.

When the precious passport, written out by the good burgomaster, was
shown, it had an additional soothing effect. The man in charge of the
squad of destruction smiled and nodded as he perused the document,
written in French.

"He say burgomaster his uncle!" explained Antonio, after the other had
handed the paper back, and made some remark.

"Well, now, that's what I call fine. Tell him we're glad we got out from
under that bridge in time," said Rob, "and also that we think he made a
clean sweep of the job."

This seemed to please the Belgian officer, for he insisted on shaking
hands all around. Feeling that they were now free to proceed, the scouts
resumed their journey along the road that led to Brussels; probably,
wholly in the hands of the invaders further on toward the capital, since
rumor had it that immense numbers of German troops were daily being
moved toward Ghent.

"All of which only goes to show how necessary it is to be constantly on
the watch while you're in a country that's fighting for its life,"
Merritt remarked to his companions as they lost sight of the ruined
bridge.

"If only we had eyes in the back of our heads, we might get along a heap
better, I think," grumbled Tubby, as his horse awkwardly stumbled over
some small object, and gave him a shock.

"It was a close call, all right," acknowledged Merritt, "and has sobered
our guide a whole lot, I notice. He listens to every far-off boom now,
as though something might be drawing him. But the morning is wearing
away, so I suggest that we stop at the very first village we come to,
and see if we can beg, buy, or steal something to eat. I'm hungry as a
bear."

"Oh! bless you, Merritt, for those kind words!" called out Tubby. "I've
felt a vacuum down around my belt line for two hour