sponded the scout leader heartily. "I wasn't
counting any too much on Anthony's services, come to speak of it.
Nine-tenths of what we expected to accomplish would have to come from
our own hard work. If you put it up to me to decide, I say every time,
go ahead!"

Merritt looked almost joyous. Though he was not a demonstrative fellow
as a rule, he could not help reaching out and squeezing a hand of each
of his faithful chums. Indeed, no one ever knew more reliable allies
than Merritt possessed in Rob and Tubby, who were ready to go through
fire and water with him, if necessary.

"It may all turn out for the best," Tubby continued, with fine optimism,
such as these chubby fellows nearly always show since life looks rosy to
them. "And it's going to save you a little money in the bargain, too,
Merritt. I must brush up my French and Flemish from now on. Already I
can say as many as six words of the first, and I think I know how to
almost pronounce one in Flemish."

"No trouble to tell what that one is," remarked Rob, laughing.

"It stands for grub!" added Merritt.

"Now, I consider it strange how you should guess so easily," Tubby shot
back at them reproachfully. "I suppose I'll have to acknowledge the
corn. We've got to eat to live, and so I thought I ought to know the
right word that would produce results quickest. Don't blame me, boys; I
was thinking of you as well as myself."

"Well, shall we get out of here?" asked Rob. "I don't altogether like
the way we are being stared at by some of the people of the village.
They say in Antwerp that there's a hidden sympathizer of the Germans in
every city, town and hamlet through the whole of Belgium always trying
to send information of value to the enemy."

"Huh! don't know just what to believe, and what to brand as big yarns,"
protested Tubby. "Since we've landed here I've heard stories that would
make poor old Baron Munchausen hide his head in shame as a has-been. If
one-tenth of the same turned out to be true, these Germans are the most
remarkable people that ever lived for getting ready for a war against
the whole world forty years ahead of the date. I'm beginning to use my
own horse-sense, and figure things out."

Ten minutes later they turned their backs on the little hamlet where a
fair meal had been procured, and which had also witnessed their first
real misfortune in the base desertion of Anthony.

In many cases they found the roads occupied with throngs of fugi