we shall find something to eat. Why, we might catch some fish
perhaps in the streams."

"Yes," cried Phil, excitedly.

"And make a fire and bake them in the hot ashes."

"To be sure," cried Phil, clapping his hands again.

"Sometimes, too, we may be able to dig up a few potatoes."

"And roast them."

"Of course. You'll like making a fire."

"I shall," cried the boy, with emphasis.

"Then we can call at a farm sometimes and buy some bread and milk and--"

"I say, Dr Martin, this _is_ going to be a holiday. Which way are we
going?"

"Straight away yonder, my boy--south, towards the British possessions."

"Make haste then. Take hold of my hand and let's run like father calls
double. Let's get to that river we drove to in the car months ago."

"Yes, we might go that way," said the Doctor, thoughtfully. "But why
did you choose that route?"

"Because I want to catch some fish for dinner."

"Without hook or line?"

"I shall go into the shallow, where we can see them, and splash them out
with my hands."

"To be sure, or perhaps spear one with a long, sharp stick."

"Yes, I'll try that. Oh, do let's go on at once. I want to begin."

"Very well," said the Doctor, after a long, anxious look round. "You go
first, and I'll follow."

"Let's walk fast," said Phil.

"Yes, let's walk fast," replied the Doctor.

And they started off along by the wood side, then by hedges and ditches,
and on and on, keeping to the open country and avoiding every farm, Phil
trudging away manfully, while whenever he showed his weariness, the
Doctor picked out some beautiful flowery prairie, or the side of a pine
wood, that they might rest.

But the way was rough and long, and when Phil's enthusiasm had lasted
till far in the afternoon, the sun seemed to beat down hot, and the poor
boy's feet dragged heavily, while much talking had made the Doctor's
voice sound husky, and a great thirst troubled both.

"Getting tired, Phil?"

The little fellow turned--his weary, troubled eyes towards his
questioner, and was about to say, "Oh, so tired and so hungry!" But he
forced himself to say:

"Yes, just a little."

"Ah, and so am I," said the old man, cheerily; "but look yonder!"

"Soldiers!" cried Phil, excitedly.

"No, no, no, my boy; we are free and safe, and out in the open country.
I mean, look at that dark fir wood yonder, and the gleam of sunshine on
water! Let's get there and rest and bathe our feet; and then what