y would not be able
to do it. The shadows grew longer and longer as Netteke plodded slowly
along, and at last Mother De Smet called to her husband over the
boatside.

"I think we shall have to stop soon and feed the mule or she will be
too tired to get us across the line at all. I believe we should save
time by stopping for supper. Besides, I want to send over there," she
pointed to a farmhouse not a great distance from the river, "and get
some milk and eggs."

"Very well," said her husband; "we'll stop under that bunch of willows."

The bunch of willows beside the river which he pointed out proved to be
a pleasant, sheltered spot, with grassy banks sloping down to the
water. A turn in the river enabled them to draw the "Old Woman" up into
their shadows, and because the trees were green and the boat was green,
the reflections in the water were also green, and for this reason the
boat seemed very well hidden from view.

"I don't believe we shall be noticed here," said Father De Smet.

"It's hot on the boat. It would be nice to take the babies ashore while
we eat," said Mother De Smet, running out the gangplank. "I believe
we'll have supper on the grass. You hurry along and get the milk and
eggs, and I'll cook some onions while you are gone."

Jan and Marie ran over the plank at once, and Mother De Smet soon
followed with the babies. Then, while Marie watched them, she and Jan
brought out the onions and a pan, and soon the air was heavy with the
smell of frying onions. Joseph and Jan slipped the bridle over
Netteke's collar and allowed her to eat the rich green grass at the
river's edge. When Father De Smet returned, supper was nearly ready. He
sniffed appreciatively as he appeared under the trees.

"Smells good," he said as he held out the milk and eggs toward his wife.

"Sie haben recht!" (You are right!), said a loud voice right behind him!

Father De Smet was so startled that he dropped the eggs. He whirled
about, and there stood the German soldier who had told Netteke to halt.
With him were six other men.

"Ha! I told you we should meet again!" shouted the soldier to Father De
Smet. "And it was certainly thoughtful of you to provide for our
entertainment. Comrades, fall to!"

The onions were still cooking over a little blaze of twigs aid dry
leaves, but Mother De Smet was no longer tending them. The instant she
heard the gruff voice she had dropped her spoon, and, seizing a baby
under each arm, had fled