reckless valour as this the German
Landwehr, although they outnumbered their assailants at least two to
one, could do nothing, and it could not have been more than eight
minutes from the first onrush before the last German had been cut down.

"Set a light to it, boys," commanded Shaw, highly excited with the
success of the combat. "Let's have a blaze to light our way across the
frontier, and to tell the Germans we bid them farewell."

"Now, boys, three good cheers for the Allies and down with the Germans!"

The huzzas were heartily given as the fire promptly kindled within
blazed up. Round the burning house the soldiers danced, flinging into
the fire the arms and equipment of their foes. Across the frontier, only
a few yards away, the soldiers of the Dutch guard had turned out, and
they watched the strange scene with an interest that to one at least of
the band of British and French was far from pleasing.

"Fall in!" commanded Shaw, and the men obeyed. "Form fours--right! Now,
boys, we've seen our last of Germany for a time, and are going to march
into Holland. Soon we shall be back in the armies of the Allies, ready
to take part in another march through Germany. Now, then, by the right,
quick----"

"One moment, Shaw," cried Max quickly. "You are making a big mistake if
you think you can march thus into Holland and also be free to join the
armies of the Allies."

"Why so?" cried Corporal Shaw impatiently. "Why can't we? Who's to stop
us?"

"The Dutch soldiers will stop you quick enough," replied Max. "Do you
think they will treat us as they do escaped prisoners or fugitives after
a battle at their very frontier?"

"Well, what will they treat us as?" cried Shaw sharply.

"As belligerents, of course. We shall be disarmed and interned, and our
fighting days will be over."

"Yes, Shaw," interposed Peck. "The lad's right, and we have played the
fool in lashing out at the Germans right agin the frontier. You're too
headstrong, Shaw. The lad was running this show. Why didn't you leave
him alone?"

"Pooh! If we drop our tools, and march across, the Dutchmen will let us
go," replied the discomfited Shaw apologetically. "Let's try it on
anyway."

"Nay, nay, Shaw," cried the Scot in a deep voice. "Ye've spoiled this
business, and ye'd better let be. The lad has the best heid, and let him
have his way over it. Come, lad, what say ye--what's oor next move?"

It was certainly time for a move of some sort. On both flan