Roland was there, on duty, and when he found that they had just returned from Wandre, he could not help but express his admiration1, and was not slow in telling the General of the boys' adventures.
"Oh, yes! We had the Uhlans after us. They blocked our road but we took the next one and beat them," explained Ralph.
"Ralph had the advantage of me. He could see them, and I just had to run the machine," said Alfred.
"You are both to be commended. But what is this?" he asked, as Pierre handed him a large envelope.
The General opened the envelope. "From Waremme," he said. "So you have started to do service the first day. This is, indeed, commendable2."
133
"Please, sir," said Alfred, "can't we have uniforms?"
"You certainly shall have them. Lieutenant3, see that the boys are provided with the regulation suits." This was their first knowledge that their friend Roland was a lieutenant in the service.
But now the great and crucial times came to the boys who only a week before tried to reach their homes, but they were not thinking of that now.
When they reached their quarters that evening, too tired for words, they talked, and talked, rehearsing the scenes and incidents of the day, and fell asleep, half undressed, where they found themselves in the morning, lying across the bed.
Before they had time to dress a great commotion4 was heard in the camp. They hurriedly dressed and rushed over to the main dining hall.
"What have you heard?" asked Ralph.
"Vise has been entirely5 destroyed, and the Germans are appearing in great force at all points north of Liège," said one of the attendants.
Breakfast was soon disposed of, and they rushed over to see Roland. "Have you heard the news?" they asked.
"Yes, and we have information that two large forces are now advancing, presumably to take Brussels," answered Roland.
"We are to have uniforms, did you know it?" asked Ralph.
"Yes, and your arms are also ready for you. Wait until I get my breakfast and we will go over and get the things," replied Roland.
134
"What, are the uniforms ready? What are they like?" said Alfred, as he danced about in delight.
"Oh, yes! You will have the regulation Scout7 uniform, but it will have the distinctive8 stripes on the arm to indicate that you are attached to the staff in the messenger service," replied Roland.
You may be sure that two more impatient boys could not be found than Ralph and Alfred, as they awaited the reappearance of Roland.
"Let us go over now and see our machines," said Ralph.
Alfred did not protest, you may be sure, and together they rushed out the door, and across to the warehouse9 in which the machines were placed. As they went in they saw an officer move away from the place where the machines were kept.
His actions excited Ralph's suspicions. "I don't like the looks of that man," he said.
The fact that the boys watched him narrowly, evidently excited the man's suspicions, also, and he tried to appear unconcerned.
"I am going to bring Roland over," said Alfred, and he moved toward the door.
As the man hurried his steps toward the rear of building out of sight, Alfred ran quickly to the dining hall, and called out to Roland:
"There is a very suspicious-looking man at the warehouse. Come over at once." Roland did not wait for a second call. With his breakfast hardly begun, he jumped up, disregarding his hat, and followed Alfred. As they neared the warehouse,135 they saw Ralph far beyond, keeping the officer in sight.
"Good boy!" said Roland.
"There he is," said Ralph; "see him just turning the corner." With a bound Roland crossed the intervening space, and rushed around the shed in which the artillery10 was parked. He ran into the officer full face, and greeted him.
"Who are you? What and where is your command?" he inquired.
The man attempted to answer in French, but his foreign accent was readily detected.
Roland's revolver was in his hand, and he cried out: "Hold up your hands instantly."
"Turn about: you are under arrest. Forward march," ordered Roland.
Then turning to the boys he said: "Go up to him on either side and direct him down to headquarters. I will follow as a guard."
During the progress down the street a large crowd gathered and followed. The cry of "spy" was heard on all sides. The commandant was quickly advised of the cause of the commotion and he received and questioned the man, who could give no satisfactory replies to any of the questions put to him. He could not state where he obtained the uniform he wore. This in itself was incriminating evidence, and made him amenable11 to the laws governing the execution of spies.
He was found guilty, principally on his own confession12, and executed within an hour of the trial.
When Alfred learned of the man's fate, he was136 greatly affected13. He had been the cause of the man's death—the direct cause. How he now abhorred14 the shedding of blood. Some days prior to this, he had taken a gun in his hand, and shot with the intention of killing15. But this was different. He had detected a spy; and the spy was shot.
Roland found him at his room, gloomy, and with his lips quivering, and quickly divined the cause.
"You feel sorry for him. That is natural. I felt like a murderer when I arrested him, because I knew from his actions that he was a spy and I felt sure that I was leading him to his death. But you must remember that he was doing things which will bring more misery16 on us than his death could ever atone17 for. It was my duty and your duty, to bring him to justice."
An orderly appeared and explained that the boys were wanted at headquarters. They went at once, and Roland accompanied them.
The General came forward as they entered. "I must thank you in behalf of the King, for the great service you have rendered," he said, as he took Alfred and Ralph by the hand.
Alfred plainly showed his emotion, and Ralph and Roland turned away for a moment to tell the General how the boy felt.
The arms of the strong man went about the boy, and he said: "It is no discredit18 to you to feel that way. And now where are your uniforms?" he added.
137
"Oh! we are going to get them now. We were waiting for Roland," said Ralph.
The General smiled, as he said: "You mean the Lieutenant."
Ralph looked down abashed19 for a moment, and then slyly corrected himself, while Roland apologized. But the General needed no one to smooth down that little wrinkle; he also had boys, and he knew that these little informalities did not show want of respect.
"Get those uniforms at once; I want to see how they will look," he remarked to Roland, as the latter turned to obey.
The boys needed no more of an intimation as to their first duty. The uniforms as furnished were trim fitting suits of a greenish-gray, bound with a very narrow gold braid. The coats were close-fitting and rather short but were well adapted for service and the proper fits were soon obtained.
The whole of Belgium did not contain two prouder boys than these two, as they marched to headquarters, to thank the General for his kindness.
As they were about to leave, the General remarked: "I am happy to tell you that Belgian boys also are doing their duty nobly. Day before yesterday, two boys near the frontier, rescued two of our soldiers from four Uhlans who had captured them, and yesterday, one of the boy scouts20, west of Liège, named Niston, captured two German spies. It is such work that is appreciated, and shows that they are trying to do their duty to138 their country. The work you and those boys are doing is of great service. If the spy you caught had been permitted to escape it might mean our death or capture. It is one of the things in war, which must be guarded against, and all who volunteer to become spies know that death is the penalty of detection."
As they were going to their quarters, Alfred asked: "Why did the General say that the Belgian uniform condemned21 the spy?"
"The wearing of any disguise is reprehensible22. That fact alone, even though the wearer may not have done an act or thing which could be condemned, would be sufficient to warrant his execution."
"But suppose a German should get into the camp, or through our lines in his regular uniform, and be captured, would not that man be a spy?"
"No, for the reason that he is trying to get the information in the avowed23 character of an enemy, and not by attempting to deceive."
Alfred sighed as he weighed the distinction in his mind. He was thinking of the rules of war, which he had learned during the past ten days and he wondered whether there was really anything which was honorable in armed conflict, or which was observed in the game of war.
But the boys' feelings were very much allayed24, when they learned that during the day two more spies had been caught within the camp, and that now a corps25 of detectives had been employed to ferret out that class of men.
139
During the investigation26 that followed it was found that several were disguised in the uniforms of gendarmes27, some wore the regulation suits of the civil guards, and others were employed as hucksters who brought in the daily provisions.
Automobiles29 were in evidence everywhere, and on every road fixed30 patrols halted and examined all who passed. Machines were constantly going and coming, and there were motorcycles in abundance. Added to this were contrasting uniforms, indicating the kinds of service in which the men were engaged, and the scene was at all times animated31 and full of activity.
Ralph's arm was now healing so rapidly that the machine was taken out and both boys practiced in short runs. Ralph was an expert in all matters pertaining32 to mechanism33, and since his father was well known as an expert workman, and superintendent34 of one of the large establishments in America, it could be understood that he naturally acquired considerable knowledge which was of great service to both boys in the care and handling of their machines.
It was now the 13th day of August, and the ninth day of actual warfare35. Early in the morning rumors36 began to come in thick and fast concerning the advance of the Germans. The Uhlans had reached Waremme, and were scouting37 in the region to the west of that town.
Before noon the report came that Tongres had fallen before the advancing troops, and there was intense activity in camp. The troops were being140 drilled daily, and hourly, in fact. While detachments arrived at every train, it was evident that one force after the other was being sent south and east.
Finally a messenger arrived from the east. The General and his staff had mounted, and an orderly approached the boys. To each he handed an envelope. One was directed to the officer in command at Altenhoven, and the other to the Colonel of a regiment38 stationed at Racour.
"I know where Altenhoven is, but where is Racour?" said Ralph.
The information was promptly39 given by a soldier. Here was the first detached duty. The informant told them to go south two kilometers, and the one destined40 for Racour should turn to the right which would lead in the direction of the town.
"I will take the message for Racour," said Alfred, "as it is farther and I am better able than you to make the long trip."
Ralph protested, but Alfred had his way as they sped down the road. The official envelope, and the special uniforms of the boys, were sufficient to clear the way. On and on they sped to their destination. At the forks of the road Alfred turned to the right, and held up his hand as a parting salute41.
When Alfred left Ralph he felt a sense of responsibility which had never come to him before. If he had known that not an hour before a strong patrol of German cavalry42 had passed along that141 road, he might have been cautious, and possibly apprehensive43, but in his ignorance he felt exultant44 and happy.
His one thought was to reach the command at Racour, and so his machine was speeded to the limit. Mile after mile was covered, and people stared at him as he passed. It seemed strange to him that he did not meet with a patrol, in that long stretch after he had left Jean and crossed the railroad line which runs from Liège to Tirlemont. He knew that he must be within two kilometers of Racour, when he saw ahead of him the unmistakable dust of approaching horsemen. To the left, and coming up what was undoubtedly45 a road at right angle to the one on which he was traveling, was another cloud of dust.
Like a flash it occurred to him that the Uhlans might be there. But what about those in front. Then he recalled that he had met no patrols and this puzzled him. He remembered how the peasants looked at him in astonishment46 as he went by, and the terror of doubt was upon him.
He slowed down his machine. And now, for the first time, he looked behind him. To his amazement47 he saw the outlines of a half dozen men, with the characteristic spiked48 helmet, and at once knew who they were. Here was a situation fraught49 with danger. As he approached the crest50 of a little hill he turned his machine aside, so that in going back across the road he could obtain a better view of his pursuers.
The troops coming up from the south must be142 Germans, but he was not sure of those ahead of him on the road. He speeded up, and catching51 sight of some peasants, beckoned52 to them, and they came across the fields.
"Who are the horsemen coming up from the south?" he hurriedly asked.
"They are Germans. They have been all along this road this forenoon."
"Do you know what troops are in front?" asked Alfred.
"We think they are our people," was the reply.
Alfred made up his mind at once. He knew he could reach the cross road before the troops could possibly come up, and he would then decide what course to pursue. He did some rapid thinking during the five minutes it took to reach the road.
They were still a quarter of a mile away. The cloud in his rear seemed to grow bigger, and appeared closer than before, and the dust in front showed that troops were also approaching from that direction. Then he saw the Belgian colors and felt greatly relieved to know that friends and not foes53 were approaching.
As Alfred neared the oncoming column they halted, and he did not attempt to slow down his speed until within a hundred feet of the advance. The troopers made way for him, as he rode down the line, and the officer in command galloped54 through and met him.
"Dispatches from Colonel Neerden!" he cried, as he held aloft the packet.
"Did you come along the road from the railway?"143 asked the officer, as he reached forward to take the papers.
Alfred drew back, without answering the question. "I must deliver this to the Colonel only," he responded. The officer smiled as he answered: "I am Colonel Neerden."
"Yes," responded Alfred, quickly, when he recognized his mistake, "I thought it strange that I did not meet any patrols."
"Didn't you know the Germans were after you?"
"Not until about ten minutes ago. But I couldn't go any faster than I did," said Alfred.
"Well, you are a brave fellow," said the Colonel. "What command of the Scouts do you belong to?"
"I am not a Scout. After the fight at Russon they made me a headquarters' messenger," replied Alfred.
The mention of the fight at Russon was sufficient notice to give him an entrée into the hearts of all present.
While those about him plied6 him with questions the Colonel opened the packet, and after examining it, gave an order. A detachment of the troops lined across the road, and Alfred, looking back, saw the column from the cross road join the force which had followed him.
"I must go back as quickly as possible," said Alfred.
"It will be impossible to go back by this route," remarked one of the officers. "We are ordered144 back to our quarters by the message which you brought, but may be sent to the firing line. The Germans are all over this section, and are rapidly approaching from every quarter. We shall have some lively work in a few days."
The main body of the troops entered the town of Racour, and the moment the camp was reached there was evidence of a hurried movement. Within fifteen minutes an orderly called Alfred to headquarters. As he entered the Colonel said:
"We are ordered to report at Neerwinden at once. Some portions of the regiment are guarding the bridge three kilometers to the west. Go to them at once and deliver this order."
Alfred did not wait for questioning, nor did he ask for instructions as to the directions, as he mounted; but before he could make a start the orderly was thoughtful enough to give him instructions. Then he set the machine full speed, and as he went like the wind he kept his horn tooting as a warning, but nowhere in the road did he meet an obstructing55 hand.
When he saw the bridge beyond and a group of guards he rode directly into the midst of them and asked for the officer in command, to whom he handed the missive. Alfred saw troops on the bridge, and as a sergeant56 stepped into the road and gave three sharp, quick blasts on a whistle, the men on the bridge rushed to the center passage way. When the whistle blew two blasts more they ran forward in double time toward the bank on which they were standing57.
145
At a command they moved away a hundred feet or more from the bridge and stopped as they neared the center. Meanwhile not a word was spoken, as all were intent on watching the work of the three men. Alfred was too fascinated to ask the meaning of this curious proceeding58.
Within two minutes at the utmost the three men leisurely59 marched off the bridge toward the group of guards on the bank. One, two, three, four minutes more. Why were they waiting?
Suddenly, a belching60 cloud of smoke was seen, followed instantly by a racking noise, then another, and another, and the beautiful bridge had disappeared.
Alfred was so fascinated at the weird61 setting, the silence that awaited the event, and the grim, business-like appearance of the officers and men, that when the last sound of falling timbers and steel died away he was drawn62 involuntarily toward the stream.
Fully63 two kilometers beyond was a cloud in the roadway, which Alfred had now learned to recognize. He turned to the Colonel and pointed64 in that direction.
"Yes," said he, "we were just in time."
A quick order brought the troops to attention. The order was given to return to camp, and within five minutes all the equipment was ready and the horses in motion. This was one of the engineers' forces especially detailed65 to guard the bridges.
As they were turning a curious train of light artillery came from a side street, which consisted146 of four guns, each carriage being drawn by four dogs. The powerful canines66 had no trouble in pulling the wagons67 at a trot68 and the gunners were running alongside at a fast gait.
Belgium and Holland are the two countries which utilize69 dogs for draft animals. Before the automobile28 came into use they were the great motive70 power and this is so, largely, among the peasants at the present time.
The faithful dog is bred for this use. He may be found everywhere drawing milk carts, pulling the little trucks which are piled high with faggots, or prancing71 along in the little vans filled with loaves from the bakeries.
In Belgium, dogs are trained to be policemen, and the sense of smell is highly developed; they are taught from puppyhood to perform certain tasks, to act as sentries72 and to trail suspicious characters.
点击
收听单词发音
收听单词发音 |
1
admiration
|
|
| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
2
commendable
|
|
| adj.值得称赞的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
3
lieutenant
|
|
| n.陆军中尉，海军上尉；代理官员，副职官员 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
4
commotion
|
|
| n.骚动，动乱 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
5
entirely
|
|
| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
6
plied
|
|
| v.使用（工具）( ply的过去式和过去分词 )；经常供应（食物、饮料）；固定往来；经营生意 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
7
scout
|
|
| n.童子军，侦察员；v.侦察，搜索 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
8
distinctive
|
|
| adj.特别的，有特色的，与众不同的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
9
warehouse
|
|
| n.仓库；vt.存入仓库 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
10
artillery
|
|
| n.(军)火炮，大炮；炮兵(部队) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
11
amenable
|
|
| adj.经得起检验的；顺从的；对负有义务的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
12
confession
|
|
| n.自白，供认，承认 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
13
affected
|
|
| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
14
abhorred
|
|
| v.憎恶( abhor的过去式和过去分词 )；（厌恶地）回避；拒绝；淘汰 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
15
killing
|
|
| n.巨额利润；突然赚大钱，发大财 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
16
misery
|
|
| n.痛苦，苦恼，苦难；悲惨的境遇，贫苦 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
17
atone
|
|
| v.赎罪，补偿 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
18
discredit
|
|
| vt.使不可置信；n.丧失信义；不信，怀疑 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
19
abashed
|
|
| adj.窘迫的，尴尬的v.使羞愧，使局促，使窘迫( abash的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
20
scouts
|
|
| 侦察员[机，舰]( scout的名词复数 )； 童子军； 搜索； 童子军成员 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
21
condemned
|
|
| adj. 被责难的, 被宣告有罪的 动词condemn的过去式和过去分词 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
22
reprehensible
|
|
| adj.该受责备的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
23
avowed
|
|
| adj.公开声明的，承认的v.公开声明，承认( avow的过去式和过去分词) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
24
allayed
|
|
| v.减轻，缓和( allay的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
25
corps
|
|
| n.(通信等兵种的)部队；(同类作的)一组 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
26
investigation
|
|
| n.调查，调查研究 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
27
gendarmes
|
|
| n.宪兵，警官( gendarme的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
28
automobile
|
|
| n.汽车，机动车 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
29
automobiles
|
|
| n.汽车( automobile的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
30
fixed
|
|
| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
31
animated
|
|
| adj.生气勃勃的，活跃的，愉快的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
32
pertaining
|
|
| 与…有关系的，附属…的，为…固有的(to) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
33
mechanism
|
|
| n.机械装置；机构，结构 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
34
superintendent
|
|
| n.监督人，主管，总监；(英国)警务长 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
35
warfare
|
|
| n.战争(状态)；斗争；冲突 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
36
rumors
|
|
| n.传闻( rumor的名词复数 )；[古]名誉；咕哝；[古]喧嚷v.传闻( rumor的第三人称单数 )；[古]名誉；咕哝；[古]喧嚷 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
37
scouting
|
|
| 守候活动，童子军的活动 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
38
regiment
|
|
| n.团，多数，管理；v.组织，编成团，统制 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
39
promptly
|
|
| adv.及时地，敏捷地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
40
destined
|
|
| adj.命中注定的；(for)以…为目的地的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
41
salute
|
|
| vi.行礼，致意，问候，放礼炮；vt.向…致意，迎接，赞扬；n.招呼，敬礼，礼炮 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
42
cavalry
|
|
| n.骑兵；轻装甲部队 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
43
apprehensive
|
|
| adj.担心的，恐惧的，善于领会的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
44
exultant
|
|
| adj.欢腾的，狂欢的，大喜的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
45
undoubtedly
|
|
| adv.确实地，无疑地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
46
astonishment
|
|
| n.惊奇，惊异 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
47
amazement
|
|
| n.惊奇，惊讶 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
48
spiked
|
|
| adj.有穗的；成锥形的；有尖顶的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
49
fraught
|
|
| adj.充满…的，伴有(危险等)的；忧虑的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
50
crest
|
|
| n.顶点；饰章；羽冠；vt.达到顶点；vi.形成浪尖 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
51
catching
|
|
| adj.易传染的，有魅力的，迷人的，接住 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
52
beckoned
|
|
| v.（用头或手的动作）示意，召唤( beckon的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
53
foes
|
|
| 敌人，仇敌( foe的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
54
galloped
|
|
| （使马）飞奔，奔驰( gallop的过去式和过去分词 )； 快速做[说]某事 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
55
obstructing
|
|
| 阻塞( obstruct的现在分词 )； 堵塞； 阻碍； 阻止 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
56
sergeant
|
|
| n.警官，中士 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
57
standing
|
|
| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
58
proceeding
|
|
| n.行动，进行，(pl.)会议录，学报 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
59
leisurely
|
|
| adj.悠闲的；从容的，慢慢的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
60
belching
|
|
| n. 喷出，打嗝 动词belch的现在分词形式 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
61
weird
|
|
| adj.古怪的，离奇的；怪诞的，神秘而可怕的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
62
drawn
|
|
| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
63
fully
|
|
| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
64
pointed
|
|
| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
65
detailed
|
|
| adj.详细的，详尽的，极注意细节的，完全的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
66
canines
|
|
| n.犬齿( canine的名词复数 )；犬牙；犬科动物 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
67
wagons
|
|
| n.四轮的运货马车( wagon的名词复数 )；铁路货车；小手推车 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
68
trot
|
|
| n.疾走，慢跑；n.老太婆；现成译本；(复数）trots:腹泻（与the 连用）；v.小跑，快步走，赶紧 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
69
utilize
|
|
| vt.使用，利用 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
70
motive
|
|
| n.动机，目的；adv.发动的，运动的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
71
prancing
|
|
| v.（马）腾跃( prance的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
72
sentries
|
|
| 哨兵，步兵( sentry的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
| 欢迎访问英文小说网 |