"But many thought they would win, at first," said Frank. "It's not time to be discouraged yet, Harry. At first we all believed the Belgians were doing better than they could do--because they fought so well at Liege. Now Namur has fallen. And the English--they are falling back." "Ah, well, that is so," said Henri, brightening a little. "We did not expect to fight in Belgium, we French. Wait till they try to enter France! We will stop them--at Lille, at Maubeuge, at Valenciennes!" "I hope so, Harry," said Frank, soberly. "But do you know what I think? I believe we ought to go to your home at Amiens. I think you have been waiting here on my account--because you thought my uncle was coming. Well, I think he couldn't come. I am better off with you. And perhaps I can help, too. I think you should go to your mother, if she is alone at Amiens, because--" Henri turned on him fiercely. "Do you mean you think the Germans can get to Amiens?" he cried furiously. "Never! Never! They will never come so far! They will be stopped long before they get near it!" "I think so--and I hope so," said Frank. "But if my mother were there I should want to be there, too. I've read a great deal about war and battles lately, Harry, and I know that often an army has to retreat, not just because it's beaten, but because it's necessary for battles that are planned later on. The English and the French toward the coast are retreating now--on the left of the allies. They are moving back toward Amiens, and the Germans are following them." Henri continued to argue bitterly against the possibility that Frank suggested, but his arguments grew weaker. And when he told his aunt what Frank had said she sighed despairingly. "I, too, have been thinking that," she said. "These are terrible times for our poor France. We shall win--everyone believes that. But we shall suffer greatly first. I have talked with General Broche--you know him, Henri. He is too old and weak to fight now, but he was active in 1870. And he says--he says that the government may move soon, away from Paris!" "Then they think--!" cried Henri, almost overcome. "They do not know--no one knows. But if there is to be another siege, it is better that the government should be where the Germans cannot bottle it up. I shall stay here, but I shall be safe. There are plenty to do what I need. Go to Amiens, Henri. Your place is near your mother. If there seems to be danger, beg her to come here, or even to go to her friends, the Douays, in Nice. There at least all will be safe."