Rollo and the corporal assisted Everest to his feet. He was unhurt, but wellnigh breathless. During this episode the leading Germans were within fifty yards of them; but unaccountably they slackened their pace, stopping at the edge of the frozen ditch and shouting frantically at the fugitives. "That's done it!" exclaimed the Fusilier. In extended order a number of soldiers, some mounted, emerged from the shelter of a row of trees on the opposite side of the field, and stood waiting to receive the exhausted Englishmen. Escape was impossible. There was no cover either to the right or the left. Behind them were their pursuers; in front the troops, including cavalry. "We've had a run for our money," remarked the corporal, as he raised his arms above his head in token of surrender. His companions noticed that, in spite of his dejection, the man never blamed them for suggesting a course that ended in recapture. The Germans behind them still made no further attempt to advance. They stood in a row at the edge of the ditch, bawling unintelligibly. "Hurrah!" suddenly shouted Kenneth. His companions looked at him in amazement. "We're all right," he continued. "We've crossed the frontier. These fellows are Dutch soldiers." CHAPTER XXV Thelma Everest The detention of Rollo Barrington and Kenneth Everest on Dutch soil was of comparatively short duration. Well before the end of September they were allowed to recross the frontier within a few miles of the strong fortress of Antwerp. The Northumberland Fusilier--his companions in peril never learnt his name--did not accompany them. At the first available opportunity he got into communication with a British Consul, and, through that official's instrumentality, was sent back to England. Here he reported himself at the nearest regimental depot, and, greatly to his satisfaction, was again sent across the Channel to rejoin his comrades-in-arms. Upon gaining Dutch territory, almost the first act of Kenneth and Rollo was to communicate the news of their safety to their anxious parents, at the same time stating their intention of proceeding to Antwerp to continue their work as dispatch-riders to the Belgian forces. Upon arriving at the great Belgian fortress the lads found, to their huge satisfaction, that the 9th Regiment of the Line--or rather the remains of it--formed part of the garrison, their duty being to man the trenches between Fort de Wavre Ste Catherine and Fort de Waelhem--posts that, owing to their strategical position, seemed likely to bear the brunt of the threatened German attack. "Dieu soit loué!" exclaimed Major Planchenoît. He was captain no longer, having gained well-merited promotion. "It is messieurs the English dispatch-riders. What has befallen you?" As briefly as possible Kenneth related their adventures from the time of their ill-starred ride to Cortenaeken.