“The Germans must have broken through the British line of defense, which was only two miles away from here,” he told them, gravely, “and I fear it will mean the ruin of all we have left, for the fighting draws closer all the while, and they must soon be among the houses.” “Some of the people have gone away,” Jack remarked, “and we think we ought to get out, too, while there is time.” “Please yourselves, young messieurs, and it is wise of you, I must say, though if you choose to remain there is room in the cellar below.” “Then you mean to stay here and take desperate chances?” the boy asked. “It is my duty. I could not forsake my children when they need my counsel so much. It may be that cellar shall be our tomb. Nevertheless some one must remain to watch over the women and children who cannot get away.” Amos was greatly affected on hearing the old man say this. He realized as never before that heroism is not confined to dashing deeds on the field of battle. In those days and nights that tried men’s souls numberless occasions arose wherein humble individuals, often weak women, proved their right to the claim of heroism, though history would never blazon their deeds upon its pages. Impulsively Amos seized the honest hand of the aged burgomaster and squeezed it. He always considered that he was being honored in having the privilege of calling him a friend. “Look, there’s that boy Jacques again, with his Belgian flag!” called out Jack, pointing to a small figure that was parading up and down just outside the window. “He utterly refuses to join the others in the cellar,” said the old man, “and he is too nimble for my infirm limbs to overtake, so I must let him take his chances. He is wild over the opportunity to do something to avenge his father, should the hated men in the spiked helmets reach here. Alas! I fear poor little Jacques will go to join his father ere long, when that spirit fills his heart. Those Germans spare not when the lust of battle is on them.” Jack also shook hands with the old burgomaster ere leaving. “I surely hope it may not turn out as badly as you fear,” he said in parting, after pressing some money into the other’s unwilling palm. “The drive will be halted before it reaches your place. If a chance comes to us we will look you up again later. Good-bye!” The old man somehow had taken quite a fancy to the boys, and it was evident that he disliked to see them go. He knew what America was like, and doubtless the peaceful land across the sea appealed more strongly to him than ever, now that his own beloved country was being overrun and ruined by a hostile army. Once outside the house the boys looked about them. It was no longer dark for day was at hand. Besides, the constant bursting of those countless enormous shells helped dissipate the gloom, although in places a low-hanging sea fog made objects assume a weird appearance.