“It’s pretty early,” remarked Hal, “but perhaps we can find some one and get a bite to eat.”

They approached and found the household already astir.  As they ascended the steps, a young girl, probably sixteen years of age, came out on the porch.

“Can you provide us with a little something to eat?” asked Hal politely in French, doffing his cap.

The girl glanced at him, a puzzled expression coming over her face.

“I don’t understand French very well,” she said, in English.

“By George!” exclaimed Hal.  “I thought so.  That is,” he apologized for his exclamation, “I was sure you were not French.”

This time Hal had spoken in English, and a look of surprise had come over her face, followed by an expression of delight.

“I was sure you were Americans!” she exclaimed, and then added hesitatingly, “or are you—­can it be you are English?”

“No; we are Americans, all right,” Chester broke in; “but we certainly didn’t expect to run into an American girl in this corner of the world.”

“No; particularly at a time like this,” agreed Hal.

“Oh, I am perfectly safe here,” replied the girl “Uncle, who is a Belgian officer, has joined his regiment, and I am here with only two servants.  He wanted me to go to Liege with him, but I preferred to remain here.  No one will harm me.”

“But the Germans may come through here at any time, and then you would be in danger.”

“Oh, no.  Several German regiments already have passed by, and some of the officers were here.  They assured me I would not be molested.”

“Nevertheless, you are likely to be.  You can’t tell what may happen.”

“I am not afraid,” replied the girl.  “The Germans won’t bother an American.”

Remembering their own experiences, Hal and Chester looked at each other and smiled.

“I am not so sure,” replied Hal; “but if you have decided to stay, I suppose you will.  You see,” smiling, “I know something of American girls.”

The girl also smiled.

“I suppose you wonder who I am,” she said.  “I am Edna Johnson, and I live in Chicago.  Mother was here with me, but she went home just before war was declared.  I suppose she is worried to death about me, but I believe it is safer here than elsewhere, and I have heard Americans are having great difficulties getting home.”

Hal and Chester introduced themselves.

After a few minutes Edna suddenly exclaimed: 

“Here I am, keeping you chatting, when I know you must be awfully hungry.  Come with me and we shall have some breakfast.”

The boys followed her into the house, where a hearty meal was soon set in the dining-room, and the three fell to with a will.

Hardly had they satisfied their appetites when there was the sound of many feet upon the porch.  Miss Johnson glanced through the door.

“Germans,” she said, with a smile; “but they won’t bother us.”