“Believe me, I am glad to see you again,” he exclaimed.  “I had made certain I would never see you alive.”

“Oh, we are hard to get rid of,” replied Hal, with a smile.  “I guess we’ll continue to stick around for some time yet.”

“Well, you don’t know how glad I am to see you back safely,” continued the Frenchman.  “But come in and tell me all about your journey.”

For a long time the three talked; and then Hal bethought himself to ask concerning the situation in Liege.

“We are expecting an attack in force at almost any minute,” explained the young captain; “and we are prepared to give a good account of ourselves.  In spite of the fact that we are sure to be greatly outnumbered, there is no doubt that we can hold the forts.  Of the city itself, I am not so certain, although these Belgians will fight to the last.

“Everything that can be done to strengthen our position has already been done, and all we can do now is to wait for the attack that must come soon.  Already the German forces have delayed longer than had been anticipated, but every hour of delay makes our position that much stronger.

“British troops have been landed in France, and French and English both are hurrying to the support of the Belgians.  It is impossible for them to arrive in time to take part in the coming fight, but it is the plan of the Belgians to delay the German advance as long as possible.  Believe me, the Germans will find the Belgian defense such a stumbling-block as they have not counted upon.”

“There is no question that they will fight to the last?” asked Hal.

“Not the slightest,” was the reply, “Their resentment of the violation of Belgian neutrality knows no bounds.  They will fight to the last drop of blood in them.”

“Then I suppose the battle of Liege will be one of the bloodiest in history,” declared Chester.

“Undoubtedly,” replied the captain; “and, if I mistake not, it is only a matter of hours until it begins.  The troops are sleeping on their arms, and at the first word of a German advance the entire Belgian army will be hurled into the battle.”

“Do you really believe the Belgians will be able to check the German advance?”

“I do.  These great steel forts are practically impregnable.  They can successfully withstand the fire of the big German guns for weeks; and for the Germans to try and take them by storm will mean annihilation.  But a successful charge would put the city proper into their hands.”

“But in that event is there any likelihood of the forts surrendering?”

“I think not.  In fact, I am positive of it.  But come, boys, we have talked enough, and it is getting late.  I guess we would better turn in.  There is no telling when we may get to sleep again.”

Accordingly, almost fully dressed, the three threw themselves down, and soon were fast asleep.

To Hal and Chester it seemed they had hardly closed their eyes when they were rudely awakened.  It was the sound of a cannon that had aroused them, but for the moment they could not tell what it was.