Chester stopped and laid Hal down in a doorway.  There the two lads remained in silence for some time.  Soon the sound of firing from the other directions grew more faint; then ceased altogether.

Chester put Hal in the care of a pleasant-faced Belgian woman, who came to the door now that the battle was over, and went forth in search of General Givet.  The latter was about ready to give himself up to a much-needed rest, but permitted Chester to enter his hut.

“General,” said Chester, passing over how he had saved Hal’s life in the hospital fire, “my friend is badly wounded, and is in a bad way.  It will be long before he recovers.  I have come to ask if there is not some way in which he can be sent out of the country, at least until he has entirely recovered.”

The general considered.

“There is a party leaving for Brussels to-morrow,” he said finally.  “You both may go with them.”

“But it is not necessary for me to go,” returned Chester.  “I might be of use to you here.”

“Would you not like to be with your friend?” asked the general.

“I would like nothing better,” replied Chester.

“Then it shall be so,” said the general.  “You are both brave lads.  I shall make the necessary arrangements myself.”

Chester was in the best of spirits as he made his way from the general’s quarters and started down the street to where he had left his wounded chum.  The lad was walking slowly along, when his arm was seized from behind.  Turning, Chester beheld the face of Edna Johnson.

“Why, how do you do!” exclaimed Chester, raising his cap.  “This certainly is a surprise.  What are you doing in Louvain?  I thought you had decided to remain at the farmhouse.  But what is the matter?”

This last was called forth by the signs of distress and excitement plainly visible on the girl’s face, which Chester, in his pleasure at seeing her again, had not perceived at first.

“I am staying here with a friend,” the girl explained rapidly.  “My uncle ordered me to leave the farmhouse and come here.  I am indeed fortunate to have encountered you.”

“Why?” demanded Chester.

“Listen,” said the girl.  And, taking Chester by the arm, she bent close to him and whispered: 

“In my friend’s home there are two men, presumably civilians.  But I know better.  I heard them plotting.  They are going to send word to the German commander, telling him the exact position of the Belgian troops, the weak spots in the defense, and all other details.”

“What!” exclaimed Chester.  “Spies right here in the midst of the Belgian army?”

“Yes,” replied the girl.  “I overheard them talking in the room next to mine.  I didn’t stop to hear any more.  I ran out of the house, and was on my way to the general, when I saw you.  Then I thought I had better tell you what I had learned.”

“And I am glad you told me!” said Chester.  “Come, lead me to the house and I shall try and gather fuller details before reporting to the general.  It may be that there are other spies in the city, and that, by listening, I can learn something concerning them.”