“That is good,” said a tall man standing in the group about Beth; “I think, from the sound, we have captured their guns.”

“I’m sure of it, your Majesty,” replied the one whom Beth was attending.  “There; that will do for the present.  I thank you.  And now, let us get forward.”

As they ran toward the firing Uncle John exclaimed: 

“His Majesty!  I wonder who they are?”

“That,” said a private soldier, an accent of pride in his voice, “is our Albert.”

“The king?”

“Yes, monsieur; he is the tall one.  The other is General Mays.  I’m sure we have driven the Germans back, and that is lucky, for before our charge they had come too close for comfort.”

“The king gave me a ring,” said Beth, displaying it.  “He seemed glad I was here to help his soldiers, but warned me to keep further away from the line.  King Albert speaks English perfectly and told me he loves America better than any other country except his own.”

“He has traveled in your country,” explained the soldier.  “But then, our Albert has traveled everywhere—­before he was king.”

Betwixt them Maud and Beth quickly applied first aid to the others in the group and then Uncle John said: 

“Let us take the king’s advice and get back to the ambulance.  We left only Patsy and Dr. Gys there and I’m sure you girls will be needed.”

On their return they came upon a man sitting in a hollow and calmly leaning against a bank of sand, smoking a cigarette.  He wore a gray uniform.

“Ah, a German!” exclaimed Maud.  She ran up to him and asked:  “Are you hurt?”

He glanced at her uniform, nodded, and pointed to his left foot.  It had nearly all been torn away below the ankle.  A handkerchief was twisted about the leg, forming a rude tourniquet just above the wound, and this had served to stay the flow of blood.

“Run quickly for the stretcher,” said Maud to Uncle John.  “I will stay with him until your return.”

Without a word he hurried away, Beth following.  They found, on reaching the ambulance, that Maurie and Jones had been busy.  Five of the swinging beds were already occupied.

“Save the other one,” said Beth.  “Maud has found a German.”  Then she hurried to assist Patsy, as the two doctors had their hands full.

Jones and Maurie started away with the stretcher, Uncle John guiding them to the dunes where Maud was waiting, and presently they had the wounded German comfortably laid in the last bed.

“Now, then, back to the ship,” said Gys.  “We have in our care two lives, at least, that can only be saved by prompt operations.”

Maurie got into the driver’s seat.

“Careful, now!” cautioned Jones, beside him.

“Of course,” replied the Belgian, starting the motor; “there are many sores inside.  But if they get a jolt, now and then, it will serve to remind them that they are suffering for their country.”