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.
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