He
leveled the weapon at Hal.
"If you do not go immediately, I shall fire!" he threatened.
Hal smiled.
"The result would be no different than that of the explosion," he said
quietly. "Come with us. We have still a chance of escape."
The general lowered his pistol.
"You are right," he said. "But here," a sudden thought having come to
him. "I have still a message for the Belgian people."
He sat down and wrote rapidly. Rising, he handed Hal a paper.
"See that this reaches the commander of Fort No. 5!" he ordered. "You
have my command! See that it is carried out! Go!"
"That is simply a ruse to get rid of us, general," said Chester.
The general whirled upon him.
"I am still the commander of this fort!" he cried. "Obey my command!"
The boys saluted the gallant old general for the last time; then they
turned on their heels and left him, alone.
Once out of his room, they ran for the outer wall of the fortification
with all speed; and they did not pause until they were far beyond the
fort. Still there was no explosion.
"Perhaps when General Simon finds something has gone wrong, he will
follow us," said Hal hopefully.
"He is a brave old man," replied Chester. "Let us hope he thinks better
of his decision while there is yet time."
But, hardly had the words left his mouth, when there was a terrific
roar, followed by a great flash of light. Turning, the boys saw the
fort leap into the air as though it were some live thing.
Pages:
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142