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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, Aunt Jane's Nieces in the Red Cross, by Edith
+Van Dyne
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: Aunt Jane's Nieces in the Red Cross
+
+
+Author: Edith Van Dyne
+
+
+
+Release Date: August 21, 2005  [eBook #16567]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AUNT JANE'S NIECES IN THE RED
+CROSS***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Afra Ullah, Emmy, and the Project Gutenberg Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team (https://www.pgdp.net/)
+
+
+
+AUNT JANE'S NIECES IN THE RED CROSS
+
+by
+
+EDITH VAN DYNE
+
+Author of "Aunt Jane's Nieces Series,"
+"Flying Girl Series," etc.
+
+The Reilly & Britton Co.
+Chicago
+
+1915
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+FOREWORD
+
+
+This is the story of how three brave American girls sacrificed the
+comforts and luxuries of home to go abroad and nurse the wounded
+soldiers of a foreign war.
+
+I wish I might have depicted more gently the scenes in hospital and on
+battlefield, but it is well that my girl readers should realize
+something of the horrors of war, that they may unite with heart and soul
+in earnest appeal for universal, lasting Peace and the future abolition
+of all deadly strife.
+
+Except to locate the scenes of my heroines' labors, no attempt has been
+made to describe technically or historically any phase of the great
+European war.
+
+The character of Doctor Gys is not greatly exaggerated but had its
+counterpart in real life. As for the little Belgian who had no room for
+scruples in his active brain, his story was related to me by an American
+war correspondent who vouched for its truth. The other persona in the
+story are known to those who have followed their adventures in other
+books of the "Aunt Jane's Nieces" series.
+
+                                              EDITH VAN DYNE
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+CHAPTER                                       PAGE
+
+    I THE ARRIVAL OF THE BOY           9
+
+   II THE ARRIVAL OF THE GIRL         25
+
+  III THE DECISION OF DOCTOR GYS      37
+
+   IV THE HOSPITAL SHIP               48
+
+    V NEARING THE FRAY                58
+
+   VI LITTLE MAURIE                   75
+
+  VII ON THE FIRING LINE              86
+
+ VIII THE COWARD                      96
+
+   IX COURAGE, OR PHILOSOPHY?        108
+
+    X THE WAR'S VICTIMS              121
+
+   XI PATSY IS DEFIANT               135
+
+  XII THE OTHER SIDE                 146
+
+ XIII TARDY JUSTICE                  160
+
+  XIV FOUND AT LAST                  182
+
+   XV DR. GYS SURPRISES HIMSELF      189
+
+  XVI CLARETTE                       197
+
+ XVII PERPLEXING PROBLEMS            204
+
+XVIII A QUESTION OF LOYALTY          217
+
+  XIX THE CAPTURE                    225
+
+   XX THE DUNES                      244
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+THE ARRIVAL OF THE BOY
+
+
+"What's the news, Uncle?" asked Miss Patricia Doyle, as she entered the
+cosy breakfast room of a suite of apartments in Willing Square. Even as
+she spoke she pecked a little kiss on the forehead of the chubby man
+addressed as "Uncle"--none other, if you please, than the famous and
+eccentric multi-millionaire known in Wall Street as John Merrick--and
+sat down to pour the coffee.
+
+There was energy in her method of doing this simple duty, an indication
+of suppressed vitality that conveyed the idea that here was a girl
+accustomed to action. And she fitted well into the homely scene: short
+and somewhat "squatty" of form, red-haired, freckle-faced and
+pug-nosed. Wholesome rather than beautiful was Patsy Doyle, but if you
+caught a glimpse of her dancing blue eyes you straightway forgot her
+lesser charms.
+
+Quite different was the girl who entered the room a few minutes later.
+Hers was a dark olive complexion, face of exquisite contour, great brown
+eyes with a wealth of hair to match them and the flush of a rose in her
+rounded cheeks. The poise of her girlish figure was gracious and
+dignified as the bearing of a queen.
+
+"Morning, Cousin Beth," said Patsy cheerily.
+
+"Good morning, my dear," and then, with a trace of anxiety in her tone:
+"What is the news, Uncle John?"
+
+The little man had ignored Patsy's first question, but now he answered
+absently, his eyes still fixed upon the newspaper:
+
+"Why, they're going to build another huge skyscraper on Broadway, at
+Eleventh, and I see the political pot is beginning to bubble all through
+the Bronx, although--"
+
+"Stuff and nonsense, Uncle!" exclaimed Patsy. "Beth asked for news, not
+for gossip."
+
+"The news of the war, Uncle John," added Beth, buttering her toast.
+
+"Oh; the war, of course," he said, turning over the page of the morning
+paper. "It ought to be the Allies' day, for the Germans won yesterday.
+No--by cracky, Beth--the Germans triumph again; they've captured
+Maubeuge. What do you think of that?"
+
+Patsy gave a little laugh.
+
+"Not knowing where Maubeuge is," she remarked, "my only thought is that
+something is wrong with the London press bureau. Perhaps the cables got
+crossed--or short circuited or something. They don't usually allow the
+Germans to win two days in succession."
+
+"Don't interrupt, please," said Beth, earnestly. "This is too important
+a matter to be treated lightly. Read us the article, Uncle. I was afraid
+Maubeuge would be taken."
+
+Patsy accepted her cousin's rebuke with her accustomed good nature.
+Indeed, she listened as intently as Beth to the thrilling account of the
+destruction of Maubeuge, and her blue eyes became quite as serious as
+the brown ones of her cousin when the tale of dead and wounded was
+recounted.
+
+"Isn't it dreadful!" cried Beth, clasping her hands together
+impulsively.
+
+"Yes," nodded her uncle, "the horror of it destroys the interest we
+naturally feel in any manly struggle for supremacy."
+
+"This great war is no manly struggle," observed Patsy with a toss of her
+head. "It is merely wholesale murder by a band of selfish diplomats."
+
+"Tut-tut!" warned Mr. Merrick; "we Americans are supposed to be neutral,
+my dear. We must not criticize."
+
+"That does not prevent our sympathizing with the innocent sufferers,
+however," said Beth quietly. "My heart goes out, Uncle, to those poor
+victims of the war's cruelty, the wounded and dying. I wish I could do
+something to help them!"
+
+Uncle John moved uneasily in his chair. Then he laid down his paper and
+applied himself to his breakfast. But his usual merry expression had
+faded into one of thoughtfulness.
+
+"The wounded haunt me by day and night," went on Beth. "There are
+thousands upon thousands of them, left to suffer terrible pain--perhaps
+to die--on the spot where they fell, and each one is dear to some poor
+woman who is ignorant of her loved one's fate and can do nothing but
+moan and pray at home."
+
+"That's the hard part of it," said Patsy, her cousin. "I think the
+mothers and wives and sweethearts are as much to be pitied as the fallen
+soldiers. The men _know_ what has happened, but the women don't. It
+isn't so bad when they're killed outright; the family gets a medal to
+indicate that their hero has died for his country. But the wounded are
+lost sight of and must suffer in silence, with no loving hands to soothe
+their agony."
+
+"My dears!" pleaded Uncle John, plaintively, "why do you insist upon
+flavoring our breakfast with these horrors? I--I--there! take it away; I
+can't eat."
+
+The conversation halted abruptly. The girls were likewise unnerved by
+the mental pictures evolved by their remarks and it was now too late to
+restore cheerfulness to the morning meal. They sat in pensive silence
+for a while and were glad when Mr. Merrick pushed back his chair and
+rose from the table.
+
+As Beth and Patsy followed their uncle into the cosy library where he
+was accustomed to smoke his morning cigar, the little man remarked:
+
+"Let's see; this is the seventh of September."
+
+"Quite right, Uncle," said Patsy.
+
+"Isn't this the day Maud Stanton is due to arrive?"
+
+"No," replied Beth; "she will come to-morrow morning. It's a good four
+days' trip from California to New York, you know."
+
+"I wonder why she is coming here at this time of year," said Patsy
+reflectively, "and I wonder if her Aunt Jane or her sister Flo are with
+her."
+
+"She did not mention them in her telegram," answered Beth. "All she said
+was to expect her Wednesday morning. It seems quite mysterious, that
+telegram, for I had no idea Maud thought of coming East."
+
+"Well, we will know all about it when she arrives," observed Uncle John.
+"I will be glad to see Maud again, for she is one of my especial
+favorites."
+
+"She's a very dear girl!" exclaimed Patsy, with emphasis. "It will be
+simply glorious to--"
+
+The doorbell rang sharply. There was a moment's questioning pause, for
+it was too early for visitors. The pattering feet of the little maid,
+Mary, approached the door and next moment a boyish voice demanded:
+
+"Is Mr. Merrick at home, or the young ladies, or--"
+
+"Why, it's Ajo!" shouted Patsy, springing to her feet and making a dive
+for the hallway.
+
+"Jones?" said Mr. Merrick, looking incredulous.
+
+"It must be," declared Beth, for now Patsy's voice was blended with that
+of the boy in a rapid interchange of question and answer. Then in she
+came, dragging him joyously by the arm.
+
+"This is certainly a surprise!" said Mr. Merrick, shaking the tall,
+slender youth by the hand with evident pleasure.
+
+"When did you get to town?" asked Beth, greeting the boy cordially.
+"And why didn't you let us know you were on the way from far-off Los
+Angeles?"
+
+"Well," said Jones, seating himself facing them and softly rubbing his
+lean hands together to indicate his satisfaction at this warm reception,
+"it's a long, long story and I may as well tell it methodically or
+you'll never appreciate the adventurous spirit that led me again to New
+York--the one place I heartily detest."
+
+"Oh, Ajo!" protested Patsy. "Is this the way to retain the friendship of
+New Yorkers?"
+
+"Isn't honesty appreciated here?" he wanted to know.
+
+"Go ahead with your story," said Uncle John. "We left you some months
+ago at the harbor of Los Angeles, wondering what you were going to do
+with that big ship of yours that lay anchored in the Pacific. If I
+remember aright, you were considering whether you dared board it to
+return to that mysterious island home of yours at--at--"
+
+"Sangoa," said Patsy.
+
+"Thank you for giving me a starting-point," returned the boy, with a
+smile. "You may remember that when I landed in your country from Sangoa
+I was a miserable invalid. The voyage had ruined my stomach and wrecked
+my constitution. I crossed the continent to New York and consulted the
+best specialists--and they nearly put an end to me. I returned to the
+Pacific coast to die as near home as possible, and--and there I met
+you."
+
+"And Patsy saved your life," added Beth.
+
+"She did. First, however, Maud Stanton saved me from drowning. Then
+Patsy Doyle doctored me and made me well and strong. And now--"
+
+"And now you look like a modern Hercules," asserted Patsy, gazing with
+some pride at the bronzed cheeks and clear eyes of the former invalid
+and ignoring his slight proportions. "Whatever have you been doing with
+yourself since then?"
+
+"Taking a sea voyage," he affirmed.
+
+"Really?"
+
+"An absolute fact. For months I dared not board the _Arabella_, my sea
+yacht, for fear of a return of my old malady; but after you deserted me
+and came to this--this artificial, dreary, bewildering--"
+
+"Never mind insulting my birthplace, sir!"
+
+"Oh! were you born here, Patsy? Then I'll give the town credit. So,
+after you deserted me at Los Angeles--"
+
+"You still had Mrs. Montrose and her nieces, Maud and Flo Stanton."
+
+"I know, and I love them all. But they became so tremendously busy that
+I scarcely saw them, and finally I began to feel lonely. Those Stanton
+girls are chock full of business energy and they hadn't the time to
+devote to me that you people did. So I stood on the shore and looked at
+the _Arabella_ until I mustered up courage to go aboard. Surviving that,
+I made Captain Carg steam slowly along the coast for a few miles.
+Nothing dreadful happened. So I made a day's voyage, and still ate my
+three squares a day. That was encouraging."
+
+"I knew all the time it wasn't the voyage that wrecked your stomach,"
+said Patsy confidently.
+
+"What was it, then?"
+
+"Ptomaine poisoning, or something like that."
+
+"Well, anyhow, I found I could stand ocean travel again, so I determined
+on a voyage. The Panama Canal was just opened and I passed through it,
+came up the Atlantic coast, and--the _Arabella_ is at this moment safely
+anchored in the North River!"
+
+"And how do you feel?" inquired Uncle John.
+
+"Glorious--magnificent! The trip has sealed my recovery for good."
+
+"But why didn't you go home, to your Island of Sangoa?" asked Beth.
+
+He looked at her reproachfully.
+
+"_You_ were not there, Beth; nor was Patsy, or Uncle John. On the other
+hand, there is no one in Sangoa who cares a rap whether I come home or
+not. I'm the last of the Joneses of Sangoa, and while it is still my
+island and the entire population is in my employ, the life there flows
+on just as smoothly without me as if I were present."
+
+"But don't they need the ship--the _Arabella_?" questioned Beth.
+
+"Not now. I sent a cargo of supplies by Captain Carg when he made his
+last voyage to the island, and there will not be enough pearls found in
+the fisheries for four or five months to come to warrant my shipping
+them to market. Even then, they would keep. So I'm a free lance at
+present and I had an idea that if I once managed to get the boat around
+here you folks might find a use for it."
+
+"In what way?" inquired Patsy, with interest.
+
+"We might all make a trip to Barbadoes, Bermuda and Cuba. Brazil is said
+to be an interesting country. I'd prefer Europe, were it not for the
+war."
+
+"Oh, Ajo, isn't this war terrible?"
+
+"No other word expresses it. Yet it all seems like a fairy tale to me,
+for I've never been in any other country than the United States since I
+made my first voyage here from Sangoa--the island where my eyes first
+opened to the world."
+
+"It isn't a fairy tale," said Beth with a shudder. "It's more like a
+horrible nightmare."
+
+"I can't bear to read about it any more," he returned, musingly. "In
+fact, I've only been able to catch rumors of the progress of the war in
+the various ports at which I've touched, and I came right here from my
+ship. But I've no sympathy with either side. The whole thing annoys me,
+somehow--the utter uselessness and folly of it all."
+
+"Maubeuge has fallen," said Beth, and went on to give him the latest
+tidings. Finding that the war was the absorbing topic in this little
+household, the boy developed new interest in it and the morning passed
+quickly away.
+
+Jones stayed to lunch and then Mr. Merrick's automobile took them all to
+the river to visit the beautiful yacht _Arabella_, which was already,
+they found, attracting a good deal of attention in the harbor, where
+beautiful yachts are no rarity.
+
+The _Arabella_ was intended by her builders for deep sea transit and as
+Patsy admiringly declared, "looked like a baby liner." While she was
+yacht-built in all her lines and fittings, she was far from being merely
+a pleasure craft, but had been designed by the elder Jones, the boy's
+father, to afford communication between the Island of Sangoa, in the
+lower South Seas, and the continent of America.
+
+Sangoa is noted for its remarkable pearl fisheries, which were now owned
+and controlled entirely by this youth; but his father, an experienced
+man of affairs, had so thoroughly established the business of production
+and sale that little remained for his only son and heir to do, more than
+to invest the profits that steadily accrued and to care for the great
+fortune left him. Whether he was doing this wisely or not no one--not
+even his closest friends--could tell. But he was frank and friendly
+about everything else.
+
+They went aboard the _Arabella_ and were received by that grim and
+grizzled old salt, Captain Carg, with the same wooden indifference he
+always exhibited. But Patsy detected a slight twinkle in the shrewd gray
+eyes that made her feel they were welcome. Carg, a seaman of vast
+experience, was wholly devoted to his young master. Indeed, the girls
+suspected that young Jones was a veritable autocrat in his island, as
+well as aboard his ship. Everyone of the Sangoans seemed to accept his
+dictation, however imperative it might be, as a matter of course, and
+the gray old captain--who had seen much of the world--was not the least
+subservient to his young master.
+
+On the other hand, Jones was a gentle and considerate autocrat,
+unconsciously imitating his lately deceased father in his kindly
+interest in the welfare of all his dependents. These had formerly been
+free-born Americans, for when the Island of Sangoa was purchased it had
+no inhabitants.
+
+This fortunate--or perhaps unfortunate--youth had never been blessed
+with a given name, more than the simple initial "A." The failure of his
+mother and father to agree upon a baptismal name for their only child
+had resulted in a deadlock; and, as the family claimed a direct descent
+from the famous John Paul Jones, the proud father declared that to be "a
+Jones" was sufficient honor for any boy; hence he should be known merely
+as "A. Jones." The mother called her child by the usual endearing pet
+names until her death, after which the islanders dubbed the master's
+son--then toddling around in his first trousers--"Ajo," and the name had
+stuck to him ever since for want of a better one.
+
+With the Bohemian indifference to household routine so characteristic of
+New Yorkers, the party decided to dine at a down-town restaurant before
+returning to Willing Square, and it was during this entertainment that
+young Jones first learned of the expected arrival of Maud Stanton on the
+following morning. But he was no wiser than the others as to what
+mission could have brought the girl to New York so suddenly that a
+telegram was required to announce her coming.
+
+"You see, I left Los Angeles weeks ago," the boy explained, "and at that
+time Mrs. Montrose and her nieces were busy as bees and much too
+occupied to pay attention to a drone like me. There was no hint then of
+their coming East, but of course many things may have happened in the
+meantime."
+
+The young fellow was so congenial a companion and the girls were so well
+aware of his loneliness, through lack of acquaintances, that they
+carried him home with them to spend the evening. When he finally left
+them, at a late hour, it was with the promise to be at the station next
+morning to meet Maud Stanton on her arrival.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+THE ARRIVAL OF THE GIRL
+
+
+A sweet-faced girl, very attractive but with a sad and anxious
+expression, descended from the Pullman and brightened as she found her
+friends standing with outstretched arms to greet her.
+
+"Oh, Maud!" cried Patsy, usurping the first hug, "how glad I am to see
+you again!"
+
+Beth looked in Maud Stanton's face and forbore to speak as she embraced
+her friend. Then Jones shook both hands of the new arrival and Uncle
+John kissed her with the same tenderness he showed his own nieces.
+
+This reception seemed to cheer Maud Stanton immensely. She even smiled
+during the drive to Willing Square--a winning, gracious smile that would
+have caused her to be instantly recognized in almost any community of
+our vast country; for this beautiful young girl was a famous motion
+picture actress, possessing qualities that had endeared her to every
+patron of the better class photo-dramas.
+
+At first she had been forced to adopt this occupation by the stern
+necessity of earning a livelihood, and under the careful guidance of her
+aunt--Mrs. Jane Montrose, a widow who had at one time been a favorite in
+New York social circles--Maud and her sister Florence had applied
+themselves so intelligently to their art that their compensation had
+become liberal enough to enable them to save a modest competence.
+
+One cause of surprise at Maud's sudden journey east was the fact that
+her services were in eager demand by the managers of the best producing
+companies on the Pacific Coast, where nearly all the American pictures
+are now made. Another cause for surprise was that she came alone,
+leaving her Aunt Jane and her sister Flo--usually her inseparable
+companion--in Los Angeles.
+
+But they did not question her until the cosy home at Willing Square was
+reached, luncheon served and Maud installed in the "Guest Room." Then
+the three girls had "a good, long talk" and presently came trooping
+into the library to enlighten Uncle John and Ajo.
+
+"Oh, Uncle! What do you think?" cried Patsy. "Maud is going to the war!"
+
+"The war!" echoed Mr. Merrick in a bewildered voice. "What on earth
+can--"
+
+"She is going to be a nurse," explained Beth, a soft glow of enthusiasm
+mantling her pretty face. "Isn't it splendid, Uncle!"
+
+"H-m," said Uncle John, regarding the girl with wonder. "It is certainly
+a--a--surprising venture."
+
+"But--see here, Maud--it's mighty dangerous," protested young Jones.
+"It's a tremendous undertaking, and--what can one girl do in the midst
+of all those horrors?"
+
+Maud seated herself quietly between them. Her face was grave and
+thoughtful.
+
+"I have had to answer many such arguments before now, as you may
+suspect," she began in even tones, "but the fact that I am here, well on
+my journey, is proof that I have convinced my aunt, my sister and all my
+western friends that I am at least determined on my mission, whether it
+be wise or foolish. I do not think I shall incur danger by caring for
+the wounded; the Red Cross is highly respected everywhere, these days."
+
+"The Red Cross?" quoth Uncle John.
+
+"Yes; I shall wear the Red Cross," she continued. "You know that I am a
+trained nurse; it was part of my education before--before--"
+
+"I had not known that until now," said Mr. Merrick, "but I am glad you
+have had that training. Beth began a course at the school here, but I
+took her away to Europe before she graduated. However, I wish more girls
+could be trained for nursing, as it is a more useful and admirable
+accomplishment than most of them now acquire."
+
+"Fox-Trots and Bunny-Hugs, for instance," said Patricia with fine
+disdain.
+
+"Patsy is a splendid nurse," declared Ajo, with a grateful look toward
+that chubby miss.
+
+"But untrained," she answered laughingly. "It was just common sense that
+enabled me to cure your malady, Ajo. I couldn't bandage a cut or a
+bullet wound to save me."
+
+"Fortunately," said Maud, "I have a diploma which will gain for me the
+endorsement of the American Red Cross Society. I am counting on that to
+enable me to get an appointment at the seat of war, where I can be of
+most use."
+
+"Where will you go?" asked the boy. "To Germany, Austria, Russia,
+Belgium, or--"
+
+"I shall go to France," she replied. "I speak French, but understand
+little of German, although once I studied the language."
+
+"Are you fully resolved upon this course, Maud?" asked Mr. Merrick in a
+tone of regret.
+
+"Fully decided, sir. I am going to Washington to-morrow, to get my
+credentials, and then I shall take the first steamer to Europe."
+
+There was no use arguing with Maud Stanton when she assumed that tone.
+It was neither obstinate nor defiant, yet it conveyed a quiet resolve
+that was unanswerable.
+
+For a time they sat in silence, musing on the many phases of this
+curious project; then Beth came to Mr. Merrick's side and asked
+pleadingly:
+
+"May I go with her, Uncle?"
+
+"Great Scott!" he exclaimed, with a nervous jump. "_You_, Beth?"
+
+"Yes, Uncle. I so long to be of help to those poor fellows who are
+being so cruelly sacrificed; and I know I can soothe much suffering, if
+I have the opportunity."
+
+He stared at her, not knowing what to reply. This quaint little man was
+so erratic himself, in his sudden resolves and eccentric actions, that
+he could scarcely quarrel with his niece for imitating an example he had
+frequently set. Still, he was shrewd enough to comprehend the reckless
+daring of the proposition.
+
+"Two unprotected girls in the midst of war and carnage, surrounded by
+foreigners, inspired to noble sacrifice through ignorance and
+inexperience, and hardly old enough to travel alone from Hoboken to
+Brooklyn! Why, the thing's absurd," he said.
+
+"Quite impractical," added Ajo, nodding wisely. "You're both too pretty,
+my dears, to undertake such an adventure. Why, the wounded men would all
+fall in love with their nurses and follow you back to America in a
+flock; and that might put a stop to the war for lack of men to fight
+it."
+
+"Don't be silly, Ajo," said Patsy, severely. "I've decided to go with
+Maud and Beth, and you know very well that the sight of my freckled face
+would certainly chill any romance that might arise."
+
+"That's nonsense, Patsy!"
+
+"Then you consider me beautiful, Uncle John?"
+
+"I mean it's nonsense about your going with Maud and Beth. I won't allow
+it."
+
+"Oh, Uncle! You know I can twine you around my little finger, if I
+choose. So don't, for goodness' sake, start a rumpus by trying to set
+your will against mine."
+
+"Then side with me, dear. I'm quite right, I assure you."
+
+"You're always right, Nunkie, dear," she cried, giving him a resounding
+smack of a kiss on his chubby cheek as she sat on the arm of his chair,
+"but I'm going with the girls, just the same, and you may as well make
+up your mind to it."
+
+Uncle John coughed. He left his chair and trotted up and down the room a
+moment. Then he carefully adjusted his spectacles, took a long look at
+Patsy's face, and heaved a deep sigh of resignation.
+
+"Thank goodness, that's settled," said Patsy cheerfully.
+
+Uncle John turned to the boy, saying dismally:
+
+"I've done everything in my power for these girls, and now they defy me.
+They've declared a thousand times they love me, and yet they'd trot off
+to bandage a lot of unknown foreigners and leave me alone to worry my
+heart out."
+
+"Why don't you go along?" asked Jones. "I'm going."
+
+"You!"
+
+"Of course. I've a suspicion our girls have the right instinct, sir--the
+tender, womanly instinct that makes us love them. At any rate, I'm going
+to stand by them. It strikes me as the noblest and grandest idea a girl
+ever conceived, and if anything could draw me closer to these three
+young ladies, who had me pretty well snared before, it is this very
+proposition."
+
+"I don't see why," muttered Uncle John, wavering.
+
+"I'll tell you why, sir. For themselves, they have all the good things
+of life at their command. They could bask in luxury to the end of their
+days, if they so desired. Yet their wonderful womanly sympathy goes out
+to the helpless and suffering--the victims of the cruellest war the
+world has ever known--and they promptly propose to sacrifice their ease
+and brave whatever dangers may befall, that they may relieve to some
+extent the pain and agony of those wounded and dying fellow creatures."
+
+"Foreigners," said Uncle John weakly.
+
+"Human beings," said the boy.
+
+Patsy marched over to Ajo and gave him a sturdy whack upon the back that
+nearly knocked him over.
+
+"The spirit of John Paul Jones still goes marching on!" she cried. "My
+boy, you're the right stuff, and I'm glad I doctored you."
+
+He smiled, looking from one to another of the three girls questioningly.
+
+"Then I'm to go along?" he asked.
+
+"We shall be grateful," answered Maud, after a moment's hesitation.
+"This is all very sudden to me, for I had planned to go alone."
+
+"That wouldn't do at all," asserted Uncle John briskly. "I'm astonished
+and--and grieved--that my nieces should want to go with you, but perhaps
+the trip will prove interesting. Tell me what steamer you want to catch,
+Maud, and I'll reserve rooms for our entire party."
+
+"No," said Jones, "don't do it, sir."
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"There's the _Arabella_. Let's use her."
+
+"To cross the ocean?"
+
+"She has done that before. It will assist our enterprise, I'm sure, to
+have our own boat. These are troublous times on the high seas."
+
+Patsy clapped her hands gleefully.
+
+"That's it; a hospital ship!" she exclaimed.
+
+They regarded her with various expressions: startled, doubtful,
+admiring, approving. Presently, with added thought on the matter, the
+approval became unanimous.
+
+"It's an amazing suggestion," said Maud, her eyes sparkling.
+
+"Think how greatly it will extend our usefulness," said Beth.
+
+Uncle John was again trotting up and down the room, this time in a
+state of barely repressed excitement.
+
+"The very thing!" he cried. "Clever, practical,
+and--eh--eh--tremendously interesting. Now, then, listen carefully--all
+of you! It's up to you, Jones, to accompany Maud on the night express to
+Washington. Get the Red Cross Society to back our scheme and supply us
+with proper credentials. The _Arabella_ must be rated as a hospital ship
+and our party endorsed as a distinct private branch of the Red
+Cross--what they call a 'unit.' I'll give you a letter to our senator
+and he will look after our passports and all necessary papers. I--I
+helped elect him, you know. And while you're gone it shall be my
+business to fit the ship with all the supplies we shall need to promote
+our mission of mercy."
+
+"I'll share the expense," proposed the boy.
+
+"No, you won't. You've done enough in furnishing the ship and crew. I'll
+attend to the rest."
+
+"And Beth and I will be Uncle John's assistants," said Patsy. "We shall
+want heaps of lint and bandages, drugs and liniments and--"
+
+"And, above all, a doctor," advised Ajo. "One of the mates on my yacht,
+Kelsey by name, is a half-way physician, having studied medicine in his
+youth and practiced it on the crew for the last dozen years; but what we
+really need on a hospital ship is a bang-up surgeon."
+
+"This promises to become an expensive undertaking," remarked Maud, with
+a sigh. "Perhaps it will be better to let me go alone, as I originally
+expected to do. But, if we take along the hospital ship, do not be
+extravagant, Mr. Merrick, in equipping it. I feel that I have been the
+innocent cause of drawing you all into this venture and I do not want it
+to prove a hardship to my friends."
+
+"All right, Maud," returned Uncle John, with a cheerful grin, "I'll try
+to economize, now that you've warned me."
+
+Ajo smiled and Patsy Doyle laughed outright. They knew it would not
+inconvenience the little rich man, in the slightest degree, to fit out a
+dozen hospital ships.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+THE DECISION OF DOCTOR GYS
+
+
+Uncle John was up bright and early next morning, and directly after
+breakfast he called upon his old friend and physician, Dr. Barlow. After
+explaining the undertaking on which he had embarked, Mr. Merrick added:
+
+"You see, we need a surgeon with us; a clever, keen chap who understands
+his business thoroughly, a sawbones with all the modern scientific
+discoveries saturating him to his finger-tips. Tell me where to get
+him."
+
+Dr. Barlow, recovering somewhat from his astonishment, smiled
+deprecatingly.
+
+"The sort of man you describe," said he, "would cost you a fortune, for
+you would oblige him to abandon a large and lucrative practice in order
+to accompany you. I doubt, indeed, if any price would tempt him to
+abandon his patients."
+
+"Isn't there some young fellow with these requirements?"
+
+"Mr. Merrick, you need a physician and surgeon combined. Wounds lead to
+fever and other serious ailments, which need skillful handling. You
+might secure a young man, fresh from his clinics, who would prove a good
+surgeon, but to master the science of medicine, experience and long
+practice are absolutely necessary."
+
+"We've got a half-way medicine man on the ship now--a fellow who has
+doctored the crew for years and kept 'em pretty healthy. So I guess a
+surgeon will about fill our bill."
+
+"H-m, I know these ship's doctors, Mr. Merrick, and I wouldn't care to
+have you and your nieces trust your lives to one, in case you become
+ill. Believe me, a good physician is as necessary to you as a good
+surgeon. Do you know that disease will kill as many of those soldiers as
+bullets?"
+
+"No."
+
+"It is true; else the history of wars has taught us nothing. We haven't
+heard much of plagues and epidemics yet, in the carefully censored
+reports from London, but it won't be long before disease will devastate
+whole armies."
+
+Uncle John frowned. The thing was growing complicated.
+
+"Do you consider this a wild goose chase, Doctor?" he asked.
+
+"Not with your fortune, your girls and your fine ship to back it. I
+think Miss Stanton's idea of venturing abroad unattended, to nurse the
+wounded, was Quixotic in the extreme. Some American women are doing it,
+I know, but I don't approve of it. On the other hand, your present plan
+is worthy of admiration and applause, for it is eminently practical if
+properly handled."
+
+Dr. Barlow drummed upon the table with his fingers, musingly. Then he
+looked up.
+
+"I wonder," said he, "if Gys would go. If you could win him over, he
+would fill the bill."
+
+"Who is Gys?" inquired Uncle John.
+
+"An eccentric; a character. But clever and competent. He has just
+returned from Yucatan, where he accompanied an expedition of exploration
+sent out by the Geographical Society--and, by the way, nearly lost his
+life in the venture. Before that, he made a trip to the frozen North
+with a rescue party. Between times, he works in the hospitals, or acts
+as consulting surgeon with men of greater fame than he has won; but Gys
+is a rolling stone, erratic and whimsical, and with all his talent can
+never settle down to a steady practice."
+
+"Seems like the very man I want," said Uncle John, much interested.
+"Where can I find him?"
+
+"I've no idea. But I'll call up Collins and inquire."
+
+He took up the telephone receiver and got his number.
+
+"Collins? Say, I'm anxious to find Gys. Have you any idea--Eh? Sitting
+with you now? How lucky. Ask him if he will come to my office at once;
+it's important."
+
+Uncle John's face was beaming with satisfaction. The doctor waited, the
+receiver at his ear.
+
+"What's that, Collins?... He won't come?... Why not?... Absurd!... I've
+a fine proposition for him.... Eh? He isn't interested in propositions?
+What in thunder _is_ he interested in?... Pshaw! Hold the phone a
+minute."
+
+Turning to Mr. Merrick, he said:
+
+"Gys wants to go on a fishing trip. He plans to start to-night for the
+Maine woods. But I've an idea if you could get him face to face you
+might convince him."
+
+"See if he'll stay where he is till I can get there."
+
+The doctor turned to the telephone and asked the question. There was a
+long pause. Gys wanted to know who it was that proposed to visit him.
+John Merrick, the retired millionaire? All right; Gys would wait in
+Collins' office for twenty minutes.
+
+Uncle John lost no time in rushing to his motor car, where he ordered
+the driver to hasten to the address Dr. Barlow had given him.
+
+The offices of Dr. Collins were impressive. Mr. Merrick entered a
+luxurious reception room and gave his name to a businesslike young woman
+who advanced to meet him. He had called to see Dr. Gys.
+
+The young woman smothered a smile that crept to her lips, and led Uncle
+John through an examination room and an operating room--both vacant
+just now--and so into a laboratory that was calculated to give a well
+person the shivers. Here was but one individual, a man in his
+shirt-sleeves who was smoking a corncob pipe and bending over a test
+tube.
+
+Uncle John coughed to announce his presence, for the woman had slipped
+away as she closed the door. The man's back was turned partially toward
+his visitor. He did not alter his position as he said:
+
+"Sit down. There's a chair in the southwest corner."
+
+Uncle John found the chair. He waited patiently a few moments and then
+his choler began to rise.
+
+"If you're in such a blamed hurry to go fishing, why don't you get rid
+of me now?" he asked.
+
+The shoulders shook gently and there was a chuckling laugh. The man laid
+down his test tube and swung around on his stool.
+
+For a moment Mr. Merrick recoiled. The face was seared with livid scars,
+the nose crushed to one side, the mouth crooked and set in a sneering
+grin. One eye was nearly closed and the other round and wide open. A
+more forbidding and ghastly countenance Mr. Merrick had never beheld and
+in his surprise he muttered a low exclamation.
+
+"Exactly," said Gys, his voice quiet and pleasant. "I don't blame you
+and I'm not offended. Do you wonder I hesitate to meet strangers?"
+
+"I--I was not--prepared," stammered Uncle John.
+
+"That was Barlow's fault. He knows me and should have told you. And now
+I'll tell you why I consented to see you. No! never mind your own
+proposition, whatever it is. Listen to mine first. I want to go fishing,
+and I haven't the money. None of my brother physicians will lend me
+another sou, for I owe them all. You are John Merrick, to whom money is
+of little consequence. May I venture to ask you for an advance of a
+couple of hundred for a few weeks? When I return I'll take up your
+proposition, whatever it may be, and recompense you in services."
+
+He refilled and relighted the corncob while Mr. Merrick stared at him
+in thoughtful silence. As a matter of fact, Uncle John was pleased with
+the fellow. A whimsical, irrational, unconventional appeal of this sort
+went straight to his heart, for the queer little man hated the
+commonplace most cordially.
+
+"I'll give you the money on one condition," he said.
+
+"I object to the condition," said Gys firmly. "Conditions are
+dangerous."
+
+"My proposition," went on Uncle John, "won't wait for weeks. When you
+hear it, if you are not anxious to take it up, I don't want you. Indeed,
+I'm not sure I want you, anyhow."
+
+"Ah; you're frightened by my features. Most people with propositions
+are. I'm an unlucky dog, sir. They say it's good luck to touch a
+hunchback; to touch me is the reverse. Way up North in a frozen sea a
+poor fellow went overboard. I didn't get him and he drowned; but I got
+caught between two cakes of floating ice that jammed my nose out of its
+former perfect contour. In Yucatan I tumbled into a hedge of poisoned
+cactus and had to operate on myself--quickly, too--to save my life.
+Wild with pain, I slashed my face to get the poisoned tips of thorn out
+of the flesh. Parts of my body are like my face, but fortunately I can
+cover them. It was bad surgery. On another I could have operated without
+leaving a scar, but I was frantic with pain. Don't stare at that big
+eye, sir; it's glass. I lost that optic in Pernambuco and couldn't find
+a glass substitute to fit my face. Indeed, this was the only one in
+town, made for a fat Spanish lady who turned it down because it was not
+exactly the right color."
+
+"You certainly have been--eh--unfortunate," murmured Uncle John.
+
+"See here," said Gys, taking a leather book from an inside pocket of the
+coat that hung on a peg beside him, and proceeding to open it. "Here is
+a photograph of me, taken before I embarked upon my adventures."
+
+Uncle John put on his glasses and examined the photograph curiously. It
+was a fine face, clean-cut, manly and expressive. The eyes were
+especially frank and winning.
+
+"How old were you then?" he asked.
+
+"Twenty-four."
+
+"And now?"
+
+"Thirty-eight. A good deal happened in that fourteen years, as you may
+guess. And now," reaching for the photograph and putting it carefully
+back in the book, "state your proposition and I'll listen to it, because
+you have listened so patiently to me."
+
+Mr. Merrick in simple words explained the plan to take a hospital ship
+to Europe, relating the incidents that led up to the enterprise and
+urging the need of prompt action. His voice dwelt tenderly on his girls
+and the loyal support of young Jones.
+
+Dr. Gys smoked and listened silently. Then he picked up the telephone
+and called a number.
+
+"Tell Hawkins I've abandoned that fishing trip," he said. "I've got
+another job." Then he faced Mr. Merrick. His smile was not pretty, but
+it was a smile.
+
+"That's my answer, sir."
+
+"But we haven't talked salary yet."
+
+"Bother the salary. I'm not mercenary."
+
+"And I'm not sure--"
+
+"Yes, you are. I'm going with you. Do you know why?"
+
+"It's a novel project, very appealing from a humanitarian standpoint
+and--"
+
+"I hadn't thought of that. I'm going because you're headed for the
+biggest war the world has ever known; because I foresee danger ahead,
+for all of us; but mainly because--"
+
+"Well?"
+
+"Because I'm a coward--a natural born coward--and I can have a lot of
+fun forcing myself to face the shell and shrapnel. That's the truth; I'm
+not a liar. And for a long time I've been wondering--wondering--" His
+voice died away in a murmur.
+
+"Well, sir?"
+
+Dr. Gys roused himself.
+
+"Oh; do you want a full confession? For a long time, then, I've been
+wondering what's the easiest way for a man to die. No, I'm not morbid.
+I'm simply ruined, physically, for the practice of a profession I love,
+a profession I have fully mastered, and--I'll be happier when I can
+shake off this horrible envelope of disfigurement."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+THE HOSPITAL SHIP
+
+
+The energy of Doctor Gys was marvelous. He knew exactly what supplies
+would be needed to fit the _Arabella_ thoroughly for her important
+mission, and with unlimited funds at his command to foot the bills, he
+quickly converted the handsome yacht into a model hospital ship. Gys
+from the first developed a liking for Kelsey, the mate, whom he found a
+valuable assistant, and the two came to understand each other perfectly.
+Kelsey was a quiet man, more thoughtful than experienced in medical
+matters, but his common sense often guided him aright when his technical
+knowledge was at fault.
+
+Captain Carg accepted the novel conditions thrust upon him, without a
+word of protest. He might secretly resent the uses to which his ship was
+being put, but his young master's commands were law and his duty was to
+obey. The same feeling prevailed among the other members of the crew,
+all of whom were Sangoans.
+
+In three days Jones and Maud Stanton returned from Washington. They were
+jubilant over their success.
+
+"We've secured everything we wanted," the boy told Uncle John, Beth and
+Patsy, with evident enthusiasm. "Not only have we the full sanction of
+the American Red Cross Society, but I have letters to the different
+branches in the war zone, asking for us every consideration. Not only
+that, but your senator proved himself a brick. What do you think? Here's
+a letter from our secretary of state--another from the French charge
+d'affairs--half a dozen from prominent ambassadors of other countries!
+We've a free field in all Europe, practically, that will enable us to
+work to the best advantage."
+
+"It's wonderful!" cried Patsy.
+
+"Mr. Merrick is so well known as a philanthropist that his name was a
+magic talisman for us," said Maud. "Moreover, our enterprise commands
+the sympathy of everyone. We had numerous offers of financial
+assistance, too."
+
+"I hope you didn't accept them," said Uncle John nervously.
+
+"No," answered the boy, "I claimed this expedition to be our private and
+individual property. We can now do as we please, being under no
+obligations to any but ourselves."
+
+"That's right," said Uncle John. "We don't want to be hampered by the
+necessity of advising with others."
+
+"By the way, have you found a doctor?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"A good one?" asked Maud quickly.
+
+"Highly recommended, but homely as a rail fence," continued Patsy, as
+her uncle hesitated.
+
+"That's nothing," said Ajo lightly.
+
+"Nothing, eh? Well, wait till you see him," she replied. "You'll never
+look Doctor Gys in the face more than once, I assure you. After that,
+you'll be glad to keep your eyes on his vest buttons."
+
+"I like him immensely, though," said Beth. "He is clever, honest and
+earnest. The poor man can't help his mutilations, which are the result
+of many unfortunate adventures."
+
+"Sounds like just the man we wanted," declared Ajo, and afterward he had
+no reason to recall that assertion.
+
+A week is a small time in which to equip a big ship, but money and
+energy can accomplish much and the news from the seat of war was so
+eventful that they felt every moment to be precious and so they worked
+with feverish haste. The tide of German success had turned and their
+great army, from Paris to Vitry, was now in full retreat, fighting every
+inch of the way and leaving thousands of dead and wounded in its wake.
+
+"How long will it take us to reach Calais?" they asked Captain Carg
+eagerly.
+
+"Eight or nine days," said he.
+
+"We are not as fast as the big passenger steamers," explained young
+Jones, "but with good weather the _Arabella_ may be depended upon to
+make the trip in good shape and fair time."
+
+On the nineteenth of September, fully equipped and with her papers in
+order, the beautiful yacht left her anchorage and began her voyage. The
+weather proved exceptionally favorable. During the voyage the girls
+busied themselves preparing their modest uniforms and pumping Dr. Gys
+for all sorts of information, from scratches to amputations. He gave
+them much practical and therefore valuable advice to guide them in
+whatever emergencies might arise, and this was conveyed in the
+whimsical, half humorous manner that seemed characteristic of him. At
+first Gys had shrunk involuntarily from facing this bevy of young girls,
+but they had so frankly ignored his physical blemishes and exhibited so
+true a comradeship to all concerned in the expedition, that the doctor
+soon felt perfectly at ease in their society.
+
+During the evenings he gave them practical demonstrations of the
+application of tourniquets, bandages and the like, while Uncle John and
+Ajo by turns posed as wounded soldiers. Gys was extraordinarily deft in
+all his manipulations and although Maud Stanton was a graduate
+nurse--with little experience, however--and Beth De Graf had studied the
+art for a year or more, it was Patsy Doyle who showed the most dexterity
+in assisting the doctor on these occasions.
+
+"I don't know whether I'll faint at the sight of real blood," she said,
+"but I shall know pretty well what to do if I can keep my nerve."
+
+The application of anaesthetics was another thing fully explained by
+Gys, but this could not be demonstrated. Patsy, however, was taught the
+use of the hypodermic needle, which Maud and Beth quite understood.
+
+"We've a big stock of morphia, in its various forms," said the doctor,
+"and I expect it to prove of tremendous value in comforting our
+patients."
+
+"I'm not sure I approve the use of that drug," remarked Uncle John.
+
+"But think of the suffering we can allay by its use," exclaimed Maud.
+"If ever morphia is justifiable, it is in war, where it can save many a
+life by conquering unendurable pain. I believe the discovery of morphine
+was the greatest blessing that humanity has ever enjoyed. Don't you,
+Doctor Gys?"
+
+The one good eye of Gys had a queer way of twinkling when he was amused.
+It twinkled as the girl asked this question.
+
+"Morphine," he replied, "has destroyed more people than it has saved.
+You play with fire when you feed it to anyone, under any circumstances.
+Nevertheless, I believe in its value on an expedition of this sort, and
+that is why I loaded up on the stuff. Let me advise you never to tell a
+patient that we are administering morphine. The result is all that he is
+concerned with and it is better he should not know what has relieved
+him."
+
+On a sunny day when the sea was calm they slung a scaffold over the bow
+and painted a big red cross on either side of the white ship. Everyone
+aboard wore the Red Cross emblem on an arm band, even the sailors being
+so decorated. Uncle John was very proud of the insignia and loved to
+watch his girls moving around the deck in their sober uniforms and white
+caps.
+
+Jones endured the voyage splendidly and by this time had convinced
+himself that he was not again to be subject to the mal-de-mer of his
+first ocean trip. As they drew near to their destination an atmosphere
+of subdued excitement pervaded the _Arabella_, for even the sailors had
+caught the infection of the girls' eagerness and were anxious to get
+into action at the earliest moment.
+
+It was now that Uncle John began to busy himself with his especial
+prize, a huge motor ambulance he had purchased in New York and which had
+been fully equipped for the requirements of war. Indeed, an enterprising
+manufacturer had prepared it with the expectation that some of the
+belligerent governments would purchase it, and Mr. Merrick considered
+himself fortunate in securing it. It would accommodate six seriously
+wounded, on swinging beds, and twelve others, slightly wounded, who
+might be able to sit upon cushioned seats. The motor was very powerful
+and the driver was protected from stray bullets by an armored hood.
+
+In addition to this splendid machine, Mr. Merrick had secured a smaller
+ambulance that had not the advantage of the swinging beds but could be
+rushed more swiftly to any desired location. Both ambulances were
+decorated on all sides with the emblem of the Red Cross and would be
+invaluable in bringing the wounded to the _Arabella_. The ship carried a
+couple of small motor launches for connecting the shore with her
+anchorage.
+
+They had purposely brought no chauffeurs with them, as Uncle John
+believed foreign drivers, who were thoroughly acquainted with the
+country, would prove more useful than the American variety, and from
+experience he knew that a French chauffeur is the king of his
+profession.
+
+During the last days of the voyage Mr. Merrick busied himself in
+carefully inspecting every detail of his precious vehicles and
+explaining their operation to everyone on board. Even the girls would be
+able to run an ambulance on occasion, and the boy developed quite a
+mechanical talent in mastering the machines.
+
+"I feel," said young Jones, "that I have had a rather insignificant part
+in preparing this expedition, for all I have furnished--aside from the
+boat itself--consists of two lots of luxuries that may or may not be
+needed."
+
+"And what may they be?" asked Dr. Gys, who was standing in the group
+beside him.
+
+"Thermos flasks and cigarettes."
+
+"Cigarettes!" exclaimed Beth, in horror.
+
+The doctor nodded approvingly.
+
+"Capital!" said he. "Next to our anodynes and anaesthetics, nothing will
+prove so comforting to the wounded as cigarettes. They are supplied by
+nurses in all the hospitals in Europe. How many did you bring?"
+
+"Ten cases of about twenty-five thousand each."
+
+"A quarter of a million cigarettes!" gasped Beth.
+
+"Too few," asserted the doctor in a tone of raillery, "but we'll make
+them go as far as possible. And the thermos cases are also valuable.
+Cool water to parched lips means a glimpse of heaven. Hot coffee will
+save many from exhaustion. You've done well, my boy."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+NEARING THE FRAY
+
+
+On September twenty-eighth they entered the English Channel and were
+promptly signalled by a British warship, so they were obliged to lay to
+while a party of officers came aboard. The _Arabella_ was flying the
+American flag and the Red Cross flag, but the English officer
+courteously but firmly persisted in searching the ship. What he found
+seemed to interest him, as did the papers and credentials presented for
+his perusal.
+
+"And which side have you come to assist?" he asked.
+
+"No side at all, sir," replied Jones, as master of the _Arabella_. "The
+wounded, the sick and helpless, whatever uniform they chance to wear,
+will receive our best attention. But we are bound for Calais and intend
+to follow the French army."
+
+The officer nodded gravely.
+
+"Of course," said he, "you are aware that the channel is full of mines
+and that progress is dangerous unless you have our maps to guide you. I
+will furnish your pilot with a diagram, provided you agree to keep our
+secret and deliver the diagram to the English officer you will meet at
+Calais."
+
+They agreed to this and after the formalities were concluded the officer
+prepared to depart.
+
+"I must congratulate you," he remarked on leaving, "on having the best
+equipped hospital ship it has been my fortune to see. There are many in
+the service, as you know, but the boats are often mere tubs and the
+fittings of the simplest description. The wounded who come under your
+care will indeed be fortunate. It is wonderful to realize that you have
+come all the way from America, and at so great an expense, to help the
+victims of this sad war. For the Allies I thank you, and--good-bye!"
+
+They remembered this kindly officer long afterward, for he proved more
+generous than many of the English they met.
+
+Captain Carg now steamed ahead, watching his chart carefully to avoid
+the fields of mines, but within two hours he was again hailed, this
+time by an armored cruiser. The first officer having vised the ship's
+papers, they were spared the delay of another search and after a brief
+examination were allowed to proceed. They found the channel well
+patrolled by war craft and no sooner had they lost sight of one, than
+another quickly appeared.
+
+At Cherbourg a French dreadnaught halted them and an officer came aboard
+to give them a new chart of the mine fields between there and Calais and
+full instructions how to proceed safely. This officer, who spoke
+excellent English, asked a thousand questions and seemed grateful for
+their charitable assistance to his countrymen.
+
+"You have chosen a dangerous post," said he, "but the Red Cross is
+respected everywhere--even by the Germans. Have you heard the latest
+news? We have driven them back to the Aisne and are holding the enemy
+well in check. Antwerp is under siege, to be sure, but it can hold out
+indefinitely. The fighting will be all in Belgium soon, and then in
+Germany. Our watchword is 'On to Berlin!'"
+
+"Perhaps we ought to proceed directly to Ostend," said Uncle John.
+
+"The Germans still hold it, monsieur. In a few days, perhaps, when
+Belgium is free of the invaders, you will find work enough to occupy you
+at Ostend; but I advise you not to attempt to go there now."
+
+In spite of the friendly attitude of this officer and of the authorities
+at Cherbourg, they were detained at this port for several days before
+finally receiving permission to proceed. The delay was galling but had
+to be endured until the infinite maze of red tape was at an end. They
+reached Calais in the early evening and just managed to secure an
+anchorage among the fleet of warships in the harbor.
+
+Again they were obliged to show their papers and passports, now vised by
+representatives of both the English and French navies, but this
+formality being over they were given a cordial welcome.
+
+Uncle John and Ajo decided to go ashore for the latest news and arrived
+in the city between nine and ten o'clock that same evening. They found
+Calais in a state of intense excitement. The streets were filled with
+British and French soldiery, with whom were mingled groups of citizens,
+all eagerly discussing the war and casting uneasy glances at the black
+sky overhead for signs of the dreaded German Zeppelins.
+
+"How about Antwerp?" Jones asked an Englishman they found in the lobby
+of one of the overcrowded hotels.
+
+The man turned to stare at him; he looked his questioner up and down
+with such insolence that the boy's fists involuntarily doubled; then he
+turned his back and walked away. A bystander laughed with amusement. He
+also was an Englishman, but wore the uniform of a subaltern.
+
+"What can you expect, without a formal introduction?" he asked young
+Jones. "But I'll answer your question, sir; Antwerp is doomed."
+
+"Oh; do you really think so?" inquired Uncle John uneasily.
+
+"It's a certainty, although I hate to admit it. We at the rear are not
+very well posted on what is taking place over in Belgium, but it's said
+the bombardment of Antwerp began yesterday and it's impossible for the
+place to hold out for long. Perhaps even now the city has fallen under
+the terrific bombardment."
+
+There was something thrilling in the suggestion.
+
+"And then?" asked Jones, almost breathlessly.
+
+The man gave a typical British shrug.
+
+"Then we fellows will find work to do," he replied. "But it is better to
+fight than to eat our hearts out by watching and waiting. We're the
+reserves, you know, and we've hardly smelled powder yet."
+
+After conversing with several of the soldiers and civilians--the latter
+being mostly too unnerved to talk coherently--the Americans made their
+way back to the quay with heavy hearts. They threaded lanes filled with
+sobbing women, many of whom had frightened children clinging to their
+skirts, passed groups of old men and boys who were visibly trembling
+with trepidation and stood aside for ranks of brisk soldiery who marched
+with an alertness that was in strong contrast with the terrified
+attitude of the citizens. There was war in the air--fierce, relentless
+war in every word and action they encountered--and it had the effect of
+depressing the newcomers.
+
+That night an earnest conference was held aboard the _Arabella_.
+
+"As I understand it, here is the gist of the situation," began Ajo. "The
+line of battle along the Aisne is stationary--for the present, at least.
+Both sides are firmly entrenched and it's going to be a long, hard
+fight. Antwerp is being bombarded, and although it's a powerful
+fortress, the general opinion is that it can't hold out for long. If it
+falls, there will be a rush of Germans down this coast, first to capture
+Dunkirk, a few miles above here, and then Calais itself."
+
+"In other words," continued Uncle John, "this is likely to be the most
+important battleground for the next few weeks. Now, the question to
+decide is this: Shall we disembark our ambulances and run them across to
+Arras, beginning our work behind the French trenches, or go on to
+Dunkirk, where we are likely to plunge into the thickest of the war?
+We're not fighters, you know, but noncombatants, bent on an errand of
+mercy. There are wounded everywhere."
+
+They considered this for a long time without reaching a decision, for
+there were some in the party to argue on either side of the question.
+Uncle John continued to favor the trenches, as the safest position for
+his girls to work; but the girls themselves, realizing little of the
+dangers to be encountered, preferred to follow the fortunes of the
+Belgians.
+
+"They've been so brave and noble, these people of Belgium," said Beth,
+"that I would take more pleasure in helping them than any other branch
+of the allied armies."
+
+"But, my dear, there's a mere handful of them left," protested her
+uncle. "I'm told that at Dunkirk there is still a remnant of the Belgian
+army--very badly equipped--but most of the remaining force is with King
+Albert in Antwerp. If the place falls they will either be made prisoners
+by the Germans or they may escape into Holland, where their fighting
+days will be ended for the rest of the war. However, there is no need to
+decide this important question to-night. To-morrow I am to see the
+French commandant and I will get his advice."
+
+The interview with the French commandant of Calais, which was readily
+accorded the Americans, proved very unsatisfactory. The general had just
+received reports that Antwerp was in flames and the greater part of the
+city already demolished by the huge forty-two-centimetre guns of the
+Germans. The fate of King Albert's army was worrying him exceedingly and
+he was therefore in little mood for conversation.
+
+The American consul could do little to assist them. After the matter was
+explained to him, he said:
+
+"I advise you to wait a few days for your decision. Perhaps a day--an
+hour--will change the whole angle of the war. Strange portents are in
+the air; no one knows what will happen next. Come to me, from time to
+time, and I will give you all the information I secure."
+
+Dr. Gys had accompanied Jones and Mr. Merrick into Calais to-day, and
+while he had little to say during the various interviews his
+observations were shrewd and comprehensive. When they returned to the
+deck of the _Arabella_, Gys said to the girls:
+
+"There is nothing worth while for us to do here. The only wounded I saw
+were a few Frenchmen parading their bandaged heads and hands for the
+admiration of the women. The hospitals are well organized and quite
+full, it is true, but I'm told that no more wounded are being sent here.
+The Sisters of Mercy and the regular French Red Cross force seem very
+competent to handle the situation, and there are two government hospital
+ships already anchored in this port. We would only be butting in to
+offer our services. But down the line, from Arras south, there is real
+war in the trenches and many are falling every day. Arras is less than
+fifty miles from here--a two or three hours' run for our ambulances--and
+we could bring the wounded here and care for them as we originally
+intended."
+
+"Fifty miles is a long distance for a wounded man to travel," objected
+Maud.
+
+"True," said the doctor, "but the roads are excellent."
+
+"Remember those swinging cots," said Ajo.
+
+"We might try it," said Patsy, anxious to be doing something. "Couldn't
+we start to-morrow for Arras, Uncle?"
+
+"It occurs to me that we must first find a chauffeur," answered Mr.
+Merrick, "and from my impressions of the inhabitants of Calais, that
+will prove a difficult task."
+
+"Why?"
+
+"Every man jack of 'em is scared stiff," said Ajo, with a laugh. "But we
+might ask the commandant to recommend someone. The old boy seems
+friendly enough."
+
+The next day, however, brought important news from Antwerp. The city had
+surrendered, the Belgian army had made good its escape and was now
+retreating toward Ostend, closely followed by the enemy.
+
+This news was related by a young orderly who met them as they entered
+the Hotel de Ville. They were also told that the commandant was very
+busy but would try to see them presently. This young Frenchman spoke
+English perfectly and was much excited by the morning's dispatches.
+
+"This means that the war is headed our way at last!" he cried
+enthusiastically. "The Germans will make a dash to capture both Dunkirk
+and Calais, and already large bodies of reinforcements are on the way to
+defend these cities."
+
+"English, or French?" asked Uncle John.
+
+"This is French territory," was the embarrassed reply, "but we are glad
+to have our allies, the English, to support us. Their General French is
+now at Dunkirk, and it is probable the English will join the French and
+Belgians at that point."
+
+"They didn't do much good at Antwerp, it seems," remarked Ajo.
+
+"Ah, they were naval reserves, monsieur, and not much could be expected
+of them. But do not misunderstand me; I admire the English private--the
+fighting man--exceedingly. Were the officers as clever as their soldiers
+are brave, the English would be irresistible."
+
+As this seemed a difficult subject to discuss, Uncle John asked the
+orderly if he knew of a good chauffeur to drive their ambulance--an
+able, careful man who might be depended upon in emergencies.
+
+The orderly reflected.
+
+"We have already impressed the best drivers," he said, "but it may be
+the general will consent to spare you one of them. Your work is so
+important that we must take good care of you."
+
+But when they were admitted to the general they found him in a more
+impatient mood than before. He really could not undertake to direct Red
+Cross workers or advise them. They were needed everywhere; everywhere
+they would be welcome. And now, he regretted to state that he was very
+busy; if they had other business with the department, Captain Meroux
+would act as its representative.
+
+Before accepting this dismissal Uncle John ventured to ask about a
+chauffeur. Rather brusquely the general stated that they could ill
+afford to spare one from the service. A desperate situation now faced
+the Allies in Flanders. Captain Meroux must take care of the Americans;
+doubtless he could find a driver for their ambulance--perhaps a Belgian.
+
+But in the outer office the orderly smiled doubtfully.
+
+A driver? To be sure; but such as he could furnish would not be of the
+slightest use to them. All the good chauffeurs had been impressed and
+the general was not disposed to let them have one.
+
+"He mentioned a Belgian," suggested Uncle John.
+
+"I know; but the Belgians in Calais are all fugitives, terror-stricken
+and unmanned." He grew thoughtful a moment and then continued: "My
+advice would be to take your ship to Dunkirk. It is only a little way,
+through a good channel, and you will be as safe there as at Calais. For,
+if Dunkirk falls, Calais will fall with it. From there, moreover, the
+roads are better to Arras and Peronne, and it is there you stand the
+best chance of getting a clever Belgian chauffeur. If you wish--" he
+hesitated, looking at them keenly.
+
+"Well, sir?"
+
+"If you are really anxious to get to the firing line and do the most
+good, Dunkirk is your logical station. If you are merely seeking the
+notoriety of being charitably inclined, remain here."
+
+They left the young man, reflecting upon his advice and gravely
+considering its value. They next visited one of the hospitals, where an
+overworked but friendly English surgeon volunteered a similar
+suggestion. Dunkirk, he declared, would give them better opportunities
+than Calais.
+
+The remainder of the day they spent in getting whatever news had
+filtered into the city and vainly seeking a competent man for chauffeur.
+On the morning of October eleventh they left Calais and proceeded slowly
+along the buoyed channel that is the only means of approaching the port
+of Dunkirk by water. The coast line is too shallow to allow ships to
+enter from the open sea.
+
+On their arrival at the Flemish city--twelve miles nearer the front than
+Calais--they found an entirely different atmosphere. No excitement, no
+terror was visible anywhere. The people quietly pursued their accustomed
+avocations and the city was as orderly as in normal times.
+
+The town was full of Belgians, however, both soldiers and civilians,
+while French and British troops were arriving hourly in regiments and
+battalions. General French, the English commander in chief, had located
+his headquarters at a prominent hotel, and a brisk and businesslike air
+pervaded the place, with an entire lack of confusion. Most of the
+Belgians were reservists who were waiting to secure uniforms and arms.
+They crowded all the hotels, cafés and inns and seemed as merry and
+light-hearted as if no news of their king's defeat and precipitate
+retreat had arrived. Not until questioned would they discuss the war at
+all, yet every man was on the _qui vive_, expecting hourly to hear the
+roar of guns announcing the arrival of the fragment of the Belgian army
+that had escaped from Antwerp.
+
+To-day the girls came ashore with the men of their party, all three
+wearing their Red Cross uniforms and caps, and it was almost pathetic to
+note the deference with which all those warriors--both bronzed and
+fair--removed their caps until the "angels of mercy" had passed them by.
+
+They made the rounds of the hospitals, which were already crowded with
+wounded, and Gys stopped at one long enough to assist the French doctor
+in a delicate operation. Patsy stood by to watch this surgery, her face
+white and drawn, for this was her first experience of the sort; but Maud
+and Beth volunteered their services and were so calm and deft that
+Doctor Gys was well pleased with them.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+LITTLE MAURIE
+
+
+It was nearly evening when the Americans finally returned to the quay,
+close to which the _Arabella_ was moored. As they neared the place a
+great military automobile came tearing along, scattering pedestrians
+right and left, made a sudden swerve, caught a man who was not agile
+enough to escape and sent him spinning along the dock until he fell
+headlong, a crumpled heap.
+
+"Ah, here is work for us!" exclaimed Doctor Gys, running forward to
+raise the man and examine his condition. The military car had not paused
+in its career and was well out of sight, but a throng of indignant
+civilians gathered around.
+
+"There are no severe injuries, but he seems unconscious," reported Gys.
+"Let us get him aboard the ship."
+
+The launch was waiting for them, and with the assistance of Jones, the
+doctor placed the injured man in the boat and he was taken to the ship
+and placed in one of the hospital berths.
+
+"Our first patient is not a soldier, after all," remarked Patsy, a
+little disappointed. "I shall let Beth and Maud look after him."
+
+"Well, he is wounded, all right," answered Ajo, "and without your kind
+permission Beth and Maud are already below, looking after him. I'm
+afraid he won't require their services long, poor fellow."
+
+"Why didn't he get out of the way?" inquired Patsy with a shudder.
+
+"Can't say. Preoccupied, perhaps. There wasn't much time to jump,
+anyhow. I suppose that car carried a messenger with important news, for
+it isn't like those officers to be reckless of the lives of citizens."
+
+"No; they seem in perfect sympathy with the people," she returned. "I
+wonder what the news can be, Ajo."
+
+For answer a wild whistling sounded overhead; a cry came from those
+ashore and the next instant there was a loud explosion. Everyone rushed
+to the side, where Captain Carg was standing, staring at the sky.
+
+"What was it, Captain?" gasped Patsy.
+
+Carg stroked his grizzled beard.
+
+"A German bomb, Miss Patsy; but I think it did no damage."
+
+"A bomb! Then the Germans are on us?"
+
+"Not exactly. An aeroplane dropped the thing."
+
+"Oh. Where is it?"
+
+"The aeroplane? Pretty high up, I reckon," answered the captain. "I had
+a glimpse of it, for a moment; then it disappeared in the clouds."
+
+"We must get our ambulances ashore," said Jones.
+
+"No hurry, sir; plenty of time," asserted the captain. "I think I saw
+the airship floating north, so it isn't likely to bother us again just
+now."
+
+"What place is north of us?" inquired the girl, trembling a little in
+spite of her efforts at control.
+
+"I think it is Nieuport--or perhaps Dixmude," answered Carg. "I visited
+Belgium once, when I was a young man, but I cannot remember it very
+well. We're pretty close to the Belgian border, at Dunkirk."
+
+"There's another!" cried Ajo, as a second whistling shriek sounded above
+them. This time the bomb fell into the sea and raised a small
+water-spout, some half mile distant. They could now see plainly a second
+huge aircraft circling above them; but this also took flight toward the
+north and presently disappeared.
+
+Uncle John came hurrying on deck with an anxious face and together the
+group of Americans listened for more bombs; but that was all that came
+their way that night.
+
+"Well," said Patsy, when she had recovered her equanimity, "we're at the
+front at last, Uncle. How do you like it?"
+
+"I hadn't thought of bombs," he replied. "But we're in for it, and I
+suppose we'll have to take whatever comes."
+
+Now came the doctor, supporting the injured man on one side while Maud
+Stanton held his opposite arm. Gys was smiling broadly--a rather ghastly
+expression.
+
+"No bones broken, sir," he reported to Mr. Merrick. "Only a good
+shake-up and plenty of bruises. He can't be induced to stay in bed."
+
+"Bed, when the Germans come?" exclaimed the invalid, scornfully,
+speaking in fair English. "It is absurd! We can sleep when we have
+driven them back to their dirty Faderland--we can sleep, then, and rest.
+Now, it is a crime to rest."
+
+They looked at him curiously. He was a small man--almost a tiny
+man--lean and sinewy and with cheeks the color of bronze and eyes the
+hue of the sky. His head was quite bald at the top; his face wrinkled;
+he had a bushy mustache and a half-grown beard. His clothing was soiled,
+torn and neglected; but perhaps his accident accounted for much of its
+condition. His age might be anywhere from thirty to forty years. He
+looked alert and shrewd.
+
+"You are Belgian?" said Uncle John.
+
+He leaned against the rail, shaking off the doctor's support, as he
+replied:
+
+"Yes, monsieur. Belgian born and American trained." There was a touch of
+pride in his voice. "It was in America that I made my fortune."
+
+"Indeed."
+
+"It is true. I was waiter in a New York restaurant for five years. Then
+I retired. I came back to Belgium. I married my wife. I bought land. It
+is near Ghent. I am, as you have guessed, a person of great importance."
+
+"Ah; an officer, perhaps. Civil, or military?" inquired Ajo with mock
+deference.
+
+"Of better rank than either. I am a citizen."
+
+"Now, I like that spirit," said Uncle John approvingly. "What is your
+name, my good man?"
+
+"Maurie, monsieur; Jakob Maurie. Perhaps you have met me--in New York."
+
+"I do not remember it. But if you live in Ghent, why are you in
+Dunkirk?"
+
+He cast an indignant glance at his questioner, but Uncle John's serene
+expression disarmed him.
+
+"Monsieur is not here long?"
+
+"We have just arrived."
+
+"You cannot see Belgium from here. If you are there--in my country--you
+will find that the German is everywhere. I have my home at Brussels
+crushed by a shell which killed my baby girl. My land is devastate--my
+crop is taken to feed German horse and German thief. There is no home
+left. So my wife and my boy and girl I take away; I take them to Ostend,
+where I hope to get ship to England. At Ostend I am arrested by Germans.
+Not my wife and children; only myself. I am put in prison. For three
+weeks they keep me, and then I am put out. They push me into the street.
+No one apologize. I ask for my family. They laugh and turn away. I
+search everywhere for my wife. A friend whom I meet thinks she has gone
+to Ypres, for now no Belgian can take ship from Ostend to England. So I
+go to Ypres. The wandering people have all been sent to Nieuport and
+Dunkirk. Still I search. My wife is not in Nieuport. I come here, three
+days ago; I cannot find her in Dunkirk; she has vanished. Perhaps--but I
+will not trouble you with that. This is my story, ladies and gentlemen.
+Behold in me--a wealthy landowner of Liege--the outcast from home and
+country!"
+
+"It is dreadful!" cried Patsy.
+
+"It is fierce," said the man. "Only an American can understand the
+horror of that word."
+
+"Your fate is surely a cruel one, Maurie," declared Mr. Merrick.
+
+"Perhaps," ventured Beth, "we may help you to find your wife and
+children."
+
+The Belgian seemed pleased with these expressions of sympathy. He
+straightened up, threw out his chest and bowed very low.
+
+"That is my story," he repeated; "but you must know it is also the story
+of thousands of Belgians. Always I meet men searching for wives. Always
+I meet wives searching for husbands. Well! it is our fate--the fate of
+conquered Belgium."
+
+Maud brought him a deck chair and made him sit down.
+
+"You will stay here to-night," she said.
+
+"That's right," said Dr. Gys. "He can't resume his search until morning,
+that's certain. Such a tumble as he had would have killed an ordinary
+man; but the fellow seems made of iron."
+
+"To be a waiter--a good waiter--develops the muscles," said Maurie.
+
+Ajo gave him a cigarette, which he accepted eagerly. After a few puffs
+he said:
+
+"I heard the German bombs. That means the enemy grows insolent. First
+they try to frighten us with bombs, then they attack."
+
+"How far away do you think the Germans are?" asked Beth.
+
+"Nieuport les Bains. But they will get no nearer."
+
+"No?"
+
+"Surely not, mamselle. Our soldiers are there, awaiting them. Our
+soldiers, and the French."
+
+"And you think the enemy cannot capture Dunkirk?" inquired Jones.
+
+"Dunkirk! The Germans capture Dunkirk? It is impossible."
+
+"Why impossible?"
+
+"Dunkirk is fortified; it is the entrance to Calais, to Dover and
+London. Look you, m'sieur; we cannot afford to lose this place. We
+cannot afford to lose even Nieuport, which is our last stand on Belgian
+soil. Therefore, the Germans cannot take it, for there are still too
+many of us to kill before Kitchener comes to save us." He spoke
+thoughtfully, between puffs of his cigarette, and added: "But of course,
+if the great English army does not come, and they kill us all, then it
+will not matter in the least what becomes of our country."
+
+Maurie's assertion did not wholly reassure them. The little Belgian was
+too bombastic to win their confidence in his judgment. Yet Jones
+declared that Maurie doubtless knew the country better than anyone they
+had yet met and the doctor likewise defended his patient. Indeed, Gys
+seemed to have taken quite a fancy to the little man and long after the
+others had retired for the night he sat on deck talking with the Belgian
+and getting his views of the war.
+
+"You say you had land at Ghent?" he once asked.
+
+"It is true, Doctor."
+
+"But afterward you said Brussels."
+
+Maurie was not at all confused.
+
+"Ah; I may have done so. You see, I traded my property."
+
+"And, if I am not mistaken, you spoke of a home at Liege."
+
+Maurie looked at him reproachfully.
+
+"Is there not much land in Belgium?" he demanded; "and is a rich man
+confined to one home? Liege was my summer home; in the winter I removed
+to Antwerp."
+
+"You said Ghent."
+
+"Ghent it was, Doctor. Misfortune has dulled my brain. I am not the man
+I was," he added with a sigh.
+
+"Nevertheless," said Gys, "you still possess the qualities of a good
+waiter. Whatever happens here, Maurie, you can always go back to
+America."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+ON THE FIRING LINE
+
+
+Next morning they were all wakened at an early hour by the roar of
+artillery, dimly heard in the distance. The party aboard the _Arabella_
+quickly assembled on deck, where little Maurie was found leaning over
+the rail.
+
+"They're at it," he remarked, wagging his head. "The Germans are at
+Nieuport, now, and some of them are over against Pervyse. I hear sounds
+from Dixmude, too; the rattle of machine guns. It will be a grand
+battle, this! I wonder if our Albert is there."
+
+"Who is he?" asked Patsy.
+
+"The king. They told me yesterday he had escaped."
+
+"We must get the ambulances out at once," said Beth.
+
+"I'll attend to that," replied Uncle John, partaking of the general
+excitement. "Warp up to the dock, Captain Carg, and I'll get some of
+those men to help us swing the cars over the side."
+
+"How about a chauffeur?" asked Dr. Gys, who was already bringing out
+bandages and supplies for the ambulances.
+
+"If we can't find a man, I'll drive you myself," declared Ajo.
+
+"But you don't know the country."
+
+Gys turned to the little Belgian.
+
+"Can't you find us a driver?" he asked. "We want a steady, competent man
+to run our ambulance."
+
+"Where are you going?" asked Maurie.
+
+"To the firing line."
+
+"Good. I will drive you myself."
+
+"You? Do you understand a car?"
+
+"I am an expert, monsieur."
+
+"A waiter in a restaurant?"
+
+"Pah! That was five years ago. I will show you. I can drive any car ever
+made--and I know every inch of the way."
+
+"Then you're our man," exclaimed Mr. Merrick, much relieved.
+
+As the yacht swung slowly alongside the dock the Belgian said:
+
+"While you get ready, I will go ashore for news. When I come back--very
+quick--then I will know everything."
+
+Before he ran down the ladder Patsy clasped around his arm a band
+bearing the insignia of the Red Cross. He watched her approvingly, with
+little amused chuckles, and then quickly disappeared in the direction of
+the town.
+
+"He doesn't seem injured in the least by his accident," said the girl,
+looking after him as he darted along.
+
+"No," returned Gys; "he is one of those fellows who must be ripped to
+pieces before they can feel anything. But let us thank heaven he can
+drive a car."
+
+Mr. Merrick had no difficulty in getting all the assistance required to
+lower the two ambulances to the dock. They had already been set up and
+put in order, so the moment they were landed they were ready for use.
+
+A few surgical supplies were added by Dr. Gys and then they looked
+around for the Belgian. Although scarce an hour had elapsed since he
+departed, he came running back just as he was needed, puffing a little
+through haste, his eyes shining with enthusiasm.
+
+"Albert is there!" he cried. "The king and his army are at Nieuport.
+They will open the dykes and flood all the country but the main road,
+and then we can hold the enemy in check. They will fight, those Germans,
+but they cannot advance, for we will defend the road and the sand
+dunes."
+
+"Aren't they fighting now?" asked Jones.
+
+"Oh, yes, some of the big guns are spitting, but what is that? A few
+will fall, but we have yet thousands to face the German horde."
+
+"Let us start at once," pleaded Maud.
+
+Maurie began to examine the big ambulance. He was spry as a cat. In ten
+minutes he knew all that was under the hood, had tested the levers,
+looked at the oil and gasoline supply and started the motor.
+
+"I'll sit beside you to help in case of emergency," said Ajo, taking his
+place. Dr. Gys, Dr. Kelsey and the three girls sat inside. Patsy had
+implored Uncle John not to go on this preliminary expedition and he had
+hesitated until the last moment; but the temptation was too strong to
+resist and even as the wheels started to revolve he sprang in and closed
+the door behind him.
+
+"You are my girls," he said, "and wherever you go, I'll tag along."
+
+Maurie drove straight into the city and to the north gate, Jones
+clanging the bell as they swept along. Every vehicle gave them the right
+of way and now and then a cheer greeted the glittering new Red Cross
+ambulance, which bore above its radiator a tiny, fluttering American
+flag.
+
+They were not stopped at the gate, for although strict orders had been
+issued to allow no one to leave Dunkirk, the officer in charge realized
+the sacred mission of the Americans and merely doffed his cap in
+salutation as the car flashed by.
+
+The road to Furnes was fairly clear, but as they entered that town they
+found the streets cluttered with troops, military automobiles, supply
+wagons, artillery, ammunition trucks and bicycles. The boy clanged his
+bell continuously and as if by magic the way opened before the Red Cross
+and cheers followed them on their way.
+
+The eyes of the little Belgian were sparkling like jewels; his hands on
+the steering wheel were steady as a rock; he drove with skill and
+judgment. Just now the road demanded skill, for a stream of refugees was
+coming toward them from Nieuport and a stream of military motors,
+bicycles and wagons, with now and then a horseman, flowed toward the
+front. A mile or two beyond Furnes they came upon a wounded soldier, one
+leg bandaged and stained with blood while he hobbled along leaning upon
+the shoulder of a comrade whose left arm hung helpless.
+
+Maurie drew up sharply and Beth sprang out and approached the soldiers.
+
+"Get inside," she said in French.
+
+"No," replied one, smiling; "we are doing nicely, thank you. Hurry
+forward, for they need you there."
+
+"Who dressed your wounds?" she inquired.
+
+"The Red Cross. There are many there, hard at work; but more are needed.
+Hurry forward, for some of our boys did not get off as lightly as we."
+
+She jumped into the ambulance and away it dashed, but progress became
+slower presently. The road was broad and high; great hillocks of
+sand--the Dunes--lay between it and the ocean; on the other side the
+water from the opened dykes was already turning the fields into an
+inland sea. In some places it lapped the edges of the embankment that
+formed the roadway.
+
+Approaching Nieuport, they discovered the Dunes to be full of soldiers,
+who had dug pits behind the sandy hillocks for protection, and in them
+planted the dog-artillery and one or two large machine guns. These were
+trained on the distant line of Germans, who were also entrenching
+themselves. All along the edge of the village the big guns were in
+action and there was a constant interchange of shot and shell from both
+sides.
+
+As Maurie dodged among the houses with the big car a shell descended
+some two hundred yards to the left of them, exploded with a crash and
+sent a shower of brick and splinters high into the air. A little way
+farther on the ruins of a house completely blocked the street and they
+were obliged to turn back and seek another passage. Thus partially
+skirting the town they at last left the houses behind them and
+approached the firing line, halting scarcely a quarter of a mile distant
+from the actual conflict.
+
+As far as the eye could reach, from Nieuport to the sea at the left, and
+on toward Ypres at the right of them, the line of Belgians, French and
+British steadily faced the foe. Close to where they halted the ambulance
+stood a detachment that had lately retired from the line, their places
+having been taken by reserves. One of the officers told Mr. Merrick that
+they had been facing bullets since daybreak and the men seemed almost
+exhausted. Their faces were blackened by dust and powder and their
+uniforms torn and disordered; many stood without caps or coats despite
+the chill in the air. And yet these fellows were laughing together and
+chatting as pleasantly as children just released from school. Even those
+who had wounds made light of their hurts. Clouds of smoke hovered low in
+the air; the firing was incessant.
+
+Our girls were thrilled by this spectacle as they had never been
+thrilled before--perhaps never might be again. While they still kept
+their seats, Maurie started with a sudden jerk, made a sharp turn and
+ran the ambulance across a ridge of solid earth that seemed to be the
+only one of such character amongst all that waste of sand. It brought
+them somewhat closer to the line but their driver drew up behind a great
+dune that afforded them considerable protection.
+
+Fifty yards away was another ambulance with its wheels buried to the
+hubs in the loose sand. Red Cross nurses and men wearing the emblem on
+their arms and caps were passing here and there, assisting the injured
+with "first aid," temporarily bandaging heads, arms and legs or carrying
+to the rear upon a stretcher a more seriously injured man. Most of this
+corps were French; a few were English; some were Belgian. Our friends
+were the only Americans on the field.
+
+Uncle John's face was very grave as he alighted in the wake of his
+girls, who paid no attention to the fighting but at once ran to assist
+some of the wounded who came staggering toward the ambulance, some even
+creeping painfully on hands and knees. In all Mr. Merrick's conceptions
+of the important mission they had undertaken, nothing like the nature
+of this desperate conflict had even dawned upon him. He had known that
+the Red Cross was respected by all belligerents, and that knowledge had
+led him to feel that his girls would be fairly safe; but never had he
+counted on spent bullets, stray shells or the mad rush of a charge.
+
+"Very good!" cried Maurie briskly. "Here we see what no one else can
+see. The Red Cross is a fine passport to the grand stand of war."
+
+"Come with me--quick!" shouted Ajo, his voice sounding shrill through
+the din. "I saw a fellow knocked out--there--over yonder!"
+
+As he spoke he grabbed a stretcher and ran forward, Maurie following at
+his heels. Uncle John saw the smoke swallow them up, saw Beth and Maud
+each busy with lint, plasters and bandages, saw Patsy supporting a tall,
+grizzled warrior who came limping toward the car. Then he turned and saw
+Doctor Gys, crouching low against the protecting sand, his disfigured
+face working convulsively and every limb trembling as with an ague.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+THE COWARD
+
+
+"Great heavens!" gasped Mr. Merrick, running toward the doctor. "Are you
+hit?"
+
+Gys looked up at him appealingly and nodded.
+
+"Where did it strike you? Was it a bullet--or what?"
+
+The doctor wrung his hands, moaning pitifully. Uncle John bent over him.
+
+"Tell me," he said. "Tell me, Gys!"
+
+"I--I'm scared, sir--s-s-scared stiff. It's that yellow s-s-s-streak in
+me; I--I--can't help it, sir." Then he collapsed, crouching lifelessly
+close to the sand.
+
+Uncle John was amazed. He drew back with such an expression of scorn
+that Gys, lying with face upward, rolled over to hide his own features
+in the sand. But his form continued to twist and shake convulsively.
+
+Patsy came up with her soldier, whose gaudy uniform proclaimed him an
+officer. He had a rugged, worn face, gray hair and mustache, stern eyes.
+His left side was torn and bleeding where a piece of shell had raked him
+from shoulder to knee. No moan did he utter as Mr. Merrick and the girl
+assisted him to one of the swinging beds, and then Patsy, with white,
+set face but steady hands, began at once to cut away the clothing and
+get at the wound. This was her first practical experience and she meant
+to prove her mettle or perish in the attempt.
+
+Uncle John skipped over to the sand bank and clutched Gys savagely by
+the collar.
+
+"Get up!" he commanded. "Here's a man desperately wounded, who needs
+your best skill--and at once."
+
+Gys pulled himself free and sat up, seeming dazed for the moment. Then
+he rubbed his head briskly with both hands, collected his nerve and
+slowly rose to his feet. He cast fearful glances at the firing line, but
+the demand for his surgical skill was a talisman that for a time enabled
+him to conquer his terror. With frightened backward glances he ran to
+the ambulance and made a dive into it as if a pack of wolves was at his
+heels.
+
+Safely inside, one glance at the wounded man caused Gys to stiffen
+suddenly. He became steady and alert and noting that Patsy had now bared
+a portion of the gaping wound the doctor seized a thermos flask of hot
+water and in a moment was removing the clotted blood in a deft and
+intelligent manner.
+
+Now came Jones and Maurie bearing the man they had picked up. As they
+set the stretcher down, Uncle John came over.
+
+"Shall we put him inside?" asked Mr. Merrick.
+
+"No use, I think," panted the Belgian.
+
+"Where's the doctor?" asked Ajo.
+
+Kelsey, who had been busy elsewhere, now approached and looked at the
+soldier on the stretcher.
+
+"The man is dead," he said. "He doesn't need us now."
+
+"Off with him, then!" cried Maurie, and they laid the poor fellow upon
+the sand and covered him with a cloth. "Come, then," urged the little
+chauffeur, excitedly, "lots more out there are still alive. We get one
+quick."
+
+They left in a run in one direction while Kelsey, who had come to the
+ambulance for supplies, went another way. Mr. Merrick looked around for
+the other two girls. Only Maud Stanton was visible through the smoky
+haze. Uncle John approached her just as a shell dropped into the sand
+not fifty feet away. It did not explode but plowed a deep furrow and
+sent a shower of sand in every direction.
+
+Maud had just finished dressing a bullet wound in the arm of a young
+soldier who smiled as he watched her. Then, as she finished the work, he
+bowed low, muttered his thanks, and catching up his gun rushed back into
+the fray. It was a flesh wound and until it grew more painful he could
+still fight.
+
+"Where are the Germans?" asked Uncle John. "I haven't seen one yet."
+
+As he spoke a great cheer rose from a thousand throats. The line before
+them wavered an instant and then rushed forward and disappeared in the
+smoke of battle.
+
+"Is it a charge, do you think?" asked Maud, as they stood peering into
+the haze.
+
+"I--I don't know," he stammered. "This is so--so bewildering--that it
+all seems like a dream. Where's Beth?"
+
+"I don't know."
+
+"Are you looking for a young lady--a nurse?" asked a voice beside them.
+"She's over yonder," he swung one arm toward the distant sand dunes. The
+other was in a sling. "She has just given me first aid and sent me to
+the rear--God bless her!" Then he trailed on, a British Tommy Atkins,
+while with one accord Maud and Uncle John moved in the direction he had
+indicated.
+
+"She mustn't be so reckless," said Beth's uncle, nervously. "It's bad
+enough back here, but every step nearer the firing line doubles the
+danger."
+
+"I do not agree with you, sir," answered Maud quietly. "A man was killed
+not two paces from me, a little while ago."
+
+He shuddered and wiped the sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief,
+but made no reply. They climbed another line of dunes and in the hollow
+beyond came upon several fallen soldiers, one of whom was moaning with
+pain. Maud ran to kneel beside him and in a twinkling had her hypodermic
+needle in his arm.
+
+"Bear it bravely," she said in French. "The pain will stop in a few
+minutes and then I'll come and look after you."
+
+He nodded gratefully, still moaning, and she hurried to rejoin Mr.
+Merrick.
+
+"Beth must be in the next hollow," said Uncle John as she overtook him,
+and his voice betrayed his nervous tension. "I do wish you girls would
+not be so reckless."
+
+Yes; they found her in the next hollow, where several men were grouped
+about her. She was dressing the shattered hand of a soldier, while two
+or three others were patiently awaiting her services. Just beside her a
+sweet-faced Sister of Mercy was bending over a dying man, comforting him
+with her prayers. Over the ridge of sand could be heard the "ping" of
+small arms mingled with the hoarse roar of machine guns. Another great
+shout--long and enthusiastic--was borne to their ears.
+
+"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."
+
+He began to back up, for the sand ahead was too deep for a turn, and the
+way he managed the huge car along that narrow ridge aroused the
+admiration of Ajo, who alone was able to witness the marvelous
+performance. Slowly, with many turns, they backed to the road, where
+Maurie swung the ambulance around and then stopped with a jerk that drew
+several groans from the interior of the car.
+
+"What's wrong?" asked Mr. Merrick, sticking his head from a window.
+
+"We nearly ran over a man," answered Jones, climbing down from his seat.
+"Our front wheels are right against him, but Maurie stopped in time."
+
+Lying flat upon his face, diagonally across the roadway, was the form of
+a man in the blue-and-red uniform of the Belgian army. Maurie backed the
+ambulance a yard or so as Maud sprang out and knelt beside the prostrate
+form.
+
+The firing, which had lulled for a few minutes, suddenly redoubled in
+fury. There rose a wild, exultant shout, gradually drawing nearer.
+
+"Quick!" shouted Gys, trembling and wringing his hands. "The Germans are
+charging. Drive on, man--drive on!"
+
+But Maurie never moved.
+
+"The Germans are charging, sure enough," he answered, as the line of
+retreating Belgians became visible. "But they must stop here, for we've
+blocked the road."
+
+All eyes but those of Maud were now turned upon the fray, which was
+practically a hand to hand conflict. Nearer and nearer came the confused
+mass of warriors and then, scarce a hundred yards away, it halted and
+the Belgians stood firm.
+
+"He isn't dead," said Maud, coming to the car. "Help me to put him
+inside."
+
+"There is no room," protested Gys.
+
+The girl looked at him scornfully.
+
+"We will make room," she replied.
+
+A bullet shattered a pane of glass just beside the crouching doctor, but
+passed on through an open window without injuring anyone. In fact,
+bullets were singing around them with a freedom that made others than
+Dr. Gys nervous. It was chubby little Uncle John who helped Jones carry
+the wounded man to the ambulance, where they managed to stretch him upon
+the floor. This arrangement sent Patsy to the front seat outside, with
+Maurie and Ajo, although her uncle strongly protested that she had no
+right to expose her precious life so wantonly.
+
+There was little time for argument, however. Even as the girl was
+climbing to her seat the line of Belgians broke and came pouring toward
+them. Maurie was prompt in starting the car and the next moment the
+ambulance was rolling swiftly along the smooth highway in the direction
+of Dunkirk and the sounds of fray grew faint behind them.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+COURAGE, OR PHILOSOPHY?
+
+
+"I never realized," said Maud, delightedly, "what a strictly modern,
+professional hospital ship Uncle John has made of this, until we put it
+to practical use. I am sure it is better than those makeshifts we
+observed at Calais, and more comfortable than those crowded hospitals on
+land. Every convenience is at our disposal and if our patients do not
+recover rapidly it will be because their condition is desperate."
+
+She had just come on deck after a long and trying session in assisting
+Doctors Gys and Kelsey to care for the injured, a session during which
+Beth and Patsy had also stood nobly to their gruesome task. There were
+eleven wounded, altogether, in their care, and although some of these
+were in a critical condition the doctors had insisted that the nurses
+needed rest.
+
+"It is Dr. Gys who deserves credit for fitting the ship," replied Mr.
+Merrick, modestly, to Maud's enthusiastic comment, "and Ajo is
+responsible for the ship itself, which seems admirably suited to our
+purpose. By the way, how is Gys behaving now? Is he still shaking with
+fear?"
+
+"No, he seems to have recovered his nerve. Isn't it a terrible
+affliction?"
+
+"Cowardice? Well, my dear, it is certainly an unusual affliction in this
+country and in these times. I have been amazed to-day at the courage I
+have witnessed. These Belgians are certainly a brave lot."
+
+"But no braver than the German we brought with us," replied Maud
+thoughtfully. "One would almost think he had no sensation, yet he must
+be suffering terribly. The doctor will amputate the remnants of his foot
+in an hour or so, but the man positively refuses to take an
+anaesthetic."
+
+"Does he speak English or French?"
+
+"No; only German. But Captain Carg understands German and so he has been
+acting as our interpreter."
+
+"How about the Belgian we picked up on the road?"
+
+"He hasn't recovered consciousness yet. He is wounded in the back and in
+trying to get to the rear became insensible from loss of blood."
+
+"From what I saw I wouldn't suppose any Belgian could be wounded in the
+back," remarked Uncle John doubtfully.
+
+"It was a shell," she said, "and perhaps exploded behind him. It's a bad
+wound, Dr. Gys says, but if he regains strength he may recover."
+
+During this conversation Patsy Doyle was lying in her stateroom below
+and crying bitterly, while her cousin Beth strove to soothe her. All
+unused to such horrors as she had witnessed that day, the girl had
+managed to retain her nerve by sheer force of will until the Red Cross
+party had returned to the ship and extended first aid to the wounded;
+but the moment Dr. Gys dismissed her she broke down completely.
+
+Beth was no more accustomed to bloodshed than her cousin, but she had
+anticipated such scenes as they had witnessed, inasmuch as her year of
+training as nurse had prepared her for them. She had also been a close
+student of the daily press and from her reading had gleaned a knowledge
+of the terrible havoc wrought by this great war. Had Patsy not given
+way, perhaps Beth might have done so herself, and really it was Maud
+Stanton who bore the ordeal with the most composure.
+
+After a half hour on deck Maud returned to the hospital section quite
+refreshed, and proceeded to care for the patients. She alone assisted
+Gys and Kelsey to amputate the German's foot, an operation the man bore
+splendidly, quite unaware, however, that they had applied local
+anaesthetics to dull the pain. Dr. Gys was a remarkably skillful surgeon
+and he gave himself no rest until every one of the eleven had received
+such attention as his wounds demanded. Even Kelsey felt the strain by
+that time and as Maud expressed her intention of remaining to minister
+to the wants of the crippled soldiers, the two doctors went on deck for
+a smoke and a brief relaxation.
+
+By this time Beth had quieted Patsy, mainly by letting her have her cry
+out, and now brought her on deck to join the others and get the fresh
+air. So quickly had events followed one another on this fateful day
+that it was now only four o'clock in the afternoon. None of them had
+thought of luncheon, so the ship's steward now brought tea and
+sandwiches to those congregated on deck.
+
+As they sat together in a group, drinking tea and discussing the
+exciting events of the day, little Maurie came sauntering toward them
+and removed his cap.
+
+"Your pardon," said he, "but--are the wounded all cared for?"
+
+"As well as we are able to care for them at present," answered Beth.
+"And let me thank you, Jakob Maurie--let us all thank you--for the noble
+work you did for us to-day."
+
+"Pah! it was nothing," said he, shifting from one foot to another. "I
+enjoyed it, mamselle. It was such fun to dive into the battle and pull
+out the wounded. It helped them, you see, and it gave us a grand
+excitement. Otherwise, had I not gone with you, I would be as ignorant
+as all in Dunkirk still are, for the poor people do not yet know what
+has happened at the front."
+
+"We hardly know ourselves what has happened," said Uncle John. "We can
+hear the boom of guns yet, even at this distance, and we left the battle
+line flowing back and forth like the waves of the ocean. Have a cup of
+tea, Maurie?"
+
+The man hesitated.
+
+"I do not like to disturb anyone," he said slowly, "but if one of the
+young ladies is disengaged I would be grateful if she looks at my arm."
+
+"Your arm!" exclaimed Beth, regarding him wonderingly as he stood before
+her.
+
+Maurie smiled.
+
+"It is hardly worth mentioning, mamselle, but a bullet--"
+
+"Take off your coat," she commanded, rising from her seat to assist him.
+
+Maurie complied. His shirt was stained with blood. Beth drew out her
+scissors and cut away the sleeve of his left arm. A bullet had passed
+directly through the flesh, but without harming bone or muscle.
+
+"Why didn't you tell us before?" she asked reproachfully.
+
+"It amounted to so little, beside the other hurts you had to attend," he
+answered. "I am shamed, mamselle, that I came to you at all. A little
+water and a cloth will make it all right."
+
+Patsy had already gone for the water and in a few minutes Beth was
+deftly cleansing the wound.
+
+"How did it happen, Maurie?" asked Jones. "I was with you most of the
+time and noticed nothing wrong. Besides, you said nothing about it."
+
+"It was on the road, just as we picked up that fallen soldier with the
+hole in his back. The fight jumped toward us pretty quick, you remember,
+and while I sat at the wheel the bullet came. I knew when it hit me, but
+I also knew I could move my arm, so what did it matter? I told myself to
+wait till we got to the ship. Had we stayed there longer, we might all
+have stopped bullets--and some bullets might have stopped us." He
+grinned, as if the aphorism amused him, and added: "To know when to run
+is the perfection of courage."
+
+"Does it hurt?" asked Uncle John, as Beth applied the lint and began
+winding the bandage.
+
+"It reminds me it is there, monsieur; but I will be ready for another
+trip to-morrow. Thank you, mamselle. Instead of the tea, I would like a
+little brandy."
+
+"Give him some in the tea," suggested Gys, noting that Maurie swayed a
+little. "Sit down, man, and be comfortable. That's it. I'd give a
+million dollars for your nerve."
+
+"Have you so much money?" asked Maurie.
+
+"No."
+
+"Then I cannot see that you lack nerve," said the little Belgian
+thoughtfully. "I was watching you to-day, M'sieur Doctor, and I believe
+what you lack is courage."
+
+Gys stared so hard at him with the one good eye that even Maurie became
+embarrassed and turned away his head. Sipping his tea and brandy he
+presently resumed, in a casual tone:
+
+"Never have I indulged in work of more interest than this. We go into
+the thick of the fight, yet are we safe from harm. We do good to both
+sides, because the men who do the fighting are not to blame for the war,
+at all. The leaders of politics say to the generals: 'We have declared
+war; go and fight.' The generals say to the soldiers: 'We are told to
+fight, so come on. We do not know why, but it is our duty, because it is
+our profession. So go and die, or get shot to pieces, or lose some arms
+and legs, as it may happen.' The business of the soldiers is to obey;
+they must back up the policies of their country, right or wrong. But do
+those who send them into danger ever get hurt? Not to the naked eye."
+
+"Why, you're quite a philosopher, Maurie," said Patsy.
+
+"It is true," agreed the Belgian. "But philosophy is like courage--easy
+to assume. We strut and talk big; we call the politicians sharks, the
+soldiers fools; but does it do any good? The war will go on; the enemy
+will destroy our homes, separate our families, take away our bread and
+leave us to starve; but we have the privilege to philosophize, if we
+like. For myself, I thank them for nothing!"
+
+"I suppose you grieve continually for your wife," said Patsy.
+
+"Not so much that, mamselle, but I know she is grieving for me," he
+replied.
+
+"As soon as we find time," continued the girl, "we intend to search for
+your wife and children. I am sure we can find them for you."
+
+Maurie moved uneasily in his chair.
+
+"I beg you to take no trouble on my account," said he. "With the Red
+Cross you have great work to accomplish. What is the despair of one poor
+Walloon to you?"
+
+"It is a great deal to us, Maurie," returned the girl, earnestly. "You
+have been a friend in need; without you we could not have made our dash
+to the front to-day. We shall try to repay you by finding your wife."
+
+He was silent, but his troubled look told of busy thoughts.
+
+"What does she look like?" inquired Beth. "Have you her photograph?"
+
+"No; she would not make a good picture, mamselle," he answered with a
+sigh. "Clarette is large; she is fat; she has a way of scowling when one
+does not bring in more wood than the fire can eat up; and she is very
+religious."
+
+"With that description I am sure we can find her," cried Patsy
+enthusiastically.
+
+He seemed disturbed.
+
+"If you please," said he plaintively, "Clarette is quite able to take
+care of herself. She has a strong will."
+
+"But if you know she is safe it will relieve your anxiety," suggested
+Beth. "You told us yesterday you had been searching everywhere for her."
+
+"If I said everywhere, I was wrong, for poor Clarette must be somewhere.
+And since yesterday I have been thinking with more deliberation, and I
+have decided," he added, his tone becoming confidential, "that it is
+better I do not find Clarette just now. It might destroy my usefulness
+to the Red Cross."
+
+"But your children!" protested Patsy. "Surely you cannot rest at ease
+with your two dear children wandering about, in constant danger."
+
+"To be frank, mamselle," said he, "they are not my children. I had a
+baby, but it was killed, as I told you. The boy and girl I have
+mentioned were born when Clarette was the wife of another man--a
+blacksmith at Dinant--who had a sad habit of beating her."
+
+"But you love the little ones, I am sure."
+
+He shook his head.
+
+"They have somewhat the temper of their father, the blacksmith. I took
+them when I took Clarette--just as I took the silver spoons and the
+checkered tablespread she brought with her--but now that a cruel fate
+has separated me from the children, perhaps it is all for the best."
+
+The doctor gave a snort of disgust, while Ajo smiled. The girls were too
+astonished to pursue the conversation, but now realized that Maurie's
+private affairs did not require their good offices to untangle. Uncle
+John was quite amused at the Belgian's confession and was the only one
+to reply.
+
+"Fate often seems cruel when she is in her happiest mood," said he.
+"Perhaps, Maurie, your Clarette will come to you without your seeking
+her, for all Belgium seems headed toward France just now. What do you
+think? Will the Germans capture Dunkirk?"
+
+The man brightened visibly at this turn in the conversation.
+
+"Not to-day, sir; not for days to come," he replied. "The French cannot
+afford to lose Dunkirk, and by to-morrow they will pour an irresistible
+horde against the German invader. If we stay here, we are sure to remain
+in the rear of the firing line."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+THE WAR'S VICTIMS
+
+
+While the others were conversing on deck Maud Stanton was ministering to
+the maimed victims of the war's cruelty, who tossed and moaned below.
+The main cabin and its accompanying staterooms had been fitted with all
+the conveniences of a modern hospital. Twenty-two could easily be
+accommodated in the rooms and a dozen more in the cabin, so that the
+eleven now in their charge were easily cared for. Of these, only three
+had been seriously injured. One was the German, who, however, was now
+sleeping soundly under the influence of the soothing potion that
+followed his operation. The man's calmness and iron nerve indicated that
+he would make a rapid recovery. Another was the young Belgian soldier
+picked up in the roadway near the firing line, who had been shot in the
+back and had not yet recovered consciousness. Dr. Gys had removed
+several bits of exploded shell and dressed the wound, shaking his head
+discouragingly. But since the young man was still breathing, with a
+fairly regular respiration, no attempt was made to restore him to his
+senses.
+
+The third seriously injured was a French sergeant whose body was
+literally riddled with shrapnel. A brief examination had convinced Gys
+that the case was hopeless.
+
+"He may live until morning," was the doctor's report as he calmly looked
+down upon the moaning sergeant, "but no longer. Meanwhile, we must
+prevent his suffering."
+
+This he accomplished by means of powerful drugs. The soldier soon lay in
+a stupor, awaiting the end, and nothing more could be done for him.
+
+Of the others, two Belgians with bandaged heads were playing a quiet
+game of écarté in a corner of the cabin, while another with a slight
+wound in his leg was stretched upon a couch, reading a book. A young
+French officer who had lost three fingers of his hand was cheerfully
+conversing with a comrade whose scalp had been torn by a bullet and who
+declared that in two days he would return to the front. The others Maud
+found asleep in their berths or lying quietly to ease their pain. It was
+remarkable, however, how little suffering was caused these men by flesh
+wounds, once they were properly dressed and the patients made
+comfortable with food and warmth and the assurance of proper care.
+
+So it was that Maud found her duties not at all arduous this evening.
+Indeed, the sympathy she felt for these brave men was so strong that it
+wearied her more than the actual work of nursing them. A sip of water
+here, a cold compress there, the administration of medicines to keep
+down or prevent fever, little attentions of this character were all that
+were required. Speaking French fluently, she was able to converse with
+all those under her charge and all seemed eager to relate to their
+beautiful nurse their experiences, hopes and griefs. Soon she realized
+she was beginning to learn more of the true nature of war than she had
+ever gleaned from the correspondents of the newspapers.
+
+When dinner was served in the forward cabin Beth relieved Maud and after
+the evening meal Dr. Gys made another inspection of his patients. All
+seemed doing well except the young Belgian. The condition of the French
+sergeant was still unchanged. Some of those with minor injuries were
+ordered on deck for a breath of fresh air.
+
+Patsy relieved Beth at midnight and Maud came on duty again at six
+o'clock, having had several hours of refreshing sleep. She found Patsy
+trembling with nervousness, for the sergeant had passed away an hour
+previous and the horror of the event had quite upset the girl.
+
+"Oh, it is all so unnecessary!" she wailed as she threw herself into
+Maud's arms.
+
+"We must steel ourselves to such things, dear," said Maud, soothing her,
+"for they will be of frequent occurrence, I fear. And we must be
+grateful and glad that we were able to relieve the poor man's anguish
+and secure for him a peaceful end."
+
+"I know," answered Patsy with a little sob, "but it's so dreadful. Oh,
+what a cruel, hateful thing war is!"
+
+From papers found on the sergeant Uncle John was able to notify his
+relatives of his fate. His home was in a little village not fifty miles
+away and during the day a brother arrived to take charge of the remains
+and convey them to their last resting place.
+
+The following morning Captain Carg was notified by the authorities to
+withdraw the _Arabella_ to an anchorage farther out in the bay, and
+thereafter it became necessary to use the two launches for intercourse
+between the ship and the city. Continuous cannonading could be heard
+from the direction of Nieuport, Dixmude and Ypres, and it was evident
+that the battle had doubled in intensity at all points, owing to heavy
+reinforcements being added to both sides. But, as Maurie had predicted,
+the Allies were able to hold the foe at bay and keep them from advancing
+a step farther.
+
+Uncle John had not been at all satisfied with that first day's
+experience at the front. He firmly believed it was unwise, to the verge
+of rashness, to allow the girls to place themselves in so dangerous a
+position. During a serious consultation with Jones, Kelsey, Captain
+Carg and Dr. Gys, the men agreed upon a better plan of procedure.
+
+"The three nurses have plenty to do in attending to the patients in our
+hospital," said Gys, "and when the ship has its full quota of wounded
+they will need assistance or they will break down under the strain. Our
+young ladies are different from the professional nurses; they are so
+keenly sensitive that they suffer from sympathy with every patient that
+comes under their care."
+
+"I do not favor their leaving the ship," remarked Dr. Kelsey, the mate.
+"There seems to be plenty of field workers at the front, supplied by the
+governments whose troops are fighting."
+
+"Therefore," added Jones, "we men must assume the duty of driving the
+ambulances and bringing back the wounded we are able to pick up. As
+Maurie is too stiff from his wound to drive to-day, I shall undertake
+the job myself. I know the way, now, and am confident I shall get along
+nicely. Who will go with me?"
+
+"I will, of course," replied Kelsey quietly.
+
+"Doctor Gys will be needed on the ship," asserted Uncle John.
+
+"Yes, it will be best to leave me here," said Gys. "I'm too great a
+coward to go near the firing line again. It destroys my usefulness, and
+Kelsey can administer first aid as well as I."
+
+"In that case, I think I shall take the small ambulance to-day," decided
+Ajo. "With Dr. Kelsey and one of the sailors we shall manage very well."
+
+A launch took them ashore, where the ambulances stood upon the dock.
+Maurie had admitted his inability to drive, but asked to be allowed to
+go into the town. So he left the ship with the others and disappeared
+for the day.
+
+Ajo took the same route he had covered before, in the direction of
+Nieuport, but could not get within five miles of the town, which was now
+held by the Germans. From Furnes to the front the roads were packed with
+reinforcements and wagon trains bearing ammunition and supplies, and
+further progress with the ambulance was impossible.
+
+However, a constant stream of wounded flowed to the rear, some with
+first aid bandages covering their injuries, others as yet uncared for.
+Kelsey chose those whom he considered most in need of surgical care or
+skillful nursing, and by noon the ambulance was filled to overflowing.
+It was Jones who advised taking none of the fatally injured, as the army
+surgeons paid especial attention to these. The Americans could be of
+most practical use, the boy considered, by taking in charge such as had
+a chance to recover. So nine more patients were added to the ship's
+colony on this occasion, all being delivered to the care of Dr. Gys
+without accident or delay--a fact that rendered Ajo quite proud of his
+skillful driving.
+
+While the ambulance was away the girls quietly passed from berth to
+berth, encouraging and caring for their wounded. It was surprising how
+interested they became in the personality of these soldiers, for each
+man was distinctive either in individuality or the character of his
+injury, and most of them were eager to chat with their nurses and
+anxious for news of the battle.
+
+During the morning the young Belgian who had lain until now in a
+stupor, recovered consciousness. He had moaned once or twice, drawing
+Maud to his side, but hearing a different sound from him she approached
+the berth where he lay, to find his eyes wide open. Gradually he turned
+them upon his nurse, as if feeling her presence, and after a moment of
+observation he sighed and then smiled wanly.
+
+"Still on earth?" he said in French.
+
+"I am so glad," she replied. "You have been in dreamland a long time."
+
+He tried to move and it brought a moan to his lips.
+
+"Don't stir," she counseled warningly; "you are badly wounded."
+
+He was silent for a time, staring at the ceiling. She held some water to
+his lips and he drank eagerly. Finally he said in a faint voice:
+
+"I remember, now. I had turned to reload and it hit me in the back. A
+bullet, mademoiselle?"
+
+"Part of a shell."
+
+"Ah, I understand.... I tried to get to the rear. The pain was terrible.
+No one seemed to notice me. At last I fell, and--then I slept. I
+thought it was the end."
+
+She bathed his forehead, saying:
+
+"You must not talk any more at present. Here comes the doctor to see
+you."
+
+Gys, busy in the cabin, had heard their voices and now came to look at
+his most interesting patient. The soldier seemed about twenty years of
+age; he was rather handsome, with expressive eyes and features bearing
+the stamp of culture. Already they knew his name, by means of an
+identification card found upon him, as well as a small packet of letters
+carefully pinned in an inner pocket of his coat. These last were all
+addressed in the same handwriting, which was undoubtedly feminine, to
+Andrew Denton. The card stated that Andrew Denton, private, was formerly
+an insurance agent at Antwerp.
+
+Doctor Gys had rather impatiently awaited the young man's return to
+consciousness that he might complete his examination. He now devoted the
+next half hour to a careful diagnosis of Denton's injuries. By this time
+the patient was suffering intense pain and a hypodermic injection of
+morphine was required to relieve him. When at last he was quietly
+drowsing the doctor called Maud aside to give her instructions.
+
+"Watch him carefully," said he, "and don't let him suffer. Keep up the
+morphine."
+
+"There is no hope, then?" she asked.
+
+"Not the slightest. He may linger for days--even weeks, if we sustain
+his strength--but recovery is impossible. That bit of shell tore a
+horrible hole in the poor fellow and all we can do is keep him
+comfortable until the end. Without the morphine he would not live twelve
+hours."
+
+"Shall I let him talk?"
+
+"If he wishes to. His lungs are not involved, so it can do him no harm."
+
+But Andrew Denton did not care to talk any more that day. He wanted to
+think, and lay quietly until Beth came on duty. To her he gave a smile
+and a word of thanks and again lapsed into thoughtful silence.
+
+When Ajo brought the new consignment of wounded to the ship the doctors
+and nurses found themselves pretty busy for a time. With wounds to dress
+and one or two slight operations to perform, the afternoon passed
+swiftly away. The old patients must not be neglected, either, so Captain
+Carg said he would sit with the German and look after him, as he was
+able to converse with the patient in his own tongue.
+
+The German was resting easily to-day but proved as glum and
+uncommunicative as ever. That did not worry the captain, who gave the
+man a cigarette and, when it was nonchalantly accepted, lighted his own
+pipe. Together they sat in silence and smoked, the German occupying an
+easy chair and resting his leg upon a stool, for he had refused to lie
+in a berth. Through the open window the dull boom of artillery could
+constantly be heard. After an hour or so:
+
+"A long fight," remarked the captain in German.
+
+The other merely looked at him, contemplatively. Carg stared for five
+minutes at the bandaged foot. Finally:
+
+"Hard luck," said he.
+
+This time the German nodded, looking at the foot also.
+
+"In America," resumed the captain, puffing slowly, "they make fine
+artificial feet. Walk all right. Look natural."
+
+"Vienna," said the German.
+
+"Yes, I suppose so." Another pause.
+
+"Name?" asked the German, with startling abruptness. But the other never
+winked.
+
+"Carg. I'm a sailor. Captain of this ship. Live in Sangoa, when ashore."
+
+"Sangoa?"
+
+"Island in South Seas."
+
+The wounded man reached for another cigarette and lighted it.
+
+"Carg," he repeated, musingly. "German?"
+
+"Why, my folks were, I believe. I've relations in Germany, yet. Munich.
+Visited them once, when a boy. Mother's name was Elbl. The Cargs lived
+next door to the Elbls. But they've lost track of me, and I of them.
+Nothing in common, you see."
+
+The German finished his cigarette, looking at the captain at times
+reflectively. Carg, feeling his biography had not been appreciated, had
+lapsed into silence. At length the wounded man began feeling in his
+breast pocket--an awkward operation because the least action disturbed
+the swathed limb--and presently drew out a leather card case. With much
+deliberation he abstracted a card and handed it to the captain, who put
+on his spectacles and read:
+
+     "Otto Elbl. 12th Uhlans"
+
+"Oh," he said, looking up to examine the German anew. "Otto Elbl of
+Munich?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"H-m. Number 121 Friedrichstrasse?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I didn't see you when I visited your family. They said you were at
+college. Your father was William Elbl, my mother's brother."
+
+The German stretched out his hand and gripped the fist of the captain.
+
+"Cousins," he said.
+
+Carg nodded, meditating.
+
+"To be sure," he presently returned; "cousins. Have another cigarette."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+PATSY IS DEFIANT
+
+
+That evening the captain joined Dr. Gys on deck.
+
+"That German, Lieutenant Elbl," he began.
+
+"Oh, is that his name?" asked Gys.
+
+"Yes. Will he get well?"
+
+"Certainly. What is a foot, to a man like him? But his soldiering days
+are past."
+
+"Perhaps that's fortunate," returned the captain, ruminatively. "When I
+was a boy, his father was burgomaster--mayor--in Munich. People said he
+was well-to-do. The Germans are thrifty, so I suppose there's still
+money in the Elbl family."
+
+"Money will do much to help reconcile the man to the loss of his foot,"
+declared the doctor.
+
+"Will he suffer much pain, while it is getting well?"
+
+"Not if I can help it. The fellow bears pain with wonderful fortitude.
+When I was in Yucatan, and had to slash my face to get out the poisoned
+darts of the cactus, I screamed till you could have heard me a mile. And
+I had no anaesthetic to soothe me. Your lieutenant never whimpered or
+cringed with his mangled foot and he refused morphine when I operated on
+it. But I fooled him. I hate to see a brave man suffer. I stuck a needle
+just above the wound when he wasn't looking, and I've doped his medicine
+ever since."
+
+"Thank you," said Carg; "he's my cousin."
+
+In the small hours of the next morning, while Patsy was on duty in the
+hospital section, the young Belgian became wakeful and restless. She
+promptly administered a sedative and sat by his bedside. After a little
+his pain was eased and he became quiet, but he lay there with wide open
+eyes.
+
+"Can I do anything more for you?" she asked.
+
+"If you would be so kind," replied Andrew Denton.
+
+"Well?"
+
+"Please read to me some letters you will find in my pocket. I cannot
+read them myself, and--they will comfort me."
+
+Patsy found the packet of letters.
+
+"The top one first," he said eagerly. "Read them all!"
+
+She opened the letter reluctantly. It was addressed in a dainty, female
+hand and the girl had the uncomfortable feeling that she was about to
+pry into personal relations of a delicate character.
+
+"Your sweetheart?" she asked gently.
+
+"Yes, indeed; my sweetheart and my wife."
+
+"Oh, I see. And have you been married long?" He seemed a mere boy.
+
+"Five months, but for the last two I have not seen her."
+
+The letters were dated at Charleroi and each one began: "My darling
+husband." Patsy read the packet through, from first to last, her eyes
+filling with tears at times as she noted the rare devotion and
+passionate longing of the poor young wife and realized that the boyish
+husband was even now dying, a martyr to his country's cause. The
+letters were signed "Elizabeth." In one was a small photograph of a
+sweet, dark-eyed girl whom she instantly knew to be the bereaved wife.
+
+"And does she still live at Charleroi?" Patsy asked.
+
+"I hope so, mademoiselle; with her mother. The Germans now occupy the
+town, but you will notice the last letter states that all citizens are
+treated courteously and with much consideration, so I do not fear for
+her."
+
+The reading of the letters, in conjunction with the opiate, seemed to
+comfort him, for presently he fell asleep. With a heavy heart the girl
+left him to attend to her other patients and at three o'clock Ajo came
+in and joined her, to relieve the tedium of the next three hours. The
+boy knew nothing of nursing, but he could help Patsy administer potions
+and change compresses and his presence was a distinct relief to her.
+
+The girl was supposed to sleep from six o'clock--at which time she was
+relieved from duty--until one in the afternoon, but the next morning at
+eight she walked into the forward salon, where her friends were at
+breakfast, and sat down beside Uncle John.
+
+"I could not sleep," said she, "because I am so worried over Andrew
+Denton."
+
+"That is foolish, my dear," answered Mr. Merrick, affectionately patting
+the hand she laid in his. "The doctor says poor Denton cannot recover.
+If you're going to take to heart all the sad incidents we encounter on
+this hospital ship, it will not only ruin your usefulness but destroy
+your happiness."
+
+"Exactly so," agreed Gys, coming into the salon in time to overhear this
+remark. "A nurse should be sympathetic, but impersonally so."
+
+"Denton has been married but five months," said Patsy. "I have seen his
+wife's picture--she's a dear little girl!--and her letters to him are
+full of love and longing. She doesn't know, of course, of his--his
+accident--or that he--he--" Her voice broke with a sob she could not
+repress.
+
+"M-m," purred Uncle John; "where does she live, this young wife?"
+
+"At Charleroi."
+
+"Well; the Germans are there."
+
+"Yes, Uncle. But don't you suppose they would let her come to see her
+dying husband?"
+
+"A young girl, unprotected? Would it be--safe?"
+
+"The Germans," remarked Captain Carg from his end of the table, "are
+very decent people."
+
+"Ahem!" said Uncle John.
+
+"Some of them, I've no doubt, are quite respectable," observed Ajo; "but
+from all reports the rank and file, in war time, are--rather unpleasant
+to meet."
+
+"Precisely," agreed Uncle John. "I think, Patsy dear, it will be best to
+leave this Belgian girl in ignorance of her husband's fate."
+
+"I, myself, have a wife," quoth little Maurie, with smug assurance, "but
+she is not worrying about me, wherever she may be; nor do I feel
+especial anxiety for Clarette. A woman takes what comes--especially if
+she is obliged to."
+
+Patsy regarded him indignantly.
+
+"There are many kinds of women," she began.
+
+"Thank heaven!" exclaimed Maurie, and then she realized how futile it
+was to argue with him.
+
+A little later she walked on deck with Uncle John and pleaded her cause
+earnestly. It was said by those who knew him well that the kindly little
+gentleman was never able to refuse Patsy anything for long, and he was
+himself so well aware of this weakness that he made a supreme effort to
+resist her on this occasion.
+
+"You and I," said she, "would have no trouble in passing the German
+lines. We are strictly neutral, you know, we Americans, and our
+passports and the Red Cross will take us anywhere in safety."
+
+"It won't do, my dear," he replied. "You've already been in danger
+enough for one war. I shudder even now as I think of those bullets and
+shells at Nieuport."
+
+"But we can pass through at some place where they are not fighting."
+
+"Show me such a place!"
+
+"And distances are very small in this part of the Continent. We could
+get to Charleroi in a day, and return the next day with Mrs. Denton."
+
+"Impossible."
+
+"The doctor says he may live for several days, but it may be only for
+hours. If you could see his face light up when he speaks of her, you
+would realize what a comfort her presence would be to him."
+
+"I understand that, Patsy. But can't you see, my dear, that we're not
+able to do everything for those poor wounded soldiers? You have twenty
+in your charge now, and by to-night there may be possibly a dozen more.
+Many of them have wives at home, but--"
+
+"But all are not dying, Uncle--and after only five months of married
+life, three of which they passed together. Here, at least, is one brave
+heart we may comfort, one poor woman who will be ever grateful for our
+generous kindness."
+
+Mr. Merrick coughed. He wiped his eyes and blew his nose on his pink
+bordered handkerchief. But he made no promise.
+
+Patsy left him and went to Ajo.
+
+"See here," she said; "I'm going to Charleroi in an hour."
+
+"It's a day's journey, Patsy."
+
+"I mean I'm going to start in an hour. Will you go with me?"
+
+"What does Uncle John say?" he inquired cautiously.
+
+"I don't care what he says. I'm going!" she persisted, her eyes blazing
+with determination.
+
+The boy whistled softly, studying her face. Then he walked across the
+deck to Mr. Merrick.
+
+"Patsy is rampant, sir," said he. "She won't be denied. Go and argue
+with her, please."
+
+"I _have_ argued," returned Uncle John weakly.
+
+"Well, argue again."
+
+The little man cast a half frightened, half reproachful glance at his
+niece.
+
+"Let's go and consult the doctor," he exclaimed, and together Uncle John
+and Ajo went below.
+
+To their surprise, Gys supported Patsy's plea.
+
+"He's a fine fellow, this Denton," said he, "and rather above the
+average soldier. Moreover, his case is a pitiful one. I'll agree to keep
+him alive until his wife comes."
+
+Uncle John looked appealingly at Ajo.
+
+"How on earth can we manage to cross the lines?" he asked.
+
+"Take one of our launches," said the boy.
+
+"Skim the coast to Ostend, and you'll avoid danger altogether."
+
+"That's the idea!" exclaimed the doctor approvingly. "Why, it's the
+easiest thing in the world, sir."
+
+Uncle John began to feel slightly reassured.
+
+"Who will run the launch?" he inquired.
+
+"I'll give you the captain and one of the men," said the boy. "Carg's an
+old traveler and knows more than he appears to. Besides, he speaks
+German. We can't spare very many, you understand, and the ambulances
+will keep Maurie and me pretty busy. Patsy will be missed, too, from the
+hospital ward, so you must hurry back."
+
+"Two days ought to accomplish our object," said Uncle John.
+
+"Easily," agreed Gys. "I've arranged for a couple of girls from the town
+to come and help us to-day, for I must save the strength of my expert
+nurses as much as possible, and I'll keep them with us until you return.
+The French girls are not experienced in nursing, but I'll take Miss
+Patsy's watch myself, so we shall get along all right."
+
+Mr. Merrick and Jones returned to the deck.
+
+"Well?" demanded Patsy.
+
+"Get ready," said Uncle John; "we leave in an hour."
+
+"For Charleroi?"
+
+"Of course; unless you've changed your mind."
+
+Patsy flew to her stateroom.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+THE OTHER SIDE
+
+
+The launch in which they embarked bore the Red Cross on its sides, and
+an American flag floated from the bow and a Red Cross flag from the
+stern. Its four occupants wore the Red Cross uniforms. Yet three miles
+out of Dunkirk a shot came singing across their prow and they were
+obliged to lay to until a British man-of-war could lower a boat to
+investigate their errand. The coast is very shallow in this section,
+which permits boats of only the lightest draught to navigate in-shore,
+but the launch was able to skim over the surface at twelve miles an
+hour.
+
+"This is pleasant!" grumbled Uncle John, as they awaited the approach of
+the warship's boat. "Our very appearance ought to insure us safe
+conduct, but I suppose that in these times every craft is regarded with
+suspicion."
+
+The boat came alongside.
+
+"Where are you going?" demanded an officer, gruffly.
+
+"To Ostend."
+
+"On what business?"
+
+"Our own," replied Mr. Merrick.
+
+"Be respectful, sir, or I'll arrest your entire outfit," warned the
+officer.
+
+"You'll do nothing of the sort," declared Mr. Merrick. "You'll examine
+our papers, apologize for your interference and row back to your ship.
+We have the authority of the Red Cross to go wherever our duty calls us,
+and moreover we're American citizens. Permit me to add that we're in a
+hurry."
+
+The officer turned first white and then red, but he appreciated the
+force of the argument.
+
+"Your papers!" he commanded.
+
+Uncle John produced them and waited patiently for their inspection,
+which was very deliberate. Finally the officer returned them and gave
+the order to his men to row back to the ship.
+
+"One moment!" called Uncle John. "You haven't made the apology."
+
+There was no answer. The boat moved swiftly away and at a gesture from
+Captain Carg the sailor started the launch again.
+
+"I wonder why it is," mused Mr. Merrick, "that there is always this
+raspy feeling when the English meet Americans. On the surface we're
+friendly enough and our governments always express in diplomatic
+relations the most cordial good will; but I've always noticed in the
+English individual an undercurrent of antipathy for Americans that
+cannot be disguised. As a race the English hate us, I'm positive, and I
+wonder why?"
+
+"I believe you're wrong, Uncle," remarked Patsy. "A few of the British
+may individually dislike us, but I'm sure the two nations are not
+antagonistic. Why should they be?"
+
+"Yorktown," muttered the captain.
+
+"I don't believe it," declared the girl. "They're too good sportsmen to
+bear grudges."
+
+"All the same," persisted Uncle John, "the English have never favored us
+as the French have, or even the Russians."
+
+From Dunkirk to Ostend, by the coast line, is only some twenty-five
+miles, yet although they started at a little after eleven o'clock it was
+three in the afternoon before they finally landed at the Belgian
+seaport. Interruptions were numerous, and although they were treated
+courteously, in the main, it was only after rigid questioning and a
+thorough examination that they were permitted to proceed. A full hour
+was consumed at the harbor at Ostend before they could even land.
+
+As they stepped upon the wharf a group of German soldiers met them and
+now Captain Carg became the spokesman of the party. The young officer in
+command removed his helmet to bow deferentially to Patsy and then turned
+to ask their business at Ostend.
+
+"He says we must go before the military governor," said Carg,
+translating. "There, if our papers are regular, permits will be issued
+for us to proceed to Charleroi."
+
+They left the sailor in charge of the launch, which was well provisioned
+and contained a convertible bunk, and followed the officer into the
+town. Ostend is a large city, fortified, and was formerly one of the
+most important ports on the North Sea, as well as a summer resort of
+prominence. The city now being occupied by the Germans, our friends
+found few citizens on the streets of Ostend and these hurried nervously
+on their way. The streets swarmed with German soldiery.
+
+Arriving at headquarters they found that the commandant was too busy to
+attend to the Red Cross Americans. He ordered them taken before Colonel
+Grau for examination.
+
+"But why examine us at all?" protested Mr. Merrick. "Doesn't our sacred
+mission protect us from such annoying details?"
+
+The young officer regretted that it did not. They would find Colonel
+Grau in one of the upper rooms. It would be a formal examination, of
+course, and brief. But busy spies had even assumed the insignia of the
+Red Cross to mask their nefarious work and an examination was therefore
+necessary as a protective measure. So they ascended a broad staircase
+and proceeded along a corridor to the colonel's office.
+
+Grau was at the head of the detective service at Ostend and invested
+with the task of ferreting out the numerous spies in the service of the
+Allies and dealing with them in a summary manner. He was a very stout
+man, and not very tall. His eyes were light blue and his grizzled
+mustache was a poor imitation of that affected by the Kaiser. When Grau
+looked up, on their entrance, Patsy decided that their appearance had
+startled him, but presently she realized that the odd expression was
+permanent.
+
+In a chair beside the colonel's desk sat, or rather lounged, another
+officer, encased in a uniform so brilliant that it arrested the eye
+before one could discover its contents. These were a wizened,
+weather-beaten man of advanced age, yet rugged as hickory. His eyes had
+a periodical squint; his brows wore a persistent frown. There was a
+broad scar on his left cheek and another across his forehead. A warrior
+who had seen service, probably, but whose surly physiognomy was somewhat
+disconcerting.
+
+The two officers had been in earnest conversation, but when Mr.
+Merrick's party was ushered in, the elder man leaned back in his chair,
+squinting and scowling, and regarded them silently.
+
+"Huh!" exclaimed the colonel, in a brusque growl. "What is it, von
+Holtz?"
+
+The young officer explained that the party had just arrived from Dunkirk
+in a launch; the commandant had asked Colonel Grau kindly to examine
+them. Uncle John proceeded to state the case, Captain Carg interpreting.
+They operated a Red Cross hospital ship at Dunkirk, and one of their
+patients, a young Belgian, was dying of his wounds. They had come to
+find his young wife and take her back with them to Dunkirk in their
+launch, that she might comfort the last moments of her husband. The
+Americans asked for safe conduct to Charleroi, and permission to take
+Mrs. Denton with them to Dunkirk. Then he presented his papers,
+including the authority of the American Red Cross Society, the letter
+from the secretary of state and the recommendation of the German
+ambassador at Washington.
+
+The colonel looked them all over. He uttered little guttural
+exclamations and tapped the desk with his finger-tips as he read, and
+all the time his face wore that perplexing expression of surprise.
+Finally he asked:
+
+"Which is Mr. Merrick?"
+
+Hearing his name, Uncle John bowed.
+
+"Huh! But the description does not fit you."
+
+Captain Carg translated this.
+
+"Why not?" demanded Uncle John.
+
+"It says you are short, stout, blue-eyed, bald, forty-five years of
+age."
+
+"Of course."
+
+"You are not short; I think you are as tall as I am. Your eyes are not
+blue; they are olive green. You are not bald, for there is still hair
+over your ears. Huh! How do you explain that?"
+
+"It's nonsense," said Uncle John scornfully.
+
+Carg was more cautious in interpreting the remark. He assured the
+colonel, in German, that the description of Mr. Merrick was considered
+close enough for all practical purposes. But Grau was not satisfied. He
+went over the papers again and then turned to face the other officer.
+
+"What do you think, General?" he asked, hesitatingly.
+
+"Suspicious!" was the reply.
+
+"I think so, myself," said the colonel. "Mark you: Here's a man who
+claims to come from Sangoa, a place no one has ever heard of; and the
+other has endorsements purporting to come from the highest officials in
+America. Huh! what does it mean?"
+
+"Papers may be forged, or stolen from their proper owners," suggested
+the squinting general. "This excuse of coming here to get the wife of a
+hurt Belgian seems absurd. If they are really Red Cross workers, they
+are not attending to their proper business."
+
+When the captain interpreted this speech Patsy said angrily:
+
+"The general is an old fool."
+
+"An idiot, I'll call him," added Uncle John. "I wish I could tell him
+so."
+
+"You _have_ told him," said the general in good English, squinting now
+more rapidly than ever, "and your manner of speech proves you to be
+impostors. I have never known a respectable Red Cross nurse, of any
+country, who called a distinguished officer a fool--and to his face."
+
+"I didn't know you understood English," she said.
+
+"That is no excuse!"
+
+"But I _did_ know," she added, "that I had judged you correctly. No one
+with a spark of intelligence could doubt the evidence of these papers."
+
+"The papers are all right. Where did you get them?"
+
+"From the proper authorities."
+
+He turned to speak rapidly in German to Colonel Grau, who had been
+uneasy during the conversation in English, because he failed to
+understand it. His expression of piquant surprise was intensified as he
+now turned to the Americans.
+
+"You may as well confess your imposture," said he. "It will make your
+punishment lighter. However, if on further examination you prove to be
+spies, your fate is beyond my power to mitigate."
+
+"See here," said Uncle John, when this was translated to him, "if you
+dare to interfere with us, or cause us annoyance, I shall insist on your
+being courtmartialed. You are responsible to your superiors, I suppose,
+and they dare not tolerate an insult to the Red Cross, nor to an
+American citizen. You may have the sense to consider that if these
+papers and letters are genuine, as I declare they are, I have friends
+powerful enough to bring this matter before the Kaiser himself, in which
+case someone will suffer a penalty, even if he is a general or a
+colonel."
+
+As he spoke he glared defiantly at the older officer, who calmly
+proceeded to translate the speech to the colonel. Carg reported that it
+was translated verbatim. Then the general sat back and squinted at his
+companion, who seemed fairly bewildered by the threat. Patsy caught the
+young officer smothering a smile, but neither of them interrupted the
+silence that followed.
+
+Once again the colonel picked up the papers and gave them a rigid
+examination, especially that of the German ambassador, which was written
+in his own language. "I cannot understand," he muttered, "how one
+insignificant American citizen could secure such powerful endorsements.
+It has never happened before in my experience."
+
+"It is extraordinary," said the general.
+
+"Mr. Merrick," said Patsy to him, "is a very important man in America.
+He is so important that any indignity to him will be promptly resented."
+
+"I will investigate your case further," decided Colonel Grau, after
+another sotto voce conference with the general. "Spies are getting to be
+very clever, these days, and we cannot take chances. However, I assure
+you there is no disposition to worry you and until your standing is
+determined you will be treated with every consideration."
+
+"Do you mean that we are prisoners?" asked Uncle John, trying to control
+his indignation.
+
+"No, indeed. You will be detained, of course, but you are not
+prisoners--as yet. I will keep your papers and submit them to the
+general staff. It will be for that august body to decide."
+
+Uncle John protested vigorously; Patsy faced the old general and told
+him this action was an outrage that would be condemned by the entire
+civilized world; Captain Carg gravely assured both officers that they
+were making a serious mistake. But nothing could move the stolid
+Germans. The general, indeed, smiled grimly and told them in English
+that he was in no way responsible, whatever happened. This was Colonel
+Grau's affair, but he believed, nevertheless, that the colonel was
+acting wisely.
+
+The young officer, who had stood like a statue during the entire
+interview, was ordered to accompany the Americans to a hotel, where they
+must be kept under surveillance but might follow, to an extent, their
+own devices. They were not to mail letters nor send telegrams.
+
+The officer asked who should guard the suspects.
+
+"Why not yourself, Lieutenant? You are on detached duty, I believe?"
+
+"At the port, Colonel."
+
+"There are too many officers at the port; it is a sinecure. I will
+appoint you to guard the Americans. You speak their language, I
+believe?"
+
+The young man bowed.
+
+"Very well; I shall hold you responsible for their safety."
+
+They were then dismissed and compelled to follow their guard from the
+room.
+
+Patsy was now wild with rage and Uncle John speechless. Even Carg was
+evidently uneasy.
+
+"Do not mind," said the young lieutenant consolingly. "It is merely a
+temporary inconvenience, you know, for your release will come very soon.
+And since you are placed in my care I beg you to accept this delay with
+good grace and be happy as possible. Ostend is full of life and I am
+conducting you to an excellent hotel."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+TARDY JUSTICE
+
+
+The courtesy of Lieutenant von Holtz was beyond criticism. He obtained
+for his charges a comfortable suite of rooms in an overcrowded hotel,
+obliging the landlord to turn away other guests that Mr. Merrick's party
+might be accommodated. The dinner that was served in their cosy sitting
+room proved excellent, having been ordered by von Holtz after he had
+requested that privilege. When the young officer appeared to see that it
+was properly served, Patsy invited him to join them at the table and he
+laughingly consented.
+
+"You are one of our party, by force of circumstances," said the girl,
+"and since we've found you good-natured and polite, and believe you are
+not to blame for our troubles, we may as well be friendly while we are
+together."
+
+The young man was evidently well pleased.
+
+"However evil your fortune may be," said he, "I cannot fail to be
+impressed by my own good luck. Perhaps you may guess what a relief this
+pleasant commission is to one who for days has been compelled to patrol
+those vile smelling docks, watching for spies and enduring all sorts of
+weather."
+
+"To think," said Uncle John gloomily, "that _we_ are accused of being
+spies!"
+
+"It is not for me," returned von Holtz, "to criticize the acts of my
+superiors. I may say, however, that were it my province to decide the
+question, you would now be free. Colonel Grau has an excellent record
+for efficiency and seldom makes a mistake, but I suspect his judgment
+was influenced by the general, whose son was once jilted by an American
+girl."
+
+"We're going to get even with them both, before this affair is ended,"
+declared Patsy, vindictively; "but although you are our actual jailer I
+promise that you will escape our vengeance."
+
+"My instructions are quite elastic, as you heard," said the lieutenant.
+"I am merely ordered to keep you in Ostend, under my eye, until your
+case has been passed upon by the commandant or the general staff. Since
+you have money, you may enjoy every luxury save that of travel, and I
+ask you to command my services in all ways consistent with my duty."
+
+"What worries me," said Patsy to Uncle John, "is the delay. If we are
+kept here for long, poor Denton will die before we can find his wife and
+take her to him."
+
+"How long are we liable to be detained?" Uncle John asked the officer.
+
+"I cannot say. Perhaps the council of the general staff will meet
+to-morrow morning; perhaps not for several days," was the indefinite
+reply.
+
+Patsy wiped away the tears that began to well into her eyes. She had so
+fondly set her heart on reuniting the Dentons that her disappointment
+was very great.
+
+Von Holtz noticed the girl's mood and became thoughtful. Captain Carg
+had remained glum and solemn ever since they had left the colonel's
+office. Uncle John sat in silent indignation, wondering what could be
+done to influence these stupid Germans. Presently the lieutenant
+remarked:
+
+"That sailor whom you left with the launch seemed an intelligent
+fellow."
+
+Patsy gave a start; Uncle John looked at the young man expectantly; the
+captain nodded his head as he slowly replied:
+
+"Henderson is one of the picked men I brought from Sangoa. He is both
+intelligent and loyal."
+
+"Curiously enough," said von Holtz, "I neglected to place the man under
+arrest. I even forgot to report him. He is free."
+
+"Ah!" exclaimed Patsy, her eyes lighting.
+
+"I know a civilian here--a bright young Belgian--who is my friend and
+will do anything I ask of him," resumed von Holtz, still musingly. "I
+had the good fortune to protect his mother when our troops entered the
+city, and he is grateful."
+
+Patsy was thinking very fast now.
+
+"Could Henderson get to Charleroi, do you imagine?" she asked. "He has a
+passport."
+
+"We do not consider passports of much value," said the officer; "but a
+Red Cross appointment--"
+
+"Oh, he has that, too; all our men carry them."
+
+"In that case, with my friend Rondel to guide him, I believe Henderson
+could accomplish your errand."
+
+"Let us send for him at once!" exclaimed Uncle John.
+
+Carg scribbled on a card.
+
+"He wouldn't leave the launch without orders, unless forced by the
+Germans," asserted the captain, and handed the card to von Holtz.
+
+The young lieutenant took his cap, bowed profoundly and left the room.
+In ten minutes he returned, saying: "I am not so fortunate as I had
+thought. All our troops are on the move, headed for the Yser. There will
+be fighting, presently, and--I must remain here," he added despondently.
+
+"It won't be your last chance, I'm sure," said Patsy. "Will that
+dreadful Colonel Grau go, too?"
+
+"No; he is to remain. But all regiments quartered here are now marching
+out and to-morrow a fresh brigade will enter Ostend."
+
+They were silent a time, until someone rapped upon the door. Von Holtz
+admitted a slim, good-looking young Belgian who grasped his hand and
+said eagerly in French:
+
+"You sent for me?"
+
+"Yes. You may speak English here, Monsieur Rondel." Then he presented
+his friend to the Americans, who approved him on sight.
+
+Henderson came a few minutes later and listened respectfully to the plan
+Miss Doyle unfolded. He was to go with Monsieur Rondel to Charleroi,
+find Mrs. Denton, explain that her husband was very ill, and bring her
+back with him to Ostend. He would report promptly on his return and they
+would tell him what to do next.
+
+The man accepted the mission without a word of protest. Charleroi was in
+central Belgium, but that did not mean many miles away and Rondel
+assured him they would meet with no difficulties. The trains were
+reserved for soldiers, but the Belgian had an automobile and a German
+permit to drive it. The roads were excellent.
+
+"Now, remember," said Patsy, "the lady you are going for is Mrs. Albert
+Denton. She lives with her mother, or did, the last we heard of her."
+
+"And her mother's name and address?" inquired Henderson.
+
+"We are ignorant of either," she confessed; "but it's not a very big
+town and I'm sure you'll easily find her."
+
+"I know the place well," said Rondel, "and I have friends residing there
+who will give me information."
+
+Uncle John supplied them liberally with money, impressed upon them the
+necessity of haste, and sent them away. Rondel declared the night time
+was best for the trip and promised to be on the way within the hour, and
+in Charleroi by next morning.
+
+Notwithstanding the fact that they had succeeded in promoting by proxy
+the mission which had brought them to Belgium, the Americans found the
+next day an exceedingly irksome one. In the company of Lieutenant von
+Holtz they were permitted to walk about the city, but they found little
+pleasure in that, owing to the bustle of outgoing troops and the arrival
+of others to replace them. Nor did they care to stray far from their
+quarters, for fear the council would meet and they might be sent for.
+
+However, no sign from Colonel Grau was received that day. Patsy went to
+bed with a nervous headache and left Uncle John and the captain to smoke
+more than was good for them. Both the men had now come to regard their
+situation as serious and as the American consul was at this time absent
+in Brussels they could think of no way to secure their freedom. No one
+knew when the consul would return; Mr. Merrick had been refused the
+privilege of using the telegraph or mails. During one of their strolls
+they had met the correspondent of an American newspaper, but when the
+man learned they were suspects he got away from them as soon as
+possible. He did not know Mr. Merrick and his own liberty was too
+precarious for him to argue with Colonel Grau.
+
+"I'm beginning to think," said Uncle John, "that we're up against a hard
+proposition. Letters and endorsements from prominent Americans seem to
+have no weight with these Germans. I'd no idea our identity could ever
+be disputed."
+
+"We must admit, sir," returned the captain, reflectively, "that the spy
+system in this war is something remarkable. Spies are everywhere; clever
+ones, too, who adopt every sort of subterfuge to escape detection. I do
+not blame Grau so much for caution as for lack of judgment."
+
+"He's a blockhead!" cried Mr. Merrick testily.
+
+"He is. I'm astonished they should place so much power in the hands of
+one so slow witted."
+
+"He has insulted us," continued Uncle John. "He has dared to arrest
+three free-born Americans."
+
+"Who came into a troubled country, occupied by a conquering army,
+without being invited."
+
+"Well--that's true," sighed the little millionaire, "but what are we
+going to do about it?"
+
+"Wait," counseled the captain.
+
+The next day dawned dark and rainy and the weather had a depressing
+effect upon the prisoners. It was too damp to stir out of doors and the
+confinement of the hotel rooms became especially irksome. Not only were
+they anxious about their own fate but it was far past the time when they
+should have heard from Henderson and Rondel. Patsy's nerves were getting
+beyond her control; Uncle John stumped around with his hands thrust deep
+in his pockets and a frown wrinkling his forehead; the captain smoked
+innumerable pipes of tobacco and said not a word. Von Holtz, noting the
+uneasiness of his charges, discreetly forbore conversation and retired
+to a far corner where he hid behind a book.
+
+It was nearing evening when a commotion was heard on the stairs,
+followed by the heavy tramp of feet in the corridor. A sharp rap sounded
+on the door of their sitting room. Uncle John stepped forward to open
+it, when in stalked a group of German officers, their swords and spurs
+clanking and their cloaks glistening with rain-drops. At sight of the
+young girl off came cap and helmet and with one accord they bowed low.
+
+The leader was a tall, thin man with a leathern face, hooked nose and
+piercing gray eyes. His breast glittered with orders. It was von
+Kargenbrut, the military governor.
+
+"Pardon our intrusion," he said in English, his harsh voice having a
+guttural accent. "Which gentleman is Mr. John Merrick?"
+
+"I am John Merrick."
+
+The eagle eyes swept over him with a swift glance.
+
+"We owe you our apology," continued the governor, speaking as fiercely
+as if he were ordering Uncle John beheaded. "I have been too busy to
+take up your case before to-day, when I discover that we have treated
+you discourteously. You will consider our fault due to these troubled
+times, when mistakes occur in spite of our watchfulness. Is it not so?"
+
+"Your error has caused us great inconvenience," responded Mr. Merrick
+stiffly.
+
+The governor whirled around. "Colonel Grau!" he called, and from the
+rear of the group the colonel stepped forward. His face still wore the
+expression of comical surprise. "Return to Mr. Merrick his papers and
+credentials."
+
+The colonel drew the packet of papers from his breast pocket and handed
+it to Uncle John. Then he glanced hesitatingly at his superior, who
+glared at him.
+
+"He cannot speak the English," said the governor to Mr. Merrick, "but he
+owes you reparation."
+
+"Grau's stupidity has been very annoying, to say the least," was the
+ungracious reply. "We came here on important business, and presented our
+papers--all in proper order--on demand. We had the right to expect
+decent treatment, as respectable American citizens engaged in
+humanitarian work; yet this--this--man," pointing an accusing finger at
+the colonel, "ordered us detained--arrested!--and kept our papers."
+
+The governor listened coldly and at the end of the speech inclined his
+head.
+
+"Colonel Grau," said he, "has been relieved of his duties here and
+transferred to another station. To you I have personally apologized. You
+will find my endorsement on your papers and, in addition, an order that
+will grant you safe conduct wherever you may wish to go. If that is not
+enough, make your demands and I will consider them."
+
+"Why, that is all I can expect, your Excellency, under the
+circumstances," replied Mr. Merrick. "I suppose I ought to thank you for
+your present act of justice."
+
+"No; it is your due. Good evening, Mr. Merrick."
+
+He swung around on his heel and every officer of the group turned with
+him, like so many automatons, all facing the door. But Mr. Merrick
+touched the governor upon the arm.
+
+"One moment, your Excellency. This young officer, Lieutenant von Holtz,
+has treated us kindly and courteously. I want you to know that one of
+your men, at least, has performed his duty in a way to merit our
+thanks--and yours."
+
+The governor scowled at Lieutenant von Holtz, who stood like a statue,
+with lowered eyes.
+
+"Lieutenant, you are commissioned to guide Mr. Merrick as long as he
+remains within our lines. You will guard his safety and that of his
+party. When he departs, come to me personally with your report."
+
+The young officer bowed; the governor tramped to the door and went out,
+followed by his staff. Grau left the room last, with hang-dog look, and
+Patsy slammed the door in the hope of bumping his wooden head.
+
+"So we're free?" she said, turning to von Holtz.
+
+"Not only that, Fraulein, but you are highly favored," he replied. "All
+German territory is now open to you."
+
+"It's about time they came to their senses," remarked Uncle John, with a
+return to his accustomed cheerfulness.
+
+"And, best of all," said Patsy exultantly, "they've fired that awful
+colonel!"
+
+The captain thoughtfully filled and lighted his pipe.
+
+"I wonder," said he, "how that happened. Was it the council, do you
+think, Lieutenant?"
+
+Von Holtz shook his head.
+
+"I think it was the governor," he replied. "He is a just man, and had
+you been able to see him personally on your arrival you would have been
+spared any annoyance."
+
+"Perhaps," said Patsy doubtfully. "But your governor's a regular bear."
+
+"I believe that is merely his way," asserted Uncle John. "I didn't mind
+the man's tone when I found his words and deeds were all right. But
+he--"
+
+Another rap at the door. Patsy opened it and admitted Henderson. He
+saluted the captain, bowed to the others and said:
+
+"We've got her, sir."
+
+"Mrs. Denton?" cried Patsy, delightedly.
+
+Henderson nodded.
+
+"Yes, Miss Doyle; Mrs. Denton and the children."
+
+"The children! Why, there aren't any."
+
+"I beg your pardon, Miss; there are two."
+
+"Two children!" she exclaimed in dismay. "There must be some mistake.
+The young people have only been married five months."
+
+Henderson stood stiff as a poker, refusing to argue the point.
+
+"A governess, maybe," suggested the captain.
+
+"More likely," said Uncle John, "young Denton married a widow,
+with--eh--eh--incumbrances."
+
+"That's it, sir," said Henderson earnestly.
+
+"What's it?"
+
+"The incumbrances, sir. No other word could describe 'em."
+
+Patsy's heart sank; she was greatly disappointed.
+
+"And she so young and pretty!" she murmured.
+
+Henderson started to smile, but quickly suppressed it.
+
+"Shall I show them up, Miss?" he inquired.
+
+"Of course," answered Uncle John, as the girl hesitated. "You should
+have brought her to us at once. Where is that Belgian--Rondel?"
+
+"He is guarding the woman, sir."
+
+"Guarding her!"
+
+"She's a little difficult to manage, sir, at times. She left Charleroi
+willingly enough, but she's tricky, and it is our duty to deliver her to
+you safely."
+
+"Get her at once, Henderson," exclaimed Patsy, recovering her wits; "and
+the dear children, too."
+
+Presently there was a sound of shuffling on the stairs and through the
+corridor. The door opened to admit the arrivals from Charleroi.
+
+Henderson first pushed in a big woman dressed in a faded blue-checked
+gown, belted around the waist in a manner that made her look like a sack
+tied in the middle. Her head was bare, her hair awry, her face sullen
+and hard; she was undeniably "fleshy" and not altogether clean. She
+resisted Henderson at every step and glared around her with shrewd and
+shifting eyes.
+
+Following her came Monsieur Rondel leading a boy and a girl, the latter
+being a small replica of the woman. The boy was viciously struggling to
+bite the hand of the Belgian, who held him fast.
+
+"Ah, well," said Rondel, first sighing and then turning with a smile to
+face the lieutenant, "we have performed our mission. But heaven guard us
+from another like it!"
+
+Patsy stared hard at the woman.
+
+"This cannot be Mrs. Denton," she gasped, bewildered.
+
+"Indeed?" answered Rondel in English. "She declares that is her name.
+Question her in French or Flemish, Miss Doyle."
+
+Patsy addressed the woman in French but could elicit no reply. She stood
+impassive and silent.
+
+"How did you make the mistake?" asked the girl, looking reproachfully
+first at Henderson and then at Rondel, both of whom were evidently
+astonished to find themselves at fault. "I have seen a photograph of
+Mrs. Andrew Denton, taken recently, and she is young and pretty
+and--and--rather small."
+
+Monsieur Rondel cleared his throat to answer:
+
+"It happened in this way, mademoiselle: We searched one whole day in
+Charleroi for Mrs. Denton but could not find her. My friends, on whom I
+had relied for assistance, had unfortunately moved away or joined the
+army. The townspeople were suspicious of Monsieur Henderson, who is a
+foreigner. We could get no information whatever. I appealed to the
+burgomaster and he said he would try to find Mrs. Denton for us the
+next day. In the morning came to us this woman, who said she was the
+person we sought. If we promised her safe conduct to Dunkirk, she would
+go with us. She had wanted to go to Dunkirk for some weeks, but the
+Germans would not let her pass the lines. We suspected nothing wrong,
+for she admitted she was aware that her husband is in Dunkirk, and she
+wanted to get to him. So we brought her to you."
+
+Patsy faced the woman resolutely and said in French:
+
+"Why did you wish to get to Dunkirk?"
+
+"He has said it. To find my husband," replied the woman in a surly tone.
+
+"What is your name?"
+
+No reply.
+
+"Answer me!"
+
+The woman eyed her obstinately and remained silent.
+
+"Very well. Release those children, Monsieur Rondel. Madam, you have
+imposed upon us; you have tricked us in order to get to Ostend at our
+expense. Now go, and take your children with you."
+
+She pointed dramatically at the door, but the woman retained her
+position, only moving to cuff the boy, who was kicking Henderson on his
+shins. Then, setting her hands on her hips she said defiantly:
+
+"They promised me passage to Dunkirk, and they must take me there."
+
+"Who promised you?"
+
+"Those men," pointing to them, "and the burgomaster."
+
+"Yes," admitted Henderson, "we agreed with the burgomaster to take her
+out of the country. We signed a paper to that effect."
+
+"But she is a Belgian. And she is not the person she claimed to be."
+
+To this neither Rondel nor Henderson had an answer.
+
+"See here," said Uncle John, "I'll untangle this matter in a jiffy. Here
+is money; give it to the woman and tell her to get out--or we'll eject
+her by force."
+
+The woman grabbed the money eagerly, but after placing it in an ample
+pocket she said: "I will go no place but Dunkirk. I will not leave you
+until you take me there."
+
+But here the lieutenant interfered. He suddenly faced the woman, who had
+not noticed his presence before, and she shrank back in fear at sight of
+his uniform. The boy and girl both began to cry.
+
+"I know you," said von Holtz sternly. "You are the wife of a spy who has
+been condemned to death by both the Belgians and the Germans, since he
+betrayed them both. The last time you came to Ostend to annoy us you
+were driven out of the city. There is still an edict against you. Will
+you leave this room peaceably, or shall I order you under arrest?"
+
+"Dog of a German!" she hissed, "the day is coming when I will help to
+drive you out of Belgium, even as you now drive me. Brave soldiers are
+you, to make war on women and children. Guh! I would kill you where you
+stand--if I dared." With venomous hate she spat upon the floor, then
+seized her wailing children, shook them and waddled out of the room.
+
+There was a general sigh of relief.
+
+"You may return to the launch, Henderson," said the captain.
+
+"Monsieur Rondel," said Uncle John, grasping the young Belgian's hand,
+"we are grateful to you for your kindness. The failure of your mission
+was not your fault. We thank you. The governor has given us our liberty
+and permission to travel where we please, so to-morrow we will go to
+Charleroi ourselves to search for Mrs. Denton."
+
+"My motor car is at your disposal, sir, and my services."
+
+"To-morrow? Oh, let us go to-night, Uncle!" cried Patsy.
+
+Mr. Merrick looked inquiringly at the Belgian.
+
+"I am ready now," said Rondel with a bow.
+
+"Then," said Patsy, "we will start in half an hour. You see, we have
+wasted two whole days--two precious days! I hope Dr. Gys will keep his
+promise, and that we shall find poor Denton alive on our return."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+FOUND AT LAST
+
+
+The pretty city of Charleroi had suffered little damage from the German
+invasion, yet many of the townspeople had gone away since the occupation
+and those who remained kept well within their houses or huddled in
+anxious groups upon the streets. The civic affairs were still
+administered by the Belgian burgomaster, but the martial law of the
+Germans prevailed over all.
+
+When Patsy Doyle, escorted by Uncle John and accompanied by Captain
+Carg, Lieutenant von Holtz and Monsieur Rondel, arrived in the early
+morning, the streets were comparatively deserted. The Hotel Royal
+received them hospitably and the landlord and his daughters prepared
+them an excellent breakfast.
+
+While eating, Patsy chatted with the Belgian girls, who were neat,
+modest and intelligent. She found that Henderson and Rondel had not
+stopped at this hotel while in Charleroi, but at a smaller inn at the
+other end of the town. The girls remembered hearing of their visit and
+of their inquiries for a Mrs. Denton, but did not know whether they had
+succeeded in their quest or not.
+
+"We have lived here all our lives," said the eldest of the landlord's
+three daughters, "but we have not known, during that time, any family of
+Dentons in Charleroi."
+
+Patsy reflected.
+
+"They were married only five months ago, these Dentons," said she, "and
+the young man may have come from some other town. Do you remember that
+any of your young girls were married about five months ago?"
+
+Yes; there was Hildegarde Bentel, but she had married Anthony Mattison,
+who was not a soldier. Could the American mamselle remember what the
+girl's first name was?
+
+"Oh, yes!" exclaimed Patsy. "She signed her letters 'Elizabeth.'"
+
+They shook their heads.
+
+"My name is also Elizabeth," said one. "We have many Elizabeths in
+Charleroi, but none has lately married."
+
+"And her husband told me that she was now living here with her mother."
+
+"Ah, let us see, then," responded another. "Could she have been a lady
+of rank, think you?"
+
+"I--I do not know."
+
+"Is her husband an officer?"
+
+"No; a private, I believe."
+
+"Then we are on the wrong scent," laughed the girl. "I had in mind the
+daughter of the Countess Voig, whose name chances to be Elizabeth. She
+was educated at a convent in Antwerp, and the countess has lived in that
+city for several years, in order to be nearer her daughter. There was
+some gossip here that the young lady had married in Antwerp, just after
+leaving the convent; but we know little of the life of the Voigs because
+they are very reserved. Two or three months ago they returned to their
+castle, which is four miles to the north of Charleroi, and there they
+are still living in retirement. Every day the old steward drives into
+town to visit the post office, but we have not seen the countess nor
+her daughter since they came back."
+
+Patsy related this news to Uncle John, who did not understand French.
+
+"Let us drive over to Castle Voig the first thing," she said.
+
+"But, my dear, it's unreasonable," he objected. "Do you suppose a
+high-born young lady would marry a common soldier? In America, where we
+have no caste, it would be quite probable, but here--"
+
+"He wasn't a soldier five months ago," said Patsy. "He's just a
+volunteer, who joined the army when his country needed him, as many of
+the wealthy and aristocratic Belgians did. He may be high-born himself,
+for all we know. At any rate I mean to visit that castle. Tell Rondel to
+bring around the automobile."
+
+They had no trouble in passing the guards, owing to the presence of von
+Holtz, and in half an hour they were rolling through a charming,
+peaceful country that as yet had suffered no blemish through the German
+conquest.
+
+At Castle Voig they were received by an aged retainer who was visibly
+nervous at their arrival. He eyed the uniform of young von Holtz with
+ill-concealed terror and hurried away to carry their cards to the
+countess. After a long wait they learned that the countess would receive
+the Americans, but it was a full half hour after that when they were
+ushered into a reception room where a lady sat in solitary state.
+
+Under other circumstances Patsy could have spent a day in admiring the
+quaint, old-fashioned furniture and pictures and the wonderful carvings
+of the beamed ceiling, but now she was so excited that she looked only
+at the countess. The lady was not very imposing in form or dress but her
+features were calm and dignified and she met her guests with a grave
+courtesy that was impressive if rather chilly. Before Patsy had summoned
+courage to explain her errand a younger woman--almost a girl--hurriedly
+entered the room and took a position beside the other.
+
+"Oh, it's Elizabeth--it really is!" cried Patsy, clapping her hands
+together joyfully.
+
+Mother and daughter regarded the American girl wonderingly and somewhat
+haughtily, but Patsy was not in the least dismayed.
+
+"Isn't this Mrs. Denton?" she asked, stepping forward to lay a hand upon
+the other girl's arm.
+
+"Yes," was the quiet reply.
+
+Patsy's great eyes regarded her a moment with so sad and sympathetic a
+look that Mrs. Denton shrank away. Then she noticed for the first time
+the Red Cross uniform, and her hand went swiftly to her heart as she
+faltered:
+
+"You--you have brought bad news of Andrew--of my husband?"
+
+"Yes, I am sorry to admit that it is bad news," answered Patsy soberly.
+"He has been wounded and is now lying ill in our hospital ship at
+Dunkirk. We came here to find you, and to take you to him."
+
+Mrs. Denton turned to her mother, a passionate appeal in her eyes. But
+it was some moments before the hard, set look on the face of the
+countess softened. It did soften at last, however, and she turned to
+Patsy and said simply:
+
+"We will prepare for the journey at once. Pray excuse us; Niklas will
+serve refreshments. We will not detain you long."
+
+As they turned to leave the room Elizabeth Denton suddenly seized
+Patsy's hand.
+
+"He will live?" she whispered. "Tell me he will live!"
+
+Patsy's heart sank, but she summoned her wits by an effort.
+
+"I am not a surgeon, my dear, and do not know how serious the wound may
+be," she answered, "but I assure you it will gladden his heart to see
+you again. He thinks and speaks only of you."
+
+The girl-wife studied her face a moment and then dropped her hand and
+hurried after her mother.
+
+"I fibbed, Uncle," said Patsy despondently. "I fibbed willfully.
+But--how could I help it when she looked at me that way?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+DR. GYS SURPRISES HIMSELF
+
+
+Henderson was waiting with the launch at the Ostend docks. Lieutenant
+von Holtz was earnestly thanked by Patsy and Uncle John for his kindness
+and in return he exacted a promise from them to hunt him up in Germany
+some day, when the war was ended. The countess and Mrs. Denton, sad and
+black-robed, had been made comfortable in the stern seats of the boat
+and the captain was just about to order Henderson to start the engine
+when up to them rushed the fat Belgian woman and her two children.
+
+Without an instant's hesitation the two youngsters leaped aboard like
+cats and their mother would have followed but for the restraining hand
+of Captain Carg.
+
+"What does this mean?" cried Mr. Merrick angrily.
+
+The woman jabbered volubly in French.
+
+"She says," interpreted Patsy, "that we promised to take her to Dunkirk,
+so she may find her husband."
+
+"Let her walk!" said Uncle John.
+
+"The Germans won't allow her to cross the lines. What does it matter,
+Uncle? We have plenty of room. In three hours we can be rid of them, and
+doubtless the poor thing is really anxious to find her lost husband, who
+was last seen in Dunkirk."
+
+"He is a spy, and a traitor to both sides, according to report."
+
+"That isn't our affair, is it? And I suppose even people of that class
+have hearts and affections."
+
+"Well, let her come aboard, Captain," decided Uncle John. "We can't
+waste time in arguing."
+
+They stowed her away in the bow, under Henderson's care, and threatened
+the children with dire punishment if they moved from under her shadow.
+Then the launch sped out into the bay and away toward Dunkirk.
+
+Three days had brought many changes to the hospital ship _Arabella_. Of
+the original batch of patients only Lieutenant Elbl, the German, and
+Andrew Denton now remained. All the others had been sent home,
+transferred to the government hospitals or gone back to the front,
+according to the character of their injuries. This was necessary because
+their places were needed by the newly wounded who were brought each day
+from the front. Little Maurie was driving the ambulance again and, with
+Ajo beside him and Dr. Kelsey and a sailor for assistants, the Belgian
+would make a dash to Ypres or Dixmude or Furnes and return with a full
+load of wounded soldiers.
+
+These were the days of the severest fighting in Flanders, fighting so
+severe that it could not keep up for long. There would come a lull
+presently, when the overworked nurses and surgeons could get a bit of
+sleep and draw a long breath again.
+
+Gys had elected to remain aboard the ship, where with Maud and Beth he
+was kept busy night and day. Two French girls--young women of good birth
+and intelligence--had been selected by Dr. Gys from a number of
+applicants as assistant nurses, and although they were inexperienced,
+their patriotic zeal rendered them valuable. They now wore the Red Cross
+uniforms and it was decided to retain them as long as the ship's
+hospital remained crowded.
+
+There was plenty of work for all and the worry and long hours might have
+broken down the health and strength of Beth and Maud had not the doctor
+instituted regular periods of duty for each member of the force and
+insisted on the schedule being carried out.
+
+This hospital ship was by no means so gloomy a place as the reader may
+imagine. The soldiers were prone to regard their hurts lightly, as "a
+bit of hard luck," and since many had slight injuries it was customary
+for them to gather in groups upon the deck, where they would laugh and
+chat together, play cards for amusement or smoke quantities of
+cigarettes. They were mainly kind-hearted and grateful fellows and
+openly rejoiced that the misfortunes of war had cast their lot on this
+floating hospital.
+
+Under the probe of the surgeon to-day, a fortnight hence back on the
+firing line, was not very unusual with these brave men. The ambulances
+had gathered in a few German soldiers, who would become prisoners of
+war on their recovery, and while these were inclined to be despondent
+and unsociable they were treated courteously by all, the Americans
+showing no preference for any nation. The large majority of the
+patients, however, came from the ranks of the Allies--French, English
+and Belgian--and these were men who could smile and be merry with
+bandaged heads, arms a-sling, legs in splints, bullet holes here and
+there, such afflictions being regarded by their victims with a certain
+degree of pride.
+
+Dr. Gys was in his element, for now he had ample opportunity to display
+his skill and his patients were unable to "jump to another doctor" in
+case his ugly features revolted them. His main interest, however, lay in
+the desperately wounded Belgian private, Andrew Denton, whom he had
+agreed to keep alive until the return of Miss Doyle and her uncle.
+
+In making this promise Gys had figured on a possible delay of several
+days, but on the second day following Patsy's departure the sudden
+sinking of his patient aroused a defiant streak in the surgeon and he
+decided to adopt drastic measures in order to prevent Denton from
+passing away before his wife's arrival.
+
+"I want you to assist me in a serious operation," he said to Maud
+Stanton. "By all the rules and precedents of human flesh, that fellow
+Denton ought to succumb to his wound within the next three hours. The
+shell played havoc with his interior and I have never dared, until now,
+to attempt to patch things up; but if we're going to keep him alive
+until morning, or until your cousin's return, we must accomplish the
+impossible."
+
+"What is that?" she inquired.
+
+"Remove his vital organs, tinker them up and put them back so they will
+work properly."
+
+"Can that be done, doctor?"
+
+"I think not. But I'm going to try it. I am positive that if we leave
+him alone he has less than three hours of life remaining; so, if we
+fail, Miss Stanton, as it is reasonable to expect, poor Denton will
+merely be spared a couple of hours of pain. Get the anaesthetics,
+please."
+
+With all her training and experience as a nurse, Maud was half terrified
+at the ordeal before her. But she realized the logic of the doctor's
+conclusion and steeled her nerves to do her part.
+
+An hour later she stood looking down upon the patient. He was still upon
+the operating table but breathing quietly and as strongly as at any time
+since he had received his wound.
+
+"This shows," Dr. Gys said to her, his voice keen with elation, "what
+fools we are to take any human condition for granted. Man is a machine.
+Smash his mechanism and it cannot work; make the proper repairs before
+it is too late and--there he goes, ticking away as before. Not as good a
+machine as it was prior to the break, but with care and caution it will
+run a long time."
+
+"He will live, then, you think?" she asked softly, marveling that after
+what she had witnessed the man was still able to breathe.
+
+Gys leaned down and put his ear to the heart of the patient. For two
+minutes he remained motionless. Then he straightened up and a smile
+spread over his disfigured features.
+
+"I confidently believe, Miss Stanton, we have turned the trick! Luck,
+let us call it, for no sensible surgeon would have attempted the thing.
+Rest assured that Andrew Denton will live for the next ten days. More
+than that, with no serious set-back he may fully recover and live for
+many years to come."
+
+He was so pleased that tears stood in his one good eye and he wiped them
+away sheepishly. The girl took his hand and pressed it in both her own.
+
+"You are wonderful--wonderful!" she said.
+
+"Don't, please--don't look in my face," he pleaded.
+
+"I won't," she returned, dropping her eyes; "I will think only of the
+clever brain, the skillful hand and the stout heart."
+
+"Not even that," he said. "Think of the girl wife--of Elizabeth. It was
+she who steadied my hand to-day. Indeed, Miss Stanton, it was
+Elizabeth's influence that saved him. But for her we would have let him
+die."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+CLARETTE
+
+
+So it was toward evening of the fourth day that the launch finally
+sighted the ship _Arabella_. Delays and difficulties had been
+encountered in spite of government credentials and _laissez-passer_ and
+Patsy had begun to fear they would not reach the harbor of Dunkirk
+before dark.
+
+All through the journey the Belgian woman and her children had sat
+sullenly in the bow, the youngsters kept from mischief by the stern eye
+of Henderson. In the stern seats, however, the original frigid silence
+had been thawed by Patsy Doyle's bright chatter. She began by telling
+the countess and Elizabeth all about herself and Beth and Maud and Uncle
+John, relating how they had come to embark upon this unusual mission of
+nursing the wounded of a foreign war, and how they had secured the
+services of the clever but disfigured surgeon, Dr. Gys. She gave the
+ladies a clear picture of the hospital ship and told how the girls had
+made their dash to the firing line during the battle of Nieuport and
+brought back an ambulance full of wounded--including Andrew Denton.
+
+Patsy did not answer very fully Elizabeth Denton's eager questions
+concerning the nature of her husband's injuries, but she tried to
+prepare the poor young wife for the knowledge that the wound would prove
+fatal. This was a most delicate and difficult thing to do and Patsy
+blundered and floundered until her very ambiguity aroused alarm.
+
+"Tell me the worst!" begged Elizabeth Denton, her face pale and tensely
+drawn.
+
+"Why, I cannot do that, you see," replied Patsy, "because the worst
+hasn't happened yet; nor can I tell you the best, because a wound is
+such an uncertain thing. It was a shell, you know, that exploded behind
+him, and Dr. Gys thought it made a rather serious wound. Mr. Denton was
+unconscious a long time, and when he came to himself we eased his pain,
+so he would not suffer."
+
+"You came to get me because you thought he would die?"
+
+"I came because he asked me to read to him your letters, and I found
+they comforted him so much that your presence would, I knew, comfort him
+more."
+
+There was a long silence. Presently the countess asked in her soft, even
+voice:
+
+"Will he be alive when we get there?"
+
+Patsy thought of the days that had been wasted, because of their
+detention at Ostend through Colonel Grau's stupidity.
+
+"I hope so, madam," was all she could reply.
+
+Conversation lagged after this episode. Elizabeth was weeping quietly on
+her mother's shoulder. Patsy felt relief in the knowledge that she had
+prepared them, as well as she could, for whatever might wait upon their
+arrival.
+
+The launch made directly for the ship and as she came alongside to the
+ladder the rail was lined with faces curious to discover if the errand
+had been successful. Doctor Gys was there to receive them, smiling
+horribly as he greeted the two women in black. Maud, seeing that they
+recoiled from the doctor's appearance, took his place and said
+cheerfully:
+
+"Mr. Denton is asleep, just now, but by the time you have bathed and had
+a cup of tea I am quite sure he will be ready to receive you."
+
+"Tell me; how is he? Are you his nurse?" asked the young wife with
+trembling lips.
+
+"I am his nurse, and I assure you he is doing very well," answered Maud
+with her pleasant, winning smile. "When he finds you by his side I am
+sure his recovery will be rapid. No nurse can take the place of a wife,
+you know."
+
+Patsy looked at her reproachfully, thinking she was misleading the poor
+young wife, but Maud led the ladies away to a stateroom and it was Dr.
+Gys who explained the wonderful improvement in the patient.
+
+"Well," remarked Uncle John, "if we'd known he had a chance, we wouldn't
+have worried so because we were held up. In fact, if we'd known he would
+get well, we needn't have gone at all."
+
+"Oh, Uncle John!" cried Patsy reprovingly.
+
+"It was your going that saved him," declared the doctor. "I promised to
+keep him alive, for that little wife of his, and when he took a turn for
+the worse I had to assume desperate chances--which won out."
+
+Meantime the big Belgian woman and her children had been helped up the
+ladder by Henderson, who stood respectfully by, awaiting orders for
+their disposal. The mother had her eye on the shore and was scowling
+steadily upon it when little Maurie came on deck and strolled toward Mr.
+Merrick to greet him on his return. Indeed, he had approached to within
+a dozen feet of the group when the woman at the rail suddenly turned and
+saw him.
+
+"Aha--mon Henri!" she cried and made a dash toward him with outstretched
+arms.
+
+"Clarette!"
+
+Maurie stopped short; he grew pallid; he trembled. But he did not await
+her coming. With a howl that would have shamed a wild Indian he leaped
+upon the rail and made a dive into the water below.
+
+Even as her engulfing arms closed around the spot where he had stood,
+there was a splash and splutter that drew everyone to the side to watch
+the little Belgian swim frantically to the docks.
+
+The woman grabbed a child with either arm and held them up.
+
+"See!" she cried. "There is your father--the coward--the traitor--the
+deserter of his loving family. He thinks to escape; but we shall capture
+him yet, and when we do--"
+
+"Hurry, father," screamed the little girl, "or she'll get you."
+
+A slap on the mouth silenced her and set the boy wailing dismally. The
+boy was accustomed to howl without provocation. He kicked his mother
+until she let him down. By this time they could discern only Maurie's
+head bobbing in the distant water. Presently he clambered up the dock
+and ran dripping toward the city, disappearing among the buildings.
+
+"Madam," said Uncle John, sternly, "you have cost us the best chauffeur
+we ever had."
+
+She did not understand English, but she shook her fist in Mr. Merrick's
+face and danced around in an elephantine fashion and jabbered a stream
+of French.
+
+"What does she say?" he asked Patsy, who was laughing merrily at the
+absurd scene.
+
+"She demands to be put ashore at once. But shall we do that, and put
+poor Maurie in peril of being overtaken?"
+
+"Self preservation is the first law of nature, my dear," replied Uncle
+John. "I'm sorry for Maurie, but he alone is responsible. Henderson," he
+added, turning to the sailor, "put this woman ashore as soon as
+possible. We've had enough of her."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+PERPLEXING PROBLEMS
+
+
+Although the famous battle of Nieuport had come to an end, the fighting
+in West Flanders was by no means over. All along the line fierce and
+relentless war waged without interruption and if neither side could
+claim victory, neither side suffered defeat. Day after day hundreds of
+combatants fell; hundreds of disabled limped to the rear; hundreds were
+made prisoners. And always a stream of reinforcements came to take the
+places of the missing ones. Towns were occupied to-day by the Germans,
+to-morrow by the Allies; from Nieuport on past Dixmude and beyond Ypres
+the dykes had been opened and the low country was one vast lake. The
+only approaches from French territory were half a dozen roads built high
+above the water line, which rendered them capable of stubborn defence.
+
+Dunkirk was thronged with reserves--English, Belgian and French. The
+Turcos and East Indians were employed by the British in this section and
+were as much dreaded by the civilians as the enemy. Uncle John noticed
+that military discipline was not so strict in Dunkirk as at Ostend; but
+the Germans had but one people to control while the French town was host
+to many nations and races.
+
+Strange as it may appear, the war was growing monotonous to those who
+were able to view it closely, perhaps because nothing important resulted
+from all the desperate, continuous fighting. The people were pursuing
+their accustomed vocations while shells burst and bullets whizzed around
+them. They must manage to live, whatever the outcome of this struggle of
+nations might be.
+
+Aboard the American hospital ship there was as yet no sense of monotony.
+The three girls who had conceived and carried out this remarkable
+philanthropy were as busy as bees during all their waking hours and the
+spirit of helpful charity so strongly possessed them that all their
+thoughts were centered on their work. No two cases were exactly alike
+and it was interesting, to the verge of fascination, to watch the
+results of various treatments of divers wounds and afflictions.
+
+The girls often congratulated themselves on having secured so efficient
+a surgeon as Doctor Gys, who gloried in his work, and whose judgment,
+based on practical experience, was comprehensive and unfailing. The
+man's horribly contorted features had now become so familiar to the
+girls that they seldom noticed them--unless a cry of fear from some
+newly arrived and unnerved patient reminded them that the doctor was
+exceedingly repulsive to strangers.
+
+No one recognized this grotesque hideousness more than Doctor Gys
+himself. When one poor Frenchman died under the operating knife, staring
+with horror into the uncanny face the surgeon bent over him, Beth was
+almost sure the fright had hastened his end. She said to Gys that
+evening, when they met on deck, "Wouldn't it be wise for you to wear a
+mask in the operating room?"
+
+He considered the suggestion a moment, a deep flush spreading over his
+face; then he nodded gravely.
+
+"It may be an excellent idea," he agreed. "Once, a couple of years ago,
+I proposed wearing a mask wherever I went, but my friends assured me the
+effect would be so marked that it would attract to me an embarrassing
+amount of attention. I have trained myself to bear the repulsion
+involuntarily exhibited by all I meet and have taught myself to take a
+philosophic, if somewhat cynical, view of my facial blemishes; yet in
+this work I can see how a mask might be merciful to my patients. I will
+experiment a bit along this line, if you will help me, and we'll see
+what we can accomplish."
+
+"You must not think," she said quietly, for she detected a little
+bitterness in his tone, "that you are in any way repulsive to those who
+know you well. We all admire you as a man and are grieved at the
+misfortunes that marred your features. After all, Doctor, people of
+intelligence seldom judge one by appearances."
+
+"However they may judge me," said he, "I'm a failure. You say you admire
+me as a man, but you don't. It's just a bit of diplomatic flattery. I'm
+a good doctor and surgeon, I'll admit, but my face is no more repellent
+than my cowardly nature. Miss Beth, I hate myself for my cowardice far
+more than I detest my ghastly countenance. Yet I am powerless to remedy
+either defect."
+
+"I believe that what you term your cowardice is merely a physical
+weakness," declared the girl. "It must have been caused by the suffering
+you endured at the time of your various injuries. I have noticed that
+suffering frequently unnerves one, and that a person who has once been
+badly hurt lives in nervous terror of being hurt again."
+
+"You are very kind to try to excuse my fault," said he, "but the truth
+is I have always been a coward--from boyhood up."
+
+"Yet you embarked on all those dangerous expeditions."
+
+"Yes, just to have fun with myself; to sneer at the coward flesh, so to
+speak. I used to long for dangers, and when they came upon me I would
+jeer at and revile the quaking I could not repress. I pushed my
+shrinking body into peril and exulted in the punishment it received."
+
+Beth looked at him wonderingly.
+
+"You are a strange man, indeed," said she. "Really, I cannot understand
+your mental attitude at all."
+
+He chuckled and rubbed his hands together gleefully.
+
+"I can," he returned, "for I know what causes it." And then he went away
+and left her, still seeming highly amused at her bewilderment.
+
+In the operating room the next day Gys appeared with a rubber mask drawn
+across his features. The girls decided that it certainly improved his
+appearance, odd as the masked face might appear to strangers. It hid the
+dreadful nose and the scars and to an extent evened the size of the
+eyes, for the holes through which he peered were made alike. Gys was
+himself pleased with the device, for after that he wore the mask almost
+constantly, only laying it aside during the evenings when he sat on
+deck.
+
+It was three days after the arrival of Mrs. Denton and her mother--whose
+advent had accomplished much toward promoting the young Belgian's
+convalescence--when little Maurie suddenly reappeared on the deck of the
+_Arabella_.
+
+"Oh," said Patsy, finding him there when she came up from breakfast,
+"where is Clarette?"
+
+He shook his head sadly.
+
+"We do not live together, just now," said he. "Clarette is by nature
+temperamental, you know; she is highly sensitive, and I, alas! do not
+always please her."
+
+"Did she find you in Dunkirk?" asked the girl.
+
+"Almost, mamselle, but not quite. It was this way: I knew if I permitted
+her to follow me she would finally succeed in her quest, for she and the
+dear children have six eyes among them, while I have but two; so I
+reposed within an ash-barrel until they had passed on, and then I
+followed them, keeping well out of their sight. In that way I managed to
+escape. But it proved a hard task, for my Clarette is very persistent,
+as you may have noticed. So I decided I would be more safe upon the ship
+than upon the shore. She is not likely to seek me here, and in any event
+she floats better than she swims."
+
+Patsy regarded the little man curiously.
+
+"Did you not tell us, when first we met you, that you were heart-broken
+over the separation from your wife and children?" she inquired in severe
+tones.
+
+"Yes, of course, mamselle; it was a good way to arouse your sympathy,"
+he admitted with an air of pride. "I needed sympathy at that time, and
+my only fear was that you would find Clarette, as you threatened to do.
+Well," with a deep sigh, "you did find her. It was an unfriendly act,
+mamselle."
+
+"They told us in Ostend that the husband of Clarette is a condemned spy,
+one who served both sides and proved false to each. The husband of
+Clarette is doomed to suffer death at the hands of the Germans or the
+Belgians, if either is able to discover him."
+
+Maurie removed his cap and scratched the hair over his left ear
+reflectively.
+
+"Ah, yes, the blacksmith!" said he. "I suspected that blacksmith fellow
+was not reliable."
+
+"How many husbands has Clarette?"
+
+"With the blacksmith, there are two of us," answered Maurie, brightly.
+"Doubtless there would be more if anything happened to me, for Clarette
+is very fascinating. When she divorced the blacksmith he was
+disconsolate, and threatened vengeance; so her life is quite occupied in
+avoiding her first husband and keeping track of her second, who is too
+kind-hearted to threaten her as the blacksmith did. I really admire
+Clarette--at a distance. She is positively charming when her mind is
+free from worry--and the children are asleep."
+
+"Then you think," said Ajo, who was standing by and listening to
+Maurie's labored explanations, "that it is the blacksmith who is
+condemned as a spy, and not yourself?"
+
+"I am quite sure of it. Am I not here, driving your ambulance and going
+boldly among the officers? If it is Jakob Maurie they wish, he is at
+hand to be arrested."
+
+"But you are not Jakob Maurie."
+
+The Belgian gave a start, but instantly recovering he answered with a
+smile:
+
+"Then I must have mistaken my identity, monsieur. Perhaps you will tell
+me who I am?"
+
+"Your wife called you 'Henri,'" said Patsy.
+
+"Ah, yes; a pet name. I believe the blacksmith is named Henri, and poor
+Clarette is so accustomed to it that she calls me Henri when she wishes
+to be affectionate."
+
+Patsy realized the folly of arguing with him.
+
+"Maurie," said she, "or whatever your name may be, you have been
+faithful in your duty to us and we have no cause for complaint. But I
+believe you do not speak the truth, and that you are shifty and artful.
+I fear you will come to a bad end."
+
+"Sometimes, mamselle," he replied, "I fear so myself. But, _peste_! why
+should we care? If it is the end, what matter whether it is good or
+bad?"
+
+Watching their faces closely, he saw frank disapproval of his sentiments
+written thereon. It disturbed him somewhat that they did not choose to
+continue the conversation, so he said meekly:
+
+"With your kind permission, I will now go below for a cup of coffee,"
+and left them with a bow and a flourish of his cap. When he had gone
+Patsy said to Ajo:
+
+"I don't believe there is any such person as the blacksmith."
+
+"Nor I," was the boy's reply. "Both those children are living images of
+Maurie, who claims the blacksmith was their father. He's a crafty little
+fellow, that chauffeur of ours, and we must look out for him."
+
+"If he is really a spy," continued the girl, after a brief period of
+thought, "I am amazed that he dared join our party and go directly to
+the front, where he is at any time likely to be recognized."
+
+"Yes, that is certainly puzzling," returned Ajo. "And he's a brave
+little man, too, fearless of danger and reckless in exposing himself to
+shot and shell. Indeed, our Maurie is something of a mystery and the
+only thing I fully understand is his objection to Clarette's society."
+
+At "le revue matin," as the girls called the first inspection of the
+morning, eight of their patients were found sufficiently recovered to be
+discharged. Some of these returned to their regiments and others were
+sent to their homes to await complete recovery. The hospital ship could
+accommodate ten more patients, so it was decided to make a trip to
+Dixmude, where an artillery engagement was raging, with the larger
+ambulance.
+
+"I think I shall go to-day," announced Gys, who was wearing his mask.
+"Dr. Kelsey can look after the patients and it will do me good to get
+off the ship."
+
+Uncle John looked at the doctor seriously.
+
+"There is hard fighting, they say, in the Dixmude district. The Germans
+carried the British trenches yesterday, and to-day the Allies will try
+to retake them."
+
+"I don't mind," returned the doctor, but he shuddered, nevertheless.
+
+"Why don't you avoid the--the danger line?" suggested Mr. Merrick.
+
+"A man can't run away from himself, sir; and perhaps you can understand
+the fascination I find in taunting the craven spirit within me."
+
+"No, I can't understand it. But suit yourself."
+
+"I shall drive," announced Maurie.
+
+"You may be recognized," said Patsy warningly.
+
+"Clarette will not be at the front, and on the way I shall be driving.
+Have you noticed how people scatter at the sound of our gong?"
+
+"The authorities are watching for spies," asserted Ajo.
+
+Maurie's face became solemn.
+
+"Yes; of course. But--the blacksmith is not here, and," he added with
+assurance, "the badge of the Red Cross protects us from false
+accusations."
+
+When they had gone Uncle John said thoughtfully to the girls:
+
+"That remark about the Red Cross impressed me. If that fellow Maurie is
+really in danger of being arrested and shot, he has cleverly placed
+himself in the safest service in the world. He knows that none of our
+party is liable to be suspected of evil."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+A QUESTION OF LOYALTY
+
+
+During the morning they were visited by a French official who came
+aboard in a government boat and asked to see Mr. Merrick.
+
+The ship had been inspected several times by the commander of the port
+and the civil authorities, and its fame as a model hospital had spread
+over all Flanders. Some attempt had been made to place with the
+Americans the most important of the wounded--officers of high rank or
+those of social prominence and wealth--but Mr. Merrick and his aids were
+determined to show no partiality. They received the lowly and humble as
+well as the high and mighty and the only requisite for admission was an
+injury that demanded the care of good nurses and the skill of competent
+surgeons.
+
+Uncle John knew the French general and greeted him warmly, for he
+appreciated his generous co-operation. But Beth had to be called in to
+interpret because her uncle knew so little of the native language.
+
+First they paid a visit to the hospital section, where the patients were
+inspected. Then the register and records were carefully gone over and
+notes taken by the general's secretary. Finally they returned to the
+after-deck to review the convalescents who were lounging there in their
+cushioned deck-chairs.
+
+"Where is the German, Lieutenant Elbl?" inquired the general, looking
+around with sudden suspicion.
+
+"In the captain's room," replied Beth. "Would you like to see him?"
+
+"If you please."
+
+The group moved forward to the room occupied by Captain Carg. The door
+and windows stood open and reclining upon a couch inside was the maimed
+German, with Carg sitting beside him. Both were solemnly smoking their
+pipes.
+
+The captain rose as the general entered, while Elbl gave his visitor a
+military salute.
+
+"So you are better?" asked the Frenchman.
+
+Beth repeated this in English to Carg, who repeated it in German to
+Elbl. Yes, the wounded man was doing very well.
+
+"Will you keep him here much longer?" was the next question, directed to
+Mr. Merrick.
+
+"I think so," was the reply. "He is still quite weak, although the wound
+is healing nicely. Being a military prisoner, there is no other place
+open to him where the man can be as comfortable as here."
+
+"You will be responsible for his person? You will guarantee that he will
+not escape?"
+
+Mr. Merrick hesitated.
+
+"Must we promise that?" he inquired.
+
+"Otherwise I shall be obliged to remove him to a government hospital."
+
+"I don't like that. Not that your hospitals are not good enough for a
+prisoner, but Elbl happens to be a cousin of our captain, which puts a
+different face on the matter. What do you say, Captain Carg? Shall we
+guarantee that your cousin will not try to escape?"
+
+"Why should he, sir? He can never rejoin the army, that's certain,"
+replied Carg.
+
+"True," said the general, when this was conveyed to him by Beth.
+"Nevertheless, he is a prisoner of war, and must not be allowed to
+escape to his own people."
+
+Beth answered the Frenchman herself, looking him straight in the face.
+
+"That strikes me as unfair, sir," said she. "The German must henceforth
+be a noncombatant. He has been unable, since he was wounded and brought
+here, to learn any of your military secrets and at the best he will lie
+a helpless invalid for weeks to come. Therefore, instead of making him a
+prisoner, it would be more humane to permit him to return to his home
+and family in Germany."
+
+The general smiled indulgently.
+
+"It might be more humane, mademoiselle, but unfortunately it is against
+the military code. Did I understand that your captain will guarantee the
+German's safety?"
+
+"Of course," said Carg. "If he escapes, I will surrender myself in his
+place."
+
+"Ah; but we moderns cannot accept Pythias if Damon runs away," laughed
+the general. "But, there; it will be simpler to send a parole for him
+to sign, when he may be left in your charge until he is sufficiently
+recovered to bear the confinement of a prison. Is that satisfactory?"
+
+"Certainly, sir," replied the captain.
+
+Elbl had remained silent during this conversation, appearing not to
+understand the French and English spoken. Indeed, since his arrival he
+had only spoken the German language, and that mostly in his intercourse
+with Carg. But after the French officer had gone away Beth began to
+reflect upon this reticence.
+
+"Isn't it queer," she remarked to Uncle John, "that an educated
+German--one who has been through college, as Captain Carg says Elbl
+has--should be unable to understand either French or English? I have
+always been told the German colleges are very thorough and you know that
+while at Ostend we found nearly all the German officers spoke good
+English."
+
+"It is rather strange, come to think of it," answered Uncle John. "I
+believe the study of languages is a part of the German military
+education. But I regret that the French are determined to keep the poor
+fellow a prisoner. Such a precaution is absurd, to my mind."
+
+"I think I can understand the French position," said the girl,
+reflectively. "These Germans are very obstinate, and much as I admire
+Lieutenant Elbl I feel sure that were he able he would fight the French
+again to-morrow. After his recovery he might even get one of those
+mechanical feet and be back on the firing line."
+
+"He's a Uhlan."
+
+"Then he could ride a horse. I believe, Uncle, the French are justified
+in retaining him as a prisoner until the war is over."
+
+Meantime, in the captain's room the two men were quietly conversing.
+
+"He wants you to sign a parole," said Carg.
+
+"Not I."
+
+"You may as well. I'm responsible for your safety."
+
+"I deny anyone's right to be responsible for me. If you have made a
+promise to that effect, withdraw it," said the German.
+
+"If I do, they'll put you in prison."
+
+"Not at present. I am still an invalid. In reality. I am weak and
+suffering. Yet I am already planning my escape, and that is why I insist
+that you withdraw any promise you have made. Otherwise--"
+
+"Otherwise?"
+
+"Instead of escaping by water, as I had intended, to Ostend, I must go
+to the prison and escape from there. It will be more difficult. The
+water route is best."
+
+"Of course," agreed the captain, smiling calmly.
+
+"One of your launches would carry me to Ostend and return here between
+dark and daylight."
+
+"Easily enough," said Carg. It was five minutes before he resumed his
+speech. Then he said with quiet deliberation: "Cousin, I am an American,
+and Americans are neutral in this war."
+
+"You are Sangoan."
+
+"My ship is chartered by Americans, which obliges the captain of the
+ship to be loyal to its masters. I will do nothing to conflict with the
+interests of the Americans, not even to favor my cousin."
+
+"Quite right," said Elbl.
+
+"If you have any plan of escape in mind, do not tell me of it,"
+continued the captain. "I shall order the launches guarded carefully. I
+shall do all in my power to prevent your getting away from this ship."
+
+"Thank you," said the German. "You have my respect, cousin. Pass the
+tobacco."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+THE CAPTURE
+
+
+There was considerable excitement when the ambulance returned. Part of
+the roof had been torn away, the doors were gone, the interior wrecked
+and not a pane of glass remained in the sides; yet Ajo drove it to the
+dock, the motor working as smoothly as ever, and half a dozen wounded
+were helped out and put into the launch to be taken aboard the hospital
+ship.
+
+When all were on deck, young Jones briefly explained what had happened.
+A shell had struck the ambulance, which had been left in the rear, but
+without injuring the motor in any way. Fortunately no one was near at
+the time. When they returned they cleared away the rubbish to make room
+for a few wounded men and then started back to the city.
+
+Doctor Gys, hatless and coatless, his hair awry and the mask making him
+look more hideous than ever, returned with the party and came creeping
+up the ship's ladder in so nervous a condition that his trembling knees
+fairly knocked together.
+
+The group around Ajo watched him silently.
+
+"What do you think that fool did?" asked the boy, as Gys slunk away to
+his room.
+
+"Tell us," pleaded Patsy, who was one of the curious group surrounding
+him.
+
+"We had gone near to where a machine gun was planted, to pick up a
+fallen soldier, when without warning the Germans charged the gun. Maurie
+and I made a run for life, but Gys stood stock still, facing the enemy.
+A man at the gun reeled and fell, just then, and with a hail of bullets
+flying around him the doctor coolly walked up and bent over him. The
+sight so amazed the Germans that they actually stopped fighting and
+waited for him. Perhaps it was the Red Cross on the doctor's arm that
+influenced them, but imagine a body of soldiers in the heat of a charge
+suddenly stopping because of one man!"
+
+"Well, what happened?" asked Mr. Merrick.
+
+"I couldn't see very well, for a battery that supported the charge was
+shelling the retreating Allies and just then our ambulance was hit. But
+Maurie says he watched the scene and that when Gys attempted to lift the
+wounded man up he suddenly turned weak as water. The Germans had
+captured the gun, by this time, and their officer himself hoisted the
+injured man upon the doctor's shoulders and attended him to our
+ambulance. When I saw the fight was over I hastened to help Gys, who
+staggered so weakly that he would have dropped his man a dozen times on
+the way had not the Germans held him up. They were laughing, as if the
+whole thing was a joke, when crack! came a volley of bullets and with a
+great shout back rushed the French and Belgians in a counter-charge. I
+admit I ducked, crawling under the ambulance, and the Germans were so
+surprised that they beat a quick retreat.
+
+"And now it was that Gys made a fool of himself. He tore off his cap and
+coat, which bore the Red Cross emblem, and leaped right between the two
+lines. Here were the Germans, firing as they retreated, and the Allies
+firing as they charged, and right in the center of the fray stood Gys.
+The man ought to have been shot to pieces, but nothing touched him
+until a Frenchman knocked him over because he was in the way of the
+rush. It was the most reckless, suicidal act I ever heard of!"
+
+Uncle John looked worried. He had never told any of them of Dr. Gys'
+strange remark during their first interview, but he had not forgotten
+it. "I'll be happier when I can shake off this horrible envelope of
+disfigurement," the doctor had declared, and in view of this the report
+of that day's adventure gave the kind-hearted gentleman a severe shock.
+
+He walked the deck thoughtfully while the girls hurried below to look
+after the new patients who had been brought, not too comfortably, in the
+damaged ambulance. "It was a bad fight," Ajo had reported, "and the
+wounded were thick, but we could only bring a few of them. Before we
+left the field, however, an English ambulance and two French ones
+arrived, and that gave us an opportunity to get away. Indeed, I was so
+unnerved by the dangers we had miraculously escaped that I was glad to
+be out of it."
+
+Uncle John tried hard to understand Doctor Gys, but the man's strange,
+abnormal nature was incomprehensible. When, half an hour later, Mr.
+Merrick went below, he found the doctor in the operating room, cool and
+steady of nerve and dressing wounds in his best professional manner.
+
+Upon examination the next morning the large ambulance was found to be so
+badly damaged that it had to be taken to a repair shop in the city to
+undergo reconstruction. It would take several weeks to put it in shape,
+declared the French mechanics, so the Americans would be forced to get
+along with the smaller vehicle. Jones and Dr. Kelsey made regular trips
+with this, but the fighting had suddenly lulled and for several days no
+new patients were brought to the ship, although many were given first
+aid in the trenches for slight wounds.
+
+So the colony aboard the _Arabella_ grew gradually less, until on the
+twenty-sixth of November the girls found they had but two patients to
+care for--Elbl and Andrew Denton. Neither required much nursing, and
+Denton's young wife insisted on taking full charge of him. But while the
+hospital ship was not in demand at this time there were casualties day
+by day in the trenches, where the armies faced each other doggedly and
+watchfully and shots were frequently interchanged when a soldier
+carelessly exposed his person to the enemy. So the girls took turns
+going with the ambulance, and Uncle John made no protest because so
+little danger attended these journeys.
+
+Each day, while one of the American girls rode to the front, the other
+two would visit the city hospitals and render whatever assistance they
+could to the regular nurses. Gys sometimes accompanied them and
+sometimes went to the front with the ambulance; but he never caused his
+friends anxiety on these trips, because he could not endanger his life,
+owing to the cessation of fighting.
+
+The only incident that enlivened this period of stagnation was the
+capture of Maurie. No; the authorities didn't get him, but Clarette did.
+Ajo and Patsy had gone into the city one afternoon and on their return
+to the docks, where their launch was moored, they found a street urchin
+awaiting them with a soiled scrap of paper clenched fast in his fist.
+He surrendered it for a coin and Patsy found the following words
+scrawled in English:
+
+"She has me fast. Help! Be quick. I cannot save myself so you must save
+me. It is your Maurie who is in distress."
+
+They laughed a little at first and then began to realize that the loss
+of their chauffeur would prove a hardship when fighting was resumed.
+Maurie might not be a good husband, and he might be afraid of a woman,
+but was valuable when bullets were flying. Patsy asked the boy:
+
+"Can you lead us to the man who gave you this paper?"
+
+"Oui, mamselle."
+
+"Then hurry, and you shall have five centimes more."
+
+The injunction was unnecessary, for the urchin made them hasten to keep
+up with him. He made many turns and twists through narrow alleys and
+back streets until finally he brought them to a row of cheap, plastered
+huts built against the old city wall. There was no mistaking the place,
+for in the doorway of one of the poorest dwellings stood Clarette, her
+ample figure fairly filling the opening, her hands planted firmly on her
+broad hips.
+
+"Good evening," said Patsy pleasantly. "Is Maurie within?"
+
+"Henri is within," answered Clarette with a fierce scowl, "and he is
+going to stay within."
+
+"But we have need of his services," said Ajo sternly, "and the man is in
+our employ and under contract to obey us."
+
+"I also need his services," retorted Clarette, "and I made a contract
+with him before you did, as my marriage papers will prove."
+
+The little boy and girl had now crowded into the doorway on either side
+of their mother, clinging to her skirts while they "made faces" at the
+Americans. Clarette turned to drive the children away and in the act
+allowed Patsy and Ajo to glance past her into the hut.
+
+There stood little Maurie, sleeves rolled above his elbows, bending over
+a battered dishpan where he was washing a mess of cracked and broken
+pottery. He met their gaze with a despairing countenance and a gesture
+of appeal that scattered a spray of suds from big wet fingers. Next
+moment Clarette had filled the doorway again.
+
+"You may as well go away," said the woman harshly.
+
+Patsy stood irresolute.
+
+"Have you money to pay the rent and to provide food and clothing?" she
+presently asked.
+
+"I have found a few francs in Henri's pockets," was the surly reply.
+
+"And when they are gone?"
+
+Clarette gave a shrug.
+
+"When they are gone we shall not starve," she said. "There is plenty of
+charity for the Belgians these days. One has but to ask, and someone
+gives."
+
+"Then you will not let us have Maurie?"
+
+"No, mademoiselle." Then she unbent a little and added: "If my husband
+goes to you, they will be sure to catch him some day, and when they
+catch him they will shoot him."
+
+"Why?"
+
+"Don't you know?"
+
+"No."
+
+Clarette smiled grimly.
+
+"When Henri escapes me, he always gets himself into trouble. He is not
+so very bad, but he is careless--and foolish. He tries to help the
+Germans and the French at the same time, to be accommodating, and so
+both have conceived a desire to shoot him. Well; when they shoot him he
+can no longer earn money to support me and his children."
+
+"Are they really his children?" inquired young Jones.
+
+"Who else may claim them, monsieur?"
+
+"I thought they were the children of your first husband, the
+blacksmith."
+
+Clarette glared at him, with lowering brow.
+
+"Blacksmith? Pah! I have no husband but Henri, and heaven forsook me
+when I married him."
+
+"Come, Patsy," said Ajo to his companion, "our errand here is hopeless.
+And--perhaps Clarette is right."
+
+They made their way back to the launch in silence. Patsy was quite
+disappointed in Maurie. He had so many admirable qualities that it was a
+shame he could be so untruthful and unreliable.
+
+As time passed on the monotony that followed their first exciting
+experiences grew upon them and became oppressive. December weather in
+Flanders brought cutting winds from off the North Sea and often there
+were flurries of snow in the air. They had steam heat inside the ship
+but the deck was no longer a practical lounging place.
+
+Toward the last of the month Lieutenant Elbl was so fully recovered that
+he was able to hobble about on crutches. The friendship between the two
+cousins continued and Elbl was often found in the captain's room. No
+more had been said about a parole, but the French officials were
+evidently keeping an eye on the German, for one morning an order came to
+Mr. Merrick to deliver Elbl to the warden of the military prison at
+Dunkirk on or before ten o'clock the following day.
+
+While the German received this notification with his accustomed stolid
+air of indifference, his American friends were all grieved at his
+transfer. They knew the prison would be very uncomfortable for the
+invalid and feared he was not yet sufficiently recovered to be able to
+bear the new conditions imposed upon him. There was no thought of
+protesting the order, however, for they appreciated the fact that the
+commandant had been especially lenient in leaving the prisoner so long
+in their care.
+
+The Americans were all sitting together in the cabin that evening after
+dinner, when to their astonishment little Maurie came aboard in a skiff,
+bearing an order from the French commandant to Captain Carg, requesting
+him to appear at once at military headquarters.
+
+Not only was Carg puzzled by this strange summons but none of the others
+could understand it. The Belgian, when questioned, merely shook his
+head. He was not the general's confidant, but his fee as messenger would
+enable him to buy bread for his family and he had been chosen because he
+knew the way to the hospital ship.
+
+As there was nothing to do but obey, the captain went ashore in one of
+the launches, which towed the skiff in which Maurie had come.
+
+When he had gone, Lieutenant Elbl, who had been sitting in the cabin,
+bade the others good night and retired to his room. Most of the others
+retired early, but Patsy, Uncle John and Doctor Gys decided to sit up
+and await the return of the captain. It was an exceptionally cool
+evening and the warmth of the forward cabin was very agreeable.
+
+Midnight had arrived when the captain's launch finally drew up to the
+side and Carg came hastening into the cabin. His agitated manner was so
+unusual that the three watchers with one accord sprang to their feet
+with inquiring looks.
+
+"Where's Elbl?" asked the captain sharply.
+
+"Gone to bed," said Uncle John.
+
+"When?"
+
+"Hours ago. I think he missed your society and was rather broken up over
+the necessity of leaving us to-morrow."
+
+Without hesitation Carg turned on his heel and hastened aft. They
+followed him in a wondering group. Reaching the German's stateroom the
+captain threw open the door and found it vacant.
+
+"Humph!" he exclaimed. "I suspected the truth when I found our launch
+was gone."
+
+"Which launch?" asked Uncle John, bewildered.
+
+"The one I left with the ship. On my return, just now, I discovered it
+was not at its moorings. Someone has stolen it."
+
+They stared at him in amazement.
+
+"Wasn't the deck patrolled?" asked Patsy, the first to recover.
+
+"We don't set a watch till ten-thirty. It wasn't considered necessary.
+But I had no suspicion of the trick Elbl has played on me to-night," he
+added with a groan. Their voices had aroused others. Ajo came out of his
+room, enveloped in a heavy bathrobe, and soon after Maud and Beth joined
+them.
+
+"What's up?" demanded the boy.
+
+"The German has tricked us and made his escape," quietly answered Dr.
+Gys. "For my part, I'm glad of it."
+
+"It was a conspiracy," growled the captain. "That rascal, Maurie--"
+
+"Oh, was Maurie in it?"
+
+"Of course. He was the decoy; perhaps he arranged the whole thing."
+
+"Didn't the general want you, then?"
+
+Carg was so enraged that he fairly snorted.
+
+"Want me? Of course he didn't want me! That treacherous little Belgian
+led me into the waiting room and said the general would see me in a
+minute. Then he walked away and I sat there like a bump on a log and
+waited. Finally I began to wonder how Maurie, who was always shy of
+facing the authorities, had happened to be the general's messenger. It
+looked queer. Officers and civilians were passing back and forth but no
+one paid any attention to me; so after an hour or so I asked an officer
+who entered from an inner room, when I could see the general. He said
+the general was not there evenings but would be in his office to-morrow
+morning. Then I showed him my order and he glanced at it and said it was
+forged; wasn't the general's signature and wasn't in proper form,
+anyhow. When I started to go he wouldn't let me; said the affair was
+suspicious and needed investigation. So he took me to a room full of
+officers and they asked me a thousand fool questions. Said they had no
+record of a Belgian named Maurie and had never heard of him before. I
+couldn't figure the thing out, and they couldn't; so finally they let me
+come back to the ship."
+
+"Strange," mused Uncle John; "very strange!"
+
+"I was so stupid," continued Carg, "that I never thought of Elbl being
+at the bottom of the affair until I got back and found our launch
+missing. Then I remembered that Elbl was to have been turned over to the
+prison authorities to-morrow and like a flash I saw through the whole
+thing."
+
+"I'm blamed if _I_ do," declared Mr. Merrick.
+
+The others likewise shook their heads.
+
+"He got me out of the way, stole the launch, and is half way to Ostend
+by this time."
+
+"Alone? And wounded--still an invalid?"
+
+"Doubtless Maurie is with him. The rascal can run an automobile; so I
+suppose he can run a launch."
+
+"What puzzles me," remarked Patsy, "is how Lieutenant Elbl ever got hold
+of Maurie, and induced him to assist him, without our knowing anything
+about it."
+
+"I used to notice them talking together a good bit," said Jones.
+
+"But Clarette has kept Maurie a prisoner. She wouldn't let him come back
+to the ship."
+
+"He was certainly at liberty to-night," answered Beth. "Isn't this
+escape liable to be rather embarrassing to us, Uncle John?"
+
+"I'm afraid so," was the reply. "We agreed to keep him safely until the
+authorities demanded we give him up; and now, at the last minute, we've
+allowed him to get away."
+
+Anxiety was written on every countenance as they considered the serious
+nature of this affair. Only Gys seemed composed and unworried.
+
+"Is it too late to go in chase of the launch?" asked Ajo, breaking a
+long pause. "They're headed for Ostend, without a doubt, and there's a
+chance that they may run into a sand-bank in the dark, or break down, or
+meet with some other accident to delay them."
+
+"I believe it's worth our while, sir," answered Carg. "The launch we
+have is the faster, and the trip will show our good faith, if nothing
+more."
+
+"Then make ready to start at once," said Ajo, "and I'll dress and go
+along."
+
+Carg hurried away to give orders and the boy ran to his stateroom. Five
+minutes later they were away, with four sailors to assist in the capture
+of the fugitives in case they were overtaken.
+
+It was a fruitless journey, however. At daybreak, as they neared Ostend,
+they met their stolen launch coming back, in charge of a sleepy Belgian
+who had been hired to return it. The man frankly stated that he had
+undertaken the task in order to get to Dunkirk, where he had friends,
+and he had been liberally paid by a German on crutches, who had one foot
+missing, and a little Belgian whom he had never seen before, but who,
+from the description given, could be none other than Maurie.
+
+They carried the man back with them to the _Arabella_, where further
+questioning added nothing to their information. They now had proof,
+however, that Elbl was safe with his countrymen at Ostend and that
+Maurie had been his accomplice.
+
+"I would not believe," said Patsy, when she heard the story, "that a
+Belgian could be so disloyal to his country."
+
+"Every nation has its quota of black sheep," replied Uncle John, "and
+from what we have learned of Maurie's character he is not at all
+particular which side he serves."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+THE DUNES
+
+
+The escape of a prisoner of war from the American hospital ship was made
+the subject of a rigid inquiry by the officials and proved extremely
+humiliating to all on board the _Arabella_. The commandant showed his
+irritation by severely reprimanding Mr. Merrick for carelessness, while
+Captain Carg had to endure a personal examination before a board of
+inquiry. He was able to prove that he had been at headquarters during
+the evening of the escape, but that did not wholly satisfy his
+inquisitors. Finally an order was issued forbidding the Americans to
+take any more wounded Germans or Austrians aboard their ship, and that
+seemed to end the unpleasant affair.
+
+However, a certain friction was engendered that was later evidenced on
+both sides. The American ambulance was no longer favored on its trips
+to the front, pointed preference being given the English and French Red
+Cross Emergency Corps. This resulted in few wounded being taken to the
+_Arabella_, as the Americans confined their work largely to assisting
+the injured on the field of battle. The girls were not to be daunted in
+their determined efforts to aid the unfortunate and every day one of
+them visited the trenches to assist the two doctors in rendering first
+aid to the wounded.
+
+The work was no longer arduous, for often entire days would pass without
+a single casualty demanding their attention. The cold weather resulted
+in much sickness among the soldiers, however, and Gys found during this
+period of military inactivity that his medicine chest was more in demand
+than his case of surgical instruments.
+
+A slight diversion was created by Clarette, who came to the ship to
+demand her husband from the Americans. It seemed almost impossible to
+convince her that Maurie was not hidden somewhere aboard, but at last
+they made the woman understand he had escaped with the German to
+Ostend. They learned from her that Maurie--or Henri, as she insisted he
+was named--had several times escaped from her house at night, while she
+was asleep, and returned at daybreak in the morning, and this
+information led them to suspect he had managed to have several secret
+conferences with Lieutenant Elbl previous to their flight. Clarette
+announced her determination to follow her husband to Ostend, and perhaps
+she did so, as they did not see her again.
+
+It was on Sunday, the twentieth of December, that the Battle of the
+Dunes began and the flames of war burst out afresh. The dunes lay
+between the North Sea and the Yser River in West Flanders and consisted
+of a stretch of sandy hillocks reaching from Coxyde to Nieuport les
+Bains. The Belgians had entrenched these dunes in an elaborate and
+clever manner, shoveling the sand into a series of high lateral ridges,
+with alternate hollows, which reached for miles along the coast. The
+hollows were from six to eight feet deep, affording protection to the
+soldiers, who could nevertheless fire upon the enemy by creeping up the
+sloping embankments until their heads projected sufficiently to allow
+them to aim, when they could drop back to safety.
+
+In order to connect the hollows one with another, that an advance or
+retreat might be made under cover, narrow trenches had been cut at
+intervals diagonally through the raised mounds of sand. Military experts
+considered this series of novel fortifications to be practically
+impregnable, for should the enemy defile through one of the cross
+passages into a hollow where the Allies were gathered, they could be
+picked off one by one, as they appeared, and be absolutely annihilated.
+
+Realizing this, the Germans had not risked an attack, but after long
+study of the defences had decided that by means of artillery they might
+shell the Belgians, who held the dunes, and destroy them as they lay in
+the hollows. So a heavy battery had been planted along the German lines
+for this work, while in defence the Belgians confronted them with their
+own famous dog artillery, consisting of the deadly machine guns. The
+battle of December twentieth therefore began with an artillery duel,
+resulting in so many casualties that the Red Cross workers found
+themselves fully occupied.
+
+Beth went with the ambulance the first day, worked in the hollows of the
+dunes, and returned to the ship at night completely worn out by the
+demands upon her services. It was Patsy's turn next, and she took with
+her the second day one of the French girls as assistant.
+
+When the ambulance reached the edge of the dunes, where it was driven by
+Ajo, the battle was raging with even more vigor than the previous day.
+The Germans were dropping shells promiscuously into the various hollows,
+hoping to locate the hidden Belgian infantry, while the Belgian
+artillery strove to destroy the German gunners. Both succeeded at times,
+and both sides were equally persistent.
+
+As it was impossible to take the ambulance into the dunes, it was left
+in the rear in charge of Jones, while the others threaded their way in
+and out the devious passages toward the front. They had covered fully a
+mile in this laborious fashion before they came upon a detachment of
+Belgian infantry which was lying in wait for a call to action. Beyond
+this trench the doctors and nurses were forbidden to go, and the officer
+in command warned the Americans to beware of stray shells.
+
+Under these circumstances they contented themselves by occupying some of
+the rear hollows, to which the wounded would retreat to secure their
+services. Dr. Kelsey and Nanette, the French girl, established
+themselves in one hollow at the right, while Dr. Gys and Patsy took
+their position in another hollow further to the left. There they opened
+their cases of lint, plaster and bandages, spreading them out upon the
+sand, and were soon engaged in administering aid to an occasional victim
+of the battle.
+
+One man who came to Patsy with a slight wound on his shoulder told her
+that a shell had exploded in a forward hollow and killed outright
+fifteen of his comrades. His own escape from death was miraculous and
+the poor fellow was so unnerved that he cried like a baby.
+
+They directed him to the rear, where he would find the ambulance, and
+awaited the appearance of more patients. Gys crawled up the mound of
+sand in front of them and cautiously raised his head above the ridge.
+Next instant he ducked to escape a rain of bullets that scattered the
+sand about them like a mist.
+
+"That was foolish," said Patsy reprovingly. "You might have been
+killed."
+
+"No such luck," he muttered in reply, but the girl could see that he
+trembled slightly with nervousness. Neither realized at the time the
+fatal folly of the act, for they were unaware that the Germans were
+seeking just such a clew to direct them where to drop their shells.
+
+"It's getting rather lonely here, and there are a couple of vacant
+hollows in front of us," remarked the doctor. "Suppose we move over to
+one of those, a little nearer the soldiers?"
+
+Patsy approved the proposition, so they gathered up their supplies and
+moved along the hollow to where a passage had been cut through. They had
+gone barely a hundred yards when a screech, like a buzz-saw when it
+strikes a nail, sounded overhead. Looking up they saw a black disk
+hurtling through the air, to drop almost where they had been standing a
+moment before. There was a terrific explosion that sent debris to their
+very feet.
+
+"After this we'll be careful how we expose ourselves," said the doctor
+gravely. "They have got our range in a hurry. Here comes another; we'd
+better get away quickly."
+
+They progressed perhaps half a mile, without coming upon any soldiers,
+when at the brow of a hill slightly higher than the rest, they became
+aware of unwonted activity. A trench had been dug along the ridge, with
+great pits here and there to serve as bomb-proof shelters. Every time a
+head projected above the ridge, a storm of bullets showed that the enemy
+was well within rifle range. In fact, it was to dislodge the Germans
+that the present intrenchments were being made; machine guns would be
+mounted as soon as positions had been prepared.
+
+The German bullets had already taken their toll. In the little valley a
+poor Belgian pressed his hand against a bad wound in his side, while
+another was nursing an arm roughly bandaged by his fellows in the
+trenches. First aid made the two comfortable for the time being at least
+and the men were directed toward the ambulance. As they left, the man
+with the wounded arm pointed down the narrow valley to where a deep
+ravine cut through. "We were driven from there," he said. "The big guns
+dropped shells on us and killed many; there are many wounded beyond--but
+you cannot cross the ravine. We lost ten in doing it."
+
+Nevertheless, the doctor and Patsy strode off. Just within the shelter
+of the ridge they found another Belgian, desperately wounded, and the
+doctor stopped to ease his pain with the hypodermic needle. Patsy looked
+across the narrow defile; it was a bare fifty feet, and seemed safe
+enough. Her Red Cross uniform would protect her, she reasoned, and
+boldly enough she stepped out into the open. A cry from a wounded
+soldier ahead hastened her footsteps. Without heeding the warning shout
+of Doctor Gys she calmly stooped over the man who had called to her.
+
+And then there was a sudden rending, blinding, terrifying crash that
+sent the world into a thousand shrieking echoes. A huge shell had fallen
+not fifty feet away, plowing its way through the earthworks above. Its
+explosion sent timbers, abandoned gun-carriages, everything, flying
+through the air. And one great piece of wood caught Patsy a glancing
+blow on the back of her head as she crouched over the wounded Belgian.
+With a weak cry she toppled over, not unconscious, but unable to raise
+herself.
+
+Another shell crashed down a hundred yards away, and then one closer
+that sent the sand spouting high in a blinding cloud. She raised herself
+slowly and glanced back toward Doctor Gys. He stood, his face ashen with
+fear, hiding behind the shelter of the other hill. He looked up as she
+stirred; a cry of relief came to his lips.
+
+"Wait!" he called, bracing up suddenly. "Wait and I will get you."
+
+Bending his head low he sprang across the unprotected space. He stopped
+with a sudden jerk and then came on.
+
+"You were hit!" cried Patsy as he bent over her.
+
+"It is nothing," he answered brusquely. "Hold tight around my neck."
+"Now--" another shell scattered sand over them--"we must get away from
+here."
+
+Breathing thickly, he staggered across the open, dropping her with a
+great groan behind the protection of the ridge.
+
+"The man you were helping," he gasped. "I must bring him in."
+
+"But you are wounded--" Patsy cried.
+
+He straightened up--his hand clutched his side--there came across his
+disfigured features a queer twisted smile--he sighed softly and slowly
+sank in a crumpled heap. A clean little puncture in the breast of his
+coat told the whole story. Patsy felt herself slipping.... All grew
+dark.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+It was Ajo who found her and carried her back to the ambulance, where
+Dr. Kelsey and Nanette were presently able to restore her to
+consciousness. Then they returned to the _Arabella_, grave and silent,
+and Patsy was put to bed. Before morning Beth and Maud were anxiously
+nursing her, for she had developed a high fever and was delirious.
+
+The days that succeed were anxious ones, for Patsy's nerves had given
+away completely. It was many weeks later that the rest of them met on
+deck.
+
+"It's the first of February," said Uncle John. "Don't you suppose Patsy
+could start for home pretty soon?"
+
+"Perhaps so," answered Maud. "She is sitting up to-day, and seems
+brighter and more like herself. Have we decided, then, to return to
+America?"
+
+"I believe so," was the reply. "We can't keep Ajo's ship forever, you
+know, and without Doctor Gys we could never make it useful as a hospital
+ship again."
+
+"That is true," said the girl, thoughtfully. "Now that Andrew Denton,
+with his wife and the countess, have gone to Charleroi, our ship seems
+quite lonely."
+
+"You see," said Ajo, taking part in the discussion, "we've never been
+able to overcome the suspicious coldness of these Frenchmen, caused by
+Elbl's unfortunate escape. We are not trusted fully, and never will be
+again, so I'm convinced our career of usefulness here is ended."
+
+"Aside from that," returned Uncle John, "you three girls have endured a
+long period of hard work and nervous strain, and you need a rest. I'm
+awfully proud of you all; proud of your noble determination and courage
+as well as the ability you have demonstrated as nurses. You have
+unselfishly devoted your lives for three strenuous months to the injured
+soldiers of a foreign war, and I hope you're satisfied that you've done
+your full duty."
+
+"Well," returned Maud with a smile, "I wouldn't think of retreating if I
+felt that our services were really needed, but there are so many women
+coming here for Red Cross work--English, French, Swiss, Dutch and
+Italian--that they seem able to cover the field thoroughly."
+
+"True," said Beth, joining the group. "Let's go home, Uncle. The voyage
+will put our Patsy in fine shape again. When can we start, Ajo?"
+
+"Ask Uncle John."
+
+"Ask Captain Carg."
+
+"If you really mean it," said the captain, "I'll hoist anchor to-morrow
+morning."
+
+
+
+***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AUNT JANE'S NIECES IN THE RED
+CROSS***
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+<head>
+<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1" />
+<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Aunt Jane's Nieces in the Red Cross, by Edith Van Dyne</title>
+    <style type="text/css">
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+<body>
+<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook, Aunt Jane's Nieces in the Red Cross, by Edith
+Van Dyne</h1>
+<pre>
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at <a href = "https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></pre>
+<p>Title: Aunt Jane's Nieces in the Red Cross</p>
+<p>Author: Edith Van Dyne</p>
+<p>Release Date: August 21, 2005  [eBook #16567]</p>
+<p>Language: English</p>
+<p>Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1</p>
+<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AUNT JANE'S NIECES IN THE RED CROSS***</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h3>E-text prepared by Afra Ullah, Emmy,<br />
+    and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team<br />
+    (https://www.pgdp.net/)</h3>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr class="full" />
+<p><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4"></a></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><a href="./images/cover.jpg"><img src="./images/cover-tb.jpg" alt="Aunt Jane's Nieces in the Red Cross" title="Aunt Jane's Nieces in the Red Cross" /></a></div>
+
+<h1>Aunt Jane's Nieces</h1>
+<h1>in The Red Cross</h1>
+
+<h3>By</h3>
+
+<h2>Edith Van Dyne</h2>
+
+<p class="center">Author of "Aunt Jane's Nieces Series,"<br />
+"Flying Girl Series," etc.</p>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="./images/emblem.png" alt="Emblem" title="Emblem" /></div>
+
+<p class="center">The Reilly &amp; Britton Co.<br />
+Chicago</p>
+
+
+
+<p class="center"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5"></a>1915</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="./images/frontis.jpg" alt="Frontispiece" title="Frontispiece" /></div>
+
+<p class="center">AUNT JANE'S NIECES IN THE RED CROSS</p>
+<p><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6"></a></p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+
+
+<h2>FOREWORD</h2>
+
+
+<p>This is the story of how three brave American girls sacrificed the
+comforts and luxuries of home to go abroad and nurse the wounded
+soldiers of a foreign war.</p>
+
+<p>I wish I might have depicted more gently the scenes in hospital and on
+battlefield, but it is well that my girl readers should realize
+something of the horrors of war, that they may unite with heart and soul
+in earnest appeal for universal, lasting Peace and the future abolition
+of all deadly strife.</p>
+
+<p>Except to locate the scenes of my heroines' labors, no attempt has been
+made to describe technically or historically any phase of the great
+European war.</p>
+
+<p>The character of Doctor Gys is not greatly exaggerated but had its
+counterpart in real life. As for the little Belgian who had no room for
+scruples in his active brain, his story was related to me by an American
+war correspondent who <a name="Page_7" id="Page_7"></a>vouched for its truth. The other persona in the
+story are known to those who have followed their adventures in other
+books of the "Aunt Jane's Nieces" series.</p>
+
+<p class="right">
+<span class="smcap">Edith van Dyne</span><br />
+</p>
+<p><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8"></a></p>
+
+
+<h2>CONTENTS</h2>
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="Contents">
+<tr><td align='right'><span class="smcap">chapter</span></td>
+<td align='left'></td>
+<td align='right'><span class="smcap">page</span></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align='right'>I</td>
+<td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Arrival of the Boy</span></td>
+<td align='right'><a href='#Page_9'>9</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align='right'>II</td>
+<td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Arrival of the Girl</span></td>
+<td align='right'><a href='#Page_25'>25</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align='right'>III</td>
+<td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Decision of Doctor Gys</span></td>
+<td align='right'><a href='#Page_37'>37</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align='right'>IV</td>
+<td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Hospital Ship</span></td>
+<td align='right'><a href='#Page_48'>48</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align='right'>V</td>
+<td align='left'><span class="smcap">Nearing the Fray</span></td>
+<td align='right'><a href='#Page_58'>58</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align='right'>VI</td>
+<td align='left'><span class="smcap">Little Maurie</span></td>
+<td align='right'><a href='#Page_75'>75</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align='right'>VII</td>
+<td align='left'><span class="smcap">On the Firing Line</span></td>
+<td align='right'><a href='#Page_86'>86</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align='right'>VIII</td>
+<td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Coward</span></td>
+<td align='right'><a href='#Page_96'>96</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align='right'>IX</td>
+<td align='left'><span class="smcap">Courage, or Philosophy?</span></td>
+<td align='right'><a href='#Page_108'>108</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align='right'>X</td>
+<td align='left'><span class="smcap">The War's Victims</span></td>
+<td align='right'><a href='#Page_121'>121</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align='right'>XI</td>
+<td align='left'><span class="smcap">Patsy is Defiant</span></td>
+<td align='right'><a href='#Page_135'>135</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align='right'>XII</td>
+<td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Other Side</span></td>
+<td align='right'><a href='#Page_146'>146</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align='right'>XIII</td>
+<td align='left'><span class="smcap">Tardy Justice</span></td>
+<td align='right'><a href='#Page_160'>160</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align='right'>XIV</td>
+<td align='left'><span class="smcap">Found at Last</span></td>
+<td align='right'><a href='#Page_182'>182</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align='right'>XV</td>
+<td align='left'><span class="smcap">Dr. Gys Surprises Himself</span></td>
+<td align='right'><a href='#Page_189'>189</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align='right'>XVI</td>
+<td align='left'><span class="smcap">Clarette</span></td>
+<td align='right'><a href='#Page_197'>197</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align='right'>XVII</td>
+<td align='left'><span class="smcap">Perplexing Problems</span></td>
+<td align='right'><a href='#Page_204'>204</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align='right'>XVIII</td>
+<td align='left'><span class="smcap">A Question of Loyalty</span></td>
+<td align='right'><a href='#Page_217'>217</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align='right'>XIX</td>
+<td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Capture</span></td>
+<td align='right'><a href='#Page_225'>225</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align='right'>XX</td>
+<td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Dunes</span></td>
+<td align='right'><a href='#Page_244'>244</a></td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+
+<p><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9"></a></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>Aunt Jane's Nieces in the Red Cross</h2>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAPTER I</h2>
+
+<h3>THE ARRIVAL OF THE BOY</h3>
+
+
+<p>"What's the news, Uncle?" asked Miss Patricia Doyle, as she entered the
+cosy breakfast room of a suite of apartments in Willing Square. Even as
+she spoke she pecked a little kiss on the forehead of the chubby man
+addressed as "Uncle"&mdash;none other, if you please, than the famous and
+eccentric multi-millionaire known in Wall Street as John Merrick&mdash;and
+sat down to pour the coffee.</p>
+
+<p>There was energy in her method of doing this simple duty, an indication
+of suppressed vitality that conveyed the idea that here was a girl
+accustomed to action. And she fitted well into the homely scene: short
+and somewhat "squatty" of form, red-haired, freckle-faced and
+pug-nosed.<a name="Page_10" id="Page_10"></a> Wholesome rather than beautiful was Patsy Doyle, but if you
+caught a glimpse of her dancing blue eyes you straightway forgot her
+lesser charms.</p>
+
+<p>Quite different was the girl who entered the room a few minutes later.
+Hers was a dark olive complexion, face of exquisite contour, great brown
+eyes with a wealth of hair to match them and the flush of a rose in her
+rounded cheeks. The poise of her girlish figure was gracious and
+dignified as the bearing of a queen.</p>
+
+<p>"Morning, Cousin Beth," said Patsy cheerily.</p>
+
+<p>"Good morning, my dear," and then, with a trace of anxiety in her tone:
+"What is the news, Uncle John?"</p>
+
+<p>The little man had ignored Patsy's first question, but now he answered
+absently, his eyes still fixed upon the newspaper:</p>
+
+<p>"Why, they're going to build another huge skyscraper on Broadway, at
+Eleventh, and I see the political pot is beginning to bubble all through
+the Bronx, although&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Stuff and nonsense, Uncle!" exclaimed Patsy. "Beth asked for news, not
+for gossip."</p><p><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11"></a></p>
+
+<p>"The news of the war, Uncle John," added Beth, buttering her toast.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh; the war, of course," he said, turning over the page of the morning
+paper. "It ought to be the Allies' day, for the Germans won yesterday.
+No&mdash;by cracky, Beth&mdash;the Germans triumph again; they've captured
+Maubeuge. What do you think of that?"</p>
+
+<p>Patsy gave a little laugh.</p>
+
+<p>"Not knowing where Maubeuge is," she remarked, "my only thought is that
+something is wrong with the London press bureau. Perhaps the cables got
+crossed&mdash;or short circuited or something. They don't usually allow the
+Germans to win two days in succession."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't interrupt, please," said Beth, earnestly. "This is too important
+a matter to be treated lightly. Read us the article, Uncle. I was afraid
+Maubeuge would be taken."</p>
+
+<p>Patsy accepted her cousin's rebuke with her accustomed good nature.
+Indeed, she listened as intently as Beth to the thrilling account of the
+destruction of Maubeuge, and her blue eyes became quite as serious as
+the brown ones of her <a name="Page_12" id="Page_12"></a>cousin when the tale of dead and wounded was
+recounted.</p>
+
+<p>"Isn't it dreadful!" cried Beth, clasping her hands together
+impulsively.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," nodded her uncle, "the horror of it destroys the interest we
+naturally feel in any manly struggle for supremacy."</p>
+
+<p>"This great war is no manly struggle," observed Patsy with a toss of her
+head. "It is merely wholesale murder by a band of selfish diplomats."</p>
+
+<p>"Tut-tut!" warned Mr. Merrick; "we Americans are supposed to be neutral,
+my dear. We must not criticize."</p>
+
+<p>"That does not prevent our sympathizing with the innocent sufferers,
+however," said Beth quietly. "My heart goes out, Uncle, to those poor
+victims of the war's cruelty, the wounded and dying. I wish I could do
+something to help them!"</p>
+
+<p>Uncle John moved uneasily in his chair. Then he laid down his paper and
+applied himself to his breakfast. But his usual merry expression had
+faded into one of thoughtfulness.</p><p><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13"></a></p>
+
+<p>"The wounded haunt me by day and night," went on Beth. "There are
+thousands upon thousands of them, left to suffer terrible pain&mdash;perhaps
+to die&mdash;on the spot where they fell, and each one is dear to some poor
+woman who is ignorant of her loved one's fate and can do nothing but
+moan and pray at home."</p>
+
+<p>"That's the hard part of it," said Patsy, her cousin. "I think the
+mothers and wives and sweethearts are as much to be pitied as the fallen
+soldiers. The men <i>know</i> what has happened, but the women don't. It
+isn't so bad when they're killed outright; the family gets a medal to
+indicate that their hero has died for his country. But the wounded are
+lost sight of and must suffer in silence, with no loving hands to soothe
+their agony."</p>
+
+<p>"My dears!" pleaded Uncle John, plaintively, "why do you insist upon
+flavoring our breakfast with these horrors? I&mdash;I&mdash;there! take it away; I
+can't eat."</p>
+
+<p>The conversation halted abruptly. The girls were likewise unnerved by
+the mental pictures evolved by their remarks and it was now too late <a name="Page_14" id="Page_14"></a>to
+restore cheerfulness to the morning meal. They sat in pensive silence
+for a while and were glad when Mr. Merrick pushed back his chair and
+rose from the table.</p>
+
+<p>As Beth and Patsy followed their uncle into the cosy library where he
+was accustomed to smoke his morning cigar, the little man remarked:</p>
+
+<p>"Let's see; this is the seventh of September."</p>
+
+<p>"Quite right, Uncle," said Patsy.</p>
+
+<p>"Isn't this the day Maud Stanton is due to arrive?"</p>
+
+<p>"No," replied Beth; "she will come to-morrow morning. It's a good four
+days' trip from California to New York, you know."</p>
+
+<p>"I wonder why she is coming here at this time of year," said Patsy
+reflectively, "and I wonder if her Aunt Jane or her sister Flo are with
+her."</p>
+
+<p>"She did not mention them in her telegram," answered Beth. "All she said
+was to expect her Wednesday morning. It seems quite mysterious, that
+telegram, for I had no idea Maud thought of coming East."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, we will know all about it when she arrives," observed Uncle John.
+"I will be glad <a name="Page_15" id="Page_15"></a>to see Maud again, for she is one of my especial
+favorites."</p>
+
+<p>"She's a very dear girl!" exclaimed Patsy, with emphasis. "It will be
+simply glorious to&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>The doorbell rang sharply. There was a moment's questioning pause, for
+it was too early for visitors. The pattering feet of the little maid,
+Mary, approached the door and next moment a boyish voice demanded:</p>
+
+<p>"Is Mr. Merrick at home, or the young ladies, or&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, it's Ajo!" shouted Patsy, springing to her feet and making a dive
+for the hallway.</p>
+
+<p>"Jones?" said Mr. Merrick, looking incredulous.</p>
+
+<p>"It must be," declared Beth, for now Patsy's voice was blended with that
+of the boy in a rapid interchange of question and answer. Then in she
+came, dragging him joyously by the arm.</p>
+
+<p>"This is certainly a surprise!" said Mr. Merrick, shaking the tall,
+slender youth by the hand with evident pleasure.</p>
+
+<p>"When did you get to town?" asked Beth, <a name="Page_16" id="Page_16"></a>greeting the boy cordially.
+"And why didn't you let us know you were on the way from far-off Los
+Angeles?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said Jones, seating himself facing them and softly rubbing his
+lean hands together to indicate his satisfaction at this warm reception,
+"it's a long, long story and I may as well tell it methodically or
+you'll never appreciate the adventurous spirit that led me again to New
+York&mdash;the one place I heartily detest."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Ajo!" protested Patsy. "Is this the way to retain the friendship of
+New Yorkers?"</p>
+
+<p>"Isn't honesty appreciated here?" he wanted to know.</p>
+
+<p>"Go ahead with your story," said Uncle John. "We left you some months
+ago at the harbor of Los Angeles, wondering what you were going to do
+with that big ship of yours that lay anchored in the Pacific. If I
+remember aright, you were considering whether you dared board it to
+return to that mysterious island home of yours at&mdash;at&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Sangoa," said Patsy.</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you for giving me a starting-point,"<a name="Page_17" id="Page_17"></a> returned the boy, with a
+smile. "You may remember that when I landed in your country from Sangoa
+I was a miserable invalid. The voyage had ruined my stomach and wrecked
+my constitution. I crossed the continent to New York and consulted the
+best specialists&mdash;and they nearly put an end to me. I returned to the
+Pacific coast to die as near home as possible, and&mdash;and there I met
+you."</p>
+
+<p>"And Patsy saved your life," added Beth.</p>
+
+<p>"She did. First, however, Maud Stanton saved me from drowning. Then
+Patsy Doyle doctored me and made me well and strong. And now&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"And now you look like a modern Hercules," asserted Patsy, gazing with
+some pride at the bronzed cheeks and clear eyes of the former invalid
+and ignoring his slight proportions. "Whatever have you been doing with
+yourself since then?"</p>
+
+<p>"Taking a sea voyage," he affirmed.</p>
+
+<p>"Really?"</p>
+
+<p>"An absolute fact. For months I dared not board the <i>Arabella</i>, my sea
+yacht, for fear of a <a name="Page_18" id="Page_18"></a>return of my old malady; but after you deserted me
+and came to this&mdash;this artificial, dreary, bewildering&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Never mind insulting my birthplace, sir!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! were you born here, Patsy? Then I'll give the town credit. So,
+after you deserted me at Los Angeles&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"You still had Mrs. Montrose and her nieces, Maud and Flo Stanton."</p>
+
+<p>"I know, and I love them all. But they became so tremendously busy that
+I scarcely saw them, and finally I began to feel lonely. Those Stanton
+girls are chock full of business energy and they hadn't the time to
+devote to me that you people did. So I stood on the shore and looked at
+the <i>Arabella</i> until I mustered up courage to go aboard. Surviving that,
+I made Captain Carg steam slowly along the coast for a few miles.
+Nothing dreadful happened. So I made a day's voyage, and still ate my
+three squares a day. That was encouraging."</p>
+
+<p>"I knew all the time it wasn't the voyage that wrecked your stomach,"
+said Patsy confidently.</p>
+
+<p>"What was it, then?"</p><p><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19"></a></p>
+
+<p>"Ptomaine poisoning, or something like that."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, anyhow, I found I could stand ocean travel again, so I determined
+on a voyage. The Panama Canal was just opened and I passed through it,
+came up the Atlantic coast, and&mdash;the <i>Arabella</i> is at this moment safely
+anchored in the North River!"</p>
+
+<p>"And how do you feel?" inquired Uncle John.</p>
+
+<p>"Glorious&mdash;magnificent! The trip has sealed my recovery for good."</p>
+
+<p>"But why didn't you go home, to your Island of Sangoa?" asked Beth.</p>
+
+<p>He looked at her reproachfully.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>You</i> were not there, Beth; nor was Patsy, or Uncle John. On the other
+hand, there is no one in Sangoa who cares a rap whether I come home or
+not. I'm the last of the Joneses of Sangoa, and while it is still my
+island and the entire population is in my employ, the life there flows
+on just as smoothly without me as if I were present."</p>
+
+<p>"But don't they need the ship&mdash;the <i>Arabella</i>?" questioned Beth.</p>
+
+<p>"Not now. I sent a cargo of supplies by Cap<a name="Page_20" id="Page_20"></a>tain Carg when he made his
+last voyage to the island, and there will not be enough pearls found in
+the fisheries for four or five months to come to warrant my shipping
+them to market. Even then, they would keep. So I'm a free lance at
+present and I had an idea that if I once managed to get the boat around
+here you folks might find a use for it."</p>
+
+<p>"In what way?" inquired Patsy, with interest.</p>
+
+<p>"We might all make a trip to Barbadoes, Bermuda and Cuba. Brazil is said
+to be an interesting country. I'd prefer Europe, were it not for the
+war."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Ajo, isn't this war terrible?"</p>
+
+<p>"No other word expresses it. Yet it all seems like a fairy tale to me,
+for I've never been in any other country than the United States since I
+made my first voyage here from Sangoa&mdash;the island where my eyes first
+opened to the world."</p>
+
+<p>"It isn't a fairy tale," said Beth with a shudder. "It's more like a
+horrible nightmare."</p>
+
+<p>"I can't bear to read about it any more," he returned, musingly. "In
+fact, I've only been able to catch rumors of the progress of the war in
+the <a name="Page_21" id="Page_21"></a>various ports at which I've touched, and I came right here from my
+ship. But I've no sympathy with either side. The whole thing annoys me,
+somehow&mdash;the utter uselessness and folly of it all."</p>
+
+<p>"Maubeuge has fallen," said Beth, and went on to give him the latest
+tidings. Finding that the war was the absorbing topic in this little
+household, the boy developed new interest in it and the morning passed
+quickly away.</p>
+
+<p>Jones stayed to lunch and then Mr. Merrick's automobile took them all to
+the river to visit the beautiful yacht <i>Arabella</i>, which was already,
+they found, attracting a good deal of attention in the harbor, where
+beautiful yachts are no rarity.</p>
+
+<p>The <i>Arabella</i> was intended by her builders for deep sea transit and as
+Patsy admiringly declared, "looked like a baby liner." While she was
+yacht-built in all her lines and fittings, she was far from being merely
+a pleasure craft, but had been designed by the elder Jones, the boy's
+father, to afford communication between the Island of Sangoa, in the
+lower South Seas, and the continent of America.</p><p><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22"></a></p>
+
+<p>Sangoa is noted for its remarkable pearl fisheries, which were now owned
+and controlled entirely by this youth; but his father, an experienced
+man of affairs, had so thoroughly established the business of production
+and sale that little remained for his only son and heir to do, more than
+to invest the profits that steadily accrued and to care for the great
+fortune left him. Whether he was doing this wisely or not no one&mdash;not
+even his closest friends&mdash;could tell. But he was frank and friendly
+about everything else.</p>
+
+<p>They went aboard the <i>Arabella</i> and were received by that grim and
+grizzled old salt, Captain Carg, with the same wooden indifference he
+always exhibited. But Patsy detected a slight twinkle in the shrewd gray
+eyes that made her feel they were welcome. Carg, a seaman of vast
+experience, was wholly devoted to his young master. Indeed, the girls
+suspected that young Jones was a veritable autocrat in his island, as
+well as aboard his ship. Everyone of the Sangoans seemed to accept his
+dictation, however imperative it might be, as a matter of course, and
+the gray old captain&mdash;who had seen much of <a name="Page_23" id="Page_23"></a>the world&mdash;was not the least
+subservient to his young master.</p>
+
+<p>On the other hand, Jones was a gentle and considerate autocrat,
+unconsciously imitating his lately deceased father in his kindly
+interest in the welfare of all his dependents. These had formerly been
+free-born Americans, for when the Island of Sangoa was purchased it had
+no inhabitants.</p>
+
+<p>This fortunate&mdash;or perhaps unfortunate&mdash;youth had never been blessed
+with a given name, more than the simple initial "A." The failure of his
+mother and father to agree upon a baptismal name for their only child
+had resulted in a deadlock; and, as the family claimed a direct descent
+from the famous John Paul Jones, the proud father declared that to be "a
+Jones" was sufficient honor for any boy; hence he should be known merely
+as "A. Jones." The mother called her child by the usual endearing pet
+names until her death, after which the islanders dubbed the master's
+son&mdash;then toddling around in his first trousers&mdash;"Ajo," and the name had
+stuck to him ever since for want of a better one.</p><p><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24"></a></p>
+
+<p>With the Bohemian indifference to household routine so characteristic of
+New Yorkers, the party decided to dine at a down-town restaurant before
+returning to Willing Square, and it was during this entertainment that
+young Jones first learned of the expected arrival of Maud Stanton on the
+following morning. But he was no wiser than the others as to what
+mission could have brought the girl to New York so suddenly that a
+telegram was required to announce her coming.</p>
+
+<p>"You see, I left Los Angeles weeks ago," the boy explained, "and at that
+time Mrs. Montrose and her nieces were busy as bees and much too
+occupied to pay attention to a drone like me. There was no hint then of
+their coming East, but of course many things may have happened in the
+meantime."</p>
+
+<p>The young fellow was so congenial a companion and the girls were so well
+aware of his loneliness, through lack of acquaintances, that they
+carried him home with them to spend the evening. When he finally left
+them, at a late hour, it was with the promise to be at the station next
+morning to meet Maud Stanton on her arrival.</p><p><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25"></a></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II</h2>
+
+<h3>THE ARRIVAL OF THE GIRL</h3>
+
+
+<p>A sweet-faced girl, very attractive but with a sad and anxious
+expression, descended from the Pullman and brightened as she found her
+friends standing with outstretched arms to greet her.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Maud!" cried Patsy, usurping the first hug, "how glad I am to see
+you again!"</p>
+
+<p>Beth looked in Maud Stanton's face and forbore to speak as she embraced
+her friend. Then Jones shook both hands of the new arrival and Uncle
+John kissed her with the same tenderness he showed his own nieces.</p>
+
+<p>This reception seemed to cheer Maud Stanton immensely. She even smiled
+during the drive to Willing Square&mdash;a winning, gracious smile that would
+have caused her to be instantly recognized in almost any community of
+our vast country; for this beautiful young girl was a famous motion
+picture actress, possessing qualities that <a name="Page_26" id="Page_26"></a>had endeared her to every
+patron of the better class photo-dramas.</p>
+
+<p>At first she had been forced to adopt this occupation by the stern
+necessity of earning a livelihood, and under the careful guidance of her
+aunt&mdash;Mrs. Jane Montrose, a widow who had at one time been a favorite in
+New York social circles&mdash;Maud and her sister Florence had applied
+themselves so intelligently to their art that their compensation had
+become liberal enough to enable them to save a modest competence.</p>
+
+<p>One cause of surprise at Maud's sudden journey east was the fact that
+her services were in eager demand by the managers of the best producing
+companies on the Pacific Coast, where nearly all the American pictures
+are now made. Another cause for surprise was that she came alone,
+leaving her Aunt Jane and her sister Flo&mdash;usually her inseparable
+companion&mdash;in Los Angeles.</p>
+
+<p>But they did not question her until the cosy home at Willing Square was
+reached, luncheon served and Maud installed in the "Guest Room." Then
+the three girls had "a good, long talk" and <a name="Page_27" id="Page_27"></a>presently came trooping
+into the library to enlighten Uncle John and Ajo.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Uncle! What do you think?" cried Patsy. "Maud is going to the war!"</p>
+
+<p>"The war!" echoed Mr. Merrick in a bewildered voice. "What on earth
+can&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"She is going to be a nurse," explained Beth, a soft glow of enthusiasm
+mantling her pretty face. "Isn't it splendid, Uncle!"</p>
+
+<p>"H-m," said Uncle John, regarding the girl with wonder. "It is certainly
+a&mdash;a&mdash;surprising venture."</p>
+
+<p>"But&mdash;see here, Maud&mdash;it's mighty dangerous," protested young Jones.
+"It's a tremendous undertaking, and&mdash;what can one girl do in the midst
+of all those horrors?"</p>
+
+<p>Maud seated herself quietly between them. Her face was grave and
+thoughtful.</p>
+
+<p>"I have had to answer many such arguments before now, as you may
+suspect," she began in even tones, "but the fact that I am here, well on
+my journey, is proof that I have convinced my aunt, my sister and all my
+western friends that I am at least determined on my mission, whether <a name="Page_28" id="Page_28"></a>it
+be wise or foolish. I do not think I shall incur danger by caring for
+the wounded; the Red Cross is highly respected everywhere, these days."</p>
+
+<p>"The Red Cross?" quoth Uncle John.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; I shall wear the Red Cross," she continued. "You know that I am a
+trained nurse; it was part of my education before&mdash;before&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I had not known that until now," said Mr. Merrick, "but I am glad you
+have had that training. Beth began a course at the school here, but I
+took her away to Europe before she graduated. However, I wish more girls
+could be trained for nursing, as it is a more useful and admirable
+accomplishment than most of them now acquire."</p>
+
+<p>"Fox-Trots and Bunny-Hugs, for instance," said Patricia with fine
+disdain.</p>
+
+<p>"Patsy is a splendid nurse," declared Ajo, with a grateful look toward
+that chubby miss.</p>
+
+<p>"But untrained," she answered laughingly. "It was just common sense that
+enabled me to cure your malady, Ajo. I couldn't bandage a cut or a
+bullet wound to save me."</p>
+
+<p>"Fortunately," said Maud, "I have a diploma which will gain for me the
+endorsement of the<a name="Page_29" id="Page_29"></a> American Red Cross Society. I am counting on that to
+enable me to get an appointment at the seat of war, where I can be of
+most use."</p>
+
+<p>"Where will you go?" asked the boy. "To Germany, Austria, Russia,
+Belgium, or&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I shall go to France," she replied. "I speak French, but understand
+little of German, although once I studied the language."</p>
+
+<p>"Are you fully resolved upon this course, Maud?" asked Mr. Merrick in a
+tone of regret.</p>
+
+<p>"Fully decided, sir. I am going to Washington to-morrow, to get my
+credentials, and then I shall take the first steamer to Europe."</p>
+
+<p>There was no use arguing with Maud Stanton when she assumed that tone.
+It was neither obstinate nor defiant, yet it conveyed a quiet resolve
+that was unanswerable.</p>
+
+<p>For a time they sat in silence, musing on the many phases of this
+curious project; then Beth came to Mr. Merrick's side and asked
+pleadingly:</p>
+
+<p>"May I go with her, Uncle?"</p>
+
+<p>"Great Scott!" he exclaimed, with a nervous jump. "<i>You</i>, Beth?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Uncle. I so long to be of help to those <a name="Page_30" id="Page_30"></a>poor fellows who are
+being so cruelly sacrificed; and I know I can soothe much suffering, if
+I have the opportunity."</p>
+
+<p>He stared at her, not knowing what to reply. This quaint little man was
+so erratic himself, in his sudden resolves and eccentric actions, that
+he could scarcely quarrel with his niece for imitating an example he had
+frequently set. Still, he was shrewd enough to comprehend the reckless
+daring of the proposition.</p>
+
+<p>"Two unprotected girls in the midst of war and carnage, surrounded by
+foreigners, inspired to noble sacrifice through ignorance and
+inexperience, and hardly old enough to travel alone from Hoboken to
+Brooklyn! Why, the thing's absurd," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"Quite impractical," added Ajo, nodding wisely. "You're both too pretty,
+my dears, to undertake such an adventure. Why, the wounded men would all
+fall in love with their nurses and follow you back to America in a
+flock; and that might put a stop to the war for lack of men to fight
+it."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't be silly, Ajo," said Patsy, severely.<a name="Page_31" id="Page_31"></a> "I've decided to go with
+Maud and Beth, and you know very well that the sight of my freckled face
+would certainly chill any romance that might arise."</p>
+
+<p>"That's nonsense, Patsy!"</p>
+
+<p>"Then you consider me beautiful, Uncle John?"</p>
+
+<p>"I mean it's nonsense about your going with Maud and Beth. I won't allow
+it."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Uncle! You know I can twine you around my little finger, if I
+choose. So don't, for goodness' sake, start a rumpus by trying to set
+your will against mine."</p>
+
+<p>"Then side with me, dear. I'm quite right, I assure you."</p>
+
+<p>"You're always right, Nunkie, dear," she cried, giving him a resounding
+smack of a kiss on his chubby cheek as she sat on the arm of his chair,
+"but I'm going with the girls, just the same, and you may as well make
+up your mind to it."</p>
+
+<p>Uncle John coughed. He left his chair and trotted up and down the room a
+moment. Then he carefully adjusted his spectacles, took a long <a name="Page_32" id="Page_32"></a>look at
+Patsy's face, and heaved a deep sigh of resignation.</p>
+
+<p>"Thank goodness, that's settled," said Patsy cheerfully.</p>
+
+<p>Uncle John turned to the boy, saying dismally:</p>
+
+<p>"I've done everything in my power for these girls, and now they defy me.
+They've declared a thousand times they love me, and yet they'd trot off
+to bandage a lot of unknown foreigners and leave me alone to worry my
+heart out."</p>
+
+<p>"Why don't you go along?" asked Jones. "I'm going."</p>
+
+<p>"You!"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course. I've a suspicion our girls have the right instinct, sir&mdash;the
+tender, womanly instinct that makes us love them. At any rate, I'm going
+to stand by them. It strikes me as the noblest and grandest idea a girl
+ever conceived, and if anything could draw me closer to these three
+young ladies, who had me pretty well snared before, it is this very
+proposition."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't see why," muttered Uncle John, wavering.</p>
+
+<p>"I'll tell you why, sir. For themselves, they <a name="Page_33" id="Page_33"></a>have all the good things
+of life at their command. They could bask in luxury to the end of their
+days, if they so desired. Yet their wonderful womanly sympathy goes out
+to the helpless and suffering&mdash;the victims of the cruellest war the
+world has ever known&mdash;and they promptly propose to sacrifice their ease
+and brave whatever dangers may befall, that they may relieve to some
+extent the pain and agony of those wounded and dying fellow creatures."</p>
+
+<p>"Foreigners," said Uncle John weakly.</p>
+
+<p>"Human beings," said the boy.</p>
+
+<p>Patsy marched over to Ajo and gave him a sturdy whack upon the back that
+nearly knocked him over.</p>
+
+<p>"The spirit of John Paul Jones still goes marching on!" she cried. "My
+boy, you're the right stuff, and I'm glad I doctored you."</p>
+
+<p>He smiled, looking from one to another of the three girls questioningly.</p>
+
+<p>"Then I'm to go along?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"We shall be grateful," answered Maud, after a moment's hesitation.
+"This is all very sudden to me, for I had planned to go alone."</p><p><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34"></a></p>
+
+<p>"That wouldn't do at all," asserted Uncle John briskly. "I'm astonished
+and&mdash;and grieved&mdash;that my nieces should want to go with you, but perhaps
+the trip will prove interesting. Tell me what steamer you want to catch,
+Maud, and I'll reserve rooms for our entire party."</p>
+
+<p>"No," said Jones, "don't do it, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Why not?"</p>
+
+<p>"There's the <i>Arabella</i>. Let's use her."</p>
+
+<p>"To cross the ocean?"</p>
+
+<p>"She has done that before. It will assist our enterprise, I'm sure, to
+have our own boat. These are troublous times on the high seas."</p>
+
+<p>Patsy clapped her hands gleefully.</p>
+
+<p>"That's it; a hospital ship!" she exclaimed.</p>
+
+<p>They regarded her with various expressions: startled, doubtful,
+admiring, approving. Presently, with added thought on the matter, the
+approval became unanimous.</p>
+
+<p>"It's an amazing suggestion," said Maud, her eyes sparkling.</p>
+
+<p>"Think how greatly it will extend our usefulness," said Beth.</p>
+
+<p>Uncle John was again trotting up and down <a name="Page_35" id="Page_35"></a>the room, this time in a
+state of barely repressed excitement.</p>
+
+<p>"The very thing!" he cried. "Clever, practical,
+and&mdash;eh&mdash;eh&mdash;tremendously interesting. Now, then, listen carefully&mdash;all
+of you! It's up to you, Jones, to accompany Maud on the night express to
+Washington. Get the Red Cross Society to back our scheme and supply us
+with proper credentials. The <i>Arabella</i> must be rated as a hospital ship
+and our party endorsed as a distinct private branch of the Red
+Cross&mdash;what they call a 'unit.' I'll give you a letter to our senator
+and he will look after our passports and all necessary papers. I&mdash;I
+helped elect him, you know. And while you're gone it shall be my
+business to fit the ship with all the supplies we shall need to promote
+our mission of mercy."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll share the expense," proposed the boy.</p>
+
+<p>"No, you won't. You've done enough in furnishing the ship and crew. I'll
+attend to the rest."</p>
+
+<p>"And Beth and I will be Uncle John's assistants," said Patsy. "We shall
+want heaps of lint and bandages, drugs and liniments and&mdash;"</p><p><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36"></a></p>
+
+<p>"And, above all, a doctor," advised Ajo. "One of the mates on my yacht,
+Kelsey by name, is a half-way physician, having studied medicine in his
+youth and practiced it on the crew for the last dozen years; but what we
+really need on a hospital ship is a bang-up surgeon."</p>
+
+<p>"This promises to become an expensive undertaking," remarked Maud, with
+a sigh. "Perhaps it will be better to let me go alone, as I originally
+expected to do. But, if we take along the hospital ship, do not be
+extravagant, Mr. Merrick, in equipping it. I feel that I have been the
+innocent cause of drawing you all into this venture and I do not want it
+to prove a hardship to my friends."</p>
+
+<p>"All right, Maud," returned Uncle John, with a cheerful grin, "I'll try
+to economize, now that you've warned me."</p>
+
+<p>Ajo smiled and Patsy Doyle laughed outright. They knew it would not
+inconvenience the little rich man, in the slightest degree, to fit out a
+dozen hospital ships.</p><p><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37"></a></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III</h2>
+
+<h3>THE DECISION OF DOCTOR GYS</h3>
+
+
+<p>Uncle John was up bright and early next morning, and directly after
+breakfast he called upon his old friend and physician, Dr. Barlow. After
+explaining the undertaking on which he had embarked, Mr. Merrick added:</p>
+
+<p>"You see, we need a surgeon with us; a clever, keen chap who understands
+his business thoroughly, a sawbones with all the modern scientific
+discoveries saturating him to his finger-tips. Tell me where to get
+him."</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Barlow, recovering somewhat from his astonishment, smiled
+deprecatingly.</p>
+
+<p>"The sort of man you describe," said he, "would cost you a fortune, for
+you would oblige him to abandon a large and lucrative practice in order
+to accompany you. I doubt, indeed, if any price would tempt him to
+abandon his patients."</p>
+
+<p>"Isn't there some young fellow with these requirements?"</p><p><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38"></a></p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Merrick, you need a physician and surgeon combined. Wounds lead to
+fever and other serious ailments, which need skillful handling. You
+might secure a young man, fresh from his clinics, who would prove a good
+surgeon, but to master the science of medicine, experience and long
+practice are absolutely necessary."</p>
+
+<p>"We've got a half-way medicine man on the ship now&mdash;a fellow who has
+doctored the crew for years and kept 'em pretty healthy. So I guess a
+surgeon will about fill our bill."</p>
+
+<p>"H-m, I know these ship's doctors, Mr. Merrick, and I wouldn't care to
+have you and your nieces trust your lives to one, in case you become
+ill. Believe me, a good physician is as necessary to you as a good
+surgeon. Do you know that disease will kill as many of those soldiers as
+bullets?"</p>
+
+<p>"No."</p>
+
+<p>"It is true; else the history of wars has taught us nothing. We haven't
+heard much of plagues and epidemics yet, in the carefully censored
+reports from London, but it won't be long before disease will devastate
+whole armies."</p><p><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39"></a></p>
+
+<p>Uncle John frowned. The thing was growing complicated.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you consider this a wild goose chase, Doctor?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Not with your fortune, your girls and your fine ship to back it. I
+think Miss Stanton's idea of venturing abroad unattended, to nurse the
+wounded, was Quixotic in the extreme. Some American women are doing it,
+I know, but I don't approve of it. On the other hand, your present plan
+is worthy of admiration and applause, for it is eminently practical if
+properly handled."</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Barlow drummed upon the table with his fingers, musingly. Then he
+looked up.</p>
+
+<p>"I wonder," said he, "if Gys would go. If you could win him over, he
+would fill the bill."</p>
+
+<p>"Who is Gys?" inquired Uncle John.</p>
+
+<p>"An eccentric; a character. But clever and competent. He has just
+returned from Yucatan, where he accompanied an expedition of exploration
+sent out by the Geographical Society&mdash;and, by the way, nearly lost his
+life in the venture. Before that, he made a trip to the frozen North
+with a rescue party. Between times, he works <a name="Page_40" id="Page_40"></a>in the hospitals, or acts
+as consulting surgeon with men of greater fame than he has won; but Gys
+is a rolling stone, erratic and whimsical, and with all his talent can
+never settle down to a steady practice."</p>
+
+<p>"Seems like the very man I want," said Uncle John, much interested.
+"Where can I find him?"</p>
+
+<p>"I've no idea. But I'll call up Collins and inquire."</p>
+
+<p>He took up the telephone receiver and got his number.</p>
+
+<p>"Collins? Say, I'm anxious to find Gys. Have you any idea&mdash;Eh? Sitting
+with you now? How lucky. Ask him if he will come to my office at once;
+it's important."</p>
+
+<p>Uncle John's face was beaming with satisfaction. The doctor waited, the
+receiver at his ear.</p>
+
+<p>"What's that, Collins?... He won't come?... Why not?... Absurd!... I've
+a fine proposition for him.... Eh? He isn't interested in propositions?
+What in thunder <i>is</i> he interested in?... Pshaw! Hold the phone a
+minute."</p><p><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41"></a></p>
+
+<p>Turning to Mr. Merrick, he said:</p>
+
+<p>"Gys wants to go on a fishing trip. He plans to start to-night for the
+Maine woods. But I've an idea if you could get him face to face you
+might convince him."</p>
+
+<p>"See if he'll stay where he is till I can get there."</p>
+
+<p>The doctor turned to the telephone and asked the question. There was a
+long pause. Gys wanted to know who it was that proposed to visit him.
+John Merrick, the retired millionaire? All right; Gys would wait in
+Collins' office for twenty minutes.</p>
+
+<p>Uncle John lost no time in rushing to his motor car, where he ordered
+the driver to hasten to the address Dr. Barlow had given him.</p>
+
+<p>The offices of Dr. Collins were impressive. Mr. Merrick entered a
+luxurious reception room and gave his name to a businesslike young woman
+who advanced to meet him. He had called to see Dr. Gys.</p>
+
+<p>The young woman smothered a smile that crept to her lips, and led Uncle
+John through an examination room and an operating room&mdash;both <a name="Page_42" id="Page_42"></a>vacant
+just now&mdash;and so into a laboratory that was calculated to give a well
+person the shivers. Here was but one individual, a man in his
+shirt-sleeves who was smoking a corncob pipe and bending over a test
+tube.</p>
+
+<p>Uncle John coughed to announce his presence, for the woman had slipped
+away as she closed the door. The man's back was turned partially toward
+his visitor. He did not alter his position as he said:</p>
+
+<p>"Sit down. There's a chair in the southwest corner."</p>
+
+<p>Uncle John found the chair. He waited patiently a few moments and then
+his choler began to rise.</p>
+
+<p>"If you're in such a blamed hurry to go fishing, why don't you get rid
+of me now?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>The shoulders shook gently and there was a chuckling laugh. The man laid
+down his test tube and swung around on his stool.</p>
+
+<p>For a moment Mr. Merrick recoiled. The face was seared with livid scars,
+the nose crushed to one side, the mouth crooked and set in a <a name="Page_43" id="Page_43"></a>sneering
+grin. One eye was nearly closed and the other round and wide open. A
+more forbidding and ghastly countenance Mr. Merrick had never beheld and
+in his surprise he muttered a low exclamation.</p>
+
+<p>"Exactly," said Gys, his voice quiet and pleasant. "I don't blame you
+and I'm not offended. Do you wonder I hesitate to meet strangers?"</p>
+
+<p>"I&mdash;I was not&mdash;prepared," stammered Uncle John.</p>
+
+<p>"That was Barlow's fault. He knows me and should have told you. And now
+I'll tell you why I consented to see you. No! never mind your own
+proposition, whatever it is. Listen to mine first. I want to go fishing,
+and I haven't the money. None of my brother physicians will lend me
+another sou, for I owe them all. You are John Merrick, to whom money is
+of little consequence. May I venture to ask you for an advance of a
+couple of hundred for a few weeks? When I return I'll take up your
+proposition, whatever it may be, and recompense you in services."</p>
+
+<p>He refilled and relighted the corncob while<a name="Page_44" id="Page_44"></a> Mr. Merrick stared at him
+in thoughtful silence. As a matter of fact, Uncle John was pleased with
+the fellow. A whimsical, irrational, unconventional appeal of this sort
+went straight to his heart, for the queer little man hated the
+commonplace most cordially.</p>
+
+<p>"I'll give you the money on one condition," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"I object to the condition," said Gys firmly. "Conditions are
+dangerous."</p>
+
+<p>"My proposition," went on Uncle John, "won't wait for weeks. When you
+hear it, if you are not anxious to take it up, I don't want you. Indeed,
+I'm not sure I want you, anyhow."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah; you're frightened by my features. Most people with propositions
+are. I'm an unlucky dog, sir. They say it's good luck to touch a
+hunchback; to touch me is the reverse. Way up North in a frozen sea a
+poor fellow went overboard. I didn't get him and he drowned; but I got
+caught between two cakes of floating ice that jammed my nose out of its
+former perfect contour. In Yucatan I tumbled into a hedge of poisoned
+cactus and had to operate on myself&mdash;<a name="Page_45" id="Page_45"></a>quickly, too&mdash;to save my life.
+Wild with pain, I slashed my face to get the poisoned tips of thorn out
+of the flesh. Parts of my body are like my face, but fortunately I can
+cover them. It was bad surgery. On another I could have operated without
+leaving a scar, but I was frantic with pain. Don't stare at that big
+eye, sir; it's glass. I lost that optic in Pernambuco and couldn't find
+a glass substitute to fit my face. Indeed, this was the only one in
+town, made for a fat Spanish lady who turned it down because it was not
+exactly the right color."</p>
+
+<p>"You certainly have been&mdash;eh&mdash;unfortunate," murmured Uncle John.</p>
+
+<p>"See here," said Gys, taking a leather book from an inside pocket of the
+coat that hung on a peg beside him, and proceeding to open it. "Here is
+a photograph of me, taken before I embarked upon my adventures."</p>
+
+<p>Uncle John put on his glasses and examined the photograph curiously. It
+was a fine face, clean-cut, manly and expressive. The eyes were
+especially frank and winning.</p>
+
+<p>"How old were you then?" he asked.</p><p><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46"></a></p>
+
+<p>"Twenty-four."</p>
+
+<p>"And now?"</p>
+
+<p>"Thirty-eight. A good deal happened in that fourteen years, as you may
+guess. And now," reaching for the photograph and putting it carefully
+back in the book, "state your proposition and I'll listen to it, because
+you have listened so patiently to me."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Merrick in simple words explained the plan to take a hospital ship
+to Europe, relating the incidents that led up to the enterprise and
+urging the need of prompt action. His voice dwelt tenderly on his girls
+and the loyal support of young Jones.</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Gys smoked and listened silently. Then he picked up the telephone
+and called a number.</p>
+
+<p>"Tell Hawkins I've abandoned that fishing trip," he said. "I've got
+another job." Then he faced Mr. Merrick. His smile was not pretty, but
+it was a smile.</p>
+
+<p>"That's my answer, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"But we haven't talked salary yet."</p>
+
+<p>"Bother the salary. I'm not mercenary."</p>
+
+<p>"And I'm not sure&mdash;"</p><p><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47"></a></p>
+
+<p>"Yes, you are. I'm going with you. Do you know why?"</p>
+
+<p>"It's a novel project, very appealing from a humanitarian standpoint
+and&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I hadn't thought of that. I'm going because you're headed for the
+biggest war the world has ever known; because I foresee danger ahead,
+for all of us; but mainly because&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Well?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because I'm a coward&mdash;a natural born coward&mdash;and I can have a lot of
+fun forcing myself to face the shell and shrapnel. That's the truth; I'm
+not a liar. And for a long time I've been wondering&mdash;wondering&mdash;" His
+voice died away in a murmur.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Gys roused himself.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh; do you want a full confession? For a long time, then, I've been
+wondering what's the easiest way for a man to die. No, I'm not morbid.
+I'm simply ruined, physically, for the practice of a profession I love,
+a profession I have fully mastered, and&mdash;I'll be happier when I can
+shake off this horrible envelope of disfigurement."</p><p><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48"></a></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV</h2>
+
+<h3>THE HOSPITAL SHIP</h3>
+
+
+<p>The energy of Doctor Gys was marvelous. He knew exactly what supplies
+would be needed to fit the <i>Arabella</i> thoroughly for her important
+mission, and with unlimited funds at his command to foot the bills, he
+quickly converted the handsome yacht into a model hospital ship. Gys
+from the first developed a liking for Kelsey, the mate, whom he found a
+valuable assistant, and the two came to understand each other perfectly.
+Kelsey was a quiet man, more thoughtful than experienced in medical
+matters, but his common sense often guided him aright when his technical
+knowledge was at fault.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Carg accepted the novel conditions thrust upon him, without a
+word of protest. He might secretly resent the uses to which his ship was
+being put, but his young master's commands were law and his duty was to
+obey. The same <a name="Page_49" id="Page_49"></a>feeling prevailed among the other members of the crew,
+all of whom were Sangoans.</p>
+
+<p>In three days Jones and Maud Stanton returned from Washington. They were
+jubilant over their success.</p>
+
+<p>"We've secured everything we wanted," the boy told Uncle John, Beth and
+Patsy, with evident enthusiasm. "Not only have we the full sanction of
+the American Red Cross Society, but I have letters to the different
+branches in the war zone, asking for us every consideration. Not only
+that, but your senator proved himself a brick. What do you think? Here's
+a letter from our secretary of state&mdash;another from the French charge
+d'affairs&mdash;half a dozen from prominent ambassadors of other countries!
+We've a free field in all Europe, practically, that will enable us to
+work to the best advantage."</p>
+
+<p>"It's wonderful!" cried Patsy.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Merrick is so well known as a philanthropist that his name was a
+magic talisman for us," said Maud. "Moreover, our enterprise commands
+the sympathy of everyone. We had numerous offers of financial
+assistance, too."</p><p><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50"></a></p>
+
+<p>"I hope you didn't accept them," said Uncle John nervously.</p>
+
+<p>"No," answered the boy, "I claimed this expedition to be our private and
+individual property. We can now do as we please, being under no
+obligations to any but ourselves."</p>
+
+<p>"That's right," said Uncle John. "We don't want to be hampered by the
+necessity of advising with others."</p>
+
+<p>"By the way, have you found a doctor?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"A good one?" asked Maud quickly.</p>
+
+<p>"Highly recommended, but homely as a rail fence," continued Patsy, as
+her uncle hesitated.</p>
+
+<p>"That's nothing," said Ajo lightly.</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing, eh? Well, wait till you see him," she replied. "You'll never
+look Doctor Gys in the face more than once, I assure you. After that,
+you'll be glad to keep your eyes on his vest buttons."</p>
+
+<p>"I like him immensely, though," said Beth. "He is clever, honest and
+earnest. The poor man can't help his mutilations, which are the result
+of many unfortunate adventures."</p><p><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51"></a></p>
+
+<p>"Sounds like just the man we wanted," declared Ajo, and afterward he had
+no reason to recall that assertion.</p>
+
+<p>A week is a small time in which to equip a big ship, but money and
+energy can accomplish much and the news from the seat of war was so
+eventful that they felt every moment to be precious and so they worked
+with feverish haste. The tide of German success had turned and their
+great army, from Paris to Vitry, was now in full retreat, fighting every
+inch of the way and leaving thousands of dead and wounded in its wake.</p>
+
+<p>"How long will it take us to reach Calais?" they asked Captain Carg
+eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>"Eight or nine days," said he.</p>
+
+<p>"We are not as fast as the big passenger steamers," explained young
+Jones, "but with good weather the <i>Arabella</i> may be depended upon to
+make the trip in good shape and fair time."</p>
+
+<p>On the nineteenth of September, fully equipped and with her papers in
+order, the beautiful yacht left her anchorage and began her voyage. The
+weather proved exceptionally favorable. During the voyage the girls
+busied themselves preparing <a name="Page_52" id="Page_52"></a>their modest uniforms and pumping Dr. Gys
+for all sorts of information, from scratches to amputations. He gave
+them much practical and therefore valuable advice to guide them in
+whatever emergencies might arise, and this was conveyed in the
+whimsical, half humorous manner that seemed characteristic of him. At
+first Gys had shrunk involuntarily from facing this bevy of young girls,
+but they had so frankly ignored his physical blemishes and exhibited so
+true a comradeship to all concerned in the expedition, that the doctor
+soon felt perfectly at ease in their society.</p>
+
+<p>During the evenings he gave them practical demonstrations of the
+application of tourniquets, bandages and the like, while Uncle John and
+Ajo by turns posed as wounded soldiers. Gys was extraordinarily deft in
+all his manipulations and although Maud Stanton was a graduate
+nurse&mdash;with little experience, however&mdash;and Beth De Graf had studied the
+art for a year or more, it was Patsy Doyle who showed the most dexterity
+in assisting the doctor on these occasions.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know whether I'll faint at the sight <a name="Page_53" id="Page_53"></a>of real blood," she said,
+"but I shall know pretty well what to do if I can keep my nerve."</p>
+
+<p>The application of anaesthetics was another thing fully explained by
+Gys, but this could not be demonstrated. Patsy, however, was taught the
+use of the hypodermic needle, which Maud and Beth quite understood.</p>
+
+<p>"We've a big stock of morphia, in its various forms," said the doctor,
+"and I expect it to prove of tremendous value in comforting our
+patients."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm not sure I approve the use of that drug," remarked Uncle John.</p>
+
+<p>"But think of the suffering we can allay by its use," exclaimed Maud.
+"If ever morphia is justifiable, it is in war, where it can save many a
+life by conquering unendurable pain. I believe the discovery of morphine
+was the greatest blessing that humanity has ever enjoyed. Don't you,
+Doctor Gys?"</p>
+
+<p>The one good eye of Gys had a queer way of twinkling when he was amused.
+It twinkled as the girl asked this question.</p>
+
+<p>"Morphine," he replied, "has destroyed more <a name="Page_54" id="Page_54"></a>people than it has saved.
+You play with fire when you feed it to anyone, under any circumstances.
+Nevertheless, I believe in its value on an expedition of this sort, and
+that is why I loaded up on the stuff. Let me advise you never to tell a
+patient that we are administering morphine. The result is all that he is
+concerned with and it is better he should not know what has relieved
+him."</p>
+
+<p>On a sunny day when the sea was calm they slung a scaffold over the bow
+and painted a big red cross on either side of the white ship. Everyone
+aboard wore the Red Cross emblem on an arm band, even the sailors being
+so decorated. Uncle John was very proud of the insignia and loved to
+watch his girls moving around the deck in their sober uniforms and white
+caps.</p>
+
+<p>Jones endured the voyage splendidly and by this time had convinced
+himself that he was not again to be subject to the mal-de-mer of his
+first ocean trip. As they drew near to their destination an atmosphere
+of subdued excitement pervaded the <i>Arabella</i>, for even the sailors had
+caught the infection of the girls' eagerness and <a name="Page_55" id="Page_55"></a>were anxious to get
+into action at the earliest moment.</p>
+
+<p>It was now that Uncle John began to busy himself with his especial
+prize, a huge motor ambulance he had purchased in New York and which had
+been fully equipped for the requirements of war. Indeed, an enterprising
+manufacturer had prepared it with the expectation that some of the
+belligerent governments would purchase it, and Mr. Merrick considered
+himself fortunate in securing it. It would accommodate six seriously
+wounded, on swinging beds, and twelve others, slightly wounded, who
+might be able to sit upon cushioned seats. The motor was very powerful
+and the driver was protected from stray bullets by an armored hood.</p>
+
+<p>In addition to this splendid machine, Mr. Merrick had secured a smaller
+ambulance that had not the advantage of the swinging beds but could be
+rushed more swiftly to any desired location. Both ambulances were
+decorated on all sides with the emblem of the Red Cross and would be
+invaluable in bringing the wounded to the <i>Arabella</i>. The ship carried a
+couple of small motor <a name="Page_56" id="Page_56"></a>launches for connecting the shore with her
+anchorage.</p>
+
+<p>They had purposely brought no chauffeurs with them, as Uncle John
+believed foreign drivers, who were thoroughly acquainted with the
+country, would prove more useful than the American variety, and from
+experience he knew that a French chauffeur is the king of his
+profession.</p>
+
+<p>During the last days of the voyage Mr. Merrick busied himself in
+carefully inspecting every detail of his precious vehicles and
+explaining their operation to everyone on board. Even the girls would be
+able to run an ambulance on occasion, and the boy developed quite a
+mechanical talent in mastering the machines.</p>
+
+<p>"I feel," said young Jones, "that I have had a rather insignificant part
+in preparing this expedition, for all I have furnished&mdash;aside from the
+boat itself&mdash;consists of two lots of luxuries that may or may not be
+needed."</p>
+
+<p>"And what may they be?" asked Dr. Gys, who was standing in the group
+beside him.</p>
+
+<p>"Thermos flasks and cigarettes."</p><p><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57"></a></p>
+
+<p>"Cigarettes!" exclaimed Beth, in horror.</p>
+
+<p>The doctor nodded approvingly.</p>
+
+<p>"Capital!" said he. "Next to our anodynes and anaesthetics, nothing will
+prove so comforting to the wounded as cigarettes. They are supplied by
+nurses in all the hospitals in Europe. How many did you bring?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ten cases of about twenty-five thousand each."</p>
+
+<p>"A quarter of a million cigarettes!" gasped Beth.</p>
+
+<p>"Too few," asserted the doctor in a tone of raillery, "but we'll make
+them go as far as possible. And the thermos cases are also valuable.
+Cool water to parched lips means a glimpse of heaven. Hot coffee will
+save many from exhaustion. You've done well, my boy."</p><p><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58"></a></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V</h2>
+
+<h3>NEARING THE FRAY</h3>
+
+
+<p>On September twenty-eighth they entered the English Channel and were
+promptly signalled by a British warship, so they were obliged to lay to
+while a party of officers came aboard. The <i>Arabella</i> was flying the
+American flag and the Red Cross flag, but the English officer
+courteously but firmly persisted in searching the ship. What he found
+seemed to interest him, as did the papers and credentials presented for
+his perusal.</p>
+
+<p>"And which side have you come to assist?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"No side at all, sir," replied Jones, as master of the <i>Arabella</i>. "The
+wounded, the sick and helpless, whatever uniform they chance to wear,
+will receive our best attention. But we are bound for Calais and intend
+to follow the French army."</p>
+
+<p>The officer nodded gravely.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course," said he, "you are aware that <a name="Page_59" id="Page_59"></a>the channel is full of mines
+and that progress is dangerous unless you have our maps to guide you. I
+will furnish your pilot with a diagram, provided you agree to keep our
+secret and deliver the diagram to the English officer you will meet at
+Calais."</p>
+
+<p>They agreed to this and after the formalities were concluded the officer
+prepared to depart.</p>
+
+<p>"I must congratulate you," he remarked on leaving, "on having the best
+equipped hospital ship it has been my fortune to see. There are many in
+the service, as you know, but the boats are often mere tubs and the
+fittings of the simplest description. The wounded who come under your
+care will indeed be fortunate. It is wonderful to realize that you have
+come all the way from America, and at so great an expense, to help the
+victims of this sad war. For the Allies I thank you, and&mdash;good-bye!"</p>
+
+<p>They remembered this kindly officer long afterward, for he proved more
+generous than many of the English they met.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Carg now steamed ahead, watching his chart carefully to avoid
+the fields of mines, but <a name="Page_60" id="Page_60"></a>within two hours he was again hailed, this
+time by an armored cruiser. The first officer having vised the ship's
+papers, they were spared the delay of another search and after a brief
+examination were allowed to proceed. They found the channel well
+patrolled by war craft and no sooner had they lost sight of one, than
+another quickly appeared.</p>
+
+<p>At Cherbourg a French dreadnaught halted them and an officer came aboard
+to give them a new chart of the mine fields between there and Calais and
+full instructions how to proceed safely. This officer, who spoke
+excellent English, asked a thousand questions and seemed grateful for
+their charitable assistance to his countrymen.</p>
+
+<p>"You have chosen a dangerous post," said he, "but the Red Cross is
+respected everywhere&mdash;even by the Germans. Have you heard the latest
+news? We have driven them back to the Aisne and are holding the enemy
+well in check. Antwerp is under siege, to be sure, but it can hold out
+indefinitely. The fighting will be all in Belgium soon, and then in
+Germany. Our watchword is 'On to Berlin!'"</p><p><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61"></a></p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps we ought to proceed directly to Ostend," said Uncle John.</p>
+
+<p>"The Germans still hold it, monsieur. In a few days, perhaps, when
+Belgium is free of the invaders, you will find work enough to occupy you
+at Ostend; but I advise you not to attempt to go there now."</p>
+
+<p>In spite of the friendly attitude of this officer and of the authorities
+at Cherbourg, they were detained at this port for several days before
+finally receiving permission to proceed. The delay was galling but had
+to be endured until the infinite maze of red tape was at an end. They
+reached Calais in the early evening and just managed to secure an
+anchorage among the fleet of warships in the harbor.</p>
+
+<p>Again they were obliged to show their papers and passports, now vised by
+representatives of both the English and French navies, but this
+formality being over they were given a cordial welcome.</p>
+
+<p>Uncle John and Ajo decided to go ashore for the latest news and arrived
+in the city between nine and ten o'clock that same evening. They <a name="Page_62" id="Page_62"></a>found
+Calais in a state of intense excitement. The streets were filled with
+British and French soldiery, with whom were mingled groups of citizens,
+all eagerly discussing the war and casting uneasy glances at the black
+sky overhead for signs of the dreaded German Zeppelins.</p>
+
+<p>"How about Antwerp?" Jones asked an Englishman they found in the lobby
+of one of the overcrowded hotels.</p>
+
+<p>The man turned to stare at him; he looked his questioner up and down
+with such insolence that the boy's fists involuntarily doubled; then he
+turned his back and walked away. A bystander laughed with amusement. He
+also was an Englishman, but wore the uniform of a subaltern.</p>
+
+<p>"What can you expect, without a formal introduction?" he asked young
+Jones. "But I'll answer your question, sir; Antwerp is doomed."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh; do you really think so?" inquired Uncle John uneasily.</p>
+
+<p>"It's a certainty, although I hate to admit it. We at the rear are not
+very well posted on what is taking place over in Belgium, but it's said
+the bombardment of Antwerp began yesterday and <a name="Page_63" id="Page_63"></a>it's impossible for the
+place to hold out for long. Perhaps even now the city has fallen under
+the terrific bombardment."</p>
+
+<p>There was something thrilling in the suggestion.</p>
+
+<p>"And then?" asked Jones, almost breathlessly.</p>
+
+<p>The man gave a typical British shrug.</p>
+
+<p>"Then we fellows will find work to do," he replied. "But it is better to
+fight than to eat our hearts out by watching and waiting. We're the
+reserves, you know, and we've hardly smelled powder yet."</p>
+
+<p>After conversing with several of the soldiers and civilians&mdash;the latter
+being mostly too unnerved to talk coherently&mdash;the Americans made their
+way back to the quay with heavy hearts. They threaded lanes filled with
+sobbing women, many of whom had frightened children clinging to their
+skirts, passed groups of old men and boys who were visibly trembling
+with trepidation and stood aside for ranks of brisk soldiery who marched
+with an alertness that was in strong contrast with the terrified
+attitude of the citizens. There was war in the air&mdash;fierce, relentless
+war <a name="Page_64" id="Page_64"></a>in every word and action they encountered&mdash;and it had the effect of
+depressing the newcomers.</p>
+
+<p>That night an earnest conference was held aboard the <i>Arabella</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"As I understand it, here is the gist of the situation," began Ajo. "The
+line of battle along the Aisne is stationary&mdash;for the present, at least.
+Both sides are firmly entrenched and it's going to be a long, hard
+fight. Antwerp is being bombarded, and although it's a powerful
+fortress, the general opinion is that it can't hold out for long. If it
+falls, there will be a rush of Germans down this coast, first to capture
+Dunkirk, a few miles above here, and then Calais itself."</p>
+
+<p>"In other words," continued Uncle John, "this is likely to be the most
+important battleground for the next few weeks. Now, the question to
+decide is this: Shall we disembark our ambulances and run them across to
+Arras, beginning our work behind the French trenches, or go on to
+Dunkirk, where we are likely to plunge into the thickest of the war?
+We're not fighters, you know, but noncombatants, bent on an errand of
+mercy. There are wounded everywhere."</p><p><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65"></a></p>
+
+<p>They considered this for a long time without reaching a decision, for
+there were some in the party to argue on either side of the question.
+Uncle John continued to favor the trenches, as the safest position for
+his girls to work; but the girls themselves, realizing little of the
+dangers to be encountered, preferred to follow the fortunes of the
+Belgians.</p>
+
+<p>"They've been so brave and noble, these people of Belgium," said Beth,
+"that I would take more pleasure in helping them than any other branch
+of the allied armies."</p>
+
+<p>"But, my dear, there's a mere handful of them left," protested her
+uncle. "I'm told that at Dunkirk there is still a remnant of the Belgian
+army&mdash;very badly equipped&mdash;but most of the remaining force is with King
+Albert in Antwerp. If the place falls they will either be made prisoners
+by the Germans or they may escape into Holland, where their fighting
+days will be ended for the rest of the war. However, there is no need to
+decide this important question to-night. To-morrow I am to see the
+French commandant and I will get his advice."</p><p><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66"></a></p>
+
+<p>The interview with the French commandant of Calais, which was readily
+accorded the Americans, proved very unsatisfactory. The general had just
+received reports that Antwerp was in flames and the greater part of the
+city already demolished by the huge forty-two-centimetre guns of the
+Germans. The fate of King Albert's army was worrying him exceedingly and
+he was therefore in little mood for conversation.</p>
+
+<p>The American consul could do little to assist them. After the matter was
+explained to him, he said:</p>
+
+<p>"I advise you to wait a few days for your decision. Perhaps a day&mdash;an
+hour&mdash;will change the whole angle of the war. Strange portents are in
+the air; no one knows what will happen next. Come to me, from time to
+time, and I will give you all the information I secure."</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Gys had accompanied Jones and Mr. Merrick into Calais to-day, and
+while he had little to say during the various interviews his
+observations were shrewd and comprehensive. When they returned to the
+deck of the <i>Arabella</i>, Gys said to the girls:</p><p><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67"></a></p>
+
+<p>"There is nothing worth while for us to do here. The only wounded I saw
+were a few Frenchmen parading their bandaged heads and hands for the
+admiration of the women. The hospitals are well organized and quite
+full, it is true, but I'm told that no more wounded are being sent here.
+The Sisters of Mercy and the regular French Red Cross force seem very
+competent to handle the situation, and there are two government hospital
+ships already anchored in this port. We would only be butting in to
+offer our services. But down the line, from Arras south, there is real
+war in the trenches and many are falling every day. Arras is less than
+fifty miles from here&mdash;a two or three hours' run for our ambulances&mdash;and
+we could bring the wounded here and care for them as we originally
+intended."</p>
+
+<p>"Fifty miles is a long distance for a wounded man to travel," objected
+Maud.</p>
+
+<p>"True," said the doctor, "but the roads are excellent."</p>
+
+<p>"Remember those swinging cots," said Ajo.</p>
+
+<p>"We might try it," said Patsy, anxious to be <a name="Page_68" id="Page_68"></a>doing something. "Couldn't
+we start to-morrow for Arras, Uncle?"</p>
+
+<p>"It occurs to me that we must first find a chauffeur," answered Mr.
+Merrick, "and from my impressions of the inhabitants of Calais, that
+will prove a difficult task."</p>
+
+<p>"Why?"</p>
+
+<p>"Every man jack of 'em is scared stiff," said Ajo, with a laugh. "But we
+might ask the commandant to recommend someone. The old boy seems
+friendly enough."</p>
+
+<p>The next day, however, brought important news from Antwerp. The city had
+surrendered, the Belgian army had made good its escape and was now
+retreating toward Ostend, closely followed by the enemy.</p>
+
+<p>This news was related by a young orderly who met them as they entered
+the Hotel de Ville. They were also told that the commandant was very
+busy but would try to see them presently. This young Frenchman spoke
+English perfectly and was much excited by the morning's dispatches.</p>
+
+<p>"This means that the war is headed our way <a name="Page_69" id="Page_69"></a>at last!" he cried
+enthusiastically. "The Germans will make a dash to capture both Dunkirk
+and Calais, and already large bodies of reinforcements are on the way to
+defend these cities."</p>
+
+<p>"English, or French?" asked Uncle John.</p>
+
+<p>"This is French territory," was the embarrassed reply, "but we are glad
+to have our allies, the English, to support us. Their General French is
+now at Dunkirk, and it is probable the English will join the French and
+Belgians at that point."</p>
+
+<p>"They didn't do much good at Antwerp, it seems," remarked Ajo.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, they were naval reserves, monsieur, and not much could be expected
+of them. But do not misunderstand me; I admire the English private&mdash;the
+fighting man&mdash;exceedingly. Were the officers as clever as their soldiers
+are brave, the English would be irresistible."</p>
+
+<p>As this seemed a difficult subject to discuss, Uncle John asked the
+orderly if he knew of a good chauffeur to drive their ambulance&mdash;an
+able, careful man who might be depended upon in emergencies.</p><p><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70"></a></p>
+
+<p>The orderly reflected.</p>
+
+<p>"We have already impressed the best drivers," he said, "but it may be
+the general will consent to spare you one of them. Your work is so
+important that we must take good care of you."</p>
+
+<p>But when they were admitted to the general they found him in a more
+impatient mood than before. He really could not undertake to direct Red
+Cross workers or advise them. They were needed everywhere; everywhere
+they would be welcome. And now, he regretted to state that he was very
+busy; if they had other business with the department, Captain Meroux
+would act as its representative.</p>
+
+<p>Before accepting this dismissal Uncle John ventured to ask about a
+chauffeur. Rather brusquely the general stated that they could ill
+afford to spare one from the service. A desperate situation now faced
+the Allies in Flanders. Captain Meroux must take care of the Americans;
+doubtless he could find a driver for their ambulance&mdash;perhaps a Belgian.</p>
+
+<p>But in the outer office the orderly smiled doubtfully.</p><p><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71"></a></p>
+
+<p>A driver? To be sure; but such as he could furnish would not be of the
+slightest use to them. All the good chauffeurs had been impressed and
+the general was not disposed to let them have one.</p>
+
+<p>"He mentioned a Belgian," suggested Uncle John.</p>
+
+<p>"I know; but the Belgians in Calais are all fugitives, terror-stricken
+and unmanned." He grew thoughtful a moment and then continued: "My
+advice would be to take your ship to Dunkirk. It is only a little way,
+through a good channel, and you will be as safe there as at Calais. For,
+if Dunkirk falls, Calais will fall with it. From there, moreover, the
+roads are better to Arras and Peronne, and it is there you stand the
+best chance of getting a clever Belgian chauffeur. If you wish&mdash;" he
+hesitated, looking at them keenly.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"If you are really anxious to get to the firing line and do the most
+good, Dunkirk is your logical station. If you are merely seeking the
+notoriety of being charitably inclined, remain here."</p>
+
+<p>They left the young man, reflecting upon his <a name="Page_72" id="Page_72"></a>advice and gravely
+considering its value. They next visited one of the hospitals, where an
+overworked but friendly English surgeon volunteered a similar
+suggestion. Dunkirk, he declared, would give them better opportunities
+than Calais.</p>
+
+<p>The remainder of the day they spent in getting whatever news had
+filtered into the city and vainly seeking a competent man for chauffeur.
+On the morning of October eleventh they left Calais and proceeded slowly
+along the buoyed channel that is the only means of approaching the port
+of Dunkirk by water. The coast line is too shallow to allow ships to
+enter from the open sea.</p>
+
+<p>On their arrival at the Flemish city&mdash;twelve miles nearer the front than
+Calais&mdash;they found an entirely different atmosphere. No excitement, no
+terror was visible anywhere. The people quietly pursued their accustomed
+avocations and the city was as orderly as in normal times.</p>
+
+<p>The town was full of Belgians, however, both soldiers and civilians,
+while French and British troops were arriving hourly in regiments and
+battalions. General French, the English commander <a name="Page_73" id="Page_73"></a>in chief, had located
+his headquarters at a prominent hotel, and a brisk and businesslike air
+pervaded the place, with an entire lack of confusion. Most of the
+Belgians were reservists who were waiting to secure uniforms and arms.
+They crowded all the hotels, caf&eacute;s and inns and seemed as merry and
+light-hearted as if no news of their king's defeat and precipitate
+retreat had arrived. Not until questioned would they discuss the war at
+all, yet every man was on the <i>qui vive</i>, expecting hourly to hear the
+roar of guns announcing the arrival of the fragment of the Belgian army
+that had escaped from Antwerp.</p>
+
+<p>To-day the girls came ashore with the men of their party, all three
+wearing their Red Cross uniforms and caps, and it was almost pathetic to
+note the deference with which all those warriors&mdash;both bronzed and
+fair&mdash;removed their caps until the "angels of mercy" had passed them by.</p>
+
+<p>They made the rounds of the hospitals, which were already crowded with
+wounded, and Gys stopped at one long enough to assist the French doctor
+in a delicate operation. Patsy stood by <a name="Page_74" id="Page_74"></a>to watch this surgery, her face
+white and drawn, for this was her first experience of the sort; but Maud
+and Beth volunteered their services and were so calm and deft that
+Doctor Gys was well pleased with them.</p><p><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75"></a></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI</h2>
+
+<h3>LITTLE MAURIE</h3>
+
+
+<p>It was nearly evening when the Americans finally returned to the quay,
+close to which the <i>Arabella</i> was moored. As they neared the place a
+great military automobile came tearing along, scattering pedestrians
+right and left, made a sudden swerve, caught a man who was not agile
+enough to escape and sent him spinning along the dock until he fell
+headlong, a crumpled heap.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, here is work for us!" exclaimed Doctor Gys, running forward to
+raise the man and examine his condition. The military car had not paused
+in its career and was well out of sight, but a throng of indignant
+civilians gathered around.</p>
+
+<p>"There are no severe injuries, but he seems unconscious," reported Gys.
+"Let us get him aboard the ship."</p>
+
+<p>The launch was waiting for them, and with the <a name="Page_76" id="Page_76"></a>assistance of Jones, the
+doctor placed the injured man in the boat and he was taken to the ship
+and placed in one of the hospital berths.</p>
+
+<p>"Our first patient is not a soldier, after all," remarked Patsy, a
+little disappointed. "I shall let Beth and Maud look after him."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, he is wounded, all right," answered Ajo, "and without your kind
+permission Beth and Maud are already below, looking after him. I'm
+afraid he won't require their services long, poor fellow."</p>
+
+<p>"Why didn't he get out of the way?" inquired Patsy with a shudder.</p>
+
+<p>"Can't say. Preoccupied, perhaps. There wasn't much time to jump,
+anyhow. I suppose that car carried a messenger with important news, for
+it isn't like those officers to be reckless of the lives of citizens."</p>
+
+<p>"No; they seem in perfect sympathy with the people," she returned. "I
+wonder what the news can be, Ajo."</p>
+
+<p>For answer a wild whistling sounded overhead; a cry came from those
+ashore and the next instant there was a loud explosion. Everyone <a name="Page_77" id="Page_77"></a>rushed
+to the side, where Captain Carg was standing, staring at the sky.</p>
+
+<p>"What was it, Captain?" gasped Patsy.</p>
+
+<p>Carg stroked his grizzled beard.</p>
+
+<p>"A German bomb, Miss Patsy; but I think it did no damage."</p>
+
+<p>"A bomb! Then the Germans are on us?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not exactly. An aeroplane dropped the thing."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh. Where is it?"</p>
+
+<p>"The aeroplane? Pretty high up, I reckon," answered the captain. "I had
+a glimpse of it, for a moment; then it disappeared in the clouds."</p>
+
+<p>"We must get our ambulances ashore," said Jones.</p>
+
+<p>"No hurry, sir; plenty of time," asserted the captain. "I think I saw
+the airship floating north, so it isn't likely to bother us again just
+now."</p>
+
+<p>"What place is north of us?" inquired the girl, trembling a little in
+spite of her efforts at control.</p>
+
+<p>"I think it is Nieuport&mdash;or perhaps Dixmude," answered Carg. "I visited
+Belgium <a name="Page_78" id="Page_78"></a>once, when I was a young man, but I cannot remember it very
+well. We're pretty close to the Belgian border, at Dunkirk."</p>
+
+<p>"There's another!" cried Ajo, as a second whistling shriek sounded above
+them. This time the bomb fell into the sea and raised a small
+water-spout, some half mile distant. They could now see plainly a second
+huge aircraft circling above them; but this also took flight toward the
+north and presently disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>Uncle John came hurrying on deck with an anxious face and together the
+group of Americans listened for more bombs; but that was all that came
+their way that night.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said Patsy, when she had recovered her equanimity, "we're at the
+front at last, Uncle. How do you like it?"</p>
+
+<p>"I hadn't thought of bombs," he replied. "But we're in for it, and I
+suppose we'll have to take whatever comes."</p>
+
+<p>Now came the doctor, supporting the injured man on one side while Maud
+Stanton held his opposite arm. Gys was smiling broadly&mdash;a rather ghastly
+expression.</p><p><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79"></a></p>
+
+<p>"No bones broken, sir," he reported to Mr. Merrick. "Only a good
+shake-up and plenty of bruises. He can't be induced to stay in bed."</p>
+
+<p>"Bed, when the Germans come?" exclaimed the invalid, scornfully,
+speaking in fair English. "It is absurd! We can sleep when we have
+driven them back to their dirty Faderland&mdash;we can sleep, then, and rest.
+Now, it is a crime to rest."</p>
+
+<p>They looked at him curiously. He was a small man&mdash;almost a tiny
+man&mdash;lean and sinewy and with cheeks the color of bronze and eyes the
+hue of the sky. His head was quite bald at the top; his face wrinkled;
+he had a bushy mustache and a half-grown beard. His clothing was soiled,
+torn and neglected; but perhaps his accident accounted for much of its
+condition. His age might be anywhere from thirty to forty years. He
+looked alert and shrewd.</p>
+
+<p>"You are Belgian?" said Uncle John.</p>
+
+<p>He leaned against the rail, shaking off the doctor's support, as he
+replied:</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, monsieur. Belgian born and American trained." There was a touch of
+pride in his <a name="Page_80" id="Page_80"></a>voice. "It was in America that I made my fortune."</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed."</p>
+
+<p>"It is true. I was waiter in a New York restaurant for five years. Then
+I retired. I came back to Belgium. I married my wife. I bought land. It
+is near Ghent. I am, as you have guessed, a person of great importance."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah; an officer, perhaps. Civil, or military?" inquired Ajo with mock
+deference.</p>
+
+<p>"Of better rank than either. I am a citizen."</p>
+
+<p>"Now, I like that spirit," said Uncle John approvingly. "What is your
+name, my good man?"</p>
+
+<p>"Maurie, monsieur; Jakob Maurie. Perhaps you have met me&mdash;in New York."</p>
+
+<p>"I do not remember it. But if you live in Ghent, why are you in
+Dunkirk?"</p>
+
+<p>He cast an indignant glance at his questioner, but Uncle John's serene
+expression disarmed him.</p>
+
+<p>"Monsieur is not here long?"</p>
+
+<p>"We have just arrived."</p>
+
+<p>"You cannot see Belgium from here. If you are there&mdash;in my country&mdash;you
+will find that <a name="Page_81" id="Page_81"></a>the German is everywhere. I have my home at Brussels
+crushed by a shell which killed my baby girl. My land is devastate&mdash;my
+crop is taken to feed German horse and German thief. There is no home
+left. So my wife and my boy and girl I take away; I take them to Ostend,
+where I hope to get ship to England. At Ostend I am arrested by Germans.
+Not my wife and children; only myself. I am put in prison. For three
+weeks they keep me, and then I am put out. They push me into the street.
+No one apologize. I ask for my family. They laugh and turn away. I
+search everywhere for my wife. A friend whom I meet thinks she has gone
+to Ypres, for now no Belgian can take ship from Ostend to England. So I
+go to Ypres. The wandering people have all been sent to Nieuport and
+Dunkirk. Still I search. My wife is not in Nieuport. I come here, three
+days ago; I cannot find her in Dunkirk; she has vanished. Perhaps&mdash;but I
+will not trouble you with that. This is my story, ladies and gentlemen.
+Behold in me&mdash;a wealthy landowner of Liege&mdash;the outcast from home and
+country!"</p><p><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82"></a></p>
+
+<p>"It is dreadful!" cried Patsy.</p>
+
+<p>"It is fierce," said the man. "Only an American can understand the
+horror of that word."</p>
+
+<p>"Your fate is surely a cruel one, Maurie," declared Mr. Merrick.</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps," ventured Beth, "we may help you to find your wife and
+children."</p>
+
+<p>The Belgian seemed pleased with these expressions of sympathy. He
+straightened up, threw out his chest and bowed very low.</p>
+
+<p>"That is my story," he repeated; "but you must know it is also the story
+of thousands of Belgians. Always I meet men searching for wives. Always
+I meet wives searching for husbands. Well! it is our fate&mdash;the fate of
+conquered Belgium."</p>
+
+<p>Maud brought him a deck chair and made him sit down.</p>
+
+<p>"You will stay here to-night," she said.</p>
+
+<p>"That's right," said Dr. Gys. "He can't resume his search until morning,
+that's certain. Such a tumble as he had would have killed an ordinary
+man; but the fellow seems made of iron."</p><p><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83"></a></p>
+
+<p>"To be a waiter&mdash;a good waiter&mdash;develops the muscles," said Maurie.</p>
+
+<p>Ajo gave him a cigarette, which he accepted eagerly. After a few puffs
+he said:</p>
+
+<p>"I heard the German bombs. That means the enemy grows insolent. First
+they try to frighten us with bombs, then they attack."</p>
+
+<p>"How far away do you think the Germans are?" asked Beth.</p>
+
+<p>"Nieuport les Bains. But they will get no nearer."</p>
+
+<p>"No?"</p>
+
+<p>"Surely not, mamselle. Our soldiers are there, awaiting them. Our
+soldiers, and the French."</p>
+
+<p>"And you think the enemy cannot capture Dunkirk?" inquired Jones.</p>
+
+<p>"Dunkirk! The Germans capture Dunkirk? It is impossible."</p>
+
+<p>"Why impossible?"</p>
+
+<p>"Dunkirk is fortified; it is the entrance to Calais, to Dover and
+London. Look you, m'sieur; we cannot afford to lose this place. We
+cannot afford to lose even Nieuport, which is our last stand on Belgian
+soil. Therefore, the Germans <a name="Page_84" id="Page_84"></a>cannot take it, for there are still too
+many of us to kill before Kitchener comes to save us." He spoke
+thoughtfully, between puffs of his cigarette, and added: "But of course,
+if the great English army does not come, and they kill us all, then it
+will not matter in the least what becomes of our country."</p>
+
+<p>Maurie's assertion did not wholly reassure them. The little Belgian was
+too bombastic to win their confidence in his judgment. Yet Jones
+declared that Maurie doubtless knew the country better than anyone they
+had yet met and the doctor likewise defended his patient. Indeed, Gys
+seemed to have taken quite a fancy to the little man and long after the
+others had retired for the night he sat on deck talking with the Belgian
+and getting his views of the war.</p>
+
+<p>"You say you had land at Ghent?" he once asked.</p>
+
+<p>"It is true, Doctor."</p>
+
+<p>"But afterward you said Brussels."</p>
+
+<p>Maurie was not at all confused.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah; I may have done so. You see, I traded my property."</p><p><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85"></a></p>
+
+<p>"And, if I am not mistaken, you spoke of a home at Liege."</p>
+
+<p>Maurie looked at him reproachfully.</p>
+
+<p>"Is there not much land in Belgium?" he demanded; "and is a rich man
+confined to one home? Liege was my summer home; in the winter I removed
+to Antwerp."</p>
+
+<p>"You said Ghent."</p>
+
+<p>"Ghent it was, Doctor. Misfortune has dulled my brain. I am not the man
+I was," he added with a sigh.</p>
+
+<p>"Nevertheless," said Gys, "you still possess the qualities of a good
+waiter. Whatever happens here, Maurie, you can always go back to
+America."</p><p><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86"></a></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII</h2>
+
+<h3>ON THE FIRING LINE</h3>
+
+
+<p>Next morning they were all wakened at an early hour by the roar of
+artillery, dimly heard in the distance. The party aboard the <i>Arabella</i>
+quickly assembled on deck, where little Maurie was found leaning over
+the rail.</p>
+
+<p>"They're at it," he remarked, wagging his head. "The Germans are at
+Nieuport, now, and some of them are over against Pervyse. I hear sounds
+from Dixmude, too; the rattle of machine guns. It will be a grand
+battle, this! I wonder if our Albert is there."</p>
+
+<p>"Who is he?" asked Patsy.</p>
+
+<p>"The king. They told me yesterday he had escaped."</p>
+
+<p>"We must get the ambulances out at once," said Beth.</p>
+
+<p>"I'll attend to that," replied Uncle John, partaking of the general
+excitement. "Warp up to the dock, Captain Carg, and I'll get some of
+<a name="Page_87" id="Page_87"></a>those men to help us swing the cars over the side."</p>
+
+<p>"How about a chauffeur?" asked Dr. Gys, who was already bringing out
+bandages and supplies for the ambulances.</p>
+
+<p>"If we can't find a man, I'll drive you myself," declared Ajo.</p>
+
+<p>"But you don't know the country."</p>
+
+<p>Gys turned to the little Belgian.</p>
+
+<p>"Can't you find us a driver?" he asked. "We want a steady, competent man
+to run our ambulance."</p>
+
+<p>"Where are you going?" asked Maurie.</p>
+
+<p>"To the firing line."</p>
+
+<p>"Good. I will drive you myself."</p>
+
+<p>"You? Do you understand a car?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am an expert, monsieur."</p>
+
+<p>"A waiter in a restaurant?"</p>
+
+<p>"Pah! That was five years ago. I will show you. I can drive any car ever
+made&mdash;and I know every inch of the way."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you're our man," exclaimed Mr. Merrick, much relieved.</p>
+
+<p>As the yacht swung slowly alongside the dock the Belgian said:</p><p><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88"></a></p>
+
+<p>"While you get ready, I will go ashore for news. When I come back&mdash;very
+quick&mdash;then I will know everything."</p>
+
+<p>Before he ran down the ladder Patsy clasped around his arm a band
+bearing the insignia of the Red Cross. He watched her approvingly, with
+little amused chuckles, and then quickly disappeared in the direction of
+the town.</p>
+
+<p>"He doesn't seem injured in the least by his accident," said the girl,
+looking after him as he darted along.</p>
+
+<p>"No," returned Gys; "he is one of those fellows who must be ripped to
+pieces before they can feel anything. But let us thank heaven he can
+drive a car."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Merrick had no difficulty in getting all the assistance required to
+lower the two ambulances to the dock. They had already been set up and
+put in order, so the moment they were landed they were ready for use.</p>
+
+<p>A few surgical supplies were added by Dr. Gys and then they looked
+around for the Belgian. Although scarce an hour had elapsed since he
+departed, he came running back just as he was <a name="Page_89" id="Page_89"></a>needed, puffing a little
+through haste, his eyes shining with enthusiasm.</p>
+
+<p>"Albert is there!" he cried. "The king and his army are at Nieuport.
+They will open the dykes and flood all the country but the main road,
+and then we can hold the enemy in check. They will fight, those Germans,
+but they cannot advance, for we will defend the road and the sand
+dunes."</p>
+
+<p>"Aren't they fighting now?" asked Jones.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes, some of the big guns are spitting, but what is that? A few
+will fall, but we have yet thousands to face the German horde."</p>
+
+<p>"Let us start at once," pleaded Maud.</p>
+
+<p>Maurie began to examine the big ambulance. He was spry as a cat. In ten
+minutes he knew all that was under the hood, had tested the levers,
+looked at the oil and gasoline supply and started the motor.</p>
+
+<p>"I'll sit beside you to help in case of emergency," said Ajo, taking his
+place. Dr. Gys, Dr. Kelsey and the three girls sat inside. Patsy had
+implored Uncle John not to go on this preliminary expedition and he had
+hesitated until the <a name="Page_90" id="Page_90"></a>last moment; but the temptation was too strong to
+resist and even as the wheels started to revolve he sprang in and closed
+the door behind him.</p>
+
+<p>"You are my girls," he said, "and wherever you go, I'll tag along."</p>
+
+<p>Maurie drove straight into the city and to the north gate, Jones
+clanging the bell as they swept along. Every vehicle gave them the right
+of way and now and then a cheer greeted the glittering new Red Cross
+ambulance, which bore above its radiator a tiny, fluttering American
+flag.</p>
+
+<p>They were not stopped at the gate, for although strict orders had been
+issued to allow no one to leave Dunkirk, the officer in charge realized
+the sacred mission of the Americans and merely doffed his cap in
+salutation as the car flashed by.</p>
+
+<p>The road to Furnes was fairly clear, but as they entered that town they
+found the streets cluttered with troops, military automobiles, supply
+wagons, artillery, ammunition trucks and bicycles. The boy clanged his
+bell continuously and as if by magic the way opened before the Red Cross
+and cheers followed them on their way.</p><p><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91"></a></p>
+
+<p>The eyes of the little Belgian were sparkling like jewels; his hands on
+the steering wheel were steady as a rock; he drove with skill and
+judgment. Just now the road demanded skill, for a stream of refugees was
+coming toward them from Nieuport and a stream of military motors,
+bicycles and wagons, with now and then a horseman, flowed toward the
+front. A mile or two beyond Furnes they came upon a wounded soldier, one
+leg bandaged and stained with blood while he hobbled along leaning upon
+the shoulder of a comrade whose left arm hung helpless.</p>
+
+<p>Maurie drew up sharply and Beth sprang out and approached the soldiers.</p>
+
+<p>"Get inside," she said in French.</p>
+
+<p>"No," replied one, smiling; "we are doing nicely, thank you. Hurry
+forward, for they need you there."</p>
+
+<p>"Who dressed your wounds?" she inquired.</p>
+
+<p>"The Red Cross. There are many there, hard at work; but more are needed.
+Hurry forward, for some of our boys did not get off as lightly as we."</p>
+
+<p>She jumped into the ambulance and away it <a name="Page_92" id="Page_92"></a>dashed, but progress became
+slower presently. The road was broad and high; great hillocks of
+sand&mdash;the Dunes&mdash;lay between it and the ocean; on the other side the
+water from the opened dykes was already turning the fields into an
+inland sea. In some places it lapped the edges of the embankment that
+formed the roadway.</p>
+
+<p>Approaching Nieuport, they discovered the Dunes to be full of soldiers,
+who had dug pits behind the sandy hillocks for protection, and in them
+planted the dog-artillery and one or two large machine guns. These were
+trained on the distant line of Germans, who were also entrenching
+themselves. All along the edge of the village the big guns were in
+action and there was a constant interchange of shot and shell from both
+sides.</p>
+
+<p>As Maurie dodged among the houses with the big car a shell descended
+some two hundred yards to the left of them, exploded with a crash and
+sent a shower of brick and splinters high into the air. A little way
+farther on the ruins of a house completely blocked the street and they
+were obliged to turn back and seek another <a name="Page_93" id="Page_93"></a>passage. Thus partially
+skirting the town they at last left the houses behind them and
+approached the firing line, halting scarcely a quarter of a mile distant
+from the actual conflict.</p>
+
+<p>As far as the eye could reach, from Nieuport to the sea at the left, and
+on toward Ypres at the right of them, the line of Belgians, French and
+British steadily faced the foe. Close to where they halted the ambulance
+stood a detachment that had lately retired from the line, their places
+having been taken by reserves. One of the officers told Mr. Merrick that
+they had been facing bullets since daybreak and the men seemed almost
+exhausted. Their faces were blackened by dust and powder and their
+uniforms torn and disordered; many stood without caps or coats despite
+the chill in the air. And yet these fellows were laughing together and
+chatting as pleasantly as children just released from school. Even those
+who had wounds made light of their hurts. Clouds of smoke hovered low in
+the air; the firing was incessant.</p>
+
+<p>Our girls were thrilled by this spectacle as they had never been
+thrilled before&mdash;perhaps <a name="Page_94" id="Page_94"></a>never might be again. While they still kept
+their seats, Maurie started with a sudden jerk, made a sharp turn and
+ran the ambulance across a ridge of solid earth that seemed to be the
+only one of such character amongst all that waste of sand. It brought
+them somewhat closer to the line but their driver drew up behind a great
+dune that afforded them considerable protection.</p>
+
+<p>Fifty yards away was another ambulance with its wheels buried to the
+hubs in the loose sand. Red Cross nurses and men wearing the emblem on
+their arms and caps were passing here and there, assisting the injured
+with "first aid," temporarily bandaging heads, arms and legs or carrying
+to the rear upon a stretcher a more seriously injured man. Most of this
+corps were French; a few were English; some were Belgian. Our friends
+were the only Americans on the field.</p>
+
+<p>Uncle John's face was very grave as he alighted in the wake of his
+girls, who paid no attention to the fighting but at once ran to assist
+some of the wounded who came staggering toward the ambulance, some even
+creeping painfully on hands and knees. In all Mr. Merrick's conceptions
+of <a name="Page_95" id="Page_95"></a>the important mission they had undertaken, nothing like the nature
+of this desperate conflict had even dawned upon him. He had known that
+the Red Cross was respected by all belligerents, and that knowledge had
+led him to feel that his girls would be fairly safe; but never had he
+counted on spent bullets, stray shells or the mad rush of a charge.</p>
+
+<p>"Very good!" cried Maurie briskly. "Here we see what no one else can
+see. The Red Cross is a fine passport to the grand stand of war."</p>
+
+<p>"Come with me&mdash;quick!" shouted Ajo, his voice sounding shrill through
+the din. "I saw a fellow knocked out&mdash;there&mdash;over yonder!"</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke he grabbed a stretcher and ran forward, Maurie following at
+his heels. Uncle John saw the smoke swallow them up, saw Beth and Maud
+each busy with lint, plasters and bandages, saw Patsy supporting a tall,
+grizzled warrior who came limping toward the car. Then he turned and saw
+Doctor Gys, crouching low against the protecting sand, his disfigured
+face working convulsively and every limb trembling as with an ague.</p><p><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96"></a></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII</h2>
+
+<h3>THE COWARD</h3>
+
+
+<p>"Great heavens!" gasped Mr. Merrick, running toward the doctor. "Are you
+hit?"</p>
+
+<p>Gys looked up at him appealingly and nodded.</p>
+
+<p>"Where did it strike you? Was it a bullet&mdash;or what?"</p>
+
+<p>The doctor wrung his hands, moaning pitifully. Uncle John bent over him.</p>
+
+<p>"Tell me," he said. "Tell me, Gys!"</p>
+
+<p>"I&mdash;I'm scared, sir&mdash;s-s-scared stiff. It's that yellow s-s-s-streak in
+me; I&mdash;I&mdash;can't help it, sir." Then he collapsed, crouching lifelessly
+close to the sand.</p>
+
+<p>Uncle John was amazed. He drew back with such an expression of scorn
+that Gys, lying with face upward, rolled over to hide his own features
+in the sand. But his form continued to twist and shake convulsively.</p>
+
+<p>Patsy came up with her soldier, whose gaudy <a name="Page_97" id="Page_97"></a>uniform proclaimed him an
+officer. He had a rugged, worn face, gray hair and mustache, stern eyes.
+His left side was torn and bleeding where a piece of shell had raked him
+from shoulder to knee. No moan did he utter as Mr. Merrick and the girl
+assisted him to one of the swinging beds, and then Patsy, with white,
+set face but steady hands, began at once to cut away the clothing and
+get at the wound. This was her first practical experience and she meant
+to prove her mettle or perish in the attempt.</p>
+
+<p>Uncle John skipped over to the sand bank and clutched Gys savagely by
+the collar.</p>
+
+<p>"Get up!" he commanded. "Here's a man desperately wounded, who needs
+your best skill&mdash;and at once."</p>
+
+<p>Gys pulled himself free and sat up, seeming dazed for the moment. Then
+he rubbed his head briskly with both hands, collected his nerve and
+slowly rose to his feet. He cast fearful glances at the firing line, but
+the demand for his surgical skill was a talisman that for a time enabled
+him to conquer his terror. With frightened backward glances he ran to
+the ambulance and made <a name="Page_98" id="Page_98"></a>a dive into it as if a pack of wolves was at his
+heels.</p>
+
+<p>Safely inside, one glance at the wounded man caused Gys to stiffen
+suddenly. He became steady and alert and noting that Patsy had now bared
+a portion of the gaping wound the doctor seized a thermos flask of hot
+water and in a moment was removing the clotted blood in a deft and
+intelligent manner.</p>
+
+<p>Now came Jones and Maurie bearing the man they had picked up. As they
+set the stretcher down, Uncle John came over.</p>
+
+<p>"Shall we put him inside?" asked Mr. Merrick.</p>
+
+<p>"No use, I think," panted the Belgian.</p>
+
+<p>"Where's the doctor?" asked Ajo.</p>
+
+<p>Kelsey, who had been busy elsewhere, now approached and looked at the
+soldier on the stretcher.</p>
+
+<p>"The man is dead," he said. "He doesn't need us now."</p>
+
+<p>"Off with him, then!" cried Maurie, and they laid the poor fellow upon
+the sand and covered him with a cloth. "Come, then," urged the little
+<a name="Page_99" id="Page_99"></a>chauffeur, excitedly, "lots more out there are still alive. We get one
+quick."</p>
+
+<p>They left in a run in one direction while Kelsey, who had come to the
+ambulance for supplies, went another way. Mr. Merrick looked around for
+the other two girls. Only Maud Stanton was visible through the smoky
+haze. Uncle John approached her just as a shell dropped into the sand
+not fifty feet away. It did not explode but plowed a deep furrow and
+sent a shower of sand in every direction.</p>
+
+<p>Maud had just finished dressing a bullet wound in the arm of a young
+soldier who smiled as he watched her. Then, as she finished the work, he
+bowed low, muttered his thanks, and catching up his gun rushed back into
+the fray. It was a flesh wound and until it grew more painful he could
+still fight.</p>
+
+<p>"Where are the Germans?" asked Uncle John. "I haven't seen one yet."</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke a great cheer rose from a thousand throats. The line before
+them wavered an instant and then rushed forward and disappeared in the
+smoke of battle.</p><p><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100"></a></p>
+
+<p>"Is it a charge, do you think?" asked Maud, as they stood peering into
+the haze.</p>
+
+<p>"I&mdash;I don't know," he stammered. "This is so&mdash;so bewildering&mdash;that it
+all seems like a dream. Where's Beth?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know."</p>
+
+<p>"Are you looking for a young lady&mdash;a nurse?" asked a voice beside them.
+"She's over yonder," he swung one arm toward the distant sand dunes. The
+other was in a sling. "She has just given me first aid and sent me to
+the rear&mdash;God bless her!" Then he trailed on, a British Tommy Atkins,
+while with one accord Maud and Uncle John moved in the direction he had
+indicated.</p>
+
+<p>"She mustn't be so reckless," said Beth's uncle, nervously. "It's bad
+enough back here, but every step nearer the firing line doubles the
+danger."</p>
+
+<p>"I do not agree with you, sir," answered Maud quietly. "A man was killed
+not two paces from me, a little while ago."</p>
+
+<p>He shuddered and wiped the sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief,
+but made no reply. They climbed another line of dunes and in the <a name="Page_101" id="Page_101"></a>hollow
+beyond came upon several fallen soldiers, one of whom was moaning with
+pain. Maud ran to kneel beside him and in a twinkling had her hypodermic
+needle in his arm.</p>
+
+<p>"Bear it bravely," she said in French. "The pain will stop in a few
+minutes and then I'll come and look after you."</p>
+
+<p>He nodded gratefully, still moaning, and she hurried to rejoin Mr.
+Merrick.</p>
+
+<p>"Beth must be in the next hollow," said Uncle John as she overtook him,
+and his voice betrayed his nervous tension. "I do wish you girls would
+not be so reckless."</p>
+
+<p>Yes; they found her in the next hollow, where several men were grouped
+about her. She was dressing the shattered hand of a soldier, while two
+or three others were patiently awaiting her services. Just beside her a
+sweet-faced Sister of Mercy was bending over a dying man, comforting him
+with her prayers. Over the ridge of sand could be heard the "ping" of
+small arms mingled with the hoarse roar of machine guns. Another great
+shout&mdash;long and enthusiastic&mdash;was borne to their ears.</p><p><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102"></a></p>
+
+<p>"That is good," said a tall man standing in the group about Beth; "I
+think, from the sound, we have captured their guns."</p>
+
+<p>"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."</p>
+
+<p>As they ran toward the firing Uncle John exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>"His Majesty! I wonder who they are?"</p>
+
+<p>"That," said a private soldier, an accent of pride in his voice, "is our
+Albert."</p>
+
+<p>"The king?"</p>
+
+<p>"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."</p>
+
+<p>"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."</p>
+
+<p>"He has traveled in your country," explained <a name="Page_103" id="Page_103"></a>the soldier. "But then,
+our Albert has traveled everywhere&mdash;before he was king."</p>
+
+<p>Betwixt them Maud and Beth quickly applied first aid to the others in
+the group and then Uncle John said:</p>
+
+<p>"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."</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, a German!" exclaimed Maud. She ran up to him and asked: "Are you
+hurt?"</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>"Run quickly for the stretcher," said Maud to Uncle John. "I will stay
+with him until your return."</p>
+
+<p>Without a word he hurried away, Beth follow<a name="Page_104" id="Page_104"></a>ing. They found, on reaching
+the ambulance, that Maurie and Jones had been busy. Five of the swinging
+beds were already occupied.</p>
+
+<p>"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.</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>"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."</p>
+
+<p>Maurie got into the driver's seat.</p>
+
+<p>"Careful, now!" cautioned Jones, beside him.</p>
+
+<p>"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."</p>
+
+<p>He began to back up, for the sand ahead was too deep for a turn, and the
+way he managed the huge car along that narrow ridge aroused the
+admiration of Ajo, who alone was able to witness <a name="Page_105" id="Page_105"></a>the marvelous
+performance. Slowly, with many turns, they backed to the road, where
+Maurie swung the ambulance around and then stopped with a jerk that drew
+several groans from the interior of the car.</p>
+
+<p>"What's wrong?" asked Mr. Merrick, sticking his head from a window.</p>
+
+<p>"We nearly ran over a man," answered Jones, climbing down from his seat.
+"Our front wheels are right against him, but Maurie stopped in time."</p>
+
+<p>Lying flat upon his face, diagonally across the roadway, was the form of
+a man in the blue-and-red uniform of the Belgian army. Maurie backed the
+ambulance a yard or so as Maud sprang out and knelt beside the prostrate
+form.</p>
+
+<p>The firing, which had lulled for a few minutes, suddenly redoubled in
+fury. There rose a wild, exultant shout, gradually drawing nearer.</p>
+
+<p>"Quick!" shouted Gys, trembling and wringing his hands. "The Germans are
+charging. Drive on, man&mdash;drive on!"</p>
+
+<p>But Maurie never moved.</p>
+
+<p>"The Germans are charging, sure enough," he <a name="Page_106" id="Page_106"></a>answered, as the line of
+retreating Belgians became visible. "But they must stop here, for we've
+blocked the road."</p>
+
+<p>All eyes but those of Maud were now turned upon the fray, which was
+practically a hand to hand conflict. Nearer and nearer came the confused
+mass of warriors and then, scarce a hundred yards away, it halted and
+the Belgians stood firm.</p>
+
+<p>"He isn't dead," said Maud, coming to the car. "Help me to put him
+inside."</p>
+
+<p>"There is no room," protested Gys.</p>
+
+<p>The girl looked at him scornfully.</p>
+
+<p>"We will make room," she replied.</p>
+
+<p>A bullet shattered a pane of glass just beside the crouching doctor, but
+passed on through an open window without injuring anyone. In fact,
+bullets were singing around them with a freedom that made others than
+Dr. Gys nervous. It was chubby little Uncle John who helped Jones carry
+the wounded man to the ambulance, where they managed to stretch him upon
+the floor. This arrangement sent Patsy to the front seat outside, with
+Maurie and Ajo, although her uncle strongly <a name="Page_107" id="Page_107"></a>protested that she had no
+right to expose her precious life so wantonly.</p>
+
+<p>There was little time for argument, however. Even as the girl was
+climbing to her seat the line of Belgians broke and came pouring toward
+them. Maurie was prompt in starting the car and the next moment the
+ambulance was rolling swiftly along the smooth highway in the direction
+of Dunkirk and the sounds of fray grew faint behind them.</p><p><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108"></a></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX</h2>
+
+<h3>COURAGE, OR PHILOSOPHY?</h3>
+
+
+<p>"I never realized," said Maud, delightedly, "what a strictly modern,
+professional hospital ship Uncle John has made of this, until we put it
+to practical use. I am sure it is better than those makeshifts we
+observed at Calais, and more comfortable than those crowded hospitals on
+land. Every convenience is at our disposal and if our patients do not
+recover rapidly it will be because their condition is desperate."</p>
+
+<p>She had just come on deck after a long and trying session in assisting
+Doctors Gys and Kelsey to care for the injured, a session during which
+Beth and Patsy had also stood nobly to their gruesome task. There were
+eleven wounded, altogether, in their care, and although some of these
+were in a critical condition the doctors had insisted that the nurses
+needed rest.</p>
+
+<p>"It is Dr. Gys who deserves credit for fitting <a name="Page_109" id="Page_109"></a>the ship," replied Mr.
+Merrick, modestly, to Maud's enthusiastic comment, "and Ajo is
+responsible for the ship itself, which seems admirably suited to our
+purpose. By the way, how is Gys behaving now? Is he still shaking with
+fear?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, he seems to have recovered his nerve. Isn't it a terrible
+affliction?"</p>
+
+<p>"Cowardice? Well, my dear, it is certainly an unusual affliction in this
+country and in these times. I have been amazed to-day at the courage I
+have witnessed. These Belgians are certainly a brave lot."</p>
+
+<p>"But no braver than the German we brought with us," replied Maud
+thoughtfully. "One would almost think he had no sensation, yet he must
+be suffering terribly. The doctor will amputate the remnants of his foot
+in an hour or so, but the man positively refuses to take an
+anaesthetic."</p>
+
+<p>"Does he speak English or French?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; only German. But Captain Carg understands German and so he has been
+acting as our interpreter."</p><p><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110"></a></p>
+
+<p>"How about the Belgian we picked up on the road?"</p>
+
+<p>"He hasn't recovered consciousness yet. He is wounded in the back and in
+trying to get to the rear became insensible from loss of blood."</p>
+
+<p>"From what I saw I wouldn't suppose any Belgian could be wounded in the
+back," remarked Uncle John doubtfully.</p>
+
+<p>"It was a shell," she said, "and perhaps exploded behind him. It's a bad
+wound, Dr. Gys says, but if he regains strength he may recover."</p>
+
+<p>During this conversation Patsy Doyle was lying in her stateroom below
+and crying bitterly, while her cousin Beth strove to soothe her. All
+unused to such horrors as she had witnessed that day, the girl had
+managed to retain her nerve by sheer force of will until the Red Cross
+party had returned to the ship and extended first aid to the wounded;
+but the moment Dr. Gys dismissed her she broke down completely.</p>
+
+<p>Beth was no more accustomed to bloodshed than her cousin, but she had
+anticipated such scenes as they had witnessed, inasmuch as her year of
+training as nurse had prepared her for <a name="Page_111" id="Page_111"></a>them. She had also been a close
+student of the daily press and from her reading had gleaned a knowledge
+of the terrible havoc wrought by this great war. Had Patsy not given
+way, perhaps Beth might have done so herself, and really it was Maud
+Stanton who bore the ordeal with the most composure.</p>
+
+<p>After a half hour on deck Maud returned to the hospital section quite
+refreshed, and proceeded to care for the patients. She alone assisted
+Gys and Kelsey to amputate the German's foot, an operation the man bore
+splendidly, quite unaware, however, that they had applied local
+anaesthetics to dull the pain. Dr. Gys was a remarkably skillful surgeon
+and he gave himself no rest until every one of the eleven had received
+such attention as his wounds demanded. Even Kelsey felt the strain by
+that time and as Maud expressed her intention of remaining to minister
+to the wants of the crippled soldiers, the two doctors went on deck for
+a smoke and a brief relaxation.</p>
+
+<p>By this time Beth had quieted Patsy, mainly by letting her have her cry
+out, and now brought her on deck to join the others and get the fresh
+air.<a name="Page_112" id="Page_112"></a> So quickly had events followed one another on this fateful day
+that it was now only four o'clock in the afternoon. None of them had
+thought of luncheon, so the ship's steward now brought tea and
+sandwiches to those congregated on deck.</p>
+
+<p>As they sat together in a group, drinking tea and discussing the
+exciting events of the day, little Maurie came sauntering toward them
+and removed his cap.</p>
+
+<p>"Your pardon," said he, "but&mdash;are the wounded all cared for?"</p>
+
+<p>"As well as we are able to care for them at present," answered Beth.
+"And let me thank you, Jakob Maurie&mdash;let us all thank you&mdash;for the noble
+work you did for us to-day."</p>
+
+<p>"Pah! it was nothing," said he, shifting from one foot to another. "I
+enjoyed it, mamselle. It was such fun to dive into the battle and pull
+out the wounded. It helped them, you see, and it gave us a grand
+excitement. Otherwise, had I not gone with you, I would be as ignorant
+as all in Dunkirk still are, for the poor people do not yet know what
+has happened at the front."</p>
+
+<p>"We hardly know ourselves what has hap<a name="Page_113" id="Page_113"></a>pened," said Uncle John. "We can
+hear the boom of guns yet, even at this distance, and we left the battle
+line flowing back and forth like the waves of the ocean. Have a cup of
+tea, Maurie?"</p>
+
+<p>The man hesitated.</p>
+
+<p>"I do not like to disturb anyone," he said slowly, "but if one of the
+young ladies is disengaged I would be grateful if she looks at my arm."</p>
+
+<p>"Your arm!" exclaimed Beth, regarding him wonderingly as he stood before
+her.</p>
+
+<p>Maurie smiled.</p>
+
+<p>"It is hardly worth mentioning, mamselle, but a bullet&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Take off your coat," she commanded, rising from her seat to assist him.</p>
+
+<p>Maurie complied. His shirt was stained with blood. Beth drew out her
+scissors and cut away the sleeve of his left arm. A bullet had passed
+directly through the flesh, but without harming bone or muscle.</p>
+
+<p>"Why didn't you tell us before?" she asked reproachfully.</p><p><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114"></a></p>
+
+<p>"It amounted to so little, beside the other hurts you had to attend," he
+answered. "I am shamed, mamselle, that I came to you at all. A little
+water and a cloth will make it all right."</p>
+
+<p>Patsy had already gone for the water and in a few minutes Beth was
+deftly cleansing the wound.</p>
+
+<p>"How did it happen, Maurie?" asked Jones. "I was with you most of the
+time and noticed nothing wrong. Besides, you said nothing about it."</p>
+
+<p>"It was on the road, just as we picked up that fallen soldier with the
+hole in his back. The fight jumped toward us pretty quick, you remember,
+and while I sat at the wheel the bullet came. I knew when it hit me, but
+I also knew I could move my arm, so what did it matter? I told myself to
+wait till we got to the ship. Had we stayed there longer, we might all
+have stopped bullets&mdash;and some bullets might have stopped us." He
+grinned, as if the aphorism amused him, and added: "To know when to run
+is the perfection of courage."</p>
+
+<p>"Does it hurt?" asked Uncle John, as Beth <a name="Page_115" id="Page_115"></a>applied the lint and began
+winding the bandage.</p>
+
+<p>"It reminds me it is there, monsieur; but I will be ready for another
+trip to-morrow. Thank you, mamselle. Instead of the tea, I would like a
+little brandy."</p>
+
+<p>"Give him some in the tea," suggested Gys, noting that Maurie swayed a
+little. "Sit down, man, and be comfortable. That's it. I'd give a
+million dollars for your nerve."</p>
+
+<p>"Have you so much money?" asked Maurie.</p>
+
+<p>"No."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I cannot see that you lack nerve," said the little Belgian
+thoughtfully. "I was watching you to-day, M'sieur Doctor, and I believe
+what you lack is courage."</p>
+
+<p>Gys stared so hard at him with the one good eye that even Maurie became
+embarrassed and turned away his head. Sipping his tea and brandy he
+presently resumed, in a casual tone:</p>
+
+<p>"Never have I indulged in work of more interest than this. We go into
+the thick of the fight, yet are we safe from harm. We do good to both
+sides, because the men who do the fighting are not to blame for the war,
+at all. The <a name="Page_116" id="Page_116"></a>leaders of politics say to the generals: 'We have declared
+war; go and fight.' The generals say to the soldiers: 'We are told to
+fight, so come on. We do not know why, but it is our duty, because it is
+our profession. So go and die, or get shot to pieces, or lose some arms
+and legs, as it may happen.' The business of the soldiers is to obey;
+they must back up the policies of their country, right or wrong. But do
+those who send them into danger ever get hurt? Not to the naked eye."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, you're quite a philosopher, Maurie," said Patsy.</p>
+
+<p>"It is true," agreed the Belgian. "But philosophy is like courage&mdash;easy
+to assume. We strut and talk big; we call the politicians sharks, the
+soldiers fools; but does it do any good? The war will go on; the enemy
+will destroy our homes, separate our families, take away our bread and
+leave us to starve; but we have the privilege to philosophize, if we
+like. For myself, I thank them for nothing!"</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose you grieve continually for your wife," said Patsy.</p><p><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117"></a></p>
+
+<p>"Not so much that, mamselle, but I know she is grieving for me," he
+replied.</p>
+
+<p>"As soon as we find time," continued the girl, "we intend to search for
+your wife and children. I am sure we can find them for you."</p>
+
+<p>Maurie moved uneasily in his chair.</p>
+
+<p>"I beg you to take no trouble on my account," said he. "With the Red
+Cross you have great work to accomplish. What is the despair of one poor
+Walloon to you?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is a great deal to us, Maurie," returned the girl, earnestly. "You
+have been a friend in need; without you we could not have made our dash
+to the front to-day. We shall try to repay you by finding your wife."</p>
+
+<p>He was silent, but his troubled look told of busy thoughts.</p>
+
+<p>"What does she look like?" inquired Beth. "Have you her photograph?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; she would not make a good picture, mamselle," he answered with a
+sigh. "Clarette is large; she is fat; she has a way of scowling when one
+does not bring in more wood than the fire can eat up; and she is very
+religious."</p><p><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118"></a></p>
+
+<p>"With that description I am sure we can find her," cried Patsy
+enthusiastically.</p>
+
+<p>He seemed disturbed.</p>
+
+<p>"If you please," said he plaintively, "Clarette is quite able to take
+care of herself. She has a strong will."</p>
+
+<p>"But if you know she is safe it will relieve your anxiety," suggested
+Beth. "You told us yesterday you had been searching everywhere for her."</p>
+
+<p>"If I said everywhere, I was wrong, for poor Clarette must be somewhere.
+And since yesterday I have been thinking with more deliberation, and I
+have decided," he added, his tone becoming confidential, "that it is
+better I do not find Clarette just now. It might destroy my usefulness
+to the Red Cross."</p>
+
+<p>"But your children!" protested Patsy. "Surely you cannot rest at ease
+with your two dear children wandering about, in constant danger."</p>
+
+<p>"To be frank, mamselle," said he, "they are not my children. I had a
+baby, but it was killed, as I told you. The boy and girl I have
+men<a name="Page_119" id="Page_119"></a>tioned were born when Clarette was the wife of another man&mdash;a
+blacksmith at Dinant&mdash;who had a sad habit of beating her."</p>
+
+<p>"But you love the little ones, I am sure."</p>
+
+<p>He shook his head.</p>
+
+<p>"They have somewhat the temper of their father, the blacksmith. I took
+them when I took Clarette&mdash;just as I took the silver spoons and the
+checkered tablespread she brought with her&mdash;but now that a cruel fate
+has separated me from the children, perhaps it is all for the best."</p>
+
+<p>The doctor gave a snort of disgust, while Ajo smiled. The girls were too
+astonished to pursue the conversation, but now realized that Maurie's
+private affairs did not require their good offices to untangle. Uncle
+John was quite amused at the Belgian's confession and was the only one
+to reply.</p>
+
+<p>"Fate often seems cruel when she is in her happiest mood," said he.
+"Perhaps, Maurie, your Clarette will come to you without your seeking
+her, for all Belgium seems headed toward France just now. What do you
+think? Will the Germans capture Dunkirk?"</p><p><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120"></a></p>
+
+<p>The man brightened visibly at this turn in the conversation.</p>
+
+<p>"Not to-day, sir; not for days to come," he replied. "The French cannot
+afford to lose Dunkirk, and by to-morrow they will pour an irresistible
+horde against the German invader. If we stay here, we are sure to remain
+in the rear of the firing line."</p><p><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121"></a></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X</h2>
+
+<h3>THE WAR'S VICTIMS</h3>
+
+
+<p>While the others were conversing on deck Maud Stanton was ministering to
+the maimed victims of the war's cruelty, who tossed and moaned below.
+The main cabin and its accompanying staterooms had been fitted with all
+the conveniences of a modern hospital. Twenty-two could easily be
+accommodated in the rooms and a dozen more in the cabin, so that the
+eleven now in their charge were easily cared for. Of these, only three
+had been seriously injured. One was the German, who, however, was now
+sleeping soundly under the influence of the soothing potion that
+followed his operation. The man's calmness and iron nerve indicated that
+he would make a rapid recovery. Another was the young Belgian soldier
+picked up in the roadway near the firing line, who had been shot in the
+back and had not yet recovered consciousness. Dr. Gys <a name="Page_122" id="Page_122"></a>had removed
+several bits of exploded shell and dressed the wound, shaking his head
+discouragingly. But since the young man was still breathing, with a
+fairly regular respiration, no attempt was made to restore him to his
+senses.</p>
+
+<p>The third seriously injured was a French sergeant whose body was
+literally riddled with shrapnel. A brief examination had convinced Gys
+that the case was hopeless.</p>
+
+<p>"He may live until morning," was the doctor's report as he calmly looked
+down upon the moaning sergeant, "but no longer. Meanwhile, we must
+prevent his suffering."</p>
+
+<p>This he accomplished by means of powerful drugs. The soldier soon lay in
+a stupor, awaiting the end, and nothing more could be done for him.</p>
+
+<p>Of the others, two Belgians with bandaged heads were playing a quiet
+game of &eacute;cart&eacute; in a corner of the cabin, while another with a slight
+wound in his leg was stretched upon a couch, reading a book. A young
+French officer who had lost three fingers of his hand was cheerfully
+conversing with a comrade whose scalp had been <a name="Page_123" id="Page_123"></a>torn by a bullet and who
+declared that in two days he would return to the front. The others Maud
+found asleep in their berths or lying quietly to ease their pain. It was
+remarkable, however, how little suffering was caused these men by flesh
+wounds, once they were properly dressed and the patients made
+comfortable with food and warmth and the assurance of proper care.</p>
+
+<p>So it was that Maud found her duties not at all arduous this evening.
+Indeed, the sympathy she felt for these brave men was so strong that it
+wearied her more than the actual work of nursing them. A sip of water
+here, a cold compress there, the administration of medicines to keep
+down or prevent fever, little attentions of this character were all that
+were required. Speaking French fluently, she was able to converse with
+all those under her charge and all seemed eager to relate to their
+beautiful nurse their experiences, hopes and griefs. Soon she realized
+she was beginning to learn more of the true nature of war than she had
+ever gleaned from the correspondents of the newspapers.</p><p><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124"></a></p>
+
+<p>When dinner was served in the forward cabin Beth relieved Maud and after
+the evening meal Dr. Gys made another inspection of his patients. All
+seemed doing well except the young Belgian. The condition of the French
+sergeant was still unchanged. Some of those with minor injuries were
+ordered on deck for a breath of fresh air.</p>
+
+<p>Patsy relieved Beth at midnight and Maud came on duty again at six
+o'clock, having had several hours of refreshing sleep. She found Patsy
+trembling with nervousness, for the sergeant had passed away an hour
+previous and the horror of the event had quite upset the girl.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, it is all so unnecessary!" she wailed as she threw herself into
+Maud's arms.</p>
+
+<p>"We must steel ourselves to such things, dear," said Maud, soothing her,
+"for they will be of frequent occurrence, I fear. And we must be
+grateful and glad that we were able to relieve the poor man's anguish
+and secure for him a peaceful end."</p>
+
+<p>"I know," answered Patsy with a little sob, "but it's so dreadful. Oh,
+what a cruel, hateful thing war is!"</p><p><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125"></a></p>
+
+<p>From papers found on the sergeant Uncle John was able to notify his
+relatives of his fate. His home was in a little village not fifty miles
+away and during the day a brother arrived to take charge of the remains
+and convey them to their last resting place.</p>
+
+<p>The following morning Captain Carg was notified by the authorities to
+withdraw the <i>Arabella</i> to an anchorage farther out in the bay, and
+thereafter it became necessary to use the two launches for intercourse
+between the ship and the city. Continuous cannonading could be heard
+from the direction of Nieuport, Dixmude and Ypres, and it was evident
+that the battle had doubled in intensity at all points, owing to heavy
+reinforcements being added to both sides. But, as Maurie had predicted,
+the Allies were able to hold the foe at bay and keep them from advancing
+a step farther.</p>
+
+<p>Uncle John had not been at all satisfied with that first day's
+experience at the front. He firmly believed it was unwise, to the verge
+of rashness, to allow the girls to place themselves in so dangerous a
+position. During a serious con<a name="Page_126" id="Page_126"></a>sultation with Jones, Kelsey, Captain
+Carg and Dr. Gys, the men agreed upon a better plan of procedure.</p>
+
+<p>"The three nurses have plenty to do in attending to the patients in our
+hospital," said Gys, "and when the ship has its full quota of wounded
+they will need assistance or they will break down under the strain. Our
+young ladies are different from the professional nurses; they are so
+keenly sensitive that they suffer from sympathy with every patient that
+comes under their care."</p>
+
+<p>"I do not favor their leaving the ship," remarked Dr. Kelsey, the mate.
+"There seems to be plenty of field workers at the front, supplied by the
+governments whose troops are fighting."</p>
+
+<p>"Therefore," added Jones, "we men must assume the duty of driving the
+ambulances and bringing back the wounded we are able to pick up. As
+Maurie is too stiff from his wound to drive to-day, I shall undertake
+the job myself. I know the way, now, and am confident I shall get along
+nicely. Who will go with me?"</p>
+
+<p>"I will, of course," replied Kelsey quietly.</p><p><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127"></a></p>
+
+<p>"Doctor Gys will be needed on the ship," asserted Uncle John.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, it will be best to leave me here," said Gys. "I'm too great a
+coward to go near the firing line again. It destroys my usefulness, and
+Kelsey can administer first aid as well as I."</p>
+
+<p>"In that case, I think I shall take the small ambulance to-day," decided
+Ajo. "With Dr. Kelsey and one of the sailors we shall manage very well."</p>
+
+<p>A launch took them ashore, where the ambulances stood upon the dock.
+Maurie had admitted his inability to drive, but asked to be allowed to
+go into the town. So he left the ship with the others and disappeared
+for the day.</p>
+
+<p>Ajo took the same route he had covered before, in the direction of
+Nieuport, but could not get within five miles of the town, which was now
+held by the Germans. From Furnes to the front the roads were packed with
+reinforcements and wagon trains bearing ammunition and supplies, and
+further progress with the ambulance was impossible.</p>
+
+<p>However, a constant stream of wounded <a name="Page_128" id="Page_128"></a>flowed to the rear, some with
+first aid bandages covering their injuries, others as yet uncared for.
+Kelsey chose those whom he considered most in need of surgical care or
+skillful nursing, and by noon the ambulance was filled to overflowing.
+It was Jones who advised taking none of the fatally injured, as the army
+surgeons paid especial attention to these. The Americans could be of
+most practical use, the boy considered, by taking in charge such as had
+a chance to recover. So nine more patients were added to the ship's
+colony on this occasion, all being delivered to the care of Dr. Gys
+without accident or delay&mdash;a fact that rendered Ajo quite proud of his
+skillful driving.</p>
+
+<p>While the ambulance was away the girls quietly passed from berth to
+berth, encouraging and caring for their wounded. It was surprising how
+interested they became in the personality of these soldiers, for each
+man was distinctive either in individuality or the character of his
+injury, and most of them were eager to chat with their nurses and
+anxious for news of the battle.</p>
+
+<p>During the morning the young Belgian who <a name="Page_129" id="Page_129"></a>had lain until now in a
+stupor, recovered consciousness. He had moaned once or twice, drawing
+Maud to his side, but hearing a different sound from him she approached
+the berth where he lay, to find his eyes wide open. Gradually he turned
+them upon his nurse, as if feeling her presence, and after a moment of
+observation he sighed and then smiled wanly.</p>
+
+<p>"Still on earth?" he said in French.</p>
+
+<p>"I am so glad," she replied. "You have been in dreamland a long time."</p>
+
+<p>He tried to move and it brought a moan to his lips.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't stir," she counseled warningly; "you are badly wounded."</p>
+
+<p>He was silent for a time, staring at the ceiling. She held some water to
+his lips and he drank eagerly. Finally he said in a faint voice:</p>
+
+<p>"I remember, now. I had turned to reload and it hit me in the back. A
+bullet, mademoiselle?"</p>
+
+<p>"Part of a shell."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, I understand.... I tried to get to the rear. The pain was terrible.
+No one <a name="Page_130" id="Page_130"></a>seemed to notice me. At last I fell, and&mdash;then I slept. I
+thought it was the end."</p>
+
+<p>She bathed his forehead, saying:</p>
+
+<p>"You must not talk any more at present. Here comes the doctor to see
+you."</p>
+
+<p>Gys, busy in the cabin, had heard their voices and now came to look at
+his most interesting patient. The soldier seemed about twenty years of
+age; he was rather handsome, with expressive eyes and features bearing
+the stamp of culture. Already they knew his name, by means of an
+identification card found upon him, as well as a small packet of letters
+carefully pinned in an inner pocket of his coat. These last were all
+addressed in the same handwriting, which was undoubtedly feminine, to
+Andrew Denton. The card stated that Andrew Denton, private, was formerly
+an insurance agent at Antwerp.</p>
+
+<p>Doctor Gys had rather impatiently awaited the young man's return to
+consciousness that he might complete his examination. He now devoted the
+next half hour to a careful diagnosis of Denton's injuries. By this time
+the patient was suffering intense pain and a hypodermic <a name="Page_131" id="Page_131"></a>injection of
+morphine was required to relieve him. When at last he was quietly
+drowsing the doctor called Maud aside to give her instructions.</p>
+
+<p>"Watch him carefully," said he, "and don't let him suffer. Keep up the
+morphine."</p>
+
+<p>"There is no hope, then?" she asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Not the slightest. He may linger for days&mdash;even weeks, if we sustain
+his strength&mdash;but recovery is impossible. That bit of shell tore a
+horrible hole in the poor fellow and all we can do is keep him
+comfortable until the end. Without the morphine he would not live twelve
+hours."</p>
+
+<p>"Shall I let him talk?"</p>
+
+<p>"If he wishes to. His lungs are not involved, so it can do him no harm."</p>
+
+<p>But Andrew Denton did not care to talk any more that day. He wanted to
+think, and lay quietly until Beth came on duty. To her he gave a smile
+and a word of thanks and again lapsed into thoughtful silence.</p>
+
+<p>When Ajo brought the new consignment of wounded to the ship the doctors
+and nurses found themselves pretty busy for a time. With wounds to dress
+and one or two slight operations <a name="Page_132" id="Page_132"></a>to perform, the afternoon passed
+swiftly away. The old patients must not be neglected, either, so Captain
+Carg said he would sit with the German and look after him, as he was
+able to converse with the patient in his own tongue.</p>
+
+<p>The German was resting easily to-day but proved as glum and
+uncommunicative as ever. That did not worry the captain, who gave the
+man a cigarette and, when it was nonchalantly accepted, lighted his own
+pipe. Together they sat in silence and smoked, the German occupying an
+easy chair and resting his leg upon a stool, for he had refused to lie
+in a berth. Through the open window the dull boom of artillery could
+constantly be heard. After an hour or so:</p>
+
+<p>"A long fight," remarked the captain in German.</p>
+
+<p>The other merely looked at him, contemplatively. Carg stared for five
+minutes at the bandaged foot. Finally:</p>
+
+<p>"Hard luck," said he.</p>
+
+<p>This time the German nodded, looking at the foot also.</p>
+
+<p>"In America," resumed the captain, puffing <a name="Page_133" id="Page_133"></a>slowly, "they make fine
+artificial feet. Walk all right. Look natural."</p>
+
+<p>"Vienna," said the German.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I suppose so." Another pause.</p>
+
+<p>"Name?" asked the German, with startling abruptness. But the other never
+winked.</p>
+
+<p>"Carg. I'm a sailor. Captain of this ship. Live in Sangoa, when ashore."</p>
+
+<p>"Sangoa?"</p>
+
+<p>"Island in South Seas."</p>
+
+<p>The wounded man reached for another cigarette and lighted it.</p>
+
+<p>"Carg," he repeated, musingly. "German?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, my folks were, I believe. I've relations in Germany, yet. Munich.
+Visited them once, when a boy. Mother's name was Elbl. The Cargs lived
+next door to the Elbls. But they've lost track of me, and I of them.
+Nothing in common, you see."</p>
+
+<p>The German finished his cigarette, looking at the captain at times
+reflectively. Carg, feeling his biography had not been appreciated, had
+lapsed into silence. At length the wounded man began feeling in his
+breast pocket&mdash;an awkward <a name="Page_134" id="Page_134"></a>operation because the least action disturbed
+the swathed limb&mdash;and presently drew out a leather card case. With much
+deliberation he abstracted a card and handed it to the captain, who put
+on his spectacles and read:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">"Otto Elbl. 12th Uhlans"</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>"Oh," he said, looking up to examine the German anew. "Otto Elbl of
+Munich?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"H-m. Number 121 Friedrichstrasse?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"I didn't see you when I visited your family. They said you were at
+college. Your father was William Elbl, my mother's brother."</p>
+
+<p>The German stretched out his hand and gripped the fist of the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Cousins," he said.</p>
+
+<p>Carg nodded, meditating.</p>
+
+<p>"To be sure," he presently returned; "cousins. Have another cigarette."</p><p><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135"></a></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI</h2>
+
+<h3>PATSY IS DEFIANT</h3>
+
+
+<p>That evening the captain joined Dr. Gys on deck.</p>
+
+<p>"That German, Lieutenant Elbl," he began.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, is that his name?" asked Gys.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. Will he get well?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly. What is a foot, to a man like him? But his soldiering days
+are past."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps that's fortunate," returned the captain, ruminatively. "When I
+was a boy, his father was burgomaster&mdash;mayor&mdash;in Munich. People said he
+was well-to-do. The Germans are thrifty, so I suppose there's still
+money in the Elbl family."</p>
+
+<p>"Money will do much to help reconcile the man to the loss of his foot,"
+declared the doctor.</p>
+
+<p>"Will he suffer much pain, while it is getting well?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not if I can help it. The fellow bears pain <a name="Page_136" id="Page_136"></a>with wonderful fortitude.
+When I was in Yucatan, and had to slash my face to get out the poisoned
+darts of the cactus, I screamed till you could have heard me a mile. And
+I had no anaesthetic to soothe me. Your lieutenant never whimpered or
+cringed with his mangled foot and he refused morphine when I operated on
+it. But I fooled him. I hate to see a brave man suffer. I stuck a needle
+just above the wound when he wasn't looking, and I've doped his medicine
+ever since."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you," said Carg; "he's my cousin."</p>
+
+<p>In the small hours of the next morning, while Patsy was on duty in the
+hospital section, the young Belgian became wakeful and restless. She
+promptly administered a sedative and sat by his bedside. After a little
+his pain was eased and he became quiet, but he lay there with wide open
+eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Can I do anything more for you?" she asked.</p>
+
+<p>"If you would be so kind," replied Andrew Denton.</p>
+
+<p>"Well?"</p><p><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137"></a></p>
+
+<p>"Please read to me some letters you will find in my pocket. I cannot
+read them myself, and&mdash;they will comfort me."</p>
+
+<p>Patsy found the packet of letters.</p>
+
+<p>"The top one first," he said eagerly. "Read them all!"</p>
+
+<p>She opened the letter reluctantly. It was addressed in a dainty, female
+hand and the girl had the uncomfortable feeling that she was about to
+pry into personal relations of a delicate character.</p>
+
+<p>"Your sweetheart?" she asked gently.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, indeed; my sweetheart and my wife."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I see. And have you been married long?" He seemed a mere boy.</p>
+
+<p>"Five months, but for the last two I have not seen her."</p>
+
+<p>The letters were dated at Charleroi and each one began: "My darling
+husband." Patsy read the packet through, from first to last, her eyes
+filling with tears at times as she noted the rare devotion and
+passionate longing of the poor young wife and realized that the boyish
+husband was even now dying, a martyr to his country's <a name="Page_138" id="Page_138"></a>cause. The
+letters were signed "Elizabeth." In one was a small photograph of a
+sweet, dark-eyed girl whom she instantly knew to be the bereaved wife.</p>
+
+<p>"And does she still live at Charleroi?" Patsy asked.</p>
+
+<p>"I hope so, mademoiselle; with her mother. The Germans now occupy the
+town, but you will notice the last letter states that all citizens are
+treated courteously and with much consideration, so I do not fear for
+her."</p>
+
+<p>The reading of the letters, in conjunction with the opiate, seemed to
+comfort him, for presently he fell asleep. With a heavy heart the girl
+left him to attend to her other patients and at three o'clock Ajo came
+in and joined her, to relieve the tedium of the next three hours. The
+boy knew nothing of nursing, but he could help Patsy administer potions
+and change compresses and his presence was a distinct relief to her.</p>
+
+<p>The girl was supposed to sleep from six o'clock&mdash;at which time she was
+relieved from duty&mdash;until one in the afternoon, but the next morning at
+eight she walked into the forward salon, where <a name="Page_139" id="Page_139"></a>her friends were at
+breakfast, and sat down beside Uncle John.</p>
+
+<p>"I could not sleep," said she, "because I am so worried over Andrew
+Denton."</p>
+
+<p>"That is foolish, my dear," answered Mr. Merrick, affectionately patting
+the hand she laid in his. "The doctor says poor Denton cannot recover.
+If you're going to take to heart all the sad incidents we encounter on
+this hospital ship, it will not only ruin your usefulness but destroy
+your happiness."</p>
+
+<p>"Exactly so," agreed Gys, coming into the salon in time to overhear this
+remark. "A nurse should be sympathetic, but impersonally so."</p>
+
+<p>"Denton has been married but five months," said Patsy. "I have seen his
+wife's picture&mdash;she's a dear little girl!&mdash;and her letters to him are
+full of love and longing. She doesn't know, of course, of his&mdash;his
+accident&mdash;or that he&mdash;he&mdash;" Her voice broke with a sob she could not
+repress.</p>
+
+<p>"M-m," purred Uncle John; "where does she live, this young wife?"</p>
+
+<p>"At Charleroi."</p><p><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140"></a></p>
+
+<p>"Well; the Germans are there."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Uncle. But don't you suppose they would let her come to see her
+dying husband?"</p>
+
+<p>"A young girl, unprotected? Would it be&mdash;safe?"</p>
+
+<p>"The Germans," remarked Captain Carg from his end of the table, "are
+very decent people."</p>
+
+<p>"Ahem!" said Uncle John.</p>
+
+<p>"Some of them, I've no doubt, are quite respectable," observed Ajo; "but
+from all reports the rank and file, in war time, are&mdash;rather unpleasant
+to meet."</p>
+
+<p>"Precisely," agreed Uncle John. "I think, Patsy dear, it will be best to
+leave this Belgian girl in ignorance of her husband's fate."</p>
+
+<p>"I, myself, have a wife," quoth little Maurie, with smug assurance, "but
+she is not worrying about me, wherever she may be; nor do I feel
+especial anxiety for Clarette. A woman takes what comes&mdash;especially if
+she is obliged to."</p>
+
+<p>Patsy regarded him indignantly.</p>
+
+<p>"There are many kinds of women," she began.</p>
+
+<p>"Thank heaven!" exclaimed Maurie, and then she realized how futile it
+was to argue with him.</p><p><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141"></a></p>
+
+<p>A little later she walked on deck with Uncle John and pleaded her cause
+earnestly. It was said by those who knew him well that the kindly little
+gentleman was never able to refuse Patsy anything for long, and he was
+himself so well aware of this weakness that he made a supreme effort to
+resist her on this occasion.</p>
+
+<p>"You and I," said she, "would have no trouble in passing the German
+lines. We are strictly neutral, you know, we Americans, and our
+passports and the Red Cross will take us anywhere in safety."</p>
+
+<p>"It won't do, my dear," he replied. "You've already been in danger
+enough for one war. I shudder even now as I think of those bullets and
+shells at Nieuport."</p>
+
+<p>"But we can pass through at some place where they are not fighting."</p>
+
+<p>"Show me such a place!"</p>
+
+<p>"And distances are very small in this part of the Continent. We could
+get to Charleroi in a day, and return the next day with Mrs. Denton."</p>
+
+<p>"Impossible."</p>
+
+<p>"The doctor says he may live for several days, <a name="Page_142" id="Page_142"></a>but it may be only for
+hours. If you could see his face light up when he speaks of her, you
+would realize what a comfort her presence would be to him."</p>
+
+<p>"I understand that, Patsy. But can't you see, my dear, that we're not
+able to do everything for those poor wounded soldiers? You have twenty
+in your charge now, and by to-night there may be possibly a dozen more.
+Many of them have wives at home, but&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"But all are not dying, Uncle&mdash;and after only five months of married
+life, three of which they passed together. Here, at least, is one brave
+heart we may comfort, one poor woman who will be ever grateful for our
+generous kindness."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Merrick coughed. He wiped his eyes and blew his nose on his pink
+bordered handkerchief. But he made no promise.</p>
+
+<p>Patsy left him and went to Ajo.</p>
+
+<p>"See here," she said; "I'm going to Charleroi in an hour."</p>
+
+<p>"It's a day's journey, Patsy."</p>
+
+<p>"I mean I'm going to start in an hour. Will you go with me?"</p><p><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143"></a></p>
+
+<p>"What does Uncle John say?" he inquired cautiously.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't care what he says. I'm going!" she persisted, her eyes blazing
+with determination.</p>
+
+<p>The boy whistled softly, studying her face. Then he walked across the
+deck to Mr. Merrick.</p>
+
+<p>"Patsy is rampant, sir," said he. "She won't be denied. Go and argue
+with her, please."</p>
+
+<p>"I <i>have</i> argued," returned Uncle John weakly.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, argue again."</p>
+
+<p>The little man cast a half frightened, half reproachful glance at his
+niece.</p>
+
+<p>"Let's go and consult the doctor," he exclaimed, and together Uncle John
+and Ajo went below.</p>
+
+<p>To their surprise, Gys supported Patsy's plea.</p>
+
+<p>"He's a fine fellow, this Denton," said he, "and rather above the
+average soldier. Moreover, his case is a pitiful one. I'll agree to keep
+him alive until his wife comes."</p>
+
+<p>Uncle John looked appealingly at Ajo.</p>
+
+<p>"How on earth can we manage to cross the lines?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Take one of our launches," said the boy.</p><p><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144"></a></p>
+
+<p>"Skim the coast to Ostend, and you'll avoid danger altogether."</p>
+
+<p>"That's the idea!" exclaimed the doctor approvingly. "Why, it's the
+easiest thing in the world, sir."</p>
+
+<p>Uncle John began to feel slightly reassured.</p>
+
+<p>"Who will run the launch?" he inquired.</p>
+
+<p>"I'll give you the captain and one of the men," said the boy. "Carg's an
+old traveler and knows more than he appears to. Besides, he speaks
+German. We can't spare very many, you understand, and the ambulances
+will keep Maurie and me pretty busy. Patsy will be missed, too, from the
+hospital ward, so you must hurry back."</p>
+
+<p>"Two days ought to accomplish our object," said Uncle John.</p>
+
+<p>"Easily," agreed Gys. "I've arranged for a couple of girls from the town
+to come and help us to-day, for I must save the strength of my expert
+nurses as much as possible, and I'll keep them with us until you return.
+The French girls are not experienced in nursing, but I'll take Miss
+Patsy's watch myself, so we shall get along all right."</p><p><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145"></a></p>
+
+<p>Mr. Merrick and Jones returned to the deck.</p>
+
+<p>"Well?" demanded Patsy.</p>
+
+<p>"Get ready," said Uncle John; "we leave in an hour."</p>
+
+<p>"For Charleroi?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course; unless you've changed your mind."</p>
+
+<p>Patsy flew to her stateroom.</p><p><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146"></a></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII</h2>
+
+<h3>THE OTHER SIDE</h3>
+
+
+<p>The launch in which they embarked bore the Red Cross on its sides, and
+an American flag floated from the bow and a Red Cross flag from the
+stern. Its four occupants wore the Red Cross uniforms. Yet three miles
+out of Dunkirk a shot came singing across their prow and they were
+obliged to lay to until a British man-of-war could lower a boat to
+investigate their errand. The coast is very shallow in this section,
+which permits boats of only the lightest draught to navigate in-shore,
+but the launch was able to skim over the surface at twelve miles an
+hour.</p>
+
+<p>"This is pleasant!" grumbled Uncle John, as they awaited the approach of
+the warship's boat. "Our very appearance ought to insure us safe
+conduct, but I suppose that in these times every craft is regarded with
+suspicion."</p>
+
+<p>The boat came alongside.</p><p><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147"></a></p>
+
+<p>"Where are you going?" demanded an officer, gruffly.</p>
+
+<p>"To Ostend."</p>
+
+<p>"On what business?"</p>
+
+<p>"Our own," replied Mr. Merrick.</p>
+
+<p>"Be respectful, sir, or I'll arrest your entire outfit," warned the
+officer.</p>
+
+<p>"You'll do nothing of the sort," declared Mr. Merrick. "You'll examine
+our papers, apologize for your interference and row back to your ship.
+We have the authority of the Red Cross to go wherever our duty calls us,
+and moreover we're American citizens. Permit me to add that we're in a
+hurry."</p>
+
+<p>The officer turned first white and then red, but he appreciated the
+force of the argument.</p>
+
+<p>"Your papers!" he commanded.</p>
+
+<p>Uncle John produced them and waited patiently for their inspection,
+which was very deliberate. Finally the officer returned them and gave
+the order to his men to row back to the ship.</p>
+
+<p>"One moment!" called Uncle John. "You haven't made the apology."</p><p><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148"></a></p>
+
+<p>There was no answer. The boat moved swiftly away and at a gesture from
+Captain Carg the sailor started the launch again.</p>
+
+<p>"I wonder why it is," mused Mr. Merrick, "that there is always this
+raspy feeling when the English meet Americans. On the surface we're
+friendly enough and our governments always express in diplomatic
+relations the most cordial good will; but I've always noticed in the
+English individual an undercurrent of antipathy for Americans that
+cannot be disguised. As a race the English hate us, I'm positive, and I
+wonder why?"</p>
+
+<p>"I believe you're wrong, Uncle," remarked Patsy. "A few of the British
+may individually dislike us, but I'm sure the two nations are not
+antagonistic. Why should they be?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yorktown," muttered the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't believe it," declared the girl. "They're too good sportsmen to
+bear grudges."</p>
+
+<p>"All the same," persisted Uncle John, "the English have never favored us
+as the French have, or even the Russians."</p>
+
+<p>From Dunkirk to Ostend, by the coast line, is <a name="Page_149" id="Page_149"></a>only some twenty-five
+miles, yet although they started at a little after eleven o'clock it was
+three in the afternoon before they finally landed at the Belgian
+seaport. Interruptions were numerous, and although they were treated
+courteously, in the main, it was only after rigid questioning and a
+thorough examination that they were permitted to proceed. A full hour
+was consumed at the harbor at Ostend before they could even land.</p>
+
+<p>As they stepped upon the wharf a group of German soldiers met them and
+now Captain Carg became the spokesman of the party. The young officer in
+command removed his helmet to bow deferentially to Patsy and then turned
+to ask their business at Ostend.</p>
+
+<p>"He says we must go before the military governor," said Carg,
+translating. "There, if our papers are regular, permits will be issued
+for us to proceed to Charleroi."</p>
+
+<p>They left the sailor in charge of the launch, which was well provisioned
+and contained a convertible bunk, and followed the officer into the
+town. Ostend is a large city, fortified, and was formerly one of the
+most important ports on the<a name="Page_150" id="Page_150"></a> North Sea, as well as a summer resort of
+prominence. The city now being occupied by the Germans, our friends
+found few citizens on the streets of Ostend and these hurried nervously
+on their way. The streets swarmed with German soldiery.</p>
+
+<p>Arriving at headquarters they found that the commandant was too busy to
+attend to the Red Cross Americans. He ordered them taken before Colonel
+Grau for examination.</p>
+
+<p>"But why examine us at all?" protested Mr. Merrick. "Doesn't our sacred
+mission protect us from such annoying details?"</p>
+
+<p>The young officer regretted that it did not. They would find Colonel
+Grau in one of the upper rooms. It would be a formal examination, of
+course, and brief. But busy spies had even assumed the insignia of the
+Red Cross to mask their nefarious work and an examination was therefore
+necessary as a protective measure. So they ascended a broad staircase
+and proceeded along a corridor to the colonel's office.</p>
+
+<p>Grau was at the head of the detective service at Ostend and invested
+with the task of ferreting <a name="Page_151" id="Page_151"></a>out the numerous spies in the service of the
+Allies and dealing with them in a summary manner. He was a very stout
+man, and not very tall. His eyes were light blue and his grizzled
+mustache was a poor imitation of that affected by the Kaiser. When Grau
+looked up, on their entrance, Patsy decided that their appearance had
+startled him, but presently she realized that the odd expression was
+permanent.</p>
+
+<p>In a chair beside the colonel's desk sat, or rather lounged, another
+officer, encased in a uniform so brilliant that it arrested the eye
+before one could discover its contents. These were a wizened,
+weather-beaten man of advanced age, yet rugged as hickory. His eyes had
+a periodical squint; his brows wore a persistent frown. There was a
+broad scar on his left cheek and another across his forehead. A warrior
+who had seen service, probably, but whose surly physiognomy was somewhat
+disconcerting.</p>
+
+<p>The two officers had been in earnest conversation, but when Mr.
+Merrick's party was ushered in, the elder man leaned back in his chair,
+squinting and scowling, and regarded them silently.</p><p><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152"></a></p>
+
+<p>"Huh!" exclaimed the colonel, in a brusque growl. "What is it, von
+Holtz?"</p>
+
+<p>The young officer explained that the party had just arrived from Dunkirk
+in a launch; the commandant had asked Colonel Grau kindly to examine
+them. Uncle John proceeded to state the case, Captain Carg interpreting.
+They operated a Red Cross hospital ship at Dunkirk, and one of their
+patients, a young Belgian, was dying of his wounds. They had come to
+find his young wife and take her back with them to Dunkirk in their
+launch, that she might comfort the last moments of her husband. The
+Americans asked for safe conduct to Charleroi, and permission to take
+Mrs. Denton with them to Dunkirk. Then he presented his papers,
+including the authority of the American Red Cross Society, the letter
+from the secretary of state and the recommendation of the German
+ambassador at Washington.</p>
+
+<p>The colonel looked them all over. He uttered little guttural
+exclamations and tapped the desk with his finger-tips as he read, and
+all the time his face wore that perplexing expression of surprise.
+Finally he asked:</p><p><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153"></a></p>
+
+<p>"Which is Mr. Merrick?"</p>
+
+<p>Hearing his name, Uncle John bowed.</p>
+
+<p>"Huh! But the description does not fit you."</p>
+
+<p>Captain Carg translated this.</p>
+
+<p>"Why not?" demanded Uncle John.</p>
+
+<p>"It says you are short, stout, blue-eyed, bald, forty-five years of
+age."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course."</p>
+
+<p>"You are not short; I think you are as tall as I am. Your eyes are not
+blue; they are olive green. You are not bald, for there is still hair
+over your ears. Huh! How do you explain that?"</p>
+
+<p>"It's nonsense," said Uncle John scornfully.</p>
+
+<p>Carg was more cautious in interpreting the remark. He assured the
+colonel, in German, that the description of Mr. Merrick was considered
+close enough for all practical purposes. But Grau was not satisfied. He
+went over the papers again and then turned to face the other officer.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you think, General?" he asked, hesitatingly.</p>
+
+<p>"Suspicious!" was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>"I think so, myself," said the colonel. "Mark <a name="Page_154" id="Page_154"></a>you: Here's a man who
+claims to come from Sangoa, a place no one has ever heard of; and the
+other has endorsements purporting to come from the highest officials in
+America. Huh! what does it mean?"</p>
+
+<p>"Papers may be forged, or stolen from their proper owners," suggested
+the squinting general. "This excuse of coming here to get the wife of a
+hurt Belgian seems absurd. If they are really Red Cross workers, they
+are not attending to their proper business."</p>
+
+<p>When the captain interpreted this speech Patsy said angrily:</p>
+
+<p>"The general is an old fool."</p>
+
+<p>"An idiot, I'll call him," added Uncle John. "I wish I could tell him
+so."</p>
+
+<p>"You <i>have</i> told him," said the general in good English, squinting now
+more rapidly than ever, "and your manner of speech proves you to be
+impostors. I have never known a respectable Red Cross nurse, of any
+country, who called a distinguished officer a fool&mdash;and to his face."</p>
+
+<p>"I didn't know you understood English," she said.</p><p><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155"></a></p>
+
+<p>"That is no excuse!"</p>
+
+<p>"But I <i>did</i> know," she added, "that I had judged you correctly. No one
+with a spark of intelligence could doubt the evidence of these papers."</p>
+
+<p>"The papers are all right. Where did you get them?"</p>
+
+<p>"From the proper authorities."</p>
+
+<p>He turned to speak rapidly in German to Colonel Grau, who had been
+uneasy during the conversation in English, because he failed to
+understand it. His expression of piquant surprise was intensified as he
+now turned to the Americans.</p>
+
+<p>"You may as well confess your imposture," said he. "It will make your
+punishment lighter. However, if on further examination you prove to be
+spies, your fate is beyond my power to mitigate."</p>
+
+<p>"See here," said Uncle John, when this was translated to him, "if you
+dare to interfere with us, or cause us annoyance, I shall insist on your
+being courtmartialed. You are responsible to your superiors, I suppose,
+and they dare not <a name="Page_156" id="Page_156"></a>tolerate an insult to the Red Cross, nor to an
+American citizen. You may have the sense to consider that if these
+papers and letters are genuine, as I declare they are, I have friends
+powerful enough to bring this matter before the Kaiser himself, in which
+case someone will suffer a penalty, even if he is a general or a
+colonel."</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke he glared defiantly at the older officer, who calmly
+proceeded to translate the speech to the colonel. Carg reported that it
+was translated verbatim. Then the general sat back and squinted at his
+companion, who seemed fairly bewildered by the threat. Patsy caught the
+young officer smothering a smile, but neither of them interrupted the
+silence that followed.</p>
+
+<p>Once again the colonel picked up the papers and gave them a rigid
+examination, especially that of the German ambassador, which was written
+in his own language. "I cannot understand," he muttered, "how one
+insignificant American citizen could secure such powerful endorsements.
+It has never happened before in my experience."</p>
+
+<p>"It is extraordinary," said the general.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Merrick," said Patsy to him, "is a very <a name="Page_157" id="Page_157"></a>important man in America.
+He is so important that any indignity to him will be promptly resented."</p>
+
+<p>"I will investigate your case further," decided Colonel Grau, after
+another sotto voce conference with the general. "Spies are getting to be
+very clever, these days, and we cannot take chances. However, I assure
+you there is no disposition to worry you and until your standing is
+determined you will be treated with every consideration."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you mean that we are prisoners?" asked Uncle John, trying to control
+his indignation.</p>
+
+<p>"No, indeed. You will be detained, of course, but you are not
+prisoners&mdash;as yet. I will keep your papers and submit them to the
+general staff. It will be for that august body to decide."</p>
+
+<p>Uncle John protested vigorously; Patsy faced the old general and told
+him this action was an outrage that would be condemned by the entire
+civilized world; Captain Carg gravely assured both officers that they
+were making a serious mistake. But nothing could move the stolid
+Germans. The general, indeed, smiled grimly and told them in English
+that he was in no way re<a name="Page_158" id="Page_158"></a>sponsible, whatever happened. This was Colonel
+Grau's affair, but he believed, nevertheless, that the colonel was
+acting wisely.</p>
+
+<p>The young officer, who had stood like a statue during the entire
+interview, was ordered to accompany the Americans to a hotel, where they
+must be kept under surveillance but might follow, to an extent, their
+own devices. They were not to mail letters nor send telegrams.</p>
+
+<p>The officer asked who should guard the suspects.</p>
+
+<p>"Why not yourself, Lieutenant? You are on detached duty, I believe?"</p>
+
+<p>"At the port, Colonel."</p>
+
+<p>"There are too many officers at the port; it is a sinecure. I will
+appoint you to guard the Americans. You speak their language, I
+believe?"</p>
+
+<p>The young man bowed.</p>
+
+<p>"Very well; I shall hold you responsible for their safety."</p>
+
+<p>They were then dismissed and compelled to follow their guard from the
+room.</p>
+
+<p>Patsy was now wild with rage and Uncle<a name="Page_159" id="Page_159"></a> John speechless. Even Carg was
+evidently uneasy.</p>
+
+<p>"Do not mind," said the young lieutenant consolingly. "It is merely a
+temporary inconvenience, you know, for your release will come very soon.
+And since you are placed in my care I beg you to accept this delay with
+good grace and be happy as possible. Ostend is full of life and I am
+conducting you to an excellent hotel."</p><p><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160"></a></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII</h2>
+
+<h3>TARDY JUSTICE</h3>
+
+
+<p>The courtesy of Lieutenant von Holtz was beyond criticism. He obtained
+for his charges a comfortable suite of rooms in an overcrowded hotel,
+obliging the landlord to turn away other guests that Mr. Merrick's party
+might be accommodated. The dinner that was served in their cosy sitting
+room proved excellent, having been ordered by von Holtz after he had
+requested that privilege. When the young officer appeared to see that it
+was properly served, Patsy invited him to join them at the table and he
+laughingly consented.</p>
+
+<p>"You are one of our party, by force of circumstances," said the girl,
+"and since we've found you good-natured and polite, and believe you are
+not to blame for our troubles, we may as well be friendly while we are
+together."</p>
+
+<p>The young man was evidently well pleased.</p><p><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161"></a></p>
+
+<p>"However evil your fortune may be," said he, "I cannot fail to be
+impressed by my own good luck. Perhaps you may guess what a relief this
+pleasant commission is to one who for days has been compelled to patrol
+those vile smelling docks, watching for spies and enduring all sorts of
+weather."</p>
+
+<p>"To think," said Uncle John gloomily, "that <i>we</i> are accused of being
+spies!"</p>
+
+<p>"It is not for me," returned von Holtz, "to criticize the acts of my
+superiors. I may say, however, that were it my province to decide the
+question, you would now be free. Colonel Grau has an excellent record
+for efficiency and seldom makes a mistake, but I suspect his judgment
+was influenced by the general, whose son was once jilted by an American
+girl."</p>
+
+<p>"We're going to get even with them both, before this affair is ended,"
+declared Patsy, vindictively; "but although you are our actual jailer I
+promise that you will escape our vengeance."</p>
+
+<p>"My instructions are quite elastic, as you heard," said the lieutenant.
+"I am merely <a name="Page_162" id="Page_162"></a>ordered to keep you in Ostend, under my eye, until your
+case has been passed upon by the commandant or the general staff. Since
+you have money, you may enjoy every luxury save that of travel, and I
+ask you to command my services in all ways consistent with my duty."</p>
+
+<p>"What worries me," said Patsy to Uncle John, "is the delay. If we are
+kept here for long, poor Denton will die before we can find his wife and
+take her to him."</p>
+
+<p>"How long are we liable to be detained?" Uncle John asked the officer.</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot say. Perhaps the council of the general staff will meet
+to-morrow morning; perhaps not for several days," was the indefinite
+reply.</p>
+
+<p>Patsy wiped away the tears that began to well into her eyes. She had so
+fondly set her heart on reuniting the Dentons that her disappointment
+was very great.</p>
+
+<p>Von Holtz noticed the girl's mood and became thoughtful. Captain Carg
+had remained glum and solemn ever since they had left the colonel's
+office. Uncle John sat in silent indignation, won<a name="Page_163" id="Page_163"></a>dering what could be
+done to influence these stupid Germans. Presently the lieutenant
+remarked:</p>
+
+<p>"That sailor whom you left with the launch seemed an intelligent
+fellow."</p>
+
+<p>Patsy gave a start; Uncle John looked at the young man expectantly; the
+captain nodded his head as he slowly replied:</p>
+
+<p>"Henderson is one of the picked men I brought from Sangoa. He is both
+intelligent and loyal."</p>
+
+<p>"Curiously enough," said von Holtz, "I neglected to place the man under
+arrest. I even forgot to report him. He is free."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah!" exclaimed Patsy, her eyes lighting.</p>
+
+<p>"I know a civilian here&mdash;a bright young Belgian&mdash;who is my friend and
+will do anything I ask of him," resumed von Holtz, still musingly. "I
+had the good fortune to protect his mother when our troops entered the
+city, and he is grateful."</p>
+
+<p>Patsy was thinking very fast now.</p>
+
+<p>"Could Henderson get to Charleroi, do you imagine?" she asked. "He has a
+passport."</p><p><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164"></a></p>
+
+<p>"We do not consider passports of much value," said the officer; "but a
+Red Cross appointment&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, he has that, too; all our men carry them."</p>
+
+<p>"In that case, with my friend Rondel to guide him, I believe Henderson
+could accomplish your errand."</p>
+
+<p>"Let us send for him at once!" exclaimed Uncle John.</p>
+
+<p>Carg scribbled on a card.</p>
+
+<p>"He wouldn't leave the launch without orders, unless forced by the
+Germans," asserted the captain, and handed the card to von Holtz.</p>
+
+<p>The young lieutenant took his cap, bowed profoundly and left the room.
+In ten minutes he returned, saying: "I am not so fortunate as I had
+thought. All our troops are on the move, headed for the Yser. There will
+be fighting, presently, and&mdash;I must remain here," he added despondently.</p>
+
+<p>"It won't be your last chance, I'm sure," said Patsy. "Will that
+dreadful Colonel Grau go, too?"</p><p><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165"></a></p>
+
+<p>"No; he is to remain. But all regiments quartered here are now marching
+out and to-morrow a fresh brigade will enter Ostend."</p>
+
+<p>They were silent a time, until someone rapped upon the door. Von Holtz
+admitted a slim, good-looking young Belgian who grasped his hand and
+said eagerly in French:</p>
+
+<p>"You sent for me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. You may speak English here, Monsieur Rondel." Then he presented
+his friend to the Americans, who approved him on sight.</p>
+
+<p>Henderson came a few minutes later and listened respectfully to the plan
+Miss Doyle unfolded. He was to go with Monsieur Rondel to Charleroi,
+find Mrs. Denton, explain that her husband was very ill, and bring her
+back with him to Ostend. He would report promptly on his return and they
+would tell him what to do next.</p>
+
+<p>The man accepted the mission without a word of protest. Charleroi was in
+central Belgium, but that did not mean many miles away and Rondel
+assured him they would meet with no difficulties. The trains were
+reserved for sol<a name="Page_166" id="Page_166"></a>diers, but the Belgian had an automobile and a German
+permit to drive it. The roads were excellent.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, remember," said Patsy, "the lady you are going for is Mrs. Albert
+Denton. She lives with her mother, or did, the last we heard of her."</p>
+
+<p>"And her mother's name and address?" inquired Henderson.</p>
+
+<p>"We are ignorant of either," she confessed; "but it's not a very big
+town and I'm sure you'll easily find her."</p>
+
+<p>"I know the place well," said Rondel, "and I have friends residing there
+who will give me information."</p>
+
+<p>Uncle John supplied them liberally with money, impressed upon them the
+necessity of haste, and sent them away. Rondel declared the night time
+was best for the trip and promised to be on the way within the hour, and
+in Charleroi by next morning.</p>
+
+<p>Notwithstanding the fact that they had succeeded in promoting by proxy
+the mission which had brought them to Belgium, the Americans found the
+next day an exceedingly irksome one.<a name="Page_167" id="Page_167"></a> In the company of Lieutenant von
+Holtz they were permitted to walk about the city, but they found little
+pleasure in that, owing to the bustle of outgoing troops and the arrival
+of others to replace them. Nor did they care to stray far from their
+quarters, for fear the council would meet and they might be sent for.</p>
+
+<p>However, no sign from Colonel Grau was received that day. Patsy went to
+bed with a nervous headache and left Uncle John and the captain to smoke
+more than was good for them. Both the men had now come to regard their
+situation as serious and as the American consul was at this time absent
+in Brussels they could think of no way to secure their freedom. No one
+knew when the consul would return; Mr. Merrick had been refused the
+privilege of using the telegraph or mails. During one of their strolls
+they had met the correspondent of an American newspaper, but when the
+man learned they were suspects he got away from them as soon as
+possible. He did not know Mr. Merrick and his own liberty was too
+precarious for him to argue with Colonel Grau.</p><p><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168"></a></p>
+
+<p>"I'm beginning to think," said Uncle John, "that we're up against a hard
+proposition. Letters and endorsements from prominent Americans seem to
+have no weight with these Germans. I'd no idea our identity could ever
+be disputed."</p>
+
+<p>"We must admit, sir," returned the captain, reflectively, "that the spy
+system in this war is something remarkable. Spies are everywhere; clever
+ones, too, who adopt every sort of subterfuge to escape detection. I do
+not blame Grau so much for caution as for lack of judgment."</p>
+
+<p>"He's a blockhead!" cried Mr. Merrick testily.</p>
+
+<p>"He is. I'm astonished they should place so much power in the hands of
+one so slow witted."</p>
+
+<p>"He has insulted us," continued Uncle John. "He has dared to arrest
+three free-born Americans."</p>
+
+<p>"Who came into a troubled country, occupied by a conquering army,
+without being invited."</p>
+
+<p>"Well&mdash;that's true," sighed the little millionaire, "but what are we
+going to do about it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Wait," counseled the captain.</p>
+
+<p>The next day dawned dark and rainy and the <a name="Page_169" id="Page_169"></a>weather had a depressing
+effect upon the prisoners. It was too damp to stir out of doors and the
+confinement of the hotel rooms became especially irksome. Not only were
+they anxious about their own fate but it was far past the time when they
+should have heard from Henderson and Rondel. Patsy's nerves were getting
+beyond her control; Uncle John stumped around with his hands thrust deep
+in his pockets and a frown wrinkling his forehead; the captain smoked
+innumerable pipes of tobacco and said not a word. Von Holtz, noting the
+uneasiness of his charges, discreetly forbore conversation and retired
+to a far corner where he hid behind a book.</p>
+
+<p>It was nearing evening when a commotion was heard on the stairs,
+followed by the heavy tramp of feet in the corridor. A sharp rap sounded
+on the door of their sitting room. Uncle John stepped forward to open
+it, when in stalked a group of German officers, their swords and spurs
+clanking and their cloaks glistening with rain-drops. At sight of the
+young girl off came cap and helmet and with one accord they bowed low.</p>
+
+<p>The leader was a tall, thin man with a leathern <a name="Page_170" id="Page_170"></a>face, hooked nose and
+piercing gray eyes. His breast glittered with orders. It was von
+Kargenbrut, the military governor.</p>
+
+<p>"Pardon our intrusion," he said in English, his harsh voice having a
+guttural accent. "Which gentleman is Mr. John Merrick?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am John Merrick."</p>
+
+<p>The eagle eyes swept over him with a swift glance.</p>
+
+<p>"We owe you our apology," continued the governor, speaking as fiercely
+as if he were ordering Uncle John beheaded. "I have been too busy to
+take up your case before to-day, when I discover that we have treated
+you discourteously. You will consider our fault due to these troubled
+times, when mistakes occur in spite of our watchfulness. Is it not so?"</p>
+
+<p>"Your error has caused us great inconvenience," responded Mr. Merrick
+stiffly.</p>
+
+<p>The governor whirled around. "Colonel Grau!" he called, and from the
+rear of the group the colonel stepped forward. His face still wore the
+expression of comical surprise. "Return to Mr. Merrick his papers and
+credentials."</p><p><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171"></a></p>
+
+<p>The colonel drew the packet of papers from his breast pocket and handed
+it to Uncle John. Then he glanced hesitatingly at his superior, who
+glared at him.</p>
+
+<p>"He cannot speak the English," said the governor to Mr. Merrick, "but he
+owes you reparation."</p>
+
+<p>"Grau's stupidity has been very annoying, to say the least," was the
+ungracious reply. "We came here on important business, and presented our
+papers&mdash;all in proper order&mdash;on demand. We had the right to expect
+decent treatment, as respectable American citizens engaged in
+humanitarian work; yet this&mdash;this&mdash;man," pointing an accusing finger at
+the colonel, "ordered us detained&mdash;arrested!&mdash;and kept our papers."</p>
+
+<p>The governor listened coldly and at the end of the speech inclined his
+head.</p>
+
+<p>"Colonel Grau," said he, "has been relieved of his duties here and
+transferred to another station. To you I have personally apologized. You
+will find my endorsement on your papers and, in addition, an order that
+will grant you safe conduct wherever you may wish to go. If <a name="Page_172" id="Page_172"></a>that is not
+enough, make your demands and I will consider them."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, that is all I can expect, your Excellency, under the
+circumstances," replied Mr. Merrick. "I suppose I ought to thank you for
+your present act of justice."</p>
+
+<p>"No; it is your due. Good evening, Mr. Merrick."</p>
+
+<p>He swung around on his heel and every officer of the group turned with
+him, like so many automatons, all facing the door. But Mr. Merrick
+touched the governor upon the arm.</p>
+
+<p>"One moment, your Excellency. This young officer, Lieutenant von Holtz,
+has treated us kindly and courteously. I want you to know that one of
+your men, at least, has performed his duty in a way to merit our
+thanks&mdash;and yours."</p>
+
+<p>The governor scowled at Lieutenant von Holtz, who stood like a statue,
+with lowered eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Lieutenant, you are commissioned to guide Mr. Merrick as long as he
+remains within our lines. You will guard his safety and that of <a name="Page_173" id="Page_173"></a>his
+party. When he departs, come to me personally with your report."</p>
+
+<p>The young officer bowed; the governor tramped to the door and went out,
+followed by his staff. Grau left the room last, with hang-dog look, and
+Patsy slammed the door in the hope of bumping his wooden head.</p>
+
+<p>"So we're free?" she said, turning to von Holtz.</p>
+
+<p>"Not only that, Fraulein, but you are highly favored," he replied. "All
+German territory is now open to you."</p>
+
+<p>"It's about time they came to their senses," remarked Uncle John, with a
+return to his accustomed cheerfulness.</p>
+
+<p>"And, best of all," said Patsy exultantly, "they've fired that awful
+colonel!"</p>
+
+<p>The captain thoughtfully filled and lighted his pipe.</p>
+
+<p>"I wonder," said he, "how that happened. Was it the council, do you
+think, Lieutenant?"</p>
+
+<p>Von Holtz shook his head.</p>
+
+<p>"I think it was the governor," he replied.<a name="Page_174" id="Page_174"></a> "He is a just man, and had
+you been able to see him personally on your arrival you would have been
+spared any annoyance."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps," said Patsy doubtfully. "But your governor's a regular bear."</p>
+
+<p>"I believe that is merely his way," asserted Uncle John. "I didn't mind
+the man's tone when I found his words and deeds were all right. But
+he&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>Another rap at the door. Patsy opened it and admitted Henderson. He
+saluted the captain, bowed to the others and said:</p>
+
+<p>"We've got her, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Mrs. Denton?" cried Patsy, delightedly.</p>
+
+<p>Henderson nodded.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Miss Doyle; Mrs. Denton and the children."</p>
+
+<p>"The children! Why, there aren't any."</p>
+
+<p>"I beg your pardon, Miss; there are two."</p>
+
+<p>"Two children!" she exclaimed in dismay. "There must be some mistake.
+The young people have only been married five months."</p>
+
+<p>Henderson stood stiff as a poker, refusing to argue the point.</p><p><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175"></a></p>
+
+<p>"A governess, maybe," suggested the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"More likely," said Uncle John, "young Denton married a widow,
+with&mdash;eh&mdash;eh&mdash;incumbrances."</p>
+
+<p>"That's it, sir," said Henderson earnestly.</p>
+
+<p>"What's it?"</p>
+
+<p>"The incumbrances, sir. No other word could describe 'em."</p>
+
+<p>Patsy's heart sank; she was greatly disappointed.</p>
+
+<p>"And she so young and pretty!" she murmured.</p>
+
+<p>Henderson started to smile, but quickly suppressed it.</p>
+
+<p>"Shall I show them up, Miss?" he inquired.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course," answered Uncle John, as the girl hesitated. "You should
+have brought her to us at once. Where is that Belgian&mdash;Rondel?"</p>
+
+<p>"He is guarding the woman, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Guarding her!"</p>
+
+<p>"She's a little difficult to manage, sir, at times. She left Charleroi
+willingly enough, but she's tricky, and it is our duty to deliver her to
+you safely."</p><p><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176"></a></p>
+
+<p>"Get her at once, Henderson," exclaimed Patsy, recovering her wits; "and
+the dear children, too."</p>
+
+<p>Presently there was a sound of shuffling on the stairs and through the
+corridor. The door opened to admit the arrivals from Charleroi.</p>
+
+<p>Henderson first pushed in a big woman dressed in a faded blue-checked
+gown, belted around the waist in a manner that made her look like a sack
+tied in the middle. Her head was bare, her hair awry, her face sullen
+and hard; she was undeniably "fleshy" and not altogether clean. She
+resisted Henderson at every step and glared around her with shrewd and
+shifting eyes.</p>
+
+<p>Following her came Monsieur Rondel leading a boy and a girl, the latter
+being a small replica of the woman. The boy was viciously struggling to
+bite the hand of the Belgian, who held him fast.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, well," said Rondel, first sighing and then turning with a smile to
+face the lieutenant, "we have performed our mission. But heaven guard us
+from another like it!"</p>
+
+<p>Patsy stared hard at the woman.</p><p><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177"></a></p>
+
+<p>"This cannot be Mrs. Denton," she gasped, bewildered.</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed?" answered Rondel in English. "She declares that is her name.
+Question her in French or Flemish, Miss Doyle."</p>
+
+<p>Patsy addressed the woman in French but could elicit no reply. She stood
+impassive and silent.</p>
+
+<p>"How did you make the mistake?" asked the girl, looking reproachfully
+first at Henderson and then at Rondel, both of whom were evidently
+astonished to find themselves at fault. "I have seen a photograph of
+Mrs. Andrew Denton, taken recently, and she is young and pretty
+and&mdash;and&mdash;rather small."</p>
+
+<p>Monsieur Rondel cleared his throat to answer:</p>
+
+<p>"It happened in this way, mademoiselle: We searched one whole day in
+Charleroi for Mrs. Denton but could not find her. My friends, on whom I
+had relied for assistance, had unfortunately moved away or joined the
+army. The townspeople were suspicious of Monsieur Henderson, who is a
+foreigner. We could get no information whatever. I appealed to the
+burgo<a name="Page_178" id="Page_178"></a>master and he said he would try to find Mrs. Denton for us the
+next day. In the morning came to us this woman, who said she was the
+person we sought. If we promised her safe conduct to Dunkirk, she would
+go with us. She had wanted to go to Dunkirk for some weeks, but the
+Germans would not let her pass the lines. We suspected nothing wrong,
+for she admitted she was aware that her husband is in Dunkirk, and she
+wanted to get to him. So we brought her to you."</p>
+
+<p>Patsy faced the woman resolutely and said in French:</p>
+
+<p>"Why did you wish to get to Dunkirk?"</p>
+
+<p>"He has said it. To find my husband," replied the woman in a surly tone.</p>
+
+<p>"What is your name?"</p>
+
+<p>No reply.</p>
+
+<p>"Answer me!"</p>
+
+<p>The woman eyed her obstinately and remained silent.</p>
+
+<p>"Very well. Release those children, Monsieur Rondel. Madam, you have
+imposed upon us; you have tricked us in order to get to Ostend at <a name="Page_179" id="Page_179"></a>our
+expense. Now go, and take your children with you."</p>
+
+<p>She pointed dramatically at the door, but the woman retained her
+position, only moving to cuff the boy, who was kicking Henderson on his
+shins. Then, setting her hands on her hips she said defiantly:</p>
+
+<p>"They promised me passage to Dunkirk, and they must take me there."</p>
+
+<p>"Who promised you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Those men," pointing to them, "and the burgomaster."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," admitted Henderson, "we agreed with the burgomaster to take her
+out of the country. We signed a paper to that effect."</p>
+
+<p>"But she is a Belgian. And she is not the person she claimed to be."</p>
+
+<p>To this neither Rondel nor Henderson had an answer.</p>
+
+<p>"See here," said Uncle John, "I'll untangle this matter in a jiffy. Here
+is money; give it to the woman and tell her to get out&mdash;or we'll eject
+her by force."</p>
+
+<p>The woman grabbed the money eagerly, but <a name="Page_180" id="Page_180"></a>after placing it in an ample
+pocket she said: "I will go no place but Dunkirk. I will not leave you
+until you take me there."</p>
+
+<p>But here the lieutenant interfered. He suddenly faced the woman, who had
+not noticed his presence before, and she shrank back in fear at sight of
+his uniform. The boy and girl both began to cry.</p>
+
+<p>"I know you," said von Holtz sternly. "You are the wife of a spy who has
+been condemned to death by both the Belgians and the Germans, since he
+betrayed them both. The last time you came to Ostend to annoy us you
+were driven out of the city. There is still an edict against you. Will
+you leave this room peaceably, or shall I order you under arrest?"</p>
+
+<p>"Dog of a German!" she hissed, "the day is coming when I will help to
+drive you out of Belgium, even as you now drive me. Brave soldiers are
+you, to make war on women and children. Guh! I would kill you where you
+stand&mdash;if I dared." With venomous hate she spat upon the floor, then
+seized her wailing children, shook them and waddled out of the room.</p><p><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181"></a></p>
+
+<p>There was a general sigh of relief.</p>
+
+<p>"You may return to the launch, Henderson," said the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Monsieur Rondel," said Uncle John, grasping the young Belgian's hand,
+"we are grateful to you for your kindness. The failure of your mission
+was not your fault. We thank you. The governor has given us our liberty
+and permission to travel where we please, so to-morrow we will go to
+Charleroi ourselves to search for Mrs. Denton."</p>
+
+<p>"My motor car is at your disposal, sir, and my services."</p>
+
+<p>"To-morrow? Oh, let us go to-night, Uncle!" cried Patsy.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Merrick looked inquiringly at the Belgian.</p>
+
+<p>"I am ready now," said Rondel with a bow.</p>
+
+<p>"Then," said Patsy, "we will start in half an hour. You see, we have
+wasted two whole days&mdash;two precious days! I hope Dr. Gys will keep his
+promise, and that we shall find poor Denton alive on our return."</p><p><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182"></a></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV</h2>
+
+<h3>FOUND AT LAST</h3>
+
+
+<p>The pretty city of Charleroi had suffered little damage from the German
+invasion, yet many of the townspeople had gone away since the occupation
+and those who remained kept well within their houses or huddled in
+anxious groups upon the streets. The civic affairs were still
+administered by the Belgian burgomaster, but the martial law of the
+Germans prevailed over all.</p>
+
+<p>When Patsy Doyle, escorted by Uncle John and accompanied by Captain
+Carg, Lieutenant von Holtz and Monsieur Rondel, arrived in the early
+morning, the streets were comparatively deserted. The Hotel Royal
+received them hospitably and the landlord and his daughters prepared
+them an excellent breakfast.</p>
+
+<p>While eating, Patsy chatted with the Belgian girls, who were neat,
+modest and intelligent. She found that Henderson and Rondel had not
+<a name="Page_183" id="Page_183"></a>stopped at this hotel while in Charleroi, but at a smaller inn at the
+other end of the town. The girls remembered hearing of their visit and
+of their inquiries for a Mrs. Denton, but did not know whether they had
+succeeded in their quest or not.</p>
+
+<p>"We have lived here all our lives," said the eldest of the landlord's
+three daughters, "but we have not known, during that time, any family of
+Dentons in Charleroi."</p>
+
+<p>Patsy reflected.</p>
+
+<p>"They were married only five months ago, these Dentons," said she, "and
+the young man may have come from some other town. Do you remember that
+any of your young girls were married about five months ago?"</p>
+
+<p>Yes; there was Hildegarde Bentel, but she had married Anthony Mattison,
+who was not a soldier. Could the American mamselle remember what the
+girl's first name was?</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes!" exclaimed Patsy. "She signed her letters 'Elizabeth.'"</p>
+
+<p>They shook their heads.</p>
+
+<p>"My name is also Elizabeth," said one. "We <a name="Page_184" id="Page_184"></a>have many Elizabeths in
+Charleroi, but none has lately married."</p>
+
+<p>"And her husband told me that she was now living here with her mother."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, let us see, then," responded another. "Could she have been a lady
+of rank, think you?"</p>
+
+<p>"I&mdash;I do not know."</p>
+
+<p>"Is her husband an officer?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; a private, I believe."</p>
+
+<p>"Then we are on the wrong scent," laughed the girl. "I had in mind the
+daughter of the Countess Voig, whose name chances to be Elizabeth. She
+was educated at a convent in Antwerp, and the countess has lived in that
+city for several years, in order to be nearer her daughter. There was
+some gossip here that the young lady had married in Antwerp, just after
+leaving the convent; but we know little of the life of the Voigs because
+they are very reserved. Two or three months ago they returned to their
+castle, which is four miles to the north of Charleroi, and there they
+are still living in retirement. Every day the old steward drives into
+<a name="Page_185" id="Page_185"></a>town to visit the post office, but we have not seen the countess nor
+her daughter since they came back."</p>
+
+<p>Patsy related this news to Uncle John, who did not understand French.</p>
+
+<p>"Let us drive over to Castle Voig the first thing," she said.</p>
+
+<p>"But, my dear, it's unreasonable," he objected. "Do you suppose a
+high-born young lady would marry a common soldier? In America, where we
+have no caste, it would be quite probable, but here&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"He wasn't a soldier five months ago," said Patsy. "He's just a
+volunteer, who joined the army when his country needed him, as many of
+the wealthy and aristocratic Belgians did. He may be high-born himself,
+for all we know. At any rate I mean to visit that castle. Tell Rondel to
+bring around the automobile."</p>
+
+<p>They had no trouble in passing the guards, owing to the presence of von
+Holtz, and in half an hour they were rolling through a charming,
+peaceful country that as yet had suffered no blemish through the German
+conquest.</p><p><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186"></a></p>
+
+<p>At Castle Voig they were received by an aged retainer who was visibly
+nervous at their arrival. He eyed the uniform of young von Holtz with
+ill-concealed terror and hurried away to carry their cards to the
+countess. After a long wait they learned that the countess would receive
+the Americans, but it was a full half hour after that when they were
+ushered into a reception room where a lady sat in solitary state.</p>
+
+<p>Under other circumstances Patsy could have spent a day in admiring the
+quaint, old-fashioned furniture and pictures and the wonderful carvings
+of the beamed ceiling, but now she was so excited that she looked only
+at the countess. The lady was not very imposing in form or dress but her
+features were calm and dignified and she met her guests with a grave
+courtesy that was impressive if rather chilly. Before Patsy had summoned
+courage to explain her errand a younger woman&mdash;almost a girl&mdash;hurriedly
+entered the room and took a position beside the other.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, it's Elizabeth&mdash;it really is!" cried Patsy, clapping her hands
+together joyfully.</p><p><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187"></a></p>
+
+<p>Mother and daughter regarded the American girl wonderingly and somewhat
+haughtily, but Patsy was not in the least dismayed.</p>
+
+<p>"Isn't this Mrs. Denton?" she asked, stepping forward to lay a hand upon
+the other girl's arm.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," was the quiet reply.</p>
+
+<p>Patsy's great eyes regarded her a moment with so sad and sympathetic a
+look that Mrs. Denton shrank away. Then she noticed for the first time
+the Red Cross uniform, and her hand went swiftly to her heart as she
+faltered:</p>
+
+<p>"You&mdash;you have brought bad news of Andrew&mdash;of my husband?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I am sorry to admit that it is bad news," answered Patsy soberly.
+"He has been wounded and is now lying ill in our hospital ship at
+Dunkirk. We came here to find you, and to take you to him."</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Denton turned to her mother, a passionate appeal in her eyes. But
+it was some moments before the hard, set look on the face of the
+countess softened. It did soften at last, however, and she turned to
+Patsy and said simply:</p>
+
+<p>"We will prepare for the journey at once.<a name="Page_188" id="Page_188"></a> Pray excuse us; Niklas will
+serve refreshments. We will not detain you long."</p>
+
+<p>As they turned to leave the room Elizabeth Denton suddenly seized
+Patsy's hand.</p>
+
+<p>"He will live?" she whispered. "Tell me he will live!"</p>
+
+<p>Patsy's heart sank, but she summoned her wits by an effort.</p>
+
+<p>"I am not a surgeon, my dear, and do not know how serious the wound may
+be," she answered, "but I assure you it will gladden his heart to see
+you again. He thinks and speaks only of you."</p>
+
+<p>The girl-wife studied her face a moment and then dropped her hand and
+hurried after her mother.</p>
+
+<p>"I fibbed, Uncle," said Patsy despondently. "I fibbed willfully.
+But&mdash;how could I help it when she looked at me that way?"</p><p><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189"></a></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV"></a>CHAPTER XV</h2>
+
+<h3>DR. GYS SURPRISES HIMSELF</h3>
+
+
+<p>Henderson was waiting with the launch at the Ostend docks. Lieutenant
+von Holtz was earnestly thanked by Patsy and Uncle John for his kindness
+and in return he exacted a promise from them to hunt him up in Germany
+some day, when the war was ended. The countess and Mrs. Denton, sad and
+black-robed, had been made comfortable in the stern seats of the boat
+and the captain was just about to order Henderson to start the engine
+when up to them rushed the fat Belgian woman and her two children.</p>
+
+<p>Without an instant's hesitation the two youngsters leaped aboard like
+cats and their mother would have followed but for the restraining hand
+of Captain Carg.</p>
+
+<p>"What does this mean?" cried Mr. Merrick angrily.</p>
+
+<p>The woman jabbered volubly in French.</p><p><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190"></a></p>
+
+<p>"She says," interpreted Patsy, "that we promised to take her to Dunkirk,
+so she may find her husband."</p>
+
+<p>"Let her walk!" said Uncle John.</p>
+
+<p>"The Germans won't allow her to cross the lines. What does it matter,
+Uncle? We have plenty of room. In three hours we can be rid of them, and
+doubtless the poor thing is really anxious to find her lost husband, who
+was last seen in Dunkirk."</p>
+
+<p>"He is a spy, and a traitor to both sides, according to report."</p>
+
+<p>"That isn't our affair, is it? And I suppose even people of that class
+have hearts and affections."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, let her come aboard, Captain," decided Uncle John. "We can't
+waste time in arguing."</p>
+
+<p>They stowed her away in the bow, under Henderson's care, and threatened
+the children with dire punishment if they moved from under her shadow.
+Then the launch sped out into the bay and away toward Dunkirk.</p>
+
+<p>Three days had brought many changes to the hospital ship <i>Arabella</i>. Of
+the original batch of <a name="Page_191" id="Page_191"></a>patients only Lieutenant Elbl, the German, and
+Andrew Denton now remained. All the others had been sent home,
+transferred to the government hospitals or gone back to the front,
+according to the character of their injuries. This was necessary because
+their places were needed by the newly wounded who were brought each day
+from the front. Little Maurie was driving the ambulance again and, with
+Ajo beside him and Dr. Kelsey and a sailor for assistants, the Belgian
+would make a dash to Ypres or Dixmude or Furnes and return with a full
+load of wounded soldiers.</p>
+
+<p>These were the days of the severest fighting in Flanders, fighting so
+severe that it could not keep up for long. There would come a lull
+presently, when the overworked nurses and surgeons could get a bit of
+sleep and draw a long breath again.</p>
+
+<p>Gys had elected to remain aboard the ship, where with Maud and Beth he
+was kept busy night and day. Two French girls&mdash;young women of good birth
+and intelligence&mdash;had been selected by Dr. Gys from a number of
+applicants as assistant nurses, and although they were inex<a name="Page_192" id="Page_192"></a>perienced,
+their patriotic zeal rendered them valuable. They now wore the Red Cross
+uniforms and it was decided to retain them as long as the ship's
+hospital remained crowded.</p>
+
+<p>There was plenty of work for all and the worry and long hours might have
+broken down the health and strength of Beth and Maud had not the doctor
+instituted regular periods of duty for each member of the force and
+insisted on the schedule being carried out.</p>
+
+<p>This hospital ship was by no means so gloomy a place as the reader may
+imagine. The soldiers were prone to regard their hurts lightly, as "a
+bit of hard luck," and since many had slight injuries it was customary
+for them to gather in groups upon the deck, where they would laugh and
+chat together, play cards for amusement or smoke quantities of
+cigarettes. They were mainly kind-hearted and grateful fellows and
+openly rejoiced that the misfortunes of war had cast their lot on this
+floating hospital.</p>
+
+<p>Under the probe of the surgeon to-day, a fortnight hence back on the
+firing line, was not very unusual with these brave men. The ambulances
+<a name="Page_193" id="Page_193"></a>had gathered in a few German soldiers, who would become prisoners of
+war on their recovery, and while these were inclined to be despondent
+and unsociable they were treated courteously by all, the Americans
+showing no preference for any nation. The large majority of the
+patients, however, came from the ranks of the Allies&mdash;French, English
+and Belgian&mdash;and these were men who could smile and be merry with
+bandaged heads, arms a-sling, legs in splints, bullet holes here and
+there, such afflictions being regarded by their victims with a certain
+degree of pride.</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Gys was in his element, for now he had ample opportunity to display
+his skill and his patients were unable to "jump to another doctor" in
+case his ugly features revolted them. His main interest, however, lay in
+the desperately wounded Belgian private, Andrew Denton, whom he had
+agreed to keep alive until the return of Miss Doyle and her uncle.</p>
+
+<p>In making this promise Gys had figured on a possible delay of several
+days, but on the second day following Patsy's departure the sudden
+sink<a name="Page_194" id="Page_194"></a>ing of his patient aroused a defiant streak in the surgeon and he
+decided to adopt drastic measures in order to prevent Denton from
+passing away before his wife's arrival.</p>
+
+<p>"I want you to assist me in a serious operation," he said to Maud
+Stanton. "By all the rules and precedents of human flesh, that fellow
+Denton ought to succumb to his wound within the next three hours. The
+shell played havoc with his interior and I have never dared, until now,
+to attempt to patch things up; but if we're going to keep him alive
+until morning, or until your cousin's return, we must accomplish the
+impossible."</p>
+
+<p>"What is that?" she inquired.</p>
+
+<p>"Remove his vital organs, tinker them up and put them back so they will
+work properly."</p>
+
+<p>"Can that be done, doctor?"</p>
+
+<p>"I think not. But I'm going to try it. I am positive that if we leave
+him alone he has less than three hours of life remaining; so, if we
+fail, Miss Stanton, as it is reasonable to expect, poor Denton will
+merely be spared a couple of hours of pain. Get the anaesthetics,
+please."</p><p><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195"></a></p>
+
+<p>With all her training and experience as a nurse, Maud was half terrified
+at the ordeal before her. But she realized the logic of the doctor's
+conclusion and steeled her nerves to do her part.</p>
+
+<p>An hour later she stood looking down upon the patient. He was still upon
+the operating table but breathing quietly and as strongly as at any time
+since he had received his wound.</p>
+
+<p>"This shows," Dr. Gys said to her, his voice keen with elation, "what
+fools we are to take any human condition for granted. Man is a machine.
+Smash his mechanism and it cannot work; make the proper repairs before
+it is too late and&mdash;there he goes, ticking away as before. Not as good a
+machine as it was prior to the break, but with care and caution it will
+run a long time."</p>
+
+<p>"He will live, then, you think?" she asked softly, marveling that after
+what she had witnessed the man was still able to breathe.</p>
+
+<p>Gys leaned down and put his ear to the heart of the patient. For two
+minutes he remained motionless. Then he straightened up and a smile
+spread over his disfigured features.</p><p><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196"></a></p>
+
+<p>"I confidently believe, Miss Stanton, we have turned the trick! Luck,
+let us call it, for no sensible surgeon would have attempted the thing.
+Rest assured that Andrew Denton will live for the next ten days. More
+than that, with no serious set-back he may fully recover and live for
+many years to come."</p>
+
+<p>He was so pleased that tears stood in his one good eye and he wiped them
+away sheepishly. The girl took his hand and pressed it in both her own.</p>
+
+<p>"You are wonderful&mdash;wonderful!" she said.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't, please&mdash;don't look in my face," he pleaded.</p>
+
+<p>"I won't," she returned, dropping her eyes; "I will think only of the
+clever brain, the skillful hand and the stout heart."</p>
+
+<p>"Not even that," he said. "Think of the girl wife&mdash;of Elizabeth. It was
+she who steadied my hand to-day. Indeed, Miss Stanton, it was
+Elizabeth's influence that saved him. But for her we would have let him
+die."</p><p><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197"></a></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI"></a>CHAPTER XVI</h2>
+
+<h3>CLARETTE</h3>
+
+
+<p>So it was toward evening of the fourth day that the launch finally
+sighted the ship <i>Arabella</i>. Delays and difficulties had been
+encountered in spite of government credentials and <i>laissez-passer</i> and
+Patsy had begun to fear they would not reach the harbor of Dunkirk
+before dark.</p>
+
+<p>All through the journey the Belgian woman and her children had sat
+sullenly in the bow, the youngsters kept from mischief by the stern eye
+of Henderson. In the stern seats, however, the original frigid silence
+had been thawed by Patsy Doyle's bright chatter. She began by telling
+the countess and Elizabeth all about herself and Beth and Maud and Uncle
+John, relating how they had come to embark upon this unusual mission of
+nursing the wounded of a foreign war, and how they had secured the
+services of the clever but disfigured surgeon, Dr. Gys. She gave the
+<a name="Page_198" id="Page_198"></a>ladies a clear picture of the hospital ship and told how the girls had
+made their dash to the firing line during the battle of Nieuport and
+brought back an ambulance full of wounded&mdash;including Andrew Denton.</p>
+
+<p>Patsy did not answer very fully Elizabeth Denton's eager questions
+concerning the nature of her husband's injuries, but she tried to
+prepare the poor young wife for the knowledge that the wound would prove
+fatal. This was a most delicate and difficult thing to do and Patsy
+blundered and floundered until her very ambiguity aroused alarm.</p>
+
+<p>"Tell me the worst!" begged Elizabeth Denton, her face pale and tensely
+drawn.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, I cannot do that, you see," replied Patsy, "because the worst
+hasn't happened yet; nor can I tell you the best, because a wound is
+such an uncertain thing. It was a shell, you know, that exploded behind
+him, and Dr. Gys thought it made a rather serious wound. Mr. Denton was
+unconscious a long time, and when he came to himself we eased his pain,
+so he would not suffer."</p><p><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199"></a></p>
+
+<p>"You came to get me because you thought he would die?"</p>
+
+<p>"I came because he asked me to read to him your letters, and I found
+they comforted him so much that your presence would, I knew, comfort him
+more."</p>
+
+<p>There was a long silence. Presently the countess asked in her soft, even
+voice:</p>
+
+<p>"Will he be alive when we get there?"</p>
+
+<p>Patsy thought of the days that had been wasted, because of their
+detention at Ostend through Colonel Grau's stupidity.</p>
+
+<p>"I hope so, madam," was all she could reply.</p>
+
+<p>Conversation lagged after this episode. Elizabeth was weeping quietly on
+her mother's shoulder. Patsy felt relief in the knowledge that she had
+prepared them, as well as she could, for whatever might wait upon their
+arrival.</p>
+
+<p>The launch made directly for the ship and as she came alongside to the
+ladder the rail was lined with faces curious to discover if the errand
+had been successful. Doctor Gys was there to receive them, smiling
+horribly as he greeted the two women in black. Maud, seeing that they
+<a name="Page_200" id="Page_200"></a>recoiled from the doctor's appearance, took his place and said
+cheerfully:</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Denton is asleep, just now, but by the time you have bathed and had
+a cup of tea I am quite sure he will be ready to receive you."</p>
+
+<p>"Tell me; how is he? Are you his nurse?" asked the young wife with
+trembling lips.</p>
+
+<p>"I am his nurse, and I assure you he is doing very well," answered Maud
+with her pleasant, winning smile. "When he finds you by his side I am
+sure his recovery will be rapid. No nurse can take the place of a wife,
+you know."</p>
+
+<p>Patsy looked at her reproachfully, thinking she was misleading the poor
+young wife, but Maud led the ladies away to a stateroom and it was Dr.
+Gys who explained the wonderful improvement in the patient.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," remarked Uncle John, "if we'd known he had a chance, we wouldn't
+have worried so because we were held up. In fact, if we'd known he would
+get well, we needn't have gone at all."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Uncle John!" cried Patsy reprovingly.</p>
+
+<p>"It was your going that saved him," declared <a name="Page_201" id="Page_201"></a>the doctor. "I promised to
+keep him alive, for that little wife of his, and when he took a turn for
+the worse I had to assume desperate chances&mdash;which won out."</p>
+
+<p>Meantime the big Belgian woman and her children had been helped up the
+ladder by Henderson, who stood respectfully by, awaiting orders for
+their disposal. The mother had her eye on the shore and was scowling
+steadily upon it when little Maurie came on deck and strolled toward Mr.
+Merrick to greet him on his return. Indeed, he had approached to within
+a dozen feet of the group when the woman at the rail suddenly turned and
+saw him.</p>
+
+<p>"Aha&mdash;mon Henri!" she cried and made a dash toward him with outstretched
+arms.</p>
+
+<p>"Clarette!"</p>
+
+<p>Maurie stopped short; he grew pallid; he trembled. But he did not await
+her coming. With a howl that would have shamed a wild Indian he leaped
+upon the rail and made a dive into the water below.</p>
+
+<p>Even as her engulfing arms closed around the spot where he had stood,
+there was a splash and <a name="Page_202" id="Page_202"></a>splutter that drew everyone to the side to watch
+the little Belgian swim frantically to the docks.</p>
+
+<p>The woman grabbed a child with either arm and held them up.</p>
+
+<p>"See!" she cried. "There is your father&mdash;the coward&mdash;the traitor&mdash;the
+deserter of his loving family. He thinks to escape; but we shall capture
+him yet, and when we do&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Hurry, father," screamed the little girl, "or she'll get you."</p>
+
+<p>A slap on the mouth silenced her and set the boy wailing dismally. The
+boy was accustomed to howl without provocation. He kicked his mother
+until she let him down. By this time they could discern only Maurie's
+head bobbing in the distant water. Presently he clambered up the dock
+and ran dripping toward the city, disappearing among the buildings.</p>
+
+<p>"Madam," said Uncle John, sternly, "you have cost us the best chauffeur
+we ever had."</p>
+
+<p>She did not understand English, but she shook her fist in Mr. Merrick's
+face and danced around in an elephantine fashion and jabbered a stream
+of French.</p><p><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203"></a></p>
+
+<p>"What does she say?" he asked Patsy, who was laughing merrily at the
+absurd scene.</p>
+
+<p>"She demands to be put ashore at once. But shall we do that, and put
+poor Maurie in peril of being overtaken?"</p>
+
+<p>"Self preservation is the first law of nature, my dear," replied Uncle
+John. "I'm sorry for Maurie, but he alone is responsible. Henderson," he
+added, turning to the sailor, "put this woman ashore as soon as
+possible. We've had enough of her."</p><p><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204"></a></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII"></a>CHAPTER XVII</h2>
+
+<h3>PERPLEXING PROBLEMS</h3>
+
+
+<p>Although the famous battle of Nieuport had come to an end, the fighting
+in West Flanders was by no means over. All along the line fierce and
+relentless war waged without interruption and if neither side could
+claim victory, neither side suffered defeat. Day after day hundreds of
+combatants fell; hundreds of disabled limped to the rear; hundreds were
+made prisoners. And always a stream of reinforcements came to take the
+places of the missing ones. Towns were occupied to-day by the Germans,
+to-morrow by the Allies; from Nieuport on past Dixmude and beyond Ypres
+the dykes had been opened and the low country was one vast lake. The
+only approaches from French territory were half a dozen roads built high
+above the water line, which rendered them capable of stubborn defence.</p>
+
+<p>Dunkirk was thronged with reserves&mdash;Eng<a name="Page_205" id="Page_205"></a>lish, Belgian and French. The
+Turcos and East Indians were employed by the British in this section and
+were as much dreaded by the civilians as the enemy. Uncle John noticed
+that military discipline was not so strict in Dunkirk as at Ostend; but
+the Germans had but one people to control while the French town was host
+to many nations and races.</p>
+
+<p>Strange as it may appear, the war was growing monotonous to those who
+were able to view it closely, perhaps because nothing important resulted
+from all the desperate, continuous fighting. The people were pursuing
+their accustomed vocations while shells burst and bullets whizzed around
+them. They must manage to live, whatever the outcome of this struggle of
+nations might be.</p>
+
+<p>Aboard the American hospital ship there was as yet no sense of monotony.
+The three girls who had conceived and carried out this remarkable
+philanthropy were as busy as bees during all their waking hours and the
+spirit of helpful charity so strongly possessed them that all their
+thoughts were centered on their work. No two <a name="Page_206" id="Page_206"></a>cases were exactly alike
+and it was interesting, to the verge of fascination, to watch the
+results of various treatments of divers wounds and afflictions.</p>
+
+<p>The girls often congratulated themselves on having secured so efficient
+a surgeon as Doctor Gys, who gloried in his work, and whose judgment,
+based on practical experience, was comprehensive and unfailing. The
+man's horribly contorted features had now become so familiar to the
+girls that they seldom noticed them&mdash;unless a cry of fear from some
+newly arrived and unnerved patient reminded them that the doctor was
+exceedingly repulsive to strangers.</p>
+
+<p>No one recognized this grotesque hideousness more than Doctor Gys
+himself. When one poor Frenchman died under the operating knife, staring
+with horror into the uncanny face the surgeon bent over him, Beth was
+almost sure the fright had hastened his end. She said to Gys that
+evening, when they met on deck, "Wouldn't it be wise for you to wear a
+mask in the operating room?"</p>
+
+<p>He considered the suggestion a moment, a deep <a name="Page_207" id="Page_207"></a>flush spreading over his
+face; then he nodded gravely.</p>
+
+<p>"It may be an excellent idea," he agreed. "Once, a couple of years ago,
+I proposed wearing a mask wherever I went, but my friends assured me the
+effect would be so marked that it would attract to me an embarrassing
+amount of attention. I have trained myself to bear the repulsion
+involuntarily exhibited by all I meet and have taught myself to take a
+philosophic, if somewhat cynical, view of my facial blemishes; yet in
+this work I can see how a mask might be merciful to my patients. I will
+experiment a bit along this line, if you will help me, and we'll see
+what we can accomplish."</p>
+
+<p>"You must not think," she said quietly, for she detected a little
+bitterness in his tone, "that you are in any way repulsive to those who
+know you well. We all admire you as a man and are grieved at the
+misfortunes that marred your features. After all, Doctor, people of
+intelligence seldom judge one by appearances."</p>
+
+<p>"However they may judge me," said he, "I'm a failure. You say you admire
+me as a man, but <a name="Page_208" id="Page_208"></a>you don't. It's just a bit of diplomatic flattery. I'm
+a good doctor and surgeon, I'll admit, but my face is no more repellent
+than my cowardly nature. Miss Beth, I hate myself for my cowardice far
+more than I detest my ghastly countenance. Yet I am powerless to remedy
+either defect."</p>
+
+<p>"I believe that what you term your cowardice is merely a physical
+weakness," declared the girl. "It must have been caused by the suffering
+you endured at the time of your various injuries. I have noticed that
+suffering frequently unnerves one, and that a person who has once been
+badly hurt lives in nervous terror of being hurt again."</p>
+
+<p>"You are very kind to try to excuse my fault," said he, "but the truth
+is I have always been a coward&mdash;from boyhood up."</p>
+
+<p>"Yet you embarked on all those dangerous expeditions."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, just to have fun with myself; to sneer at the coward flesh, so to
+speak. I used to long for dangers, and when they came upon me I would
+jeer at and revile the quaking I could not <a name="Page_209" id="Page_209"></a>repress. I pushed my
+shrinking body into peril and exulted in the punishment it received."</p>
+
+<p>Beth looked at him wonderingly.</p>
+
+<p>"You are a strange man, indeed," said she. "Really, I cannot understand
+your mental attitude at all."</p>
+
+<p>He chuckled and rubbed his hands together gleefully.</p>
+
+<p>"I can," he returned, "for I know what causes it." And then he went away
+and left her, still seeming highly amused at her bewilderment.</p>
+
+<p>In the operating room the next day Gys appeared with a rubber mask drawn
+across his features. The girls decided that it certainly improved his
+appearance, odd as the masked face might appear to strangers. It hid the
+dreadful nose and the scars and to an extent evened the size of the
+eyes, for the holes through which he peered were made alike. Gys was
+himself pleased with the device, for after that he wore the mask almost
+constantly, only laying it aside during the evenings when he sat on
+deck.</p>
+
+<p>It was three days after the arrival of Mrs. Denton and her mother&mdash;whose
+advent had <a name="Page_210" id="Page_210"></a>accomplished much toward promoting the young Belgian's
+convalescence&mdash;when little Maurie suddenly reappeared on the deck of the
+<i>Arabella</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh," said Patsy, finding him there when she came up from breakfast,
+"where is Clarette?"</p>
+
+<p>He shook his head sadly.</p>
+
+<p>"We do not live together, just now," said he. "Clarette is by nature
+temperamental, you know; she is highly sensitive, and I, alas! do not
+always please her."</p>
+
+<p>"Did she find you in Dunkirk?" asked the girl.</p>
+
+<p>"Almost, mamselle, but not quite. It was this way: I knew if I permitted
+her to follow me she would finally succeed in her quest, for she and the
+dear children have six eyes among them, while I have but two; so I
+reposed within an ash-barrel until they had passed on, and then I
+followed them, keeping well out of their sight. In that way I managed to
+escape. But it proved a hard task, for my Clarette is very persistent,
+as you may have noticed. So I decided I would be more safe upon the ship
+than upon the shore. She is not likely to seek me here, and in any event
+she floats better than she swims."</p><p><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211"></a></p>
+
+<p>Patsy regarded the little man curiously.</p>
+
+<p>"Did you not tell us, when first we met you, that you were heart-broken
+over the separation from your wife and children?" she inquired in severe
+tones.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, of course, mamselle; it was a good way to arouse your sympathy,"
+he admitted with an air of pride. "I needed sympathy at that time, and
+my only fear was that you would find Clarette, as you threatened to do.
+Well," with a deep sigh, "you did find her. It was an unfriendly act,
+mamselle."</p>
+
+<p>"They told us in Ostend that the husband of Clarette is a condemned spy,
+one who served both sides and proved false to each. The husband of
+Clarette is doomed to suffer death at the hands of the Germans or the
+Belgians, if either is able to discover him."</p>
+
+<p>Maurie removed his cap and scratched the hair over his left ear
+reflectively.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, yes, the blacksmith!" said he. "I suspected that blacksmith fellow
+was not reliable."</p>
+
+<p>"How many husbands has Clarette?"</p>
+
+<p>"With the blacksmith, there are two of us,"<a name="Page_212" id="Page_212"></a> answered Maurie, brightly.
+"Doubtless there would be more if anything happened to me, for Clarette
+is very fascinating. When she divorced the blacksmith he was
+disconsolate, and threatened vengeance; so her life is quite occupied in
+avoiding her first husband and keeping track of her second, who is too
+kind-hearted to threaten her as the blacksmith did. I really admire
+Clarette&mdash;at a distance. She is positively charming when her mind is
+free from worry&mdash;and the children are asleep."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you think," said Ajo, who was standing by and listening to
+Maurie's labored explanations, "that it is the blacksmith who is
+condemned as a spy, and not yourself?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am quite sure of it. Am I not here, driving your ambulance and going
+boldly among the officers? If it is Jakob Maurie they wish, he is at
+hand to be arrested."</p>
+
+<p>"But you are not Jakob Maurie."</p>
+
+<p>The Belgian gave a start, but instantly recovering he answered with a
+smile:</p>
+
+<p>"Then I must have mistaken my identity, monsieur. Perhaps you will tell
+me who I am?"</p><p><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213"></a></p>
+
+<p>"Your wife called you 'Henri,'" said Patsy.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, yes; a pet name. I believe the blacksmith is named Henri, and poor
+Clarette is so accustomed to it that she calls me Henri when she wishes
+to be affectionate."</p>
+
+<p>Patsy realized the folly of arguing with him.</p>
+
+<p>"Maurie," said she, "or whatever your name may be, you have been
+faithful in your duty to us and we have no cause for complaint. But I
+believe you do not speak the truth, and that you are shifty and artful.
+I fear you will come to a bad end."</p>
+
+<p>"Sometimes, mamselle," he replied, "I fear so myself. But, <i>peste</i>! why
+should we care? If it is the end, what matter whether it is good or
+bad?"</p>
+
+<p>Watching their faces closely, he saw frank disapproval of his sentiments
+written thereon. It disturbed him somewhat that they did not choose to
+continue the conversation, so he said meekly:</p>
+
+<p>"With your kind permission, I will now go below for a cup of coffee,"
+and left them with a bow and a flourish of his cap. When he had gone
+Patsy said to Ajo:</p><p><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214"></a></p>
+
+<p>"I don't believe there is any such person as the blacksmith."</p>
+
+<p>"Nor I," was the boy's reply. "Both those children are living images of
+Maurie, who claims the blacksmith was their father. He's a crafty little
+fellow, that chauffeur of ours, and we must look out for him."</p>
+
+<p>"If he is really a spy," continued the girl, after a brief period of
+thought, "I am amazed that he dared join our party and go directly to
+the front, where he is at any time likely to be recognized."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, that is certainly puzzling," returned Ajo. "And he's a brave
+little man, too, fearless of danger and reckless in exposing himself to
+shot and shell. Indeed, our Maurie is something of a mystery and the
+only thing I fully understand is his objection to Clarette's society."</p>
+
+<p>At "le revue matin," as the girls called the first inspection of the
+morning, eight of their patients were found sufficiently recovered to be
+discharged. Some of these returned to their regiments and others were
+sent to their homes to await complete recovery. The hospital ship <a name="Page_215" id="Page_215"></a>could
+accommodate ten more patients, so it was decided to make a trip to
+Dixmude, where an artillery engagement was raging, with the larger
+ambulance.</p>
+
+<p>"I think I shall go to-day," announced Gys, who was wearing his mask.
+"Dr. Kelsey can look after the patients and it will do me good to get
+off the ship."</p>
+
+<p>Uncle John looked at the doctor seriously.</p>
+
+<p>"There is hard fighting, they say, in the Dixmude district. The Germans
+carried the British trenches yesterday, and to-day the Allies will try
+to retake them."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't mind," returned the doctor, but he shuddered, nevertheless.</p>
+
+<p>"Why don't you avoid the&mdash;the danger line?" suggested Mr. Merrick.</p>
+
+<p>"A man can't run away from himself, sir; and perhaps you can understand
+the fascination I find in taunting the craven spirit within me."</p>
+
+<p>"No, I can't understand it. But suit yourself."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall drive," announced Maurie.</p>
+
+<p>"You may be recognized," said Patsy warningly.</p><p><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216"></a></p>
+
+<p>"Clarette will not be at the front, and on the way I shall be driving.
+Have you noticed how people scatter at the sound of our gong?"</p>
+
+<p>"The authorities are watching for spies," asserted Ajo.</p>
+
+<p>Maurie's face became solemn.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; of course. But&mdash;the blacksmith is not here, and," he added with
+assurance, "the badge of the Red Cross protects us from false
+accusations."</p>
+
+<p>When they had gone Uncle John said thoughtfully to the girls:</p>
+
+<p>"That remark about the Red Cross impressed me. If that fellow Maurie is
+really in danger of being arrested and shot, he has cleverly placed
+himself in the safest service in the world. He knows that none of our
+party is liable to be suspected of evil."</p><p><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217"></a></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII"></a>CHAPTER XVIII</h2>
+
+<h3>A QUESTION OF LOYALTY</h3>
+
+
+<p>During the morning they were visited by a French official who came
+aboard in a government boat and asked to see Mr. Merrick.</p>
+
+<p>The ship had been inspected several times by the commander of the port
+and the civil authorities, and its fame as a model hospital had spread
+over all Flanders. Some attempt had been made to place with the
+Americans the most important of the wounded&mdash;officers of high rank or
+those of social prominence and wealth&mdash;but Mr. Merrick and his aids were
+determined to show no partiality. They received the lowly and humble as
+well as the high and mighty and the only requisite for admission was an
+injury that demanded the care of good nurses and the skill of competent
+surgeons.</p>
+
+<p>Uncle John knew the French general and greeted him warmly, for he
+appreciated his gen<a name="Page_218" id="Page_218"></a>erous co-operation. But Beth had to be called in to
+interpret because her uncle knew so little of the native language.</p>
+
+<p>First they paid a visit to the hospital section, where the patients were
+inspected. Then the register and records were carefully gone over and
+notes taken by the general's secretary. Finally they returned to the
+after-deck to review the convalescents who were lounging there in their
+cushioned deck-chairs.</p>
+
+<p>"Where is the German, Lieutenant Elbl?" inquired the general, looking
+around with sudden suspicion.</p>
+
+<p>"In the captain's room," replied Beth. "Would you like to see him?"</p>
+
+<p>"If you please."</p>
+
+<p>The group moved forward to the room occupied by Captain Carg. The door
+and windows stood open and reclining upon a couch inside was the maimed
+German, with Carg sitting beside him. Both were solemnly smoking their
+pipes.</p>
+
+<p>The captain rose as the general entered, while Elbl gave his visitor a
+military salute.</p>
+
+<p>"So you are better?" asked the Frenchman.</p><p><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219"></a></p>
+
+<p>Beth repeated this in English to Carg, who repeated it in German to
+Elbl. Yes, the wounded man was doing very well.</p>
+
+<p>"Will you keep him here much longer?" was the next question, directed to
+Mr. Merrick.</p>
+
+<p>"I think so," was the reply. "He is still quite weak, although the wound
+is healing nicely. Being a military prisoner, there is no other place
+open to him where the man can be as comfortable as here."</p>
+
+<p>"You will be responsible for his person? You will guarantee that he will
+not escape?"</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Merrick hesitated.</p>
+
+<p>"Must we promise that?" he inquired.</p>
+
+<p>"Otherwise I shall be obliged to remove him to a government hospital."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't like that. Not that your hospitals are not good enough for a
+prisoner, but Elbl happens to be a cousin of our captain, which puts a
+different face on the matter. What do you say, Captain Carg? Shall we
+guarantee that your cousin will not try to escape?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why should he, sir? He can never rejoin the army, that's certain,"
+replied Carg.</p><p><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220"></a></p>
+
+<p>"True," said the general, when this was conveyed to him by Beth.
+"Nevertheless, he is a prisoner of war, and must not be allowed to
+escape to his own people."</p>
+
+<p>Beth answered the Frenchman herself, looking him straight in the face.</p>
+
+<p>"That strikes me as unfair, sir," said she. "The German must henceforth
+be a noncombatant. He has been unable, since he was wounded and brought
+here, to learn any of your military secrets and at the best he will lie
+a helpless invalid for weeks to come. Therefore, instead of making him a
+prisoner, it would be more humane to permit him to return to his home
+and family in Germany."</p>
+
+<p>The general smiled indulgently.</p>
+
+<p>"It might be more humane, mademoiselle, but unfortunately it is against
+the military code. Did I understand that your captain will guarantee the
+German's safety?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course," said Carg. "If he escapes, I will surrender myself in his
+place."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah; but we moderns cannot accept Pythias if Damon runs away," laughed
+the general.<a name="Page_221" id="Page_221"></a> "But, there; it will be simpler to send a parole for him
+to sign, when he may be left in your charge until he is sufficiently
+recovered to bear the confinement of a prison. Is that satisfactory?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly, sir," replied the captain.</p>
+
+<p>Elbl had remained silent during this conversation, appearing not to
+understand the French and English spoken. Indeed, since his arrival he
+had only spoken the German language, and that mostly in his intercourse
+with Carg. But after the French officer had gone away Beth began to
+reflect upon this reticence.</p>
+
+<p>"Isn't it queer," she remarked to Uncle John, "that an educated
+German&mdash;one who has been through college, as Captain Carg says Elbl
+has&mdash;should be unable to understand either French or English? I have
+always been told the German colleges are very thorough and you know that
+while at Ostend we found nearly all the German officers spoke good
+English."</p>
+
+<p>"It is rather strange, come to think of it," answered Uncle John. "I
+believe the study of languages is a part of the German military
+edu<a name="Page_222" id="Page_222"></a>cation. But I regret that the French are determined to keep the poor
+fellow a prisoner. Such a precaution is absurd, to my mind."</p>
+
+<p>"I think I can understand the French position," said the girl,
+reflectively. "These Germans are very obstinate, and much as I admire
+Lieutenant Elbl I feel sure that were he able he would fight the French
+again to-morrow. After his recovery he might even get one of those
+mechanical feet and be back on the firing line."</p>
+
+<p>"He's a Uhlan."</p>
+
+<p>"Then he could ride a horse. I believe, Uncle, the French are justified
+in retaining him as a prisoner until the war is over."</p>
+
+<p>Meantime, in the captain's room the two men were quietly conversing.</p>
+
+<p>"He wants you to sign a parole," said Carg.</p>
+
+<p>"Not I."</p>
+
+<p>"You may as well. I'm responsible for your safety."</p>
+
+<p>"I deny anyone's right to be responsible for me. If you have made a
+promise to that effect, withdraw it," said the German.</p>
+
+<p>"If I do, they'll put you in prison."</p><p><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223"></a></p>
+
+<p>"Not at present. I am still an invalid. In reality. I am weak and
+suffering. Yet I am already planning my escape, and that is why I insist
+that you withdraw any promise you have made. Otherwise&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Otherwise?"</p>
+
+<p>"Instead of escaping by water, as I had intended, to Ostend, I must go
+to the prison and escape from there. It will be more difficult. The
+water route is best."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course," agreed the captain, smiling calmly.</p>
+
+<p>"One of your launches would carry me to Ostend and return here between
+dark and daylight."</p>
+
+<p>"Easily enough," said Carg. It was five minutes before he resumed his
+speech. Then he said with quiet deliberation: "Cousin, I am an American,
+and Americans are neutral in this war."</p>
+
+<p>"You are Sangoan."</p>
+
+<p>"My ship is chartered by Americans, which obliges the captain of the
+ship to be loyal to its masters. I will do nothing to conflict with the
+<a name="Page_224" id="Page_224"></a>interests of the Americans, not even to favor my cousin."</p>
+
+<p>"Quite right," said Elbl.</p>
+
+<p>"If you have any plan of escape in mind, do not tell me of it,"
+continued the captain. "I shall order the launches guarded carefully. I
+shall do all in my power to prevent your getting away from this ship."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you," said the German. "You have my respect, cousin. Pass the
+tobacco."</p><p><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225"></a></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX"></a>CHAPTER XIX</h2>
+
+<h3>THE CAPTURE</h3>
+
+
+<p>There was considerable excitement when the ambulance returned. Part of
+the roof had been torn away, the doors were gone, the interior wrecked
+and not a pane of glass remained in the sides; yet Ajo drove it to the
+dock, the motor working as smoothly as ever, and half a dozen wounded
+were helped out and put into the launch to be taken aboard the hospital
+ship.</p>
+
+<p>When all were on deck, young Jones briefly explained what had happened.
+A shell had struck the ambulance, which had been left in the rear, but
+without injuring the motor in any way. Fortunately no one was near at
+the time. When they returned they cleared away the rubbish to make room
+for a few wounded men and then started back to the city.</p>
+
+<p>Doctor Gys, hatless and coatless, his hair awry and the mask making him
+look more hideous than <a name="Page_226" id="Page_226"></a>ever, returned with the party and came creeping
+up the ship's ladder in so nervous a condition that his trembling knees
+fairly knocked together.</p>
+
+<p>The group around Ajo watched him silently.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you think that fool did?" asked the boy, as Gys slunk away to
+his room.</p>
+
+<p>"Tell us," pleaded Patsy, who was one of the curious group surrounding
+him.</p>
+
+<p>"We had gone near to where a machine gun was planted, to pick up a
+fallen soldier, when without warning the Germans charged the gun. Maurie
+and I made a run for life, but Gys stood stock still, facing the enemy.
+A man at the gun reeled and fell, just then, and with a hail of bullets
+flying around him the doctor coolly walked up and bent over him. The
+sight so amazed the Germans that they actually stopped fighting and
+waited for him. Perhaps it was the Red Cross on the doctor's arm that
+influenced them, but imagine a body of soldiers in the heat of a charge
+suddenly stopping because of one man!"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, what happened?" asked Mr. Merrick.</p>
+
+<p>"I couldn't see very well, for a battery that supported the charge was
+shelling the retreating<a name="Page_227" id="Page_227"></a> Allies and just then our ambulance was hit. But
+Maurie says he watched the scene and that when Gys attempted to lift the
+wounded man up he suddenly turned weak as water. The Germans had
+captured the gun, by this time, and their officer himself hoisted the
+injured man upon the doctor's shoulders and attended him to our
+ambulance. When I saw the fight was over I hastened to help Gys, who
+staggered so weakly that he would have dropped his man a dozen times on
+the way had not the Germans held him up. They were laughing, as if the
+whole thing was a joke, when crack! came a volley of bullets and with a
+great shout back rushed the French and Belgians in a counter-charge. I
+admit I ducked, crawling under the ambulance, and the Germans were so
+surprised that they beat a quick retreat.</p>
+
+<p>"And now it was that Gys made a fool of himself. He tore off his cap and
+coat, which bore the Red Cross emblem, and leaped right between the two
+lines. Here were the Germans, firing as they retreated, and the Allies
+firing as they charged, and right in the center of the fray stood Gys.
+The man ought to have been shot <a name="Page_228" id="Page_228"></a>to pieces, but nothing touched him
+until a Frenchman knocked him over because he was in the way of the
+rush. It was the most reckless, suicidal act I ever heard of!"</p>
+
+<p>Uncle John looked worried. He had never told any of them of Dr. Gys'
+strange remark during their first interview, but he had not forgotten
+it. "I'll be happier when I can shake off this horrible envelope of
+disfigurement," the doctor had declared, and in view of this the report
+of that day's adventure gave the kind-hearted gentleman a severe shock.</p>
+
+<p>He walked the deck thoughtfully while the girls hurried below to look
+after the new patients who had been brought, not too comfortably, in the
+damaged ambulance. "It was a bad fight," Ajo had reported, "and the
+wounded were thick, but we could only bring a few of them. Before we
+left the field, however, an English ambulance and two French ones
+arrived, and that gave us an opportunity to get away. Indeed, I was so
+unnerved by the dangers we had miraculously escaped that I was glad to
+be out of it."</p>
+
+<p>Uncle John tried hard to understand Doctor<a name="Page_229" id="Page_229"></a> Gys, but the man's strange,
+abnormal nature was incomprehensible. When, half an hour later, Mr.
+Merrick went below, he found the doctor in the operating room, cool and
+steady of nerve and dressing wounds in his best professional manner.</p>
+
+<p>Upon examination the next morning the large ambulance was found to be so
+badly damaged that it had to be taken to a repair shop in the city to
+undergo reconstruction. It would take several weeks to put it in shape,
+declared the French mechanics, so the Americans would be forced to get
+along with the smaller vehicle. Jones and Dr. Kelsey made regular trips
+with this, but the fighting had suddenly lulled and for several days no
+new patients were brought to the ship, although many were given first
+aid in the trenches for slight wounds.</p>
+
+<p>So the colony aboard the <i>Arabella</i> grew gradually less, until on the
+twenty-sixth of November the girls found they had but two patients to
+care for&mdash;Elbl and Andrew Denton. Neither required much nursing, and
+Denton's young wife insisted on taking full charge of him. But while the
+hospital ship was not in demand at this time <a name="Page_230" id="Page_230"></a>there were casualties day
+by day in the trenches, where the armies faced each other doggedly and
+watchfully and shots were frequently interchanged when a soldier
+carelessly exposed his person to the enemy. So the girls took turns
+going with the ambulance, and Uncle John made no protest because so
+little danger attended these journeys.</p>
+
+<p>Each day, while one of the American girls rode to the front, the other
+two would visit the city hospitals and render whatever assistance they
+could to the regular nurses. Gys sometimes accompanied them and
+sometimes went to the front with the ambulance; but he never caused his
+friends anxiety on these trips, because he could not endanger his life,
+owing to the cessation of fighting.</p>
+
+<p>The only incident that enlivened this period of stagnation was the
+capture of Maurie. No; the authorities didn't get him, but Clarette did.
+Ajo and Patsy had gone into the city one afternoon and on their return
+to the docks, where their launch was moored, they found a street urchin
+awaiting them with a soiled scrap of paper <a name="Page_231" id="Page_231"></a>clenched fast in his fist.
+He surrendered it for a coin and Patsy found the following words
+scrawled in English:</p>
+
+<p>"She has me fast. Help! Be quick. I cannot save myself so you must save
+me. It is your Maurie who is in distress."</p>
+
+<p>They laughed a little at first and then began to realize that the loss
+of their chauffeur would prove a hardship when fighting was resumed.
+Maurie might not be a good husband, and he might be afraid of a woman,
+but was valuable when bullets were flying. Patsy asked the boy:</p>
+
+<p>"Can you lead us to the man who gave you this paper?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oui, mamselle."</p>
+
+<p>"Then hurry, and you shall have five centimes more."</p>
+
+<p>The injunction was unnecessary, for the urchin made them hasten to keep
+up with him. He made many turns and twists through narrow alleys and
+back streets until finally he brought them to a row of cheap, plastered
+huts built against the old city wall. There was no mistaking the place,
+for in the doorway of one of <a name="Page_232" id="Page_232"></a>the poorest dwellings stood Clarette, her
+ample figure fairly filling the opening, her hands planted firmly on her
+broad hips.</p>
+
+<p>"Good evening," said Patsy pleasantly. "Is Maurie within?"</p>
+
+<p>"Henri is within," answered Clarette with a fierce scowl, "and he is
+going to stay within."</p>
+
+<p>"But we have need of his services," said Ajo sternly, "and the man is in
+our employ and under contract to obey us."</p>
+
+<p>"I also need his services," retorted Clarette, "and I made a contract
+with him before you did, as my marriage papers will prove."</p>
+
+<p>The little boy and girl had now crowded into the doorway on either side
+of their mother, clinging to her skirts while they "made faces" at the
+Americans. Clarette turned to drive the children away and in the act
+allowed Patsy and Ajo to glance past her into the hut.</p>
+
+<p>There stood little Maurie, sleeves rolled above his elbows, bending over
+a battered dishpan where he was washing a mess of cracked and broken
+pottery. He met their gaze with a despairing countenance and a gesture
+of appeal that scat<a name="Page_233" id="Page_233"></a>tered a spray of suds from big wet fingers. Next
+moment Clarette had filled the doorway again.</p>
+
+<p>"You may as well go away," said the woman harshly.</p>
+
+<p>Patsy stood irresolute.</p>
+
+<p>"Have you money to pay the rent and to provide food and clothing?" she
+presently asked.</p>
+
+<p>"I have found a few francs in Henri's pockets," was the surly reply.</p>
+
+<p>"And when they are gone?"</p>
+
+<p>Clarette gave a shrug.</p>
+
+<p>"When they are gone we shall not starve," she said. "There is plenty of
+charity for the Belgians these days. One has but to ask, and someone
+gives."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you will not let us have Maurie?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, mademoiselle." Then she unbent a little and added: "If my husband
+goes to you, they will be sure to catch him some day, and when they
+catch him they will shoot him."</p>
+
+<p>"Why?"</p>
+
+<p>"Don't you know?"</p>
+
+<p>"No."</p>
+
+<p>Clarette smiled grimly.</p><p><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234"></a></p>
+
+<p>"When Henri escapes me, he always gets himself into trouble. He is not
+so very bad, but he is careless&mdash;and foolish. He tries to help the
+Germans and the French at the same time, to be accommodating, and so
+both have conceived a desire to shoot him. Well; when they shoot him he
+can no longer earn money to support me and his children."</p>
+
+<p>"Are they really his children?" inquired young Jones.</p>
+
+<p>"Who else may claim them, monsieur?"</p>
+
+<p>"I thought they were the children of your first husband, the
+blacksmith."</p>
+
+<p>Clarette glared at him, with lowering brow.</p>
+
+<p>"Blacksmith? Pah! I have no husband but Henri, and heaven forsook me
+when I married him."</p>
+
+<p>"Come, Patsy," said Ajo to his companion, "our errand here is hopeless.
+And&mdash;perhaps Clarette is right."</p>
+
+<p>They made their way back to the launch in silence. Patsy was quite
+disappointed in Maurie. He had so many admirable qualities that it was a
+shame he could be so untruthful and unreliable.</p><p><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235"></a></p>
+
+<p>As time passed on the monotony that followed their first exciting
+experiences grew upon them and became oppressive. December weather in
+Flanders brought cutting winds from off the North Sea and often there
+were flurries of snow in the air. They had steam heat inside the ship
+but the deck was no longer a practical lounging place.</p>
+
+<p>Toward the last of the month Lieutenant Elbl was so fully recovered that
+he was able to hobble about on crutches. The friendship between the two
+cousins continued and Elbl was often found in the captain's room. No
+more had been said about a parole, but the French officials were
+evidently keeping an eye on the German, for one morning an order came to
+Mr. Merrick to deliver Elbl to the warden of the military prison at
+Dunkirk on or before ten o'clock the following day.</p>
+
+<p>While the German received this notification with his accustomed stolid
+air of indifference, his American friends were all grieved at his
+transfer. They knew the prison would be very uncomfortable for the
+invalid and feared he was not yet sufficiently recovered to be able to
+bear the new <a name="Page_236" id="Page_236"></a>conditions imposed upon him. There was no thought of
+protesting the order, however, for they appreciated the fact that the
+commandant had been especially lenient in leaving the prisoner so long
+in their care.</p>
+
+<p>The Americans were all sitting together in the cabin that evening after
+dinner, when to their astonishment little Maurie came aboard in a skiff,
+bearing an order from the French commandant to Captain Carg, requesting
+him to appear at once at military headquarters.</p>
+
+<p>Not only was Carg puzzled by this strange summons but none of the others
+could understand it. The Belgian, when questioned, merely shook his
+head. He was not the general's confidant, but his fee as messenger would
+enable him to buy bread for his family and he had been chosen because he
+knew the way to the hospital ship.</p>
+
+<p>As there was nothing to do but obey, the captain went ashore in one of
+the launches, which towed the skiff in which Maurie had come.</p>
+
+<p>When he had gone, Lieutenant Elbl, who had been sitting in the cabin,
+bade the others good <a name="Page_237" id="Page_237"></a>night and retired to his room. Most of the others
+retired early, but Patsy, Uncle John and Doctor Gys decided to sit up
+and await the return of the captain. It was an exceptionally cool
+evening and the warmth of the forward cabin was very agreeable.</p>
+
+<p>Midnight had arrived when the captain's launch finally drew up to the
+side and Carg came hastening into the cabin. His agitated manner was so
+unusual that the three watchers with one accord sprang to their feet
+with inquiring looks.</p>
+
+<p>"Where's Elbl?" asked the captain sharply.</p>
+
+<p>"Gone to bed," said Uncle John.</p>
+
+<p>"When?"</p>
+
+<p>"Hours ago. I think he missed your society and was rather broken up over
+the necessity of leaving us to-morrow."</p>
+
+<p>Without hesitation Carg turned on his heel and hastened aft. They
+followed him in a wondering group. Reaching the German's stateroom the
+captain threw open the door and found it vacant.</p>
+
+<p>"Humph!" he exclaimed. "I suspected the truth when I found our launch
+was gone."</p><p><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238"></a></p>
+
+<p>"Which launch?" asked Uncle John, bewildered.</p>
+
+<p>"The one I left with the ship. On my return, just now, I discovered it
+was not at its moorings. Someone has stolen it."</p>
+
+<p>They stared at him in amazement.</p>
+
+<p>"Wasn't the deck patrolled?" asked Patsy, the first to recover.</p>
+
+<p>"We don't set a watch till ten-thirty. It wasn't considered necessary.
+But I had no suspicion of the trick Elbl has played on me to-night," he
+added with a groan. Their voices had aroused others. Ajo came out of his
+room, enveloped in a heavy bathrobe, and soon after Maud and Beth joined
+them.</p>
+
+<p>"What's up?" demanded the boy.</p>
+
+<p>"The German has tricked us and made his escape," quietly answered Dr.
+Gys. "For my part, I'm glad of it."</p>
+
+<p>"It was a conspiracy," growled the captain. "That rascal, Maurie&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, was Maurie in it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course. He was the decoy; perhaps he arranged the whole thing."</p><p><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239"></a></p>
+
+<p>"Didn't the general want you, then?"</p>
+
+<p>Carg was so enraged that he fairly snorted.</p>
+
+<p>"Want me? Of course he didn't want me! That treacherous little Belgian
+led me into the waiting room and said the general would see me in a
+minute. Then he walked away and I sat there like a bump on a log and
+waited. Finally I began to wonder how Maurie, who was always shy of
+facing the authorities, had happened to be the general's messenger. It
+looked queer. Officers and civilians were passing back and forth but no
+one paid any attention to me; so after an hour or so I asked an officer
+who entered from an inner room, when I could see the general. He said
+the general was not there evenings but would be in his office to-morrow
+morning. Then I showed him my order and he glanced at it and said it was
+forged; wasn't the general's signature and wasn't in proper form,
+anyhow. When I started to go he wouldn't let me; said the affair was
+suspicious and needed investigation. So he took me to a room full of
+officers and they asked me a thousand fool questions. Said they had no
+record of a Belgian named Maurie and <a name="Page_240" id="Page_240"></a>had never heard of him before. I
+couldn't figure the thing out, and they couldn't; so finally they let me
+come back to the ship."</p>
+
+<p>"Strange," mused Uncle John; "very strange!"</p>
+
+<p>"I was so stupid," continued Carg, "that I never thought of Elbl being
+at the bottom of the affair until I got back and found our launch
+missing. Then I remembered that Elbl was to have been turned over to the
+prison authorities to-morrow and like a flash I saw through the whole
+thing."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm blamed if <i>I</i> do," declared Mr. Merrick.</p>
+
+<p>The others likewise shook their heads.</p>
+
+<p>"He got me out of the way, stole the launch, and is half way to Ostend
+by this time."</p>
+
+<p>"Alone? And wounded&mdash;still an invalid?"</p>
+
+<p>"Doubtless Maurie is with him. The rascal can run an automobile; so I
+suppose he can run a launch."</p>
+
+<p>"What puzzles me," remarked Patsy, "is how Lieutenant Elbl ever got hold
+of Maurie, and induced him to assist him, without our knowing anything
+about it."</p><p><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241"></a></p>
+
+<p>"I used to notice them talking together a good bit," said Jones.</p>
+
+<p>"But Clarette has kept Maurie a prisoner. She wouldn't let him come back
+to the ship."</p>
+
+<p>"He was certainly at liberty to-night," answered Beth. "Isn't this
+escape liable to be rather embarrassing to us, Uncle John?"</p>
+
+<p>"I'm afraid so," was the reply. "We agreed to keep him safely until the
+authorities demanded we give him up; and now, at the last minute, we've
+allowed him to get away."</p>
+
+<p>Anxiety was written on every countenance as they considered the serious
+nature of this affair. Only Gys seemed composed and unworried.</p>
+
+<p>"Is it too late to go in chase of the launch?" asked Ajo, breaking a
+long pause. "They're headed for Ostend, without a doubt, and there's a
+chance that they may run into a sand-bank in the dark, or break down, or
+meet with some other accident to delay them."</p>
+
+<p>"I believe it's worth our while, sir," answered Carg. "The launch we
+have is the faster, and the trip will show our good faith, if nothing
+more."</p><p><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242"></a></p>
+
+<p>"Then make ready to start at once," said Ajo, "and I'll dress and go
+along."</p>
+
+<p>Carg hurried away to give orders and the boy ran to his stateroom. Five
+minutes later they were away, with four sailors to assist in the capture
+of the fugitives in case they were overtaken.</p>
+
+<p>It was a fruitless journey, however. At daybreak, as they neared Ostend,
+they met their stolen launch coming back, in charge of a sleepy Belgian
+who had been hired to return it. The man frankly stated that he had
+undertaken the task in order to get to Dunkirk, where he had friends,
+and he had been liberally paid by a German on crutches, who had one foot
+missing, and a little Belgian whom he had never seen before, but who,
+from the description given, could be none other than Maurie.</p>
+
+<p>They carried the man back with them to the <i>Arabella</i>, where further
+questioning added nothing to their information. They now had proof,
+however, that Elbl was safe with his countrymen at Ostend and that
+Maurie had been his accomplice.</p><p><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243"></a></p>
+
+<p>"I would not believe," said Patsy, when she heard the story, "that a
+Belgian could be so disloyal to his country."</p>
+
+<p>"Every nation has its quota of black sheep," replied Uncle John, "and
+from what we have learned of Maurie's character he is not at all
+particular which side he serves."</p><p><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244"></a></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX"></a>CHAPTER XX</h2>
+
+<h3>THE DUNES</h3>
+
+
+<p>The escape of a prisoner of war from the American hospital ship was made
+the subject of a rigid inquiry by the officials and proved extremely
+humiliating to all on board the <i>Arabella</i>. The commandant showed his
+irritation by severely reprimanding Mr. Merrick for carelessness, while
+Captain Carg had to endure a personal examination before a board of
+inquiry. He was able to prove that he had been at headquarters during
+the evening of the escape, but that did not wholly satisfy his
+inquisitors. Finally an order was issued forbidding the Americans to
+take any more wounded Germans or Austrians aboard their ship, and that
+seemed to end the unpleasant affair.</p>
+
+<p>However, a certain friction was engendered that was later evidenced on
+both sides. The American ambulance was no longer favored on its <a name="Page_245" id="Page_245"></a>trips
+to the front, pointed preference being given the English and French Red
+Cross Emergency Corps. This resulted in few wounded being taken to the
+<i>Arabella</i>, as the Americans confined their work largely to assisting
+the injured on the field of battle. The girls were not to be daunted in
+their determined efforts to aid the unfortunate and every day one of
+them visited the trenches to assist the two doctors in rendering first
+aid to the wounded.</p>
+
+<p>The work was no longer arduous, for often entire days would pass without
+a single casualty demanding their attention. The cold weather resulted
+in much sickness among the soldiers, however, and Gys found during this
+period of military inactivity that his medicine chest was more in demand
+than his case of surgical instruments.</p>
+
+<p>A slight diversion was created by Clarette, who came to the ship to
+demand her husband from the Americans. It seemed almost impossible to
+convince her that Maurie was not hidden somewhere aboard, but at last
+they made the woman understand he had escaped with the German to<a name="Page_246" id="Page_246"></a>
+Ostend. They learned from her that Maurie&mdash;or Henri, as she insisted he
+was named&mdash;had several times escaped from her house at night, while she
+was asleep, and returned at daybreak in the morning, and this
+information led them to suspect he had managed to have several secret
+conferences with Lieutenant Elbl previous to their flight. Clarette
+announced her determination to follow her husband to Ostend, and perhaps
+she did so, as they did not see her again.</p>
+
+<p>It was on Sunday, the twentieth of December, that the Battle of the
+Dunes began and the flames of war burst out afresh. The dunes lay
+between the North Sea and the Yser River in West Flanders and consisted
+of a stretch of sandy hillocks reaching from Coxyde to Nieuport les
+Bains. The Belgians had entrenched these dunes in an elaborate and
+clever manner, shoveling the sand into a series of high lateral ridges,
+with alternate hollows, which reached for miles along the coast. The
+hollows were from six to eight feet deep, affording protection to the
+soldiers, who could nevertheless fire upon the enemy by creeping up the
+sloping embankments until <a name="Page_247" id="Page_247"></a>their heads projected sufficiently to allow
+them to aim, when they could drop back to safety.</p>
+
+<p>In order to connect the hollows one with another, that an advance or
+retreat might be made under cover, narrow trenches had been cut at
+intervals diagonally through the raised mounds of sand. Military experts
+considered this series of novel fortifications to be practically
+impregnable, for should the enemy defile through one of the cross
+passages into a hollow where the Allies were gathered, they could be
+picked off one by one, as they appeared, and be absolutely annihilated.</p>
+
+<p>Realizing this, the Germans had not risked an attack, but after long
+study of the defences had decided that by means of artillery they might
+shell the Belgians, who held the dunes, and destroy them as they lay in
+the hollows. So a heavy battery had been planted along the German lines
+for this work, while in defence the Belgians confronted them with their
+own famous dog artillery, consisting of the deadly machine guns. The
+battle of December twentieth therefore began with an artillery duel,
+resulting in so many <a name="Page_248" id="Page_248"></a>casualties that the Red Cross workers found
+themselves fully occupied.</p>
+
+<p>Beth went with the ambulance the first day, worked in the hollows of the
+dunes, and returned to the ship at night completely worn out by the
+demands upon her services. It was Patsy's turn next, and she took with
+her the second day one of the French girls as assistant.</p>
+
+<p>When the ambulance reached the edge of the dunes, where it was driven by
+Ajo, the battle was raging with even more vigor than the previous day.
+The Germans were dropping shells promiscuously into the various hollows,
+hoping to locate the hidden Belgian infantry, while the Belgian
+artillery strove to destroy the German gunners. Both succeeded at times,
+and both sides were equally persistent.</p>
+
+<p>As it was impossible to take the ambulance into the dunes, it was left
+in the rear in charge of Jones, while the others threaded their way in
+and out the devious passages toward the front. They had covered fully a
+mile in this laborious fashion before they came upon a detachment of
+Belgian infantry which was lying in wait for a call to <a name="Page_249" id="Page_249"></a>action. Beyond
+this trench the doctors and nurses were forbidden to go, and the officer
+in command warned the Americans to beware of stray shells.</p>
+
+<p>Under these circumstances they contented themselves by occupying some of
+the rear hollows, to which the wounded would retreat to secure their
+services. Dr. Kelsey and Nanette, the French girl, established
+themselves in one hollow at the right, while Dr. Gys and Patsy took
+their position in another hollow further to the left. There they opened
+their cases of lint, plaster and bandages, spreading them out upon the
+sand, and were soon engaged in administering aid to an occasional victim
+of the battle.</p>
+
+<p>One man who came to Patsy with a slight wound on his shoulder told her
+that a shell had exploded in a forward hollow and killed outright
+fifteen of his comrades. His own escape from death was miraculous and
+the poor fellow was so unnerved that he cried like a baby.</p>
+
+<p>They directed him to the rear, where he would find the ambulance, and
+awaited the appearance of more patients. Gys crawled up the mound of
+<a name="Page_250" id="Page_250"></a>sand in front of them and cautiously raised his head above the ridge.
+Next instant he ducked to escape a rain of bullets that scattered the
+sand about them like a mist.</p>
+
+<p>"That was foolish," said Patsy reprovingly. "You might have been
+killed."</p>
+
+<p>"No such luck," he muttered in reply, but the girl could see that he
+trembled slightly with nervousness. Neither realized at the time the
+fatal folly of the act, for they were unaware that the Germans were
+seeking just such a clew to direct them where to drop their shells.</p>
+
+<p>"It's getting rather lonely here, and there are a couple of vacant
+hollows in front of us," remarked the doctor. "Suppose we move over to
+one of those, a little nearer the soldiers?"</p>
+
+<p>Patsy approved the proposition, so they gathered up their supplies and
+moved along the hollow to where a passage had been cut through. They had
+gone barely a hundred yards when a screech, like a buzz-saw when it
+strikes a nail, sounded overhead. Looking up they saw a black disk
+hurtling through the air, to drop almost where they had been standing a
+moment before. There <a name="Page_251" id="Page_251"></a>was a terrific explosion that sent debris to their
+very feet.</p>
+
+<p>"After this we'll be careful how we expose ourselves," said the doctor
+gravely. "They have got our range in a hurry. Here comes another; we'd
+better get away quickly."</p>
+
+<p>They progressed perhaps half a mile, without coming upon any soldiers,
+when at the brow of a hill slightly higher than the rest, they became
+aware of unwonted activity. A trench had been dug along the ridge, with
+great pits here and there to serve as bomb-proof shelters. Every time a
+head projected above the ridge, a storm of bullets showed that the enemy
+was well within rifle range. In fact, it was to dislodge the Germans
+that the present intrenchments were being made; machine guns would be
+mounted as soon as positions had been prepared.</p>
+
+<p>The German bullets had already taken their toll. In the little valley a
+poor Belgian pressed his hand against a bad wound in his side, while
+another was nursing an arm roughly bandaged by his fellows in the
+trenches. First aid made the two comfortable for the time being at least
+<a name="Page_252" id="Page_252"></a>and the men were directed toward the ambulance. As they left, the man
+with the wounded arm pointed down the narrow valley to where a deep
+ravine cut through. "We were driven from there," he said. "The big guns
+dropped shells on us and killed many; there are many wounded beyond&mdash;but
+you cannot cross the ravine. We lost ten in doing it."</p>
+
+<p>Nevertheless, the doctor and Patsy strode off. Just within the shelter
+of the ridge they found another Belgian, desperately wounded, and the
+doctor stopped to ease his pain with the hypodermic needle. Patsy looked
+across the narrow defile; it was a bare fifty feet, and seemed safe
+enough. Her Red Cross uniform would protect her, she reasoned, and
+boldly enough she stepped out into the open. A cry from a wounded
+soldier ahead hastened her footsteps. Without heeding the warning shout
+of Doctor Gys she calmly stooped over the man who had called to her.</p>
+
+<p>And then there was a sudden rending, blinding, terrifying crash that
+sent the world into a thousand shrieking echoes. A huge shell had fallen
+<a name="Page_253" id="Page_253"></a>not fifty feet away, plowing its way through the earthworks above. Its
+explosion sent timbers, abandoned gun-carriages, everything, flying
+through the air. And one great piece of wood caught Patsy a glancing
+blow on the back of her head as she crouched over the wounded Belgian.
+With a weak cry she toppled over, not unconscious, but unable to raise
+herself.</p>
+
+<p>Another shell crashed down a hundred yards away, and then one closer
+that sent the sand spouting high in a blinding cloud. She raised herself
+slowly and glanced back toward Doctor Gys. He stood, his face ashen with
+fear, hiding behind the shelter of the other hill. He looked up as she
+stirred; a cry of relief came to his lips.</p>
+
+<p>"Wait!" he called, bracing up suddenly. "Wait and I will get you."</p>
+
+<p>Bending his head low he sprang across the unprotected space. He stopped
+with a sudden jerk and then came on.</p>
+
+<p>"You were hit!" cried Patsy as he bent over her.</p>
+
+<p>"It is nothing," he answered brusquely. "Hold tight around my neck."
+"Now&mdash;"<a name="Page_254" id="Page_254"></a> another shell scattered sand over them&mdash;"we must get away from
+here."</p>
+
+<p>Breathing thickly, he staggered across the open, dropping her with a
+great groan behind the protection of the ridge.</p>
+
+<p>"The man you were helping," he gasped. "I must bring him in."</p>
+
+<p>"But you are wounded&mdash;" Patsy cried.</p>
+
+<p>He straightened up&mdash;his hand clutched his side&mdash;there came across his
+disfigured features a queer twisted smile&mdash;he sighed softly and slowly
+sank in a crumpled heap. A clean little puncture in the breast of his
+coat told the whole story. Patsy felt herself slipping.... All grew
+dark.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>It was Ajo who found her and carried her back to the ambulance, where
+Dr. Kelsey and Nanette were presently able to restore her to
+consciousness. Then they returned to the <i>Arabella</i>, grave and silent,
+and Patsy was put to bed. Before morning Beth and Maud were anxiously
+nursing her, for she had developed a high fever and was delirious.</p><p><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255"></a></p>
+
+<p>The days that succeed were anxious ones, for Patsy's nerves had given
+away completely. It was many weeks later that the rest of them met on
+deck.</p>
+
+<p>"It's the first of February," said Uncle John. "Don't you suppose Patsy
+could start for home pretty soon?"</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps so," answered Maud. "She is sitting up to-day, and seems
+brighter and more like herself. Have we decided, then, to return to
+America?"</p>
+
+<p>"I believe so," was the reply. "We can't keep Ajo's ship forever, you
+know, and without Doctor Gys we could never make it useful as a hospital
+ship again."</p>
+
+<p>"That is true," said the girl, thoughtfully. "Now that Andrew Denton,
+with his wife and the countess, have gone to Charleroi, our ship seems
+quite lonely."</p>
+
+<p>"You see," said Ajo, taking part in the discussion, "we've never been
+able to overcome the suspicious coldness of these Frenchmen, caused by
+Elbl's unfortunate escape. We are not trusted fully, and never will be
+again, so I'm con<a name="Page_256" id="Page_256"></a>vinced our career of usefulness here is ended."</p>
+
+<p>"Aside from that," returned Uncle John, "you three girls have endured a
+long period of hard work and nervous strain, and you need a rest. I'm
+awfully proud of you all; proud of your noble determination and courage
+as well as the ability you have demonstrated as nurses. You have
+unselfishly devoted your lives for three strenuous months to the injured
+soldiers of a foreign war, and I hope you're satisfied that you've done
+your full duty."</p>
+
+<p>"Well," returned Maud with a smile, "I wouldn't think of retreating if I
+felt that our services were really needed, but there are so many women
+coming here for Red Cross work&mdash;English, French, Swiss, Dutch and
+Italian&mdash;that they seem able to cover the field thoroughly."</p>
+
+<p>"True," said Beth, joining the group. "Let's go home, Uncle. The voyage
+will put our Patsy in fine shape again. When can we start, Ajo?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ask Uncle John."</p>
+
+<p>"Ask Captain Carg."</p>
+
+<p>"If you really mean it," said the captain, "I'll hoist anchor to-morrow
+morning."</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr class="full" />
+<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AUNT JANE'S NIECES IN THE RED CROSS***</p>
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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, Aunt Jane's Nieces in the Red Cross, by Edith
+Van Dyne
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: Aunt Jane's Nieces in the Red Cross
+
+
+Author: Edith Van Dyne
+
+
+
+Release Date: August 21, 2005  [eBook #16567]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII)
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AUNT JANE'S NIECES IN THE RED
+CROSS***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Afra Ullah, Emmy, and the Project Gutenberg Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team (https://www.pgdp.net/)
+
+
+
+AUNT JANE'S NIECES IN THE RED CROSS
+
+by
+
+EDITH VAN DYNE
+
+Author of "Aunt Jane's Nieces Series,"
+"Flying Girl Series," etc.
+
+The Reilly & Britton Co.
+Chicago
+
+1915
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+FOREWORD
+
+
+This is the story of how three brave American girls sacrificed the
+comforts and luxuries of home to go abroad and nurse the wounded
+soldiers of a foreign war.
+
+I wish I might have depicted more gently the scenes in hospital and on
+battlefield, but it is well that my girl readers should realize
+something of the horrors of war, that they may unite with heart and soul
+in earnest appeal for universal, lasting Peace and the future abolition
+of all deadly strife.
+
+Except to locate the scenes of my heroines' labors, no attempt has been
+made to describe technically or historically any phase of the great
+European war.
+
+The character of Doctor Gys is not greatly exaggerated but had its
+counterpart in real life. As for the little Belgian who had no room for
+scruples in his active brain, his story was related to me by an American
+war correspondent who vouched for its truth. The other persona in the
+story are known to those who have followed their adventures in other
+books of the "Aunt Jane's Nieces" series.
+
+                                              EDITH VAN DYNE
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+CHAPTER                                       PAGE
+
+    I THE ARRIVAL OF THE BOY           9
+
+   II THE ARRIVAL OF THE GIRL         25
+
+  III THE DECISION OF DOCTOR GYS      37
+
+   IV THE HOSPITAL SHIP               48
+
+    V NEARING THE FRAY                58
+
+   VI LITTLE MAURIE                   75
+
+  VII ON THE FIRING LINE              86
+
+ VIII THE COWARD                      96
+
+   IX COURAGE, OR PHILOSOPHY?        108
+
+    X THE WAR'S VICTIMS              121
+
+   XI PATSY IS DEFIANT               135
+
+  XII THE OTHER SIDE                 146
+
+ XIII TARDY JUSTICE                  160
+
+  XIV FOUND AT LAST                  182
+
+   XV DR. GYS SURPRISES HIMSELF      189
+
+  XVI CLARETTE                       197
+
+ XVII PERPLEXING PROBLEMS            204
+
+XVIII A QUESTION OF LOYALTY          217
+
+  XIX THE CAPTURE                    225
+
+   XX THE DUNES                      244
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+THE ARRIVAL OF THE BOY
+
+
+"What's the news, Uncle?" asked Miss Patricia Doyle, as she entered the
+cosy breakfast room of a suite of apartments in Willing Square. Even as
+she spoke she pecked a little kiss on the forehead of the chubby man
+addressed as "Uncle"--none other, if you please, than the famous and
+eccentric multi-millionaire known in Wall Street as John Merrick--and
+sat down to pour the coffee.
+
+There was energy in her method of doing this simple duty, an indication
+of suppressed vitality that conveyed the idea that here was a girl
+accustomed to action. And she fitted well into the homely scene: short
+and somewhat "squatty" of form, red-haired, freckle-faced and
+pug-nosed. Wholesome rather than beautiful was Patsy Doyle, but if you
+caught a glimpse of her dancing blue eyes you straightway forgot her
+lesser charms.
+
+Quite different was the girl who entered the room a few minutes later.
+Hers was a dark olive complexion, face of exquisite contour, great brown
+eyes with a wealth of hair to match them and the flush of a rose in her
+rounded cheeks. The poise of her girlish figure was gracious and
+dignified as the bearing of a queen.
+
+"Morning, Cousin Beth," said Patsy cheerily.
+
+"Good morning, my dear," and then, with a trace of anxiety in her tone:
+"What is the news, Uncle John?"
+
+The little man had ignored Patsy's first question, but now he answered
+absently, his eyes still fixed upon the newspaper:
+
+"Why, they're going to build another huge skyscraper on Broadway, at
+Eleventh, and I see the political pot is beginning to bubble all through
+the Bronx, although--"
+
+"Stuff and nonsense, Uncle!" exclaimed Patsy. "Beth asked for news, not
+for gossip."
+
+"The news of the war, Uncle John," added Beth, buttering her toast.
+
+"Oh; the war, of course," he said, turning over the page of the morning
+paper. "It ought to be the Allies' day, for the Germans won yesterday.
+No--by cracky, Beth--the Germans triumph again; they've captured
+Maubeuge. What do you think of that?"
+
+Patsy gave a little laugh.
+
+"Not knowing where Maubeuge is," she remarked, "my only thought is that
+something is wrong with the London press bureau. Perhaps the cables got
+crossed--or short circuited or something. They don't usually allow the
+Germans to win two days in succession."
+
+"Don't interrupt, please," said Beth, earnestly. "This is too important
+a matter to be treated lightly. Read us the article, Uncle. I was afraid
+Maubeuge would be taken."
+
+Patsy accepted her cousin's rebuke with her accustomed good nature.
+Indeed, she listened as intently as Beth to the thrilling account of the
+destruction of Maubeuge, and her blue eyes became quite as serious as
+the brown ones of her cousin when the tale of dead and wounded was
+recounted.
+
+"Isn't it dreadful!" cried Beth, clasping her hands together
+impulsively.
+
+"Yes," nodded her uncle, "the horror of it destroys the interest we
+naturally feel in any manly struggle for supremacy."
+
+"This great war is no manly struggle," observed Patsy with a toss of her
+head. "It is merely wholesale murder by a band of selfish diplomats."
+
+"Tut-tut!" warned Mr. Merrick; "we Americans are supposed to be neutral,
+my dear. We must not criticize."
+
+"That does not prevent our sympathizing with the innocent sufferers,
+however," said Beth quietly. "My heart goes out, Uncle, to those poor
+victims of the war's cruelty, the wounded and dying. I wish I could do
+something to help them!"
+
+Uncle John moved uneasily in his chair. Then he laid down his paper and
+applied himself to his breakfast. But his usual merry expression had
+faded into one of thoughtfulness.
+
+"The wounded haunt me by day and night," went on Beth. "There are
+thousands upon thousands of them, left to suffer terrible pain--perhaps
+to die--on the spot where they fell, and each one is dear to some poor
+woman who is ignorant of her loved one's fate and can do nothing but
+moan and pray at home."
+
+"That's the hard part of it," said Patsy, her cousin. "I think the
+mothers and wives and sweethearts are as much to be pitied as the fallen
+soldiers. The men _know_ what has happened, but the women don't. It
+isn't so bad when they're killed outright; the family gets a medal to
+indicate that their hero has died for his country. But the wounded are
+lost sight of and must suffer in silence, with no loving hands to soothe
+their agony."
+
+"My dears!" pleaded Uncle John, plaintively, "why do you insist upon
+flavoring our breakfast with these horrors? I--I--there! take it away; I
+can't eat."
+
+The conversation halted abruptly. The girls were likewise unnerved by
+the mental pictures evolved by their remarks and it was now too late to
+restore cheerfulness to the morning meal. They sat in pensive silence
+for a while and were glad when Mr. Merrick pushed back his chair and
+rose from the table.
+
+As Beth and Patsy followed their uncle into the cosy library where he
+was accustomed to smoke his morning cigar, the little man remarked:
+
+"Let's see; this is the seventh of September."
+
+"Quite right, Uncle," said Patsy.
+
+"Isn't this the day Maud Stanton is due to arrive?"
+
+"No," replied Beth; "she will come to-morrow morning. It's a good four
+days' trip from California to New York, you know."
+
+"I wonder why she is coming here at this time of year," said Patsy
+reflectively, "and I wonder if her Aunt Jane or her sister Flo are with
+her."
+
+"She did not mention them in her telegram," answered Beth. "All she said
+was to expect her Wednesday morning. It seems quite mysterious, that
+telegram, for I had no idea Maud thought of coming East."
+
+"Well, we will know all about it when she arrives," observed Uncle John.
+"I will be glad to see Maud again, for she is one of my especial
+favorites."
+
+"She's a very dear girl!" exclaimed Patsy, with emphasis. "It will be
+simply glorious to--"
+
+The doorbell rang sharply. There was a moment's questioning pause, for
+it was too early for visitors. The pattering feet of the little maid,
+Mary, approached the door and next moment a boyish voice demanded:
+
+"Is Mr. Merrick at home, or the young ladies, or--"
+
+"Why, it's Ajo!" shouted Patsy, springing to her feet and making a dive
+for the hallway.
+
+"Jones?" said Mr. Merrick, looking incredulous.
+
+"It must be," declared Beth, for now Patsy's voice was blended with that
+of the boy in a rapid interchange of question and answer. Then in she
+came, dragging him joyously by the arm.
+
+"This is certainly a surprise!" said Mr. Merrick, shaking the tall,
+slender youth by the hand with evident pleasure.
+
+"When did you get to town?" asked Beth, greeting the boy cordially.
+"And why didn't you let us know you were on the way from far-off Los
+Angeles?"
+
+"Well," said Jones, seating himself facing them and softly rubbing his
+lean hands together to indicate his satisfaction at this warm reception,
+"it's a long, long story and I may as well tell it methodically or
+you'll never appreciate the adventurous spirit that led me again to New
+York--the one place I heartily detest."
+
+"Oh, Ajo!" protested Patsy. "Is this the way to retain the friendship of
+New Yorkers?"
+
+"Isn't honesty appreciated here?" he wanted to know.
+
+"Go ahead with your story," said Uncle John. "We left you some months
+ago at the harbor of Los Angeles, wondering what you were going to do
+with that big ship of yours that lay anchored in the Pacific. If I
+remember aright, you were considering whether you dared board it to
+return to that mysterious island home of yours at--at--"
+
+"Sangoa," said Patsy.
+
+"Thank you for giving me a starting-point," returned the boy, with a
+smile. "You may remember that when I landed in your country from Sangoa
+I was a miserable invalid. The voyage had ruined my stomach and wrecked
+my constitution. I crossed the continent to New York and consulted the
+best specialists--and they nearly put an end to me. I returned to the
+Pacific coast to die as near home as possible, and--and there I met
+you."
+
+"And Patsy saved your life," added Beth.
+
+"She did. First, however, Maud Stanton saved me from drowning. Then
+Patsy Doyle doctored me and made me well and strong. And now--"
+
+"And now you look like a modern Hercules," asserted Patsy, gazing with
+some pride at the bronzed cheeks and clear eyes of the former invalid
+and ignoring his slight proportions. "Whatever have you been doing with
+yourself since then?"
+
+"Taking a sea voyage," he affirmed.
+
+"Really?"
+
+"An absolute fact. For months I dared not board the _Arabella_, my sea
+yacht, for fear of a return of my old malady; but after you deserted me
+and came to this--this artificial, dreary, bewildering--"
+
+"Never mind insulting my birthplace, sir!"
+
+"Oh! were you born here, Patsy? Then I'll give the town credit. So,
+after you deserted me at Los Angeles--"
+
+"You still had Mrs. Montrose and her nieces, Maud and Flo Stanton."
+
+"I know, and I love them all. But they became so tremendously busy that
+I scarcely saw them, and finally I began to feel lonely. Those Stanton
+girls are chock full of business energy and they hadn't the time to
+devote to me that you people did. So I stood on the shore and looked at
+the _Arabella_ until I mustered up courage to go aboard. Surviving that,
+I made Captain Carg steam slowly along the coast for a few miles.
+Nothing dreadful happened. So I made a day's voyage, and still ate my
+three squares a day. That was encouraging."
+
+"I knew all the time it wasn't the voyage that wrecked your stomach,"
+said Patsy confidently.
+
+"What was it, then?"
+
+"Ptomaine poisoning, or something like that."
+
+"Well, anyhow, I found I could stand ocean travel again, so I determined
+on a voyage. The Panama Canal was just opened and I passed through it,
+came up the Atlantic coast, and--the _Arabella_ is at this moment safely
+anchored in the North River!"
+
+"And how do you feel?" inquired Uncle John.
+
+"Glorious--magnificent! The trip has sealed my recovery for good."
+
+"But why didn't you go home, to your Island of Sangoa?" asked Beth.
+
+He looked at her reproachfully.
+
+"_You_ were not there, Beth; nor was Patsy, or Uncle John. On the other
+hand, there is no one in Sangoa who cares a rap whether I come home or
+not. I'm the last of the Joneses of Sangoa, and while it is still my
+island and the entire population is in my employ, the life there flows
+on just as smoothly without me as if I were present."
+
+"But don't they need the ship--the _Arabella_?" questioned Beth.
+
+"Not now. I sent a cargo of supplies by Captain Carg when he made his
+last voyage to the island, and there will not be enough pearls found in
+the fisheries for four or five months to come to warrant my shipping
+them to market. Even then, they would keep. So I'm a free lance at
+present and I had an idea that if I once managed to get the boat around
+here you folks might find a use for it."
+
+"In what way?" inquired Patsy, with interest.
+
+"We might all make a trip to Barbadoes, Bermuda and Cuba. Brazil is said
+to be an interesting country. I'd prefer Europe, were it not for the
+war."
+
+"Oh, Ajo, isn't this war terrible?"
+
+"No other word expresses it. Yet it all seems like a fairy tale to me,
+for I've never been in any other country than the United States since I
+made my first voyage here from Sangoa--the island where my eyes first
+opened to the world."
+
+"It isn't a fairy tale," said Beth with a shudder. "It's more like a
+horrible nightmare."
+
+"I can't bear to read about it any more," he returned, musingly. "In
+fact, I've only been able to catch rumors of the progress of the war in
+the various ports at which I've touched, and I came right here from my
+ship. But I've no sympathy with either side. The whole thing annoys me,
+somehow--the utter uselessness and folly of it all."
+
+"Maubeuge has fallen," said Beth, and went on to give him the latest
+tidings. Finding that the war was the absorbing topic in this little
+household, the boy developed new interest in it and the morning passed
+quickly away.
+
+Jones stayed to lunch and then Mr. Merrick's automobile took them all to
+the river to visit the beautiful yacht _Arabella_, which was already,
+they found, attracting a good deal of attention in the harbor, where
+beautiful yachts are no rarity.
+
+The _Arabella_ was intended by her builders for deep sea transit and as
+Patsy admiringly declared, "looked like a baby liner." While she was
+yacht-built in all her lines and fittings, she was far from being merely
+a pleasure craft, but had been designed by the elder Jones, the boy's
+father, to afford communication between the Island of Sangoa, in the
+lower South Seas, and the continent of America.
+
+Sangoa is noted for its remarkable pearl fisheries, which were now owned
+and controlled entirely by this youth; but his father, an experienced
+man of affairs, had so thoroughly established the business of production
+and sale that little remained for his only son and heir to do, more than
+to invest the profits that steadily accrued and to care for the great
+fortune left him. Whether he was doing this wisely or not no one--not
+even his closest friends--could tell. But he was frank and friendly
+about everything else.
+
+They went aboard the _Arabella_ and were received by that grim and
+grizzled old salt, Captain Carg, with the same wooden indifference he
+always exhibited. But Patsy detected a slight twinkle in the shrewd gray
+eyes that made her feel they were welcome. Carg, a seaman of vast
+experience, was wholly devoted to his young master. Indeed, the girls
+suspected that young Jones was a veritable autocrat in his island, as
+well as aboard his ship. Everyone of the Sangoans seemed to accept his
+dictation, however imperative it might be, as a matter of course, and
+the gray old captain--who had seen much of the world--was not the least
+subservient to his young master.
+
+On the other hand, Jones was a gentle and considerate autocrat,
+unconsciously imitating his lately deceased father in his kindly
+interest in the welfare of all his dependents. These had formerly been
+free-born Americans, for when the Island of Sangoa was purchased it had
+no inhabitants.
+
+This fortunate--or perhaps unfortunate--youth had never been blessed
+with a given name, more than the simple initial "A." The failure of his
+mother and father to agree upon a baptismal name for their only child
+had resulted in a deadlock; and, as the family claimed a direct descent
+from the famous John Paul Jones, the proud father declared that to be "a
+Jones" was sufficient honor for any boy; hence he should be known merely
+as "A. Jones." The mother called her child by the usual endearing pet
+names until her death, after which the islanders dubbed the master's
+son--then toddling around in his first trousers--"Ajo," and the name had
+stuck to him ever since for want of a better one.
+
+With the Bohemian indifference to household routine so characteristic of
+New Yorkers, the party decided to dine at a down-town restaurant before
+returning to Willing Square, and it was during this entertainment that
+young Jones first learned of the expected arrival of Maud Stanton on the
+following morning. But he was no wiser than the others as to what
+mission could have brought the girl to New York so suddenly that a
+telegram was required to announce her coming.
+
+"You see, I left Los Angeles weeks ago," the boy explained, "and at that
+time Mrs. Montrose and her nieces were busy as bees and much too
+occupied to pay attention to a drone like me. There was no hint then of
+their coming East, but of course many things may have happened in the
+meantime."
+
+The young fellow was so congenial a companion and the girls were so well
+aware of his loneliness, through lack of acquaintances, that they
+carried him home with them to spend the evening. When he finally left
+them, at a late hour, it was with the promise to be at the station next
+morning to meet Maud Stanton on her arrival.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+THE ARRIVAL OF THE GIRL
+
+
+A sweet-faced girl, very attractive but with a sad and anxious
+expression, descended from the Pullman and brightened as she found her
+friends standing with outstretched arms to greet her.
+
+"Oh, Maud!" cried Patsy, usurping the first hug, "how glad I am to see
+you again!"
+
+Beth looked in Maud Stanton's face and forbore to speak as she embraced
+her friend. Then Jones shook both hands of the new arrival and Uncle
+John kissed her with the same tenderness he showed his own nieces.
+
+This reception seemed to cheer Maud Stanton immensely. She even smiled
+during the drive to Willing Square--a winning, gracious smile that would
+have caused her to be instantly recognized in almost any community of
+our vast country; for this beautiful young girl was a famous motion
+picture actress, possessing qualities that had endeared her to every
+patron of the better class photo-dramas.
+
+At first she had been forced to adopt this occupation by the stern
+necessity of earning a livelihood, and under the careful guidance of her
+aunt--Mrs. Jane Montrose, a widow who had at one time been a favorite in
+New York social circles--Maud and her sister Florence had applied
+themselves so intelligently to their art that their compensation had
+become liberal enough to enable them to save a modest competence.
+
+One cause of surprise at Maud's sudden journey east was the fact that
+her services were in eager demand by the managers of the best producing
+companies on the Pacific Coast, where nearly all the American pictures
+are now made. Another cause for surprise was that she came alone,
+leaving her Aunt Jane and her sister Flo--usually her inseparable
+companion--in Los Angeles.
+
+But they did not question her until the cosy home at Willing Square was
+reached, luncheon served and Maud installed in the "Guest Room." Then
+the three girls had "a good, long talk" and presently came trooping
+into the library to enlighten Uncle John and Ajo.
+
+"Oh, Uncle! What do you think?" cried Patsy. "Maud is going to the war!"
+
+"The war!" echoed Mr. Merrick in a bewildered voice. "What on earth
+can--"
+
+"She is going to be a nurse," explained Beth, a soft glow of enthusiasm
+mantling her pretty face. "Isn't it splendid, Uncle!"
+
+"H-m," said Uncle John, regarding the girl with wonder. "It is certainly
+a--a--surprising venture."
+
+"But--see here, Maud--it's mighty dangerous," protested young Jones.
+"It's a tremendous undertaking, and--what can one girl do in the midst
+of all those horrors?"
+
+Maud seated herself quietly between them. Her face was grave and
+thoughtful.
+
+"I have had to answer many such arguments before now, as you may
+suspect," she began in even tones, "but the fact that I am here, well on
+my journey, is proof that I have convinced my aunt, my sister and all my
+western friends that I am at least determined on my mission, whether it
+be wise or foolish. I do not think I shall incur danger by caring for
+the wounded; the Red Cross is highly respected everywhere, these days."
+
+"The Red Cross?" quoth Uncle John.
+
+"Yes; I shall wear the Red Cross," she continued. "You know that I am a
+trained nurse; it was part of my education before--before--"
+
+"I had not known that until now," said Mr. Merrick, "but I am glad you
+have had that training. Beth began a course at the school here, but I
+took her away to Europe before she graduated. However, I wish more girls
+could be trained for nursing, as it is a more useful and admirable
+accomplishment than most of them now acquire."
+
+"Fox-Trots and Bunny-Hugs, for instance," said Patricia with fine
+disdain.
+
+"Patsy is a splendid nurse," declared Ajo, with a grateful look toward
+that chubby miss.
+
+"But untrained," she answered laughingly. "It was just common sense that
+enabled me to cure your malady, Ajo. I couldn't bandage a cut or a
+bullet wound to save me."
+
+"Fortunately," said Maud, "I have a diploma which will gain for me the
+endorsement of the American Red Cross Society. I am counting on that to
+enable me to get an appointment at the seat of war, where I can be of
+most use."
+
+"Where will you go?" asked the boy. "To Germany, Austria, Russia,
+Belgium, or--"
+
+"I shall go to France," she replied. "I speak French, but understand
+little of German, although once I studied the language."
+
+"Are you fully resolved upon this course, Maud?" asked Mr. Merrick in a
+tone of regret.
+
+"Fully decided, sir. I am going to Washington to-morrow, to get my
+credentials, and then I shall take the first steamer to Europe."
+
+There was no use arguing with Maud Stanton when she assumed that tone.
+It was neither obstinate nor defiant, yet it conveyed a quiet resolve
+that was unanswerable.
+
+For a time they sat in silence, musing on the many phases of this
+curious project; then Beth came to Mr. Merrick's side and asked
+pleadingly:
+
+"May I go with her, Uncle?"
+
+"Great Scott!" he exclaimed, with a nervous jump. "_You_, Beth?"
+
+"Yes, Uncle. I so long to be of help to those poor fellows who are
+being so cruelly sacrificed; and I know I can soothe much suffering, if
+I have the opportunity."
+
+He stared at her, not knowing what to reply. This quaint little man was
+so erratic himself, in his sudden resolves and eccentric actions, that
+he could scarcely quarrel with his niece for imitating an example he had
+frequently set. Still, he was shrewd enough to comprehend the reckless
+daring of the proposition.
+
+"Two unprotected girls in the midst of war and carnage, surrounded by
+foreigners, inspired to noble sacrifice through ignorance and
+inexperience, and hardly old enough to travel alone from Hoboken to
+Brooklyn! Why, the thing's absurd," he said.
+
+"Quite impractical," added Ajo, nodding wisely. "You're both too pretty,
+my dears, to undertake such an adventure. Why, the wounded men would all
+fall in love with their nurses and follow you back to America in a
+flock; and that might put a stop to the war for lack of men to fight
+it."
+
+"Don't be silly, Ajo," said Patsy, severely. "I've decided to go with
+Maud and Beth, and you know very well that the sight of my freckled face
+would certainly chill any romance that might arise."
+
+"That's nonsense, Patsy!"
+
+"Then you consider me beautiful, Uncle John?"
+
+"I mean it's nonsense about your going with Maud and Beth. I won't allow
+it."
+
+"Oh, Uncle! You know I can twine you around my little finger, if I
+choose. So don't, for goodness' sake, start a rumpus by trying to set
+your will against mine."
+
+"Then side with me, dear. I'm quite right, I assure you."
+
+"You're always right, Nunkie, dear," she cried, giving him a resounding
+smack of a kiss on his chubby cheek as she sat on the arm of his chair,
+"but I'm going with the girls, just the same, and you may as well make
+up your mind to it."
+
+Uncle John coughed. He left his chair and trotted up and down the room a
+moment. Then he carefully adjusted his spectacles, took a long look at
+Patsy's face, and heaved a deep sigh of resignation.
+
+"Thank goodness, that's settled," said Patsy cheerfully.
+
+Uncle John turned to the boy, saying dismally:
+
+"I've done everything in my power for these girls, and now they defy me.
+They've declared a thousand times they love me, and yet they'd trot off
+to bandage a lot of unknown foreigners and leave me alone to worry my
+heart out."
+
+"Why don't you go along?" asked Jones. "I'm going."
+
+"You!"
+
+"Of course. I've a suspicion our girls have the right instinct, sir--the
+tender, womanly instinct that makes us love them. At any rate, I'm going
+to stand by them. It strikes me as the noblest and grandest idea a girl
+ever conceived, and if anything could draw me closer to these three
+young ladies, who had me pretty well snared before, it is this very
+proposition."
+
+"I don't see why," muttered Uncle John, wavering.
+
+"I'll tell you why, sir. For themselves, they have all the good things
+of life at their command. They could bask in luxury to the end of their
+days, if they so desired. Yet their wonderful womanly sympathy goes out
+to the helpless and suffering--the victims of the cruellest war the
+world has ever known--and they promptly propose to sacrifice their ease
+and brave whatever dangers may befall, that they may relieve to some
+extent the pain and agony of those wounded and dying fellow creatures."
+
+"Foreigners," said Uncle John weakly.
+
+"Human beings," said the boy.
+
+Patsy marched over to Ajo and gave him a sturdy whack upon the back that
+nearly knocked him over.
+
+"The spirit of John Paul Jones still goes marching on!" she cried. "My
+boy, you're the right stuff, and I'm glad I doctored you."
+
+He smiled, looking from one to another of the three girls questioningly.
+
+"Then I'm to go along?" he asked.
+
+"We shall be grateful," answered Maud, after a moment's hesitation.
+"This is all very sudden to me, for I had planned to go alone."
+
+"That wouldn't do at all," asserted Uncle John briskly. "I'm astonished
+and--and grieved--that my nieces should want to go with you, but perhaps
+the trip will prove interesting. Tell me what steamer you want to catch,
+Maud, and I'll reserve rooms for our entire party."
+
+"No," said Jones, "don't do it, sir."
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"There's the _Arabella_. Let's use her."
+
+"To cross the ocean?"
+
+"She has done that before. It will assist our enterprise, I'm sure, to
+have our own boat. These are troublous times on the high seas."
+
+Patsy clapped her hands gleefully.
+
+"That's it; a hospital ship!" she exclaimed.
+
+They regarded her with various expressions: startled, doubtful,
+admiring, approving. Presently, with added thought on the matter, the
+approval became unanimous.
+
+"It's an amazing suggestion," said Maud, her eyes sparkling.
+
+"Think how greatly it will extend our usefulness," said Beth.
+
+Uncle John was again trotting up and down the room, this time in a
+state of barely repressed excitement.
+
+"The very thing!" he cried. "Clever, practical,
+and--eh--eh--tremendously interesting. Now, then, listen carefully--all
+of you! It's up to you, Jones, to accompany Maud on the night express to
+Washington. Get the Red Cross Society to back our scheme and supply us
+with proper credentials. The _Arabella_ must be rated as a hospital ship
+and our party endorsed as a distinct private branch of the Red
+Cross--what they call a 'unit.' I'll give you a letter to our senator
+and he will look after our passports and all necessary papers. I--I
+helped elect him, you know. And while you're gone it shall be my
+business to fit the ship with all the supplies we shall need to promote
+our mission of mercy."
+
+"I'll share the expense," proposed the boy.
+
+"No, you won't. You've done enough in furnishing the ship and crew. I'll
+attend to the rest."
+
+"And Beth and I will be Uncle John's assistants," said Patsy. "We shall
+want heaps of lint and bandages, drugs and liniments and--"
+
+"And, above all, a doctor," advised Ajo. "One of the mates on my yacht,
+Kelsey by name, is a half-way physician, having studied medicine in his
+youth and practiced it on the crew for the last dozen years; but what we
+really need on a hospital ship is a bang-up surgeon."
+
+"This promises to become an expensive undertaking," remarked Maud, with
+a sigh. "Perhaps it will be better to let me go alone, as I originally
+expected to do. But, if we take along the hospital ship, do not be
+extravagant, Mr. Merrick, in equipping it. I feel that I have been the
+innocent cause of drawing you all into this venture and I do not want it
+to prove a hardship to my friends."
+
+"All right, Maud," returned Uncle John, with a cheerful grin, "I'll try
+to economize, now that you've warned me."
+
+Ajo smiled and Patsy Doyle laughed outright. They knew it would not
+inconvenience the little rich man, in the slightest degree, to fit out a
+dozen hospital ships.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+THE DECISION OF DOCTOR GYS
+
+
+Uncle John was up bright and early next morning, and directly after
+breakfast he called upon his old friend and physician, Dr. Barlow. After
+explaining the undertaking on which he had embarked, Mr. Merrick added:
+
+"You see, we need a surgeon with us; a clever, keen chap who understands
+his business thoroughly, a sawbones with all the modern scientific
+discoveries saturating him to his finger-tips. Tell me where to get
+him."
+
+Dr. Barlow, recovering somewhat from his astonishment, smiled
+deprecatingly.
+
+"The sort of man you describe," said he, "would cost you a fortune, for
+you would oblige him to abandon a large and lucrative practice in order
+to accompany you. I doubt, indeed, if any price would tempt him to
+abandon his patients."
+
+"Isn't there some young fellow with these requirements?"
+
+"Mr. Merrick, you need a physician and surgeon combined. Wounds lead to
+fever and other serious ailments, which need skillful handling. You
+might secure a young man, fresh from his clinics, who would prove a good
+surgeon, but to master the science of medicine, experience and long
+practice are absolutely necessary."
+
+"We've got a half-way medicine man on the ship now--a fellow who has
+doctored the crew for years and kept 'em pretty healthy. So I guess a
+surgeon will about fill our bill."
+
+"H-m, I know these ship's doctors, Mr. Merrick, and I wouldn't care to
+have you and your nieces trust your lives to one, in case you become
+ill. Believe me, a good physician is as necessary to you as a good
+surgeon. Do you know that disease will kill as many of those soldiers as
+bullets?"
+
+"No."
+
+"It is true; else the history of wars has taught us nothing. We haven't
+heard much of plagues and epidemics yet, in the carefully censored
+reports from London, but it won't be long before disease will devastate
+whole armies."
+
+Uncle John frowned. The thing was growing complicated.
+
+"Do you consider this a wild goose chase, Doctor?" he asked.
+
+"Not with your fortune, your girls and your fine ship to back it. I
+think Miss Stanton's idea of venturing abroad unattended, to nurse the
+wounded, was Quixotic in the extreme. Some American women are doing it,
+I know, but I don't approve of it. On the other hand, your present plan
+is worthy of admiration and applause, for it is eminently practical if
+properly handled."
+
+Dr. Barlow drummed upon the table with his fingers, musingly. Then he
+looked up.
+
+"I wonder," said he, "if Gys would go. If you could win him over, he
+would fill the bill."
+
+"Who is Gys?" inquired Uncle John.
+
+"An eccentric; a character. But clever and competent. He has just
+returned from Yucatan, where he accompanied an expedition of exploration
+sent out by the Geographical Society--and, by the way, nearly lost his
+life in the venture. Before that, he made a trip to the frozen North
+with a rescue party. Between times, he works in the hospitals, or acts
+as consulting surgeon with men of greater fame than he has won; but Gys
+is a rolling stone, erratic and whimsical, and with all his talent can
+never settle down to a steady practice."
+
+"Seems like the very man I want," said Uncle John, much interested.
+"Where can I find him?"
+
+"I've no idea. But I'll call up Collins and inquire."
+
+He took up the telephone receiver and got his number.
+
+"Collins? Say, I'm anxious to find Gys. Have you any idea--Eh? Sitting
+with you now? How lucky. Ask him if he will come to my office at once;
+it's important."
+
+Uncle John's face was beaming with satisfaction. The doctor waited, the
+receiver at his ear.
+
+"What's that, Collins?... He won't come?... Why not?... Absurd!... I've
+a fine proposition for him.... Eh? He isn't interested in propositions?
+What in thunder _is_ he interested in?... Pshaw! Hold the phone a
+minute."
+
+Turning to Mr. Merrick, he said:
+
+"Gys wants to go on a fishing trip. He plans to start to-night for the
+Maine woods. But I've an idea if you could get him face to face you
+might convince him."
+
+"See if he'll stay where he is till I can get there."
+
+The doctor turned to the telephone and asked the question. There was a
+long pause. Gys wanted to know who it was that proposed to visit him.
+John Merrick, the retired millionaire? All right; Gys would wait in
+Collins' office for twenty minutes.
+
+Uncle John lost no time in rushing to his motor car, where he ordered
+the driver to hasten to the address Dr. Barlow had given him.
+
+The offices of Dr. Collins were impressive. Mr. Merrick entered a
+luxurious reception room and gave his name to a businesslike young woman
+who advanced to meet him. He had called to see Dr. Gys.
+
+The young woman smothered a smile that crept to her lips, and led Uncle
+John through an examination room and an operating room--both vacant
+just now--and so into a laboratory that was calculated to give a well
+person the shivers. Here was but one individual, a man in his
+shirt-sleeves who was smoking a corncob pipe and bending over a test
+tube.
+
+Uncle John coughed to announce his presence, for the woman had slipped
+away as she closed the door. The man's back was turned partially toward
+his visitor. He did not alter his position as he said:
+
+"Sit down. There's a chair in the southwest corner."
+
+Uncle John found the chair. He waited patiently a few moments and then
+his choler began to rise.
+
+"If you're in such a blamed hurry to go fishing, why don't you get rid
+of me now?" he asked.
+
+The shoulders shook gently and there was a chuckling laugh. The man laid
+down his test tube and swung around on his stool.
+
+For a moment Mr. Merrick recoiled. The face was seared with livid scars,
+the nose crushed to one side, the mouth crooked and set in a sneering
+grin. One eye was nearly closed and the other round and wide open. A
+more forbidding and ghastly countenance Mr. Merrick had never beheld and
+in his surprise he muttered a low exclamation.
+
+"Exactly," said Gys, his voice quiet and pleasant. "I don't blame you
+and I'm not offended. Do you wonder I hesitate to meet strangers?"
+
+"I--I was not--prepared," stammered Uncle John.
+
+"That was Barlow's fault. He knows me and should have told you. And now
+I'll tell you why I consented to see you. No! never mind your own
+proposition, whatever it is. Listen to mine first. I want to go fishing,
+and I haven't the money. None of my brother physicians will lend me
+another sou, for I owe them all. You are John Merrick, to whom money is
+of little consequence. May I venture to ask you for an advance of a
+couple of hundred for a few weeks? When I return I'll take up your
+proposition, whatever it may be, and recompense you in services."
+
+He refilled and relighted the corncob while Mr. Merrick stared at him
+in thoughtful silence. As a matter of fact, Uncle John was pleased with
+the fellow. A whimsical, irrational, unconventional appeal of this sort
+went straight to his heart, for the queer little man hated the
+commonplace most cordially.
+
+"I'll give you the money on one condition," he said.
+
+"I object to the condition," said Gys firmly. "Conditions are
+dangerous."
+
+"My proposition," went on Uncle John, "won't wait for weeks. When you
+hear it, if you are not anxious to take it up, I don't want you. Indeed,
+I'm not sure I want you, anyhow."
+
+"Ah; you're frightened by my features. Most people with propositions
+are. I'm an unlucky dog, sir. They say it's good luck to touch a
+hunchback; to touch me is the reverse. Way up North in a frozen sea a
+poor fellow went overboard. I didn't get him and he drowned; but I got
+caught between two cakes of floating ice that jammed my nose out of its
+former perfect contour. In Yucatan I tumbled into a hedge of poisoned
+cactus and had to operate on myself--quickly, too--to save my life.
+Wild with pain, I slashed my face to get the poisoned tips of thorn out
+of the flesh. Parts of my body are like my face, but fortunately I can
+cover them. It was bad surgery. On another I could have operated without
+leaving a scar, but I was frantic with pain. Don't stare at that big
+eye, sir; it's glass. I lost that optic in Pernambuco and couldn't find
+a glass substitute to fit my face. Indeed, this was the only one in
+town, made for a fat Spanish lady who turned it down because it was not
+exactly the right color."
+
+"You certainly have been--eh--unfortunate," murmured Uncle John.
+
+"See here," said Gys, taking a leather book from an inside pocket of the
+coat that hung on a peg beside him, and proceeding to open it. "Here is
+a photograph of me, taken before I embarked upon my adventures."
+
+Uncle John put on his glasses and examined the photograph curiously. It
+was a fine face, clean-cut, manly and expressive. The eyes were
+especially frank and winning.
+
+"How old were you then?" he asked.
+
+"Twenty-four."
+
+"And now?"
+
+"Thirty-eight. A good deal happened in that fourteen years, as you may
+guess. And now," reaching for the photograph and putting it carefully
+back in the book, "state your proposition and I'll listen to it, because
+you have listened so patiently to me."
+
+Mr. Merrick in simple words explained the plan to take a hospital ship
+to Europe, relating the incidents that led up to the enterprise and
+urging the need of prompt action. His voice dwelt tenderly on his girls
+and the loyal support of young Jones.
+
+Dr. Gys smoked and listened silently. Then he picked up the telephone
+and called a number.
+
+"Tell Hawkins I've abandoned that fishing trip," he said. "I've got
+another job." Then he faced Mr. Merrick. His smile was not pretty, but
+it was a smile.
+
+"That's my answer, sir."
+
+"But we haven't talked salary yet."
+
+"Bother the salary. I'm not mercenary."
+
+"And I'm not sure--"
+
+"Yes, you are. I'm going with you. Do you know why?"
+
+"It's a novel project, very appealing from a humanitarian standpoint
+and--"
+
+"I hadn't thought of that. I'm going because you're headed for the
+biggest war the world has ever known; because I foresee danger ahead,
+for all of us; but mainly because--"
+
+"Well?"
+
+"Because I'm a coward--a natural born coward--and I can have a lot of
+fun forcing myself to face the shell and shrapnel. That's the truth; I'm
+not a liar. And for a long time I've been wondering--wondering--" His
+voice died away in a murmur.
+
+"Well, sir?"
+
+Dr. Gys roused himself.
+
+"Oh; do you want a full confession? For a long time, then, I've been
+wondering what's the easiest way for a man to die. No, I'm not morbid.
+I'm simply ruined, physically, for the practice of a profession I love,
+a profession I have fully mastered, and--I'll be happier when I can
+shake off this horrible envelope of disfigurement."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+THE HOSPITAL SHIP
+
+
+The energy of Doctor Gys was marvelous. He knew exactly what supplies
+would be needed to fit the _Arabella_ thoroughly for her important
+mission, and with unlimited funds at his command to foot the bills, he
+quickly converted the handsome yacht into a model hospital ship. Gys
+from the first developed a liking for Kelsey, the mate, whom he found a
+valuable assistant, and the two came to understand each other perfectly.
+Kelsey was a quiet man, more thoughtful than experienced in medical
+matters, but his common sense often guided him aright when his technical
+knowledge was at fault.
+
+Captain Carg accepted the novel conditions thrust upon him, without a
+word of protest. He might secretly resent the uses to which his ship was
+being put, but his young master's commands were law and his duty was to
+obey. The same feeling prevailed among the other members of the crew,
+all of whom were Sangoans.
+
+In three days Jones and Maud Stanton returned from Washington. They were
+jubilant over their success.
+
+"We've secured everything we wanted," the boy told Uncle John, Beth and
+Patsy, with evident enthusiasm. "Not only have we the full sanction of
+the American Red Cross Society, but I have letters to the different
+branches in the war zone, asking for us every consideration. Not only
+that, but your senator proved himself a brick. What do you think? Here's
+a letter from our secretary of state--another from the French charge
+d'affairs--half a dozen from prominent ambassadors of other countries!
+We've a free field in all Europe, practically, that will enable us to
+work to the best advantage."
+
+"It's wonderful!" cried Patsy.
+
+"Mr. Merrick is so well known as a philanthropist that his name was a
+magic talisman for us," said Maud. "Moreover, our enterprise commands
+the sympathy of everyone. We had numerous offers of financial
+assistance, too."
+
+"I hope you didn't accept them," said Uncle John nervously.
+
+"No," answered the boy, "I claimed this expedition to be our private and
+individual property. We can now do as we please, being under no
+obligations to any but ourselves."
+
+"That's right," said Uncle John. "We don't want to be hampered by the
+necessity of advising with others."
+
+"By the way, have you found a doctor?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"A good one?" asked Maud quickly.
+
+"Highly recommended, but homely as a rail fence," continued Patsy, as
+her uncle hesitated.
+
+"That's nothing," said Ajo lightly.
+
+"Nothing, eh? Well, wait till you see him," she replied. "You'll never
+look Doctor Gys in the face more than once, I assure you. After that,
+you'll be glad to keep your eyes on his vest buttons."
+
+"I like him immensely, though," said Beth. "He is clever, honest and
+earnest. The poor man can't help his mutilations, which are the result
+of many unfortunate adventures."
+
+"Sounds like just the man we wanted," declared Ajo, and afterward he had
+no reason to recall that assertion.
+
+A week is a small time in which to equip a big ship, but money and
+energy can accomplish much and the news from the seat of war was so
+eventful that they felt every moment to be precious and so they worked
+with feverish haste. The tide of German success had turned and their
+great army, from Paris to Vitry, was now in full retreat, fighting every
+inch of the way and leaving thousands of dead and wounded in its wake.
+
+"How long will it take us to reach Calais?" they asked Captain Carg
+eagerly.
+
+"Eight or nine days," said he.
+
+"We are not as fast as the big passenger steamers," explained young
+Jones, "but with good weather the _Arabella_ may be depended upon to
+make the trip in good shape and fair time."
+
+On the nineteenth of September, fully equipped and with her papers in
+order, the beautiful yacht left her anchorage and began her voyage. The
+weather proved exceptionally favorable. During the voyage the girls
+busied themselves preparing their modest uniforms and pumping Dr. Gys
+for all sorts of information, from scratches to amputations. He gave
+them much practical and therefore valuable advice to guide them in
+whatever emergencies might arise, and this was conveyed in the
+whimsical, half humorous manner that seemed characteristic of him. At
+first Gys had shrunk involuntarily from facing this bevy of young girls,
+but they had so frankly ignored his physical blemishes and exhibited so
+true a comradeship to all concerned in the expedition, that the doctor
+soon felt perfectly at ease in their society.
+
+During the evenings he gave them practical demonstrations of the
+application of tourniquets, bandages and the like, while Uncle John and
+Ajo by turns posed as wounded soldiers. Gys was extraordinarily deft in
+all his manipulations and although Maud Stanton was a graduate
+nurse--with little experience, however--and Beth De Graf had studied the
+art for a year or more, it was Patsy Doyle who showed the most dexterity
+in assisting the doctor on these occasions.
+
+"I don't know whether I'll faint at the sight of real blood," she said,
+"but I shall know pretty well what to do if I can keep my nerve."
+
+The application of anaesthetics was another thing fully explained by
+Gys, but this could not be demonstrated. Patsy, however, was taught the
+use of the hypodermic needle, which Maud and Beth quite understood.
+
+"We've a big stock of morphia, in its various forms," said the doctor,
+"and I expect it to prove of tremendous value in comforting our
+patients."
+
+"I'm not sure I approve the use of that drug," remarked Uncle John.
+
+"But think of the suffering we can allay by its use," exclaimed Maud.
+"If ever morphia is justifiable, it is in war, where it can save many a
+life by conquering unendurable pain. I believe the discovery of morphine
+was the greatest blessing that humanity has ever enjoyed. Don't you,
+Doctor Gys?"
+
+The one good eye of Gys had a queer way of twinkling when he was amused.
+It twinkled as the girl asked this question.
+
+"Morphine," he replied, "has destroyed more people than it has saved.
+You play with fire when you feed it to anyone, under any circumstances.
+Nevertheless, I believe in its value on an expedition of this sort, and
+that is why I loaded up on the stuff. Let me advise you never to tell a
+patient that we are administering morphine. The result is all that he is
+concerned with and it is better he should not know what has relieved
+him."
+
+On a sunny day when the sea was calm they slung a scaffold over the bow
+and painted a big red cross on either side of the white ship. Everyone
+aboard wore the Red Cross emblem on an arm band, even the sailors being
+so decorated. Uncle John was very proud of the insignia and loved to
+watch his girls moving around the deck in their sober uniforms and white
+caps.
+
+Jones endured the voyage splendidly and by this time had convinced
+himself that he was not again to be subject to the mal-de-mer of his
+first ocean trip. As they drew near to their destination an atmosphere
+of subdued excitement pervaded the _Arabella_, for even the sailors had
+caught the infection of the girls' eagerness and were anxious to get
+into action at the earliest moment.
+
+It was now that Uncle John began to busy himself with his especial
+prize, a huge motor ambulance he had purchased in New York and which had
+been fully equipped for the requirements of war. Indeed, an enterprising
+manufacturer had prepared it with the expectation that some of the
+belligerent governments would purchase it, and Mr. Merrick considered
+himself fortunate in securing it. It would accommodate six seriously
+wounded, on swinging beds, and twelve others, slightly wounded, who
+might be able to sit upon cushioned seats. The motor was very powerful
+and the driver was protected from stray bullets by an armored hood.
+
+In addition to this splendid machine, Mr. Merrick had secured a smaller
+ambulance that had not the advantage of the swinging beds but could be
+rushed more swiftly to any desired location. Both ambulances were
+decorated on all sides with the emblem of the Red Cross and would be
+invaluable in bringing the wounded to the _Arabella_. The ship carried a
+couple of small motor launches for connecting the shore with her
+anchorage.
+
+They had purposely brought no chauffeurs with them, as Uncle John
+believed foreign drivers, who were thoroughly acquainted with the
+country, would prove more useful than the American variety, and from
+experience he knew that a French chauffeur is the king of his
+profession.
+
+During the last days of the voyage Mr. Merrick busied himself in
+carefully inspecting every detail of his precious vehicles and
+explaining their operation to everyone on board. Even the girls would be
+able to run an ambulance on occasion, and the boy developed quite a
+mechanical talent in mastering the machines.
+
+"I feel," said young Jones, "that I have had a rather insignificant part
+in preparing this expedition, for all I have furnished--aside from the
+boat itself--consists of two lots of luxuries that may or may not be
+needed."
+
+"And what may they be?" asked Dr. Gys, who was standing in the group
+beside him.
+
+"Thermos flasks and cigarettes."
+
+"Cigarettes!" exclaimed Beth, in horror.
+
+The doctor nodded approvingly.
+
+"Capital!" said he. "Next to our anodynes and anaesthetics, nothing will
+prove so comforting to the wounded as cigarettes. They are supplied by
+nurses in all the hospitals in Europe. How many did you bring?"
+
+"Ten cases of about twenty-five thousand each."
+
+"A quarter of a million cigarettes!" gasped Beth.
+
+"Too few," asserted the doctor in a tone of raillery, "but we'll make
+them go as far as possible. And the thermos cases are also valuable.
+Cool water to parched lips means a glimpse of heaven. Hot coffee will
+save many from exhaustion. You've done well, my boy."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+NEARING THE FRAY
+
+
+On September twenty-eighth they entered the English Channel and were
+promptly signalled by a British warship, so they were obliged to lay to
+while a party of officers came aboard. The _Arabella_ was flying the
+American flag and the Red Cross flag, but the English officer
+courteously but firmly persisted in searching the ship. What he found
+seemed to interest him, as did the papers and credentials presented for
+his perusal.
+
+"And which side have you come to assist?" he asked.
+
+"No side at all, sir," replied Jones, as master of the _Arabella_. "The
+wounded, the sick and helpless, whatever uniform they chance to wear,
+will receive our best attention. But we are bound for Calais and intend
+to follow the French army."
+
+The officer nodded gravely.
+
+"Of course," said he, "you are aware that the channel is full of mines
+and that progress is dangerous unless you have our maps to guide you. I
+will furnish your pilot with a diagram, provided you agree to keep our
+secret and deliver the diagram to the English officer you will meet at
+Calais."
+
+They agreed to this and after the formalities were concluded the officer
+prepared to depart.
+
+"I must congratulate you," he remarked on leaving, "on having the best
+equipped hospital ship it has been my fortune to see. There are many in
+the service, as you know, but the boats are often mere tubs and the
+fittings of the simplest description. The wounded who come under your
+care will indeed be fortunate. It is wonderful to realize that you have
+come all the way from America, and at so great an expense, to help the
+victims of this sad war. For the Allies I thank you, and--good-bye!"
+
+They remembered this kindly officer long afterward, for he proved more
+generous than many of the English they met.
+
+Captain Carg now steamed ahead, watching his chart carefully to avoid
+the fields of mines, but within two hours he was again hailed, this
+time by an armored cruiser. The first officer having vised the ship's
+papers, they were spared the delay of another search and after a brief
+examination were allowed to proceed. They found the channel well
+patrolled by war craft and no sooner had they lost sight of one, than
+another quickly appeared.
+
+At Cherbourg a French dreadnaught halted them and an officer came aboard
+to give them a new chart of the mine fields between there and Calais and
+full instructions how to proceed safely. This officer, who spoke
+excellent English, asked a thousand questions and seemed grateful for
+their charitable assistance to his countrymen.
+
+"You have chosen a dangerous post," said he, "but the Red Cross is
+respected everywhere--even by the Germans. Have you heard the latest
+news? We have driven them back to the Aisne and are holding the enemy
+well in check. Antwerp is under siege, to be sure, but it can hold out
+indefinitely. The fighting will be all in Belgium soon, and then in
+Germany. Our watchword is 'On to Berlin!'"
+
+"Perhaps we ought to proceed directly to Ostend," said Uncle John.
+
+"The Germans still hold it, monsieur. In a few days, perhaps, when
+Belgium is free of the invaders, you will find work enough to occupy you
+at Ostend; but I advise you not to attempt to go there now."
+
+In spite of the friendly attitude of this officer and of the authorities
+at Cherbourg, they were detained at this port for several days before
+finally receiving permission to proceed. The delay was galling but had
+to be endured until the infinite maze of red tape was at an end. They
+reached Calais in the early evening and just managed to secure an
+anchorage among the fleet of warships in the harbor.
+
+Again they were obliged to show their papers and passports, now vised by
+representatives of both the English and French navies, but this
+formality being over they were given a cordial welcome.
+
+Uncle John and Ajo decided to go ashore for the latest news and arrived
+in the city between nine and ten o'clock that same evening. They found
+Calais in a state of intense excitement. The streets were filled with
+British and French soldiery, with whom were mingled groups of citizens,
+all eagerly discussing the war and casting uneasy glances at the black
+sky overhead for signs of the dreaded German Zeppelins.
+
+"How about Antwerp?" Jones asked an Englishman they found in the lobby
+of one of the overcrowded hotels.
+
+The man turned to stare at him; he looked his questioner up and down
+with such insolence that the boy's fists involuntarily doubled; then he
+turned his back and walked away. A bystander laughed with amusement. He
+also was an Englishman, but wore the uniform of a subaltern.
+
+"What can you expect, without a formal introduction?" he asked young
+Jones. "But I'll answer your question, sir; Antwerp is doomed."
+
+"Oh; do you really think so?" inquired Uncle John uneasily.
+
+"It's a certainty, although I hate to admit it. We at the rear are not
+very well posted on what is taking place over in Belgium, but it's said
+the bombardment of Antwerp began yesterday and it's impossible for the
+place to hold out for long. Perhaps even now the city has fallen under
+the terrific bombardment."
+
+There was something thrilling in the suggestion.
+
+"And then?" asked Jones, almost breathlessly.
+
+The man gave a typical British shrug.
+
+"Then we fellows will find work to do," he replied. "But it is better to
+fight than to eat our hearts out by watching and waiting. We're the
+reserves, you know, and we've hardly smelled powder yet."
+
+After conversing with several of the soldiers and civilians--the latter
+being mostly too unnerved to talk coherently--the Americans made their
+way back to the quay with heavy hearts. They threaded lanes filled with
+sobbing women, many of whom had frightened children clinging to their
+skirts, passed groups of old men and boys who were visibly trembling
+with trepidation and stood aside for ranks of brisk soldiery who marched
+with an alertness that was in strong contrast with the terrified
+attitude of the citizens. There was war in the air--fierce, relentless
+war in every word and action they encountered--and it had the effect of
+depressing the newcomers.
+
+That night an earnest conference was held aboard the _Arabella_.
+
+"As I understand it, here is the gist of the situation," began Ajo. "The
+line of battle along the Aisne is stationary--for the present, at least.
+Both sides are firmly entrenched and it's going to be a long, hard
+fight. Antwerp is being bombarded, and although it's a powerful
+fortress, the general opinion is that it can't hold out for long. If it
+falls, there will be a rush of Germans down this coast, first to capture
+Dunkirk, a few miles above here, and then Calais itself."
+
+"In other words," continued Uncle John, "this is likely to be the most
+important battleground for the next few weeks. Now, the question to
+decide is this: Shall we disembark our ambulances and run them across to
+Arras, beginning our work behind the French trenches, or go on to
+Dunkirk, where we are likely to plunge into the thickest of the war?
+We're not fighters, you know, but noncombatants, bent on an errand of
+mercy. There are wounded everywhere."
+
+They considered this for a long time without reaching a decision, for
+there were some in the party to argue on either side of the question.
+Uncle John continued to favor the trenches, as the safest position for
+his girls to work; but the girls themselves, realizing little of the
+dangers to be encountered, preferred to follow the fortunes of the
+Belgians.
+
+"They've been so brave and noble, these people of Belgium," said Beth,
+"that I would take more pleasure in helping them than any other branch
+of the allied armies."
+
+"But, my dear, there's a mere handful of them left," protested her
+uncle. "I'm told that at Dunkirk there is still a remnant of the Belgian
+army--very badly equipped--but most of the remaining force is with King
+Albert in Antwerp. If the place falls they will either be made prisoners
+by the Germans or they may escape into Holland, where their fighting
+days will be ended for the rest of the war. However, there is no need to
+decide this important question to-night. To-morrow I am to see the
+French commandant and I will get his advice."
+
+The interview with the French commandant of Calais, which was readily
+accorded the Americans, proved very unsatisfactory. The general had just
+received reports that Antwerp was in flames and the greater part of the
+city already demolished by the huge forty-two-centimetre guns of the
+Germans. The fate of King Albert's army was worrying him exceedingly and
+he was therefore in little mood for conversation.
+
+The American consul could do little to assist them. After the matter was
+explained to him, he said:
+
+"I advise you to wait a few days for your decision. Perhaps a day--an
+hour--will change the whole angle of the war. Strange portents are in
+the air; no one knows what will happen next. Come to me, from time to
+time, and I will give you all the information I secure."
+
+Dr. Gys had accompanied Jones and Mr. Merrick into Calais to-day, and
+while he had little to say during the various interviews his
+observations were shrewd and comprehensive. When they returned to the
+deck of the _Arabella_, Gys said to the girls:
+
+"There is nothing worth while for us to do here. The only wounded I saw
+were a few Frenchmen parading their bandaged heads and hands for the
+admiration of the women. The hospitals are well organized and quite
+full, it is true, but I'm told that no more wounded are being sent here.
+The Sisters of Mercy and the regular French Red Cross force seem very
+competent to handle the situation, and there are two government hospital
+ships already anchored in this port. We would only be butting in to
+offer our services. But down the line, from Arras south, there is real
+war in the trenches and many are falling every day. Arras is less than
+fifty miles from here--a two or three hours' run for our ambulances--and
+we could bring the wounded here and care for them as we originally
+intended."
+
+"Fifty miles is a long distance for a wounded man to travel," objected
+Maud.
+
+"True," said the doctor, "but the roads are excellent."
+
+"Remember those swinging cots," said Ajo.
+
+"We might try it," said Patsy, anxious to be doing something. "Couldn't
+we start to-morrow for Arras, Uncle?"
+
+"It occurs to me that we must first find a chauffeur," answered Mr.
+Merrick, "and from my impressions of the inhabitants of Calais, that
+will prove a difficult task."
+
+"Why?"
+
+"Every man jack of 'em is scared stiff," said Ajo, with a laugh. "But we
+might ask the commandant to recommend someone. The old boy seems
+friendly enough."
+
+The next day, however, brought important news from Antwerp. The city had
+surrendered, the Belgian army had made good its escape and was now
+retreating toward Ostend, closely followed by the enemy.
+
+This news was related by a young orderly who met them as they entered
+the Hotel de Ville. They were also told that the commandant was very
+busy but would try to see them presently. This young Frenchman spoke
+English perfectly and was much excited by the morning's dispatches.
+
+"This means that the war is headed our way at last!" he cried
+enthusiastically. "The Germans will make a dash to capture both Dunkirk
+and Calais, and already large bodies of reinforcements are on the way to
+defend these cities."
+
+"English, or French?" asked Uncle John.
+
+"This is French territory," was the embarrassed reply, "but we are glad
+to have our allies, the English, to support us. Their General French is
+now at Dunkirk, and it is probable the English will join the French and
+Belgians at that point."
+
+"They didn't do much good at Antwerp, it seems," remarked Ajo.
+
+"Ah, they were naval reserves, monsieur, and not much could be expected
+of them. But do not misunderstand me; I admire the English private--the
+fighting man--exceedingly. Were the officers as clever as their soldiers
+are brave, the English would be irresistible."
+
+As this seemed a difficult subject to discuss, Uncle John asked the
+orderly if he knew of a good chauffeur to drive their ambulance--an
+able, careful man who might be depended upon in emergencies.
+
+The orderly reflected.
+
+"We have already impressed the best drivers," he said, "but it may be
+the general will consent to spare you one of them. Your work is so
+important that we must take good care of you."
+
+But when they were admitted to the general they found him in a more
+impatient mood than before. He really could not undertake to direct Red
+Cross workers or advise them. They were needed everywhere; everywhere
+they would be welcome. And now, he regretted to state that he was very
+busy; if they had other business with the department, Captain Meroux
+would act as its representative.
+
+Before accepting this dismissal Uncle John ventured to ask about a
+chauffeur. Rather brusquely the general stated that they could ill
+afford to spare one from the service. A desperate situation now faced
+the Allies in Flanders. Captain Meroux must take care of the Americans;
+doubtless he could find a driver for their ambulance--perhaps a Belgian.
+
+But in the outer office the orderly smiled doubtfully.
+
+A driver? To be sure; but such as he could furnish would not be of the
+slightest use to them. All the good chauffeurs had been impressed and
+the general was not disposed to let them have one.
+
+"He mentioned a Belgian," suggested Uncle John.
+
+"I know; but the Belgians in Calais are all fugitives, terror-stricken
+and unmanned." He grew thoughtful a moment and then continued: "My
+advice would be to take your ship to Dunkirk. It is only a little way,
+through a good channel, and you will be as safe there as at Calais. For,
+if Dunkirk falls, Calais will fall with it. From there, moreover, the
+roads are better to Arras and Peronne, and it is there you stand the
+best chance of getting a clever Belgian chauffeur. If you wish--" he
+hesitated, looking at them keenly.
+
+"Well, sir?"
+
+"If you are really anxious to get to the firing line and do the most
+good, Dunkirk is your logical station. If you are merely seeking the
+notoriety of being charitably inclined, remain here."
+
+They left the young man, reflecting upon his advice and gravely
+considering its value. They next visited one of the hospitals, where an
+overworked but friendly English surgeon volunteered a similar
+suggestion. Dunkirk, he declared, would give them better opportunities
+than Calais.
+
+The remainder of the day they spent in getting whatever news had
+filtered into the city and vainly seeking a competent man for chauffeur.
+On the morning of October eleventh they left Calais and proceeded slowly
+along the buoyed channel that is the only means of approaching the port
+of Dunkirk by water. The coast line is too shallow to allow ships to
+enter from the open sea.
+
+On their arrival at the Flemish city--twelve miles nearer the front than
+Calais--they found an entirely different atmosphere. No excitement, no
+terror was visible anywhere. The people quietly pursued their accustomed
+avocations and the city was as orderly as in normal times.
+
+The town was full of Belgians, however, both soldiers and civilians,
+while French and British troops were arriving hourly in regiments and
+battalions. General French, the English commander in chief, had located
+his headquarters at a prominent hotel, and a brisk and businesslike air
+pervaded the place, with an entire lack of confusion. Most of the
+Belgians were reservists who were waiting to secure uniforms and arms.
+They crowded all the hotels, cafes and inns and seemed as merry and
+light-hearted as if no news of their king's defeat and precipitate
+retreat had arrived. Not until questioned would they discuss the war at
+all, yet every man was on the _qui vive_, expecting hourly to hear the
+roar of guns announcing the arrival of the fragment of the Belgian army
+that had escaped from Antwerp.
+
+To-day the girls came ashore with the men of their party, all three
+wearing their Red Cross uniforms and caps, and it was almost pathetic to
+note the deference with which all those warriors--both bronzed and
+fair--removed their caps until the "angels of mercy" had passed them by.
+
+They made the rounds of the hospitals, which were already crowded with
+wounded, and Gys stopped at one long enough to assist the French doctor
+in a delicate operation. Patsy stood by to watch this surgery, her face
+white and drawn, for this was her first experience of the sort; but Maud
+and Beth volunteered their services and were so calm and deft that
+Doctor Gys was well pleased with them.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+LITTLE MAURIE
+
+
+It was nearly evening when the Americans finally returned to the quay,
+close to which the _Arabella_ was moored. As they neared the place a
+great military automobile came tearing along, scattering pedestrians
+right and left, made a sudden swerve, caught a man who was not agile
+enough to escape and sent him spinning along the dock until he fell
+headlong, a crumpled heap.
+
+"Ah, here is work for us!" exclaimed Doctor Gys, running forward to
+raise the man and examine his condition. The military car had not paused
+in its career and was well out of sight, but a throng of indignant
+civilians gathered around.
+
+"There are no severe injuries, but he seems unconscious," reported Gys.
+"Let us get him aboard the ship."
+
+The launch was waiting for them, and with the assistance of Jones, the
+doctor placed the injured man in the boat and he was taken to the ship
+and placed in one of the hospital berths.
+
+"Our first patient is not a soldier, after all," remarked Patsy, a
+little disappointed. "I shall let Beth and Maud look after him."
+
+"Well, he is wounded, all right," answered Ajo, "and without your kind
+permission Beth and Maud are already below, looking after him. I'm
+afraid he won't require their services long, poor fellow."
+
+"Why didn't he get out of the way?" inquired Patsy with a shudder.
+
+"Can't say. Preoccupied, perhaps. There wasn't much time to jump,
+anyhow. I suppose that car carried a messenger with important news, for
+it isn't like those officers to be reckless of the lives of citizens."
+
+"No; they seem in perfect sympathy with the people," she returned. "I
+wonder what the news can be, Ajo."
+
+For answer a wild whistling sounded overhead; a cry came from those
+ashore and the next instant there was a loud explosion. Everyone rushed
+to the side, where Captain Carg was standing, staring at the sky.
+
+"What was it, Captain?" gasped Patsy.
+
+Carg stroked his grizzled beard.
+
+"A German bomb, Miss Patsy; but I think it did no damage."
+
+"A bomb! Then the Germans are on us?"
+
+"Not exactly. An aeroplane dropped the thing."
+
+"Oh. Where is it?"
+
+"The aeroplane? Pretty high up, I reckon," answered the captain. "I had
+a glimpse of it, for a moment; then it disappeared in the clouds."
+
+"We must get our ambulances ashore," said Jones.
+
+"No hurry, sir; plenty of time," asserted the captain. "I think I saw
+the airship floating north, so it isn't likely to bother us again just
+now."
+
+"What place is north of us?" inquired the girl, trembling a little in
+spite of her efforts at control.
+
+"I think it is Nieuport--or perhaps Dixmude," answered Carg. "I visited
+Belgium once, when I was a young man, but I cannot remember it very
+well. We're pretty close to the Belgian border, at Dunkirk."
+
+"There's another!" cried Ajo, as a second whistling shriek sounded above
+them. This time the bomb fell into the sea and raised a small
+water-spout, some half mile distant. They could now see plainly a second
+huge aircraft circling above them; but this also took flight toward the
+north and presently disappeared.
+
+Uncle John came hurrying on deck with an anxious face and together the
+group of Americans listened for more bombs; but that was all that came
+their way that night.
+
+"Well," said Patsy, when she had recovered her equanimity, "we're at the
+front at last, Uncle. How do you like it?"
+
+"I hadn't thought of bombs," he replied. "But we're in for it, and I
+suppose we'll have to take whatever comes."
+
+Now came the doctor, supporting the injured man on one side while Maud
+Stanton held his opposite arm. Gys was smiling broadly--a rather ghastly
+expression.
+
+"No bones broken, sir," he reported to Mr. Merrick. "Only a good
+shake-up and plenty of bruises. He can't be induced to stay in bed."
+
+"Bed, when the Germans come?" exclaimed the invalid, scornfully,
+speaking in fair English. "It is absurd! We can sleep when we have
+driven them back to their dirty Faderland--we can sleep, then, and rest.
+Now, it is a crime to rest."
+
+They looked at him curiously. He was a small man--almost a tiny
+man--lean and sinewy and with cheeks the color of bronze and eyes the
+hue of the sky. His head was quite bald at the top; his face wrinkled;
+he had a bushy mustache and a half-grown beard. His clothing was soiled,
+torn and neglected; but perhaps his accident accounted for much of its
+condition. His age might be anywhere from thirty to forty years. He
+looked alert and shrewd.
+
+"You are Belgian?" said Uncle John.
+
+He leaned against the rail, shaking off the doctor's support, as he
+replied:
+
+"Yes, monsieur. Belgian born and American trained." There was a touch of
+pride in his voice. "It was in America that I made my fortune."
+
+"Indeed."
+
+"It is true. I was waiter in a New York restaurant for five years. Then
+I retired. I came back to Belgium. I married my wife. I bought land. It
+is near Ghent. I am, as you have guessed, a person of great importance."
+
+"Ah; an officer, perhaps. Civil, or military?" inquired Ajo with mock
+deference.
+
+"Of better rank than either. I am a citizen."
+
+"Now, I like that spirit," said Uncle John approvingly. "What is your
+name, my good man?"
+
+"Maurie, monsieur; Jakob Maurie. Perhaps you have met me--in New York."
+
+"I do not remember it. But if you live in Ghent, why are you in
+Dunkirk?"
+
+He cast an indignant glance at his questioner, but Uncle John's serene
+expression disarmed him.
+
+"Monsieur is not here long?"
+
+"We have just arrived."
+
+"You cannot see Belgium from here. If you are there--in my country--you
+will find that the German is everywhere. I have my home at Brussels
+crushed by a shell which killed my baby girl. My land is devastate--my
+crop is taken to feed German horse and German thief. There is no home
+left. So my wife and my boy and girl I take away; I take them to Ostend,
+where I hope to get ship to England. At Ostend I am arrested by Germans.
+Not my wife and children; only myself. I am put in prison. For three
+weeks they keep me, and then I am put out. They push me into the street.
+No one apologize. I ask for my family. They laugh and turn away. I
+search everywhere for my wife. A friend whom I meet thinks she has gone
+to Ypres, for now no Belgian can take ship from Ostend to England. So I
+go to Ypres. The wandering people have all been sent to Nieuport and
+Dunkirk. Still I search. My wife is not in Nieuport. I come here, three
+days ago; I cannot find her in Dunkirk; she has vanished. Perhaps--but I
+will not trouble you with that. This is my story, ladies and gentlemen.
+Behold in me--a wealthy landowner of Liege--the outcast from home and
+country!"
+
+"It is dreadful!" cried Patsy.
+
+"It is fierce," said the man. "Only an American can understand the
+horror of that word."
+
+"Your fate is surely a cruel one, Maurie," declared Mr. Merrick.
+
+"Perhaps," ventured Beth, "we may help you to find your wife and
+children."
+
+The Belgian seemed pleased with these expressions of sympathy. He
+straightened up, threw out his chest and bowed very low.
+
+"That is my story," he repeated; "but you must know it is also the story
+of thousands of Belgians. Always I meet men searching for wives. Always
+I meet wives searching for husbands. Well! it is our fate--the fate of
+conquered Belgium."
+
+Maud brought him a deck chair and made him sit down.
+
+"You will stay here to-night," she said.
+
+"That's right," said Dr. Gys. "He can't resume his search until morning,
+that's certain. Such a tumble as he had would have killed an ordinary
+man; but the fellow seems made of iron."
+
+"To be a waiter--a good waiter--develops the muscles," said Maurie.
+
+Ajo gave him a cigarette, which he accepted eagerly. After a few puffs
+he said:
+
+"I heard the German bombs. That means the enemy grows insolent. First
+they try to frighten us with bombs, then they attack."
+
+"How far away do you think the Germans are?" asked Beth.
+
+"Nieuport les Bains. But they will get no nearer."
+
+"No?"
+
+"Surely not, mamselle. Our soldiers are there, awaiting them. Our
+soldiers, and the French."
+
+"And you think the enemy cannot capture Dunkirk?" inquired Jones.
+
+"Dunkirk! The Germans capture Dunkirk? It is impossible."
+
+"Why impossible?"
+
+"Dunkirk is fortified; it is the entrance to Calais, to Dover and
+London. Look you, m'sieur; we cannot afford to lose this place. We
+cannot afford to lose even Nieuport, which is our last stand on Belgian
+soil. Therefore, the Germans cannot take it, for there are still too
+many of us to kill before Kitchener comes to save us." He spoke
+thoughtfully, between puffs of his cigarette, and added: "But of course,
+if the great English army does not come, and they kill us all, then it
+will not matter in the least what becomes of our country."
+
+Maurie's assertion did not wholly reassure them. The little Belgian was
+too bombastic to win their confidence in his judgment. Yet Jones
+declared that Maurie doubtless knew the country better than anyone they
+had yet met and the doctor likewise defended his patient. Indeed, Gys
+seemed to have taken quite a fancy to the little man and long after the
+others had retired for the night he sat on deck talking with the Belgian
+and getting his views of the war.
+
+"You say you had land at Ghent?" he once asked.
+
+"It is true, Doctor."
+
+"But afterward you said Brussels."
+
+Maurie was not at all confused.
+
+"Ah; I may have done so. You see, I traded my property."
+
+"And, if I am not mistaken, you spoke of a home at Liege."
+
+Maurie looked at him reproachfully.
+
+"Is there not much land in Belgium?" he demanded; "and is a rich man
+confined to one home? Liege was my summer home; in the winter I removed
+to Antwerp."
+
+"You said Ghent."
+
+"Ghent it was, Doctor. Misfortune has dulled my brain. I am not the man
+I was," he added with a sigh.
+
+"Nevertheless," said Gys, "you still possess the qualities of a good
+waiter. Whatever happens here, Maurie, you can always go back to
+America."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+ON THE FIRING LINE
+
+
+Next morning they were all wakened at an early hour by the roar of
+artillery, dimly heard in the distance. The party aboard the _Arabella_
+quickly assembled on deck, where little Maurie was found leaning over
+the rail.
+
+"They're at it," he remarked, wagging his head. "The Germans are at
+Nieuport, now, and some of them are over against Pervyse. I hear sounds
+from Dixmude, too; the rattle of machine guns. It will be a grand
+battle, this! I wonder if our Albert is there."
+
+"Who is he?" asked Patsy.
+
+"The king. They told me yesterday he had escaped."
+
+"We must get the ambulances out at once," said Beth.
+
+"I'll attend to that," replied Uncle John, partaking of the general
+excitement. "Warp up to the dock, Captain Carg, and I'll get some of
+those men to help us swing the cars over the side."
+
+"How about a chauffeur?" asked Dr. Gys, who was already bringing out
+bandages and supplies for the ambulances.
+
+"If we can't find a man, I'll drive you myself," declared Ajo.
+
+"But you don't know the country."
+
+Gys turned to the little Belgian.
+
+"Can't you find us a driver?" he asked. "We want a steady, competent man
+to run our ambulance."
+
+"Where are you going?" asked Maurie.
+
+"To the firing line."
+
+"Good. I will drive you myself."
+
+"You? Do you understand a car?"
+
+"I am an expert, monsieur."
+
+"A waiter in a restaurant?"
+
+"Pah! That was five years ago. I will show you. I can drive any car ever
+made--and I know every inch of the way."
+
+"Then you're our man," exclaimed Mr. Merrick, much relieved.
+
+As the yacht swung slowly alongside the dock the Belgian said:
+
+"While you get ready, I will go ashore for news. When I come back--very
+quick--then I will know everything."
+
+Before he ran down the ladder Patsy clasped around his arm a band
+bearing the insignia of the Red Cross. He watched her approvingly, with
+little amused chuckles, and then quickly disappeared in the direction of
+the town.
+
+"He doesn't seem injured in the least by his accident," said the girl,
+looking after him as he darted along.
+
+"No," returned Gys; "he is one of those fellows who must be ripped to
+pieces before they can feel anything. But let us thank heaven he can
+drive a car."
+
+Mr. Merrick had no difficulty in getting all the assistance required to
+lower the two ambulances to the dock. They had already been set up and
+put in order, so the moment they were landed they were ready for use.
+
+A few surgical supplies were added by Dr. Gys and then they looked
+around for the Belgian. Although scarce an hour had elapsed since he
+departed, he came running back just as he was needed, puffing a little
+through haste, his eyes shining with enthusiasm.
+
+"Albert is there!" he cried. "The king and his army are at Nieuport.
+They will open the dykes and flood all the country but the main road,
+and then we can hold the enemy in check. They will fight, those Germans,
+but they cannot advance, for we will defend the road and the sand
+dunes."
+
+"Aren't they fighting now?" asked Jones.
+
+"Oh, yes, some of the big guns are spitting, but what is that? A few
+will fall, but we have yet thousands to face the German horde."
+
+"Let us start at once," pleaded Maud.
+
+Maurie began to examine the big ambulance. He was spry as a cat. In ten
+minutes he knew all that was under the hood, had tested the levers,
+looked at the oil and gasoline supply and started the motor.
+
+"I'll sit beside you to help in case of emergency," said Ajo, taking his
+place. Dr. Gys, Dr. Kelsey and the three girls sat inside. Patsy had
+implored Uncle John not to go on this preliminary expedition and he had
+hesitated until the last moment; but the temptation was too strong to
+resist and even as the wheels started to revolve he sprang in and closed
+the door behind him.
+
+"You are my girls," he said, "and wherever you go, I'll tag along."
+
+Maurie drove straight into the city and to the north gate, Jones
+clanging the bell as they swept along. Every vehicle gave them the right
+of way and now and then a cheer greeted the glittering new Red Cross
+ambulance, which bore above its radiator a tiny, fluttering American
+flag.
+
+They were not stopped at the gate, for although strict orders had been
+issued to allow no one to leave Dunkirk, the officer in charge realized
+the sacred mission of the Americans and merely doffed his cap in
+salutation as the car flashed by.
+
+The road to Furnes was fairly clear, but as they entered that town they
+found the streets cluttered with troops, military automobiles, supply
+wagons, artillery, ammunition trucks and bicycles. The boy clanged his
+bell continuously and as if by magic the way opened before the Red Cross
+and cheers followed them on their way.
+
+The eyes of the little Belgian were sparkling like jewels; his hands on
+the steering wheel were steady as a rock; he drove with skill and
+judgment. Just now the road demanded skill, for a stream of refugees was
+coming toward them from Nieuport and a stream of military motors,
+bicycles and wagons, with now and then a horseman, flowed toward the
+front. A mile or two beyond Furnes they came upon a wounded soldier, one
+leg bandaged and stained with blood while he hobbled along leaning upon
+the shoulder of a comrade whose left arm hung helpless.
+
+Maurie drew up sharply and Beth sprang out and approached the soldiers.
+
+"Get inside," she said in French.
+
+"No," replied one, smiling; "we are doing nicely, thank you. Hurry
+forward, for they need you there."
+
+"Who dressed your wounds?" she inquired.
+
+"The Red Cross. There are many there, hard at work; but more are needed.
+Hurry forward, for some of our boys did not get off as lightly as we."
+
+She jumped into the ambulance and away it dashed, but progress became
+slower presently. The road was broad and high; great hillocks of
+sand--the Dunes--lay between it and the ocean; on the other side the
+water from the opened dykes was already turning the fields into an
+inland sea. In some places it lapped the edges of the embankment that
+formed the roadway.
+
+Approaching Nieuport, they discovered the Dunes to be full of soldiers,
+who had dug pits behind the sandy hillocks for protection, and in them
+planted the dog-artillery and one or two large machine guns. These were
+trained on the distant line of Germans, who were also entrenching
+themselves. All along the edge of the village the big guns were in
+action and there was a constant interchange of shot and shell from both
+sides.
+
+As Maurie dodged among the houses with the big car a shell descended
+some two hundred yards to the left of them, exploded with a crash and
+sent a shower of brick and splinters high into the air. A little way
+farther on the ruins of a house completely blocked the street and they
+were obliged to turn back and seek another passage. Thus partially
+skirting the town they at last left the houses behind them and
+approached the firing line, halting scarcely a quarter of a mile distant
+from the actual conflict.
+
+As far as the eye could reach, from Nieuport to the sea at the left, and
+on toward Ypres at the right of them, the line of Belgians, French and
+British steadily faced the foe. Close to where they halted the ambulance
+stood a detachment that had lately retired from the line, their places
+having been taken by reserves. One of the officers told Mr. Merrick that
+they had been facing bullets since daybreak and the men seemed almost
+exhausted. Their faces were blackened by dust and powder and their
+uniforms torn and disordered; many stood without caps or coats despite
+the chill in the air. And yet these fellows were laughing together and
+chatting as pleasantly as children just released from school. Even those
+who had wounds made light of their hurts. Clouds of smoke hovered low in
+the air; the firing was incessant.
+
+Our girls were thrilled by this spectacle as they had never been
+thrilled before--perhaps never might be again. While they still kept
+their seats, Maurie started with a sudden jerk, made a sharp turn and
+ran the ambulance across a ridge of solid earth that seemed to be the
+only one of such character amongst all that waste of sand. It brought
+them somewhat closer to the line but their driver drew up behind a great
+dune that afforded them considerable protection.
+
+Fifty yards away was another ambulance with its wheels buried to the
+hubs in the loose sand. Red Cross nurses and men wearing the emblem on
+their arms and caps were passing here and there, assisting the injured
+with "first aid," temporarily bandaging heads, arms and legs or carrying
+to the rear upon a stretcher a more seriously injured man. Most of this
+corps were French; a few were English; some were Belgian. Our friends
+were the only Americans on the field.
+
+Uncle John's face was very grave as he alighted in the wake of his
+girls, who paid no attention to the fighting but at once ran to assist
+some of the wounded who came staggering toward the ambulance, some even
+creeping painfully on hands and knees. In all Mr. Merrick's conceptions
+of the important mission they had undertaken, nothing like the nature
+of this desperate conflict had even dawned upon him. He had known that
+the Red Cross was respected by all belligerents, and that knowledge had
+led him to feel that his girls would be fairly safe; but never had he
+counted on spent bullets, stray shells or the mad rush of a charge.
+
+"Very good!" cried Maurie briskly. "Here we see what no one else can
+see. The Red Cross is a fine passport to the grand stand of war."
+
+"Come with me--quick!" shouted Ajo, his voice sounding shrill through
+the din. "I saw a fellow knocked out--there--over yonder!"
+
+As he spoke he grabbed a stretcher and ran forward, Maurie following at
+his heels. Uncle John saw the smoke swallow them up, saw Beth and Maud
+each busy with lint, plasters and bandages, saw Patsy supporting a tall,
+grizzled warrior who came limping toward the car. Then he turned and saw
+Doctor Gys, crouching low against the protecting sand, his disfigured
+face working convulsively and every limb trembling as with an ague.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+THE COWARD
+
+
+"Great heavens!" gasped Mr. Merrick, running toward the doctor. "Are you
+hit?"
+
+Gys looked up at him appealingly and nodded.
+
+"Where did it strike you? Was it a bullet--or what?"
+
+The doctor wrung his hands, moaning pitifully. Uncle John bent over him.
+
+"Tell me," he said. "Tell me, Gys!"
+
+"I--I'm scared, sir--s-s-scared stiff. It's that yellow s-s-s-streak in
+me; I--I--can't help it, sir." Then he collapsed, crouching lifelessly
+close to the sand.
+
+Uncle John was amazed. He drew back with such an expression of scorn
+that Gys, lying with face upward, rolled over to hide his own features
+in the sand. But his form continued to twist and shake convulsively.
+
+Patsy came up with her soldier, whose gaudy uniform proclaimed him an
+officer. He had a rugged, worn face, gray hair and mustache, stern eyes.
+His left side was torn and bleeding where a piece of shell had raked him
+from shoulder to knee. No moan did he utter as Mr. Merrick and the girl
+assisted him to one of the swinging beds, and then Patsy, with white,
+set face but steady hands, began at once to cut away the clothing and
+get at the wound. This was her first practical experience and she meant
+to prove her mettle or perish in the attempt.
+
+Uncle John skipped over to the sand bank and clutched Gys savagely by
+the collar.
+
+"Get up!" he commanded. "Here's a man desperately wounded, who needs
+your best skill--and at once."
+
+Gys pulled himself free and sat up, seeming dazed for the moment. Then
+he rubbed his head briskly with both hands, collected his nerve and
+slowly rose to his feet. He cast fearful glances at the firing line, but
+the demand for his surgical skill was a talisman that for a time enabled
+him to conquer his terror. With frightened backward glances he ran to
+the ambulance and made a dive into it as if a pack of wolves was at his
+heels.
+
+Safely inside, one glance at the wounded man caused Gys to stiffen
+suddenly. He became steady and alert and noting that Patsy had now bared
+a portion of the gaping wound the doctor seized a thermos flask of hot
+water and in a moment was removing the clotted blood in a deft and
+intelligent manner.
+
+Now came Jones and Maurie bearing the man they had picked up. As they
+set the stretcher down, Uncle John came over.
+
+"Shall we put him inside?" asked Mr. Merrick.
+
+"No use, I think," panted the Belgian.
+
+"Where's the doctor?" asked Ajo.
+
+Kelsey, who had been busy elsewhere, now approached and looked at the
+soldier on the stretcher.
+
+"The man is dead," he said. "He doesn't need us now."
+
+"Off with him, then!" cried Maurie, and they laid the poor fellow upon
+the sand and covered him with a cloth. "Come, then," urged the little
+chauffeur, excitedly, "lots more out there are still alive. We get one
+quick."
+
+They left in a run in one direction while Kelsey, who had come to the
+ambulance for supplies, went another way. Mr. Merrick looked around for
+the other two girls. Only Maud Stanton was visible through the smoky
+haze. Uncle John approached her just as a shell dropped into the sand
+not fifty feet away. It did not explode but plowed a deep furrow and
+sent a shower of sand in every direction.
+
+Maud had just finished dressing a bullet wound in the arm of a young
+soldier who smiled as he watched her. Then, as she finished the work, he
+bowed low, muttered his thanks, and catching up his gun rushed back into
+the fray. It was a flesh wound and until it grew more painful he could
+still fight.
+
+"Where are the Germans?" asked Uncle John. "I haven't seen one yet."
+
+As he spoke a great cheer rose from a thousand throats. The line before
+them wavered an instant and then rushed forward and disappeared in the
+smoke of battle.
+
+"Is it a charge, do you think?" asked Maud, as they stood peering into
+the haze.
+
+"I--I don't know," he stammered. "This is so--so bewildering--that it
+all seems like a dream. Where's Beth?"
+
+"I don't know."
+
+"Are you looking for a young lady--a nurse?" asked a voice beside them.
+"She's over yonder," he swung one arm toward the distant sand dunes. The
+other was in a sling. "She has just given me first aid and sent me to
+the rear--God bless her!" Then he trailed on, a British Tommy Atkins,
+while with one accord Maud and Uncle John moved in the direction he had
+indicated.
+
+"She mustn't be so reckless," said Beth's uncle, nervously. "It's bad
+enough back here, but every step nearer the firing line doubles the
+danger."
+
+"I do not agree with you, sir," answered Maud quietly. "A man was killed
+not two paces from me, a little while ago."
+
+He shuddered and wiped the sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief,
+but made no reply. They climbed another line of dunes and in the hollow
+beyond came upon several fallen soldiers, one of whom was moaning with
+pain. Maud ran to kneel beside him and in a twinkling had her hypodermic
+needle in his arm.
+
+"Bear it bravely," she said in French. "The pain will stop in a few
+minutes and then I'll come and look after you."
+
+He nodded gratefully, still moaning, and she hurried to rejoin Mr.
+Merrick.
+
+"Beth must be in the next hollow," said Uncle John as she overtook him,
+and his voice betrayed his nervous tension. "I do wish you girls would
+not be so reckless."
+
+Yes; they found her in the next hollow, where several men were grouped
+about her. She was dressing the shattered hand of a soldier, while two
+or three others were patiently awaiting her services. Just beside her a
+sweet-faced Sister of Mercy was bending over a dying man, comforting him
+with her prayers. Over the ridge of sand could be heard the "ping" of
+small arms mingled with the hoarse roar of machine guns. Another great
+shout--long and enthusiastic--was borne to their ears.
+
+"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."
+
+He began to back up, for the sand ahead was too deep for a turn, and the
+way he managed the huge car along that narrow ridge aroused the
+admiration of Ajo, who alone was able to witness the marvelous
+performance. Slowly, with many turns, they backed to the road, where
+Maurie swung the ambulance around and then stopped with a jerk that drew
+several groans from the interior of the car.
+
+"What's wrong?" asked Mr. Merrick, sticking his head from a window.
+
+"We nearly ran over a man," answered Jones, climbing down from his seat.
+"Our front wheels are right against him, but Maurie stopped in time."
+
+Lying flat upon his face, diagonally across the roadway, was the form of
+a man in the blue-and-red uniform of the Belgian army. Maurie backed the
+ambulance a yard or so as Maud sprang out and knelt beside the prostrate
+form.
+
+The firing, which had lulled for a few minutes, suddenly redoubled in
+fury. There rose a wild, exultant shout, gradually drawing nearer.
+
+"Quick!" shouted Gys, trembling and wringing his hands. "The Germans are
+charging. Drive on, man--drive on!"
+
+But Maurie never moved.
+
+"The Germans are charging, sure enough," he answered, as the line of
+retreating Belgians became visible. "But they must stop here, for we've
+blocked the road."
+
+All eyes but those of Maud were now turned upon the fray, which was
+practically a hand to hand conflict. Nearer and nearer came the confused
+mass of warriors and then, scarce a hundred yards away, it halted and
+the Belgians stood firm.
+
+"He isn't dead," said Maud, coming to the car. "Help me to put him
+inside."
+
+"There is no room," protested Gys.
+
+The girl looked at him scornfully.
+
+"We will make room," she replied.
+
+A bullet shattered a pane of glass just beside the crouching doctor, but
+passed on through an open window without injuring anyone. In fact,
+bullets were singing around them with a freedom that made others than
+Dr. Gys nervous. It was chubby little Uncle John who helped Jones carry
+the wounded man to the ambulance, where they managed to stretch him upon
+the floor. This arrangement sent Patsy to the front seat outside, with
+Maurie and Ajo, although her uncle strongly protested that she had no
+right to expose her precious life so wantonly.
+
+There was little time for argument, however. Even as the girl was
+climbing to her seat the line of Belgians broke and came pouring toward
+them. Maurie was prompt in starting the car and the next moment the
+ambulance was rolling swiftly along the smooth highway in the direction
+of Dunkirk and the sounds of fray grew faint behind them.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+COURAGE, OR PHILOSOPHY?
+
+
+"I never realized," said Maud, delightedly, "what a strictly modern,
+professional hospital ship Uncle John has made of this, until we put it
+to practical use. I am sure it is better than those makeshifts we
+observed at Calais, and more comfortable than those crowded hospitals on
+land. Every convenience is at our disposal and if our patients do not
+recover rapidly it will be because their condition is desperate."
+
+She had just come on deck after a long and trying session in assisting
+Doctors Gys and Kelsey to care for the injured, a session during which
+Beth and Patsy had also stood nobly to their gruesome task. There were
+eleven wounded, altogether, in their care, and although some of these
+were in a critical condition the doctors had insisted that the nurses
+needed rest.
+
+"It is Dr. Gys who deserves credit for fitting the ship," replied Mr.
+Merrick, modestly, to Maud's enthusiastic comment, "and Ajo is
+responsible for the ship itself, which seems admirably suited to our
+purpose. By the way, how is Gys behaving now? Is he still shaking with
+fear?"
+
+"No, he seems to have recovered his nerve. Isn't it a terrible
+affliction?"
+
+"Cowardice? Well, my dear, it is certainly an unusual affliction in this
+country and in these times. I have been amazed to-day at the courage I
+have witnessed. These Belgians are certainly a brave lot."
+
+"But no braver than the German we brought with us," replied Maud
+thoughtfully. "One would almost think he had no sensation, yet he must
+be suffering terribly. The doctor will amputate the remnants of his foot
+in an hour or so, but the man positively refuses to take an
+anaesthetic."
+
+"Does he speak English or French?"
+
+"No; only German. But Captain Carg understands German and so he has been
+acting as our interpreter."
+
+"How about the Belgian we picked up on the road?"
+
+"He hasn't recovered consciousness yet. He is wounded in the back and in
+trying to get to the rear became insensible from loss of blood."
+
+"From what I saw I wouldn't suppose any Belgian could be wounded in the
+back," remarked Uncle John doubtfully.
+
+"It was a shell," she said, "and perhaps exploded behind him. It's a bad
+wound, Dr. Gys says, but if he regains strength he may recover."
+
+During this conversation Patsy Doyle was lying in her stateroom below
+and crying bitterly, while her cousin Beth strove to soothe her. All
+unused to such horrors as she had witnessed that day, the girl had
+managed to retain her nerve by sheer force of will until the Red Cross
+party had returned to the ship and extended first aid to the wounded;
+but the moment Dr. Gys dismissed her she broke down completely.
+
+Beth was no more accustomed to bloodshed than her cousin, but she had
+anticipated such scenes as they had witnessed, inasmuch as her year of
+training as nurse had prepared her for them. She had also been a close
+student of the daily press and from her reading had gleaned a knowledge
+of the terrible havoc wrought by this great war. Had Patsy not given
+way, perhaps Beth might have done so herself, and really it was Maud
+Stanton who bore the ordeal with the most composure.
+
+After a half hour on deck Maud returned to the hospital section quite
+refreshed, and proceeded to care for the patients. She alone assisted
+Gys and Kelsey to amputate the German's foot, an operation the man bore
+splendidly, quite unaware, however, that they had applied local
+anaesthetics to dull the pain. Dr. Gys was a remarkably skillful surgeon
+and he gave himself no rest until every one of the eleven had received
+such attention as his wounds demanded. Even Kelsey felt the strain by
+that time and as Maud expressed her intention of remaining to minister
+to the wants of the crippled soldiers, the two doctors went on deck for
+a smoke and a brief relaxation.
+
+By this time Beth had quieted Patsy, mainly by letting her have her cry
+out, and now brought her on deck to join the others and get the fresh
+air. So quickly had events followed one another on this fateful day
+that it was now only four o'clock in the afternoon. None of them had
+thought of luncheon, so the ship's steward now brought tea and
+sandwiches to those congregated on deck.
+
+As they sat together in a group, drinking tea and discussing the
+exciting events of the day, little Maurie came sauntering toward them
+and removed his cap.
+
+"Your pardon," said he, "but--are the wounded all cared for?"
+
+"As well as we are able to care for them at present," answered Beth.
+"And let me thank you, Jakob Maurie--let us all thank you--for the noble
+work you did for us to-day."
+
+"Pah! it was nothing," said he, shifting from one foot to another. "I
+enjoyed it, mamselle. It was such fun to dive into the battle and pull
+out the wounded. It helped them, you see, and it gave us a grand
+excitement. Otherwise, had I not gone with you, I would be as ignorant
+as all in Dunkirk still are, for the poor people do not yet know what
+has happened at the front."
+
+"We hardly know ourselves what has happened," said Uncle John. "We can
+hear the boom of guns yet, even at this distance, and we left the battle
+line flowing back and forth like the waves of the ocean. Have a cup of
+tea, Maurie?"
+
+The man hesitated.
+
+"I do not like to disturb anyone," he said slowly, "but if one of the
+young ladies is disengaged I would be grateful if she looks at my arm."
+
+"Your arm!" exclaimed Beth, regarding him wonderingly as he stood before
+her.
+
+Maurie smiled.
+
+"It is hardly worth mentioning, mamselle, but a bullet--"
+
+"Take off your coat," she commanded, rising from her seat to assist him.
+
+Maurie complied. His shirt was stained with blood. Beth drew out her
+scissors and cut away the sleeve of his left arm. A bullet had passed
+directly through the flesh, but without harming bone or muscle.
+
+"Why didn't you tell us before?" she asked reproachfully.
+
+"It amounted to so little, beside the other hurts you had to attend," he
+answered. "I am shamed, mamselle, that I came to you at all. A little
+water and a cloth will make it all right."
+
+Patsy had already gone for the water and in a few minutes Beth was
+deftly cleansing the wound.
+
+"How did it happen, Maurie?" asked Jones. "I was with you most of the
+time and noticed nothing wrong. Besides, you said nothing about it."
+
+"It was on the road, just as we picked up that fallen soldier with the
+hole in his back. The fight jumped toward us pretty quick, you remember,
+and while I sat at the wheel the bullet came. I knew when it hit me, but
+I also knew I could move my arm, so what did it matter? I told myself to
+wait till we got to the ship. Had we stayed there longer, we might all
+have stopped bullets--and some bullets might have stopped us." He
+grinned, as if the aphorism amused him, and added: "To know when to run
+is the perfection of courage."
+
+"Does it hurt?" asked Uncle John, as Beth applied the lint and began
+winding the bandage.
+
+"It reminds me it is there, monsieur; but I will be ready for another
+trip to-morrow. Thank you, mamselle. Instead of the tea, I would like a
+little brandy."
+
+"Give him some in the tea," suggested Gys, noting that Maurie swayed a
+little. "Sit down, man, and be comfortable. That's it. I'd give a
+million dollars for your nerve."
+
+"Have you so much money?" asked Maurie.
+
+"No."
+
+"Then I cannot see that you lack nerve," said the little Belgian
+thoughtfully. "I was watching you to-day, M'sieur Doctor, and I believe
+what you lack is courage."
+
+Gys stared so hard at him with the one good eye that even Maurie became
+embarrassed and turned away his head. Sipping his tea and brandy he
+presently resumed, in a casual tone:
+
+"Never have I indulged in work of more interest than this. We go into
+the thick of the fight, yet are we safe from harm. We do good to both
+sides, because the men who do the fighting are not to blame for the war,
+at all. The leaders of politics say to the generals: 'We have declared
+war; go and fight.' The generals say to the soldiers: 'We are told to
+fight, so come on. We do not know why, but it is our duty, because it is
+our profession. So go and die, or get shot to pieces, or lose some arms
+and legs, as it may happen.' The business of the soldiers is to obey;
+they must back up the policies of their country, right or wrong. But do
+those who send them into danger ever get hurt? Not to the naked eye."
+
+"Why, you're quite a philosopher, Maurie," said Patsy.
+
+"It is true," agreed the Belgian. "But philosophy is like courage--easy
+to assume. We strut and talk big; we call the politicians sharks, the
+soldiers fools; but does it do any good? The war will go on; the enemy
+will destroy our homes, separate our families, take away our bread and
+leave us to starve; but we have the privilege to philosophize, if we
+like. For myself, I thank them for nothing!"
+
+"I suppose you grieve continually for your wife," said Patsy.
+
+"Not so much that, mamselle, but I know she is grieving for me," he
+replied.
+
+"As soon as we find time," continued the girl, "we intend to search for
+your wife and children. I am sure we can find them for you."
+
+Maurie moved uneasily in his chair.
+
+"I beg you to take no trouble on my account," said he. "With the Red
+Cross you have great work to accomplish. What is the despair of one poor
+Walloon to you?"
+
+"It is a great deal to us, Maurie," returned the girl, earnestly. "You
+have been a friend in need; without you we could not have made our dash
+to the front to-day. We shall try to repay you by finding your wife."
+
+He was silent, but his troubled look told of busy thoughts.
+
+"What does she look like?" inquired Beth. "Have you her photograph?"
+
+"No; she would not make a good picture, mamselle," he answered with a
+sigh. "Clarette is large; she is fat; she has a way of scowling when one
+does not bring in more wood than the fire can eat up; and she is very
+religious."
+
+"With that description I am sure we can find her," cried Patsy
+enthusiastically.
+
+He seemed disturbed.
+
+"If you please," said he plaintively, "Clarette is quite able to take
+care of herself. She has a strong will."
+
+"But if you know she is safe it will relieve your anxiety," suggested
+Beth. "You told us yesterday you had been searching everywhere for her."
+
+"If I said everywhere, I was wrong, for poor Clarette must be somewhere.
+And since yesterday I have been thinking with more deliberation, and I
+have decided," he added, his tone becoming confidential, "that it is
+better I do not find Clarette just now. It might destroy my usefulness
+to the Red Cross."
+
+"But your children!" protested Patsy. "Surely you cannot rest at ease
+with your two dear children wandering about, in constant danger."
+
+"To be frank, mamselle," said he, "they are not my children. I had a
+baby, but it was killed, as I told you. The boy and girl I have
+mentioned were born when Clarette was the wife of another man--a
+blacksmith at Dinant--who had a sad habit of beating her."
+
+"But you love the little ones, I am sure."
+
+He shook his head.
+
+"They have somewhat the temper of their father, the blacksmith. I took
+them when I took Clarette--just as I took the silver spoons and the
+checkered tablespread she brought with her--but now that a cruel fate
+has separated me from the children, perhaps it is all for the best."
+
+The doctor gave a snort of disgust, while Ajo smiled. The girls were too
+astonished to pursue the conversation, but now realized that Maurie's
+private affairs did not require their good offices to untangle. Uncle
+John was quite amused at the Belgian's confession and was the only one
+to reply.
+
+"Fate often seems cruel when she is in her happiest mood," said he.
+"Perhaps, Maurie, your Clarette will come to you without your seeking
+her, for all Belgium seems headed toward France just now. What do you
+think? Will the Germans capture Dunkirk?"
+
+The man brightened visibly at this turn in the conversation.
+
+"Not to-day, sir; not for days to come," he replied. "The French cannot
+afford to lose Dunkirk, and by to-morrow they will pour an irresistible
+horde against the German invader. If we stay here, we are sure to remain
+in the rear of the firing line."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+THE WAR'S VICTIMS
+
+
+While the others were conversing on deck Maud Stanton was ministering to
+the maimed victims of the war's cruelty, who tossed and moaned below.
+The main cabin and its accompanying staterooms had been fitted with all
+the conveniences of a modern hospital. Twenty-two could easily be
+accommodated in the rooms and a dozen more in the cabin, so that the
+eleven now in their charge were easily cared for. Of these, only three
+had been seriously injured. One was the German, who, however, was now
+sleeping soundly under the influence of the soothing potion that
+followed his operation. The man's calmness and iron nerve indicated that
+he would make a rapid recovery. Another was the young Belgian soldier
+picked up in the roadway near the firing line, who had been shot in the
+back and had not yet recovered consciousness. Dr. Gys had removed
+several bits of exploded shell and dressed the wound, shaking his head
+discouragingly. But since the young man was still breathing, with a
+fairly regular respiration, no attempt was made to restore him to his
+senses.
+
+The third seriously injured was a French sergeant whose body was
+literally riddled with shrapnel. A brief examination had convinced Gys
+that the case was hopeless.
+
+"He may live until morning," was the doctor's report as he calmly looked
+down upon the moaning sergeant, "but no longer. Meanwhile, we must
+prevent his suffering."
+
+This he accomplished by means of powerful drugs. The soldier soon lay in
+a stupor, awaiting the end, and nothing more could be done for him.
+
+Of the others, two Belgians with bandaged heads were playing a quiet
+game of ecarte in a corner of the cabin, while another with a slight
+wound in his leg was stretched upon a couch, reading a book. A young
+French officer who had lost three fingers of his hand was cheerfully
+conversing with a comrade whose scalp had been torn by a bullet and who
+declared that in two days he would return to the front. The others Maud
+found asleep in their berths or lying quietly to ease their pain. It was
+remarkable, however, how little suffering was caused these men by flesh
+wounds, once they were properly dressed and the patients made
+comfortable with food and warmth and the assurance of proper care.
+
+So it was that Maud found her duties not at all arduous this evening.
+Indeed, the sympathy she felt for these brave men was so strong that it
+wearied her more than the actual work of nursing them. A sip of water
+here, a cold compress there, the administration of medicines to keep
+down or prevent fever, little attentions of this character were all that
+were required. Speaking French fluently, she was able to converse with
+all those under her charge and all seemed eager to relate to their
+beautiful nurse their experiences, hopes and griefs. Soon she realized
+she was beginning to learn more of the true nature of war than she had
+ever gleaned from the correspondents of the newspapers.
+
+When dinner was served in the forward cabin Beth relieved Maud and after
+the evening meal Dr. Gys made another inspection of his patients. All
+seemed doing well except the young Belgian. The condition of the French
+sergeant was still unchanged. Some of those with minor injuries were
+ordered on deck for a breath of fresh air.
+
+Patsy relieved Beth at midnight and Maud came on duty again at six
+o'clock, having had several hours of refreshing sleep. She found Patsy
+trembling with nervousness, for the sergeant had passed away an hour
+previous and the horror of the event had quite upset the girl.
+
+"Oh, it is all so unnecessary!" she wailed as she threw herself into
+Maud's arms.
+
+"We must steel ourselves to such things, dear," said Maud, soothing her,
+"for they will be of frequent occurrence, I fear. And we must be
+grateful and glad that we were able to relieve the poor man's anguish
+and secure for him a peaceful end."
+
+"I know," answered Patsy with a little sob, "but it's so dreadful. Oh,
+what a cruel, hateful thing war is!"
+
+From papers found on the sergeant Uncle John was able to notify his
+relatives of his fate. His home was in a little village not fifty miles
+away and during the day a brother arrived to take charge of the remains
+and convey them to their last resting place.
+
+The following morning Captain Carg was notified by the authorities to
+withdraw the _Arabella_ to an anchorage farther out in the bay, and
+thereafter it became necessary to use the two launches for intercourse
+between the ship and the city. Continuous cannonading could be heard
+from the direction of Nieuport, Dixmude and Ypres, and it was evident
+that the battle had doubled in intensity at all points, owing to heavy
+reinforcements being added to both sides. But, as Maurie had predicted,
+the Allies were able to hold the foe at bay and keep them from advancing
+a step farther.
+
+Uncle John had not been at all satisfied with that first day's
+experience at the front. He firmly believed it was unwise, to the verge
+of rashness, to allow the girls to place themselves in so dangerous a
+position. During a serious consultation with Jones, Kelsey, Captain
+Carg and Dr. Gys, the men agreed upon a better plan of procedure.
+
+"The three nurses have plenty to do in attending to the patients in our
+hospital," said Gys, "and when the ship has its full quota of wounded
+they will need assistance or they will break down under the strain. Our
+young ladies are different from the professional nurses; they are so
+keenly sensitive that they suffer from sympathy with every patient that
+comes under their care."
+
+"I do not favor their leaving the ship," remarked Dr. Kelsey, the mate.
+"There seems to be plenty of field workers at the front, supplied by the
+governments whose troops are fighting."
+
+"Therefore," added Jones, "we men must assume the duty of driving the
+ambulances and bringing back the wounded we are able to pick up. As
+Maurie is too stiff from his wound to drive to-day, I shall undertake
+the job myself. I know the way, now, and am confident I shall get along
+nicely. Who will go with me?"
+
+"I will, of course," replied Kelsey quietly.
+
+"Doctor Gys will be needed on the ship," asserted Uncle John.
+
+"Yes, it will be best to leave me here," said Gys. "I'm too great a
+coward to go near the firing line again. It destroys my usefulness, and
+Kelsey can administer first aid as well as I."
+
+"In that case, I think I shall take the small ambulance to-day," decided
+Ajo. "With Dr. Kelsey and one of the sailors we shall manage very well."
+
+A launch took them ashore, where the ambulances stood upon the dock.
+Maurie had admitted his inability to drive, but asked to be allowed to
+go into the town. So he left the ship with the others and disappeared
+for the day.
+
+Ajo took the same route he had covered before, in the direction of
+Nieuport, but could not get within five miles of the town, which was now
+held by the Germans. From Furnes to the front the roads were packed with
+reinforcements and wagon trains bearing ammunition and supplies, and
+further progress with the ambulance was impossible.
+
+However, a constant stream of wounded flowed to the rear, some with
+first aid bandages covering their injuries, others as yet uncared for.
+Kelsey chose those whom he considered most in need of surgical care or
+skillful nursing, and by noon the ambulance was filled to overflowing.
+It was Jones who advised taking none of the fatally injured, as the army
+surgeons paid especial attention to these. The Americans could be of
+most practical use, the boy considered, by taking in charge such as had
+a chance to recover. So nine more patients were added to the ship's
+colony on this occasion, all being delivered to the care of Dr. Gys
+without accident or delay--a fact that rendered Ajo quite proud of his
+skillful driving.
+
+While the ambulance was away the girls quietly passed from berth to
+berth, encouraging and caring for their wounded. It was surprising how
+interested they became in the personality of these soldiers, for each
+man was distinctive either in individuality or the character of his
+injury, and most of them were eager to chat with their nurses and
+anxious for news of the battle.
+
+During the morning the young Belgian who had lain until now in a
+stupor, recovered consciousness. He had moaned once or twice, drawing
+Maud to his side, but hearing a different sound from him she approached
+the berth where he lay, to find his eyes wide open. Gradually he turned
+them upon his nurse, as if feeling her presence, and after a moment of
+observation he sighed and then smiled wanly.
+
+"Still on earth?" he said in French.
+
+"I am so glad," she replied. "You have been in dreamland a long time."
+
+He tried to move and it brought a moan to his lips.
+
+"Don't stir," she counseled warningly; "you are badly wounded."
+
+He was silent for a time, staring at the ceiling. She held some water to
+his lips and he drank eagerly. Finally he said in a faint voice:
+
+"I remember, now. I had turned to reload and it hit me in the back. A
+bullet, mademoiselle?"
+
+"Part of a shell."
+
+"Ah, I understand.... I tried to get to the rear. The pain was terrible.
+No one seemed to notice me. At last I fell, and--then I slept. I
+thought it was the end."
+
+She bathed his forehead, saying:
+
+"You must not talk any more at present. Here comes the doctor to see
+you."
+
+Gys, busy in the cabin, had heard their voices and now came to look at
+his most interesting patient. The soldier seemed about twenty years of
+age; he was rather handsome, with expressive eyes and features bearing
+the stamp of culture. Already they knew his name, by means of an
+identification card found upon him, as well as a small packet of letters
+carefully pinned in an inner pocket of his coat. These last were all
+addressed in the same handwriting, which was undoubtedly feminine, to
+Andrew Denton. The card stated that Andrew Denton, private, was formerly
+an insurance agent at Antwerp.
+
+Doctor Gys had rather impatiently awaited the young man's return to
+consciousness that he might complete his examination. He now devoted the
+next half hour to a careful diagnosis of Denton's injuries. By this time
+the patient was suffering intense pain and a hypodermic injection of
+morphine was required to relieve him. When at last he was quietly
+drowsing the doctor called Maud aside to give her instructions.
+
+"Watch him carefully," said he, "and don't let him suffer. Keep up the
+morphine."
+
+"There is no hope, then?" she asked.
+
+"Not the slightest. He may linger for days--even weeks, if we sustain
+his strength--but recovery is impossible. That bit of shell tore a
+horrible hole in the poor fellow and all we can do is keep him
+comfortable until the end. Without the morphine he would not live twelve
+hours."
+
+"Shall I let him talk?"
+
+"If he wishes to. His lungs are not involved, so it can do him no harm."
+
+But Andrew Denton did not care to talk any more that day. He wanted to
+think, and lay quietly until Beth came on duty. To her he gave a smile
+and a word of thanks and again lapsed into thoughtful silence.
+
+When Ajo brought the new consignment of wounded to the ship the doctors
+and nurses found themselves pretty busy for a time. With wounds to dress
+and one or two slight operations to perform, the afternoon passed
+swiftly away. The old patients must not be neglected, either, so Captain
+Carg said he would sit with the German and look after him, as he was
+able to converse with the patient in his own tongue.
+
+The German was resting easily to-day but proved as glum and
+uncommunicative as ever. That did not worry the captain, who gave the
+man a cigarette and, when it was nonchalantly accepted, lighted his own
+pipe. Together they sat in silence and smoked, the German occupying an
+easy chair and resting his leg upon a stool, for he had refused to lie
+in a berth. Through the open window the dull boom of artillery could
+constantly be heard. After an hour or so:
+
+"A long fight," remarked the captain in German.
+
+The other merely looked at him, contemplatively. Carg stared for five
+minutes at the bandaged foot. Finally:
+
+"Hard luck," said he.
+
+This time the German nodded, looking at the foot also.
+
+"In America," resumed the captain, puffing slowly, "they make fine
+artificial feet. Walk all right. Look natural."
+
+"Vienna," said the German.
+
+"Yes, I suppose so." Another pause.
+
+"Name?" asked the German, with startling abruptness. But the other never
+winked.
+
+"Carg. I'm a sailor. Captain of this ship. Live in Sangoa, when ashore."
+
+"Sangoa?"
+
+"Island in South Seas."
+
+The wounded man reached for another cigarette and lighted it.
+
+"Carg," he repeated, musingly. "German?"
+
+"Why, my folks were, I believe. I've relations in Germany, yet. Munich.
+Visited them once, when a boy. Mother's name was Elbl. The Cargs lived
+next door to the Elbls. But they've lost track of me, and I of them.
+Nothing in common, you see."
+
+The German finished his cigarette, looking at the captain at times
+reflectively. Carg, feeling his biography had not been appreciated, had
+lapsed into silence. At length the wounded man began feeling in his
+breast pocket--an awkward operation because the least action disturbed
+the swathed limb--and presently drew out a leather card case. With much
+deliberation he abstracted a card and handed it to the captain, who put
+on his spectacles and read:
+
+     "Otto Elbl. 12th Uhlans"
+
+"Oh," he said, looking up to examine the German anew. "Otto Elbl of
+Munich?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"H-m. Number 121 Friedrichstrasse?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I didn't see you when I visited your family. They said you were at
+college. Your father was William Elbl, my mother's brother."
+
+The German stretched out his hand and gripped the fist of the captain.
+
+"Cousins," he said.
+
+Carg nodded, meditating.
+
+"To be sure," he presently returned; "cousins. Have another cigarette."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+PATSY IS DEFIANT
+
+
+That evening the captain joined Dr. Gys on deck.
+
+"That German, Lieutenant Elbl," he began.
+
+"Oh, is that his name?" asked Gys.
+
+"Yes. Will he get well?"
+
+"Certainly. What is a foot, to a man like him? But his soldiering days
+are past."
+
+"Perhaps that's fortunate," returned the captain, ruminatively. "When I
+was a boy, his father was burgomaster--mayor--in Munich. People said he
+was well-to-do. The Germans are thrifty, so I suppose there's still
+money in the Elbl family."
+
+"Money will do much to help reconcile the man to the loss of his foot,"
+declared the doctor.
+
+"Will he suffer much pain, while it is getting well?"
+
+"Not if I can help it. The fellow bears pain with wonderful fortitude.
+When I was in Yucatan, and had to slash my face to get out the poisoned
+darts of the cactus, I screamed till you could have heard me a mile. And
+I had no anaesthetic to soothe me. Your lieutenant never whimpered or
+cringed with his mangled foot and he refused morphine when I operated on
+it. But I fooled him. I hate to see a brave man suffer. I stuck a needle
+just above the wound when he wasn't looking, and I've doped his medicine
+ever since."
+
+"Thank you," said Carg; "he's my cousin."
+
+In the small hours of the next morning, while Patsy was on duty in the
+hospital section, the young Belgian became wakeful and restless. She
+promptly administered a sedative and sat by his bedside. After a little
+his pain was eased and he became quiet, but he lay there with wide open
+eyes.
+
+"Can I do anything more for you?" she asked.
+
+"If you would be so kind," replied Andrew Denton.
+
+"Well?"
+
+"Please read to me some letters you will find in my pocket. I cannot
+read them myself, and--they will comfort me."
+
+Patsy found the packet of letters.
+
+"The top one first," he said eagerly. "Read them all!"
+
+She opened the letter reluctantly. It was addressed in a dainty, female
+hand and the girl had the uncomfortable feeling that she was about to
+pry into personal relations of a delicate character.
+
+"Your sweetheart?" she asked gently.
+
+"Yes, indeed; my sweetheart and my wife."
+
+"Oh, I see. And have you been married long?" He seemed a mere boy.
+
+"Five months, but for the last two I have not seen her."
+
+The letters were dated at Charleroi and each one began: "My darling
+husband." Patsy read the packet through, from first to last, her eyes
+filling with tears at times as she noted the rare devotion and
+passionate longing of the poor young wife and realized that the boyish
+husband was even now dying, a martyr to his country's cause. The
+letters were signed "Elizabeth." In one was a small photograph of a
+sweet, dark-eyed girl whom she instantly knew to be the bereaved wife.
+
+"And does she still live at Charleroi?" Patsy asked.
+
+"I hope so, mademoiselle; with her mother. The Germans now occupy the
+town, but you will notice the last letter states that all citizens are
+treated courteously and with much consideration, so I do not fear for
+her."
+
+The reading of the letters, in conjunction with the opiate, seemed to
+comfort him, for presently he fell asleep. With a heavy heart the girl
+left him to attend to her other patients and at three o'clock Ajo came
+in and joined her, to relieve the tedium of the next three hours. The
+boy knew nothing of nursing, but he could help Patsy administer potions
+and change compresses and his presence was a distinct relief to her.
+
+The girl was supposed to sleep from six o'clock--at which time she was
+relieved from duty--until one in the afternoon, but the next morning at
+eight she walked into the forward salon, where her friends were at
+breakfast, and sat down beside Uncle John.
+
+"I could not sleep," said she, "because I am so worried over Andrew
+Denton."
+
+"That is foolish, my dear," answered Mr. Merrick, affectionately patting
+the hand she laid in his. "The doctor says poor Denton cannot recover.
+If you're going to take to heart all the sad incidents we encounter on
+this hospital ship, it will not only ruin your usefulness but destroy
+your happiness."
+
+"Exactly so," agreed Gys, coming into the salon in time to overhear this
+remark. "A nurse should be sympathetic, but impersonally so."
+
+"Denton has been married but five months," said Patsy. "I have seen his
+wife's picture--she's a dear little girl!--and her letters to him are
+full of love and longing. She doesn't know, of course, of his--his
+accident--or that he--he--" Her voice broke with a sob she could not
+repress.
+
+"M-m," purred Uncle John; "where does she live, this young wife?"
+
+"At Charleroi."
+
+"Well; the Germans are there."
+
+"Yes, Uncle. But don't you suppose they would let her come to see her
+dying husband?"
+
+"A young girl, unprotected? Would it be--safe?"
+
+"The Germans," remarked Captain Carg from his end of the table, "are
+very decent people."
+
+"Ahem!" said Uncle John.
+
+"Some of them, I've no doubt, are quite respectable," observed Ajo; "but
+from all reports the rank and file, in war time, are--rather unpleasant
+to meet."
+
+"Precisely," agreed Uncle John. "I think, Patsy dear, it will be best to
+leave this Belgian girl in ignorance of her husband's fate."
+
+"I, myself, have a wife," quoth little Maurie, with smug assurance, "but
+she is not worrying about me, wherever she may be; nor do I feel
+especial anxiety for Clarette. A woman takes what comes--especially if
+she is obliged to."
+
+Patsy regarded him indignantly.
+
+"There are many kinds of women," she began.
+
+"Thank heaven!" exclaimed Maurie, and then she realized how futile it
+was to argue with him.
+
+A little later she walked on deck with Uncle John and pleaded her cause
+earnestly. It was said by those who knew him well that the kindly little
+gentleman was never able to refuse Patsy anything for long, and he was
+himself so well aware of this weakness that he made a supreme effort to
+resist her on this occasion.
+
+"You and I," said she, "would have no trouble in passing the German
+lines. We are strictly neutral, you know, we Americans, and our
+passports and the Red Cross will take us anywhere in safety."
+
+"It won't do, my dear," he replied. "You've already been in danger
+enough for one war. I shudder even now as I think of those bullets and
+shells at Nieuport."
+
+"But we can pass through at some place where they are not fighting."
+
+"Show me such a place!"
+
+"And distances are very small in this part of the Continent. We could
+get to Charleroi in a day, and return the next day with Mrs. Denton."
+
+"Impossible."
+
+"The doctor says he may live for several days, but it may be only for
+hours. If you could see his face light up when he speaks of her, you
+would realize what a comfort her presence would be to him."
+
+"I understand that, Patsy. But can't you see, my dear, that we're not
+able to do everything for those poor wounded soldiers? You have twenty
+in your charge now, and by to-night there may be possibly a dozen more.
+Many of them have wives at home, but--"
+
+"But all are not dying, Uncle--and after only five months of married
+life, three of which they passed together. Here, at least, is one brave
+heart we may comfort, one poor woman who will be ever grateful for our
+generous kindness."
+
+Mr. Merrick coughed. He wiped his eyes and blew his nose on his pink
+bordered handkerchief. But he made no promise.
+
+Patsy left him and went to Ajo.
+
+"See here," she said; "I'm going to Charleroi in an hour."
+
+"It's a day's journey, Patsy."
+
+"I mean I'm going to start in an hour. Will you go with me?"
+
+"What does Uncle John say?" he inquired cautiously.
+
+"I don't care what he says. I'm going!" she persisted, her eyes blazing
+with determination.
+
+The boy whistled softly, studying her face. Then he walked across the
+deck to Mr. Merrick.
+
+"Patsy is rampant, sir," said he. "She won't be denied. Go and argue
+with her, please."
+
+"I _have_ argued," returned Uncle John weakly.
+
+"Well, argue again."
+
+The little man cast a half frightened, half reproachful glance at his
+niece.
+
+"Let's go and consult the doctor," he exclaimed, and together Uncle John
+and Ajo went below.
+
+To their surprise, Gys supported Patsy's plea.
+
+"He's a fine fellow, this Denton," said he, "and rather above the
+average soldier. Moreover, his case is a pitiful one. I'll agree to keep
+him alive until his wife comes."
+
+Uncle John looked appealingly at Ajo.
+
+"How on earth can we manage to cross the lines?" he asked.
+
+"Take one of our launches," said the boy.
+
+"Skim the coast to Ostend, and you'll avoid danger altogether."
+
+"That's the idea!" exclaimed the doctor approvingly. "Why, it's the
+easiest thing in the world, sir."
+
+Uncle John began to feel slightly reassured.
+
+"Who will run the launch?" he inquired.
+
+"I'll give you the captain and one of the men," said the boy. "Carg's an
+old traveler and knows more than he appears to. Besides, he speaks
+German. We can't spare very many, you understand, and the ambulances
+will keep Maurie and me pretty busy. Patsy will be missed, too, from the
+hospital ward, so you must hurry back."
+
+"Two days ought to accomplish our object," said Uncle John.
+
+"Easily," agreed Gys. "I've arranged for a couple of girls from the town
+to come and help us to-day, for I must save the strength of my expert
+nurses as much as possible, and I'll keep them with us until you return.
+The French girls are not experienced in nursing, but I'll take Miss
+Patsy's watch myself, so we shall get along all right."
+
+Mr. Merrick and Jones returned to the deck.
+
+"Well?" demanded Patsy.
+
+"Get ready," said Uncle John; "we leave in an hour."
+
+"For Charleroi?"
+
+"Of course; unless you've changed your mind."
+
+Patsy flew to her stateroom.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+THE OTHER SIDE
+
+
+The launch in which they embarked bore the Red Cross on its sides, and
+an American flag floated from the bow and a Red Cross flag from the
+stern. Its four occupants wore the Red Cross uniforms. Yet three miles
+out of Dunkirk a shot came singing across their prow and they were
+obliged to lay to until a British man-of-war could lower a boat to
+investigate their errand. The coast is very shallow in this section,
+which permits boats of only the lightest draught to navigate in-shore,
+but the launch was able to skim over the surface at twelve miles an
+hour.
+
+"This is pleasant!" grumbled Uncle John, as they awaited the approach of
+the warship's boat. "Our very appearance ought to insure us safe
+conduct, but I suppose that in these times every craft is regarded with
+suspicion."
+
+The boat came alongside.
+
+"Where are you going?" demanded an officer, gruffly.
+
+"To Ostend."
+
+"On what business?"
+
+"Our own," replied Mr. Merrick.
+
+"Be respectful, sir, or I'll arrest your entire outfit," warned the
+officer.
+
+"You'll do nothing of the sort," declared Mr. Merrick. "You'll examine
+our papers, apologize for your interference and row back to your ship.
+We have the authority of the Red Cross to go wherever our duty calls us,
+and moreover we're American citizens. Permit me to add that we're in a
+hurry."
+
+The officer turned first white and then red, but he appreciated the
+force of the argument.
+
+"Your papers!" he commanded.
+
+Uncle John produced them and waited patiently for their inspection,
+which was very deliberate. Finally the officer returned them and gave
+the order to his men to row back to the ship.
+
+"One moment!" called Uncle John. "You haven't made the apology."
+
+There was no answer. The boat moved swiftly away and at a gesture from
+Captain Carg the sailor started the launch again.
+
+"I wonder why it is," mused Mr. Merrick, "that there is always this
+raspy feeling when the English meet Americans. On the surface we're
+friendly enough and our governments always express in diplomatic
+relations the most cordial good will; but I've always noticed in the
+English individual an undercurrent of antipathy for Americans that
+cannot be disguised. As a race the English hate us, I'm positive, and I
+wonder why?"
+
+"I believe you're wrong, Uncle," remarked Patsy. "A few of the British
+may individually dislike us, but I'm sure the two nations are not
+antagonistic. Why should they be?"
+
+"Yorktown," muttered the captain.
+
+"I don't believe it," declared the girl. "They're too good sportsmen to
+bear grudges."
+
+"All the same," persisted Uncle John, "the English have never favored us
+as the French have, or even the Russians."
+
+From Dunkirk to Ostend, by the coast line, is only some twenty-five
+miles, yet although they started at a little after eleven o'clock it was
+three in the afternoon before they finally landed at the Belgian
+seaport. Interruptions were numerous, and although they were treated
+courteously, in the main, it was only after rigid questioning and a
+thorough examination that they were permitted to proceed. A full hour
+was consumed at the harbor at Ostend before they could even land.
+
+As they stepped upon the wharf a group of German soldiers met them and
+now Captain Carg became the spokesman of the party. The young officer in
+command removed his helmet to bow deferentially to Patsy and then turned
+to ask their business at Ostend.
+
+"He says we must go before the military governor," said Carg,
+translating. "There, if our papers are regular, permits will be issued
+for us to proceed to Charleroi."
+
+They left the sailor in charge of the launch, which was well provisioned
+and contained a convertible bunk, and followed the officer into the
+town. Ostend is a large city, fortified, and was formerly one of the
+most important ports on the North Sea, as well as a summer resort of
+prominence. The city now being occupied by the Germans, our friends
+found few citizens on the streets of Ostend and these hurried nervously
+on their way. The streets swarmed with German soldiery.
+
+Arriving at headquarters they found that the commandant was too busy to
+attend to the Red Cross Americans. He ordered them taken before Colonel
+Grau for examination.
+
+"But why examine us at all?" protested Mr. Merrick. "Doesn't our sacred
+mission protect us from such annoying details?"
+
+The young officer regretted that it did not. They would find Colonel
+Grau in one of the upper rooms. It would be a formal examination, of
+course, and brief. But busy spies had even assumed the insignia of the
+Red Cross to mask their nefarious work and an examination was therefore
+necessary as a protective measure. So they ascended a broad staircase
+and proceeded along a corridor to the colonel's office.
+
+Grau was at the head of the detective service at Ostend and invested
+with the task of ferreting out the numerous spies in the service of the
+Allies and dealing with them in a summary manner. He was a very stout
+man, and not very tall. His eyes were light blue and his grizzled
+mustache was a poor imitation of that affected by the Kaiser. When Grau
+looked up, on their entrance, Patsy decided that their appearance had
+startled him, but presently she realized that the odd expression was
+permanent.
+
+In a chair beside the colonel's desk sat, or rather lounged, another
+officer, encased in a uniform so brilliant that it arrested the eye
+before one could discover its contents. These were a wizened,
+weather-beaten man of advanced age, yet rugged as hickory. His eyes had
+a periodical squint; his brows wore a persistent frown. There was a
+broad scar on his left cheek and another across his forehead. A warrior
+who had seen service, probably, but whose surly physiognomy was somewhat
+disconcerting.
+
+The two officers had been in earnest conversation, but when Mr.
+Merrick's party was ushered in, the elder man leaned back in his chair,
+squinting and scowling, and regarded them silently.
+
+"Huh!" exclaimed the colonel, in a brusque growl. "What is it, von
+Holtz?"
+
+The young officer explained that the party had just arrived from Dunkirk
+in a launch; the commandant had asked Colonel Grau kindly to examine
+them. Uncle John proceeded to state the case, Captain Carg interpreting.
+They operated a Red Cross hospital ship at Dunkirk, and one of their
+patients, a young Belgian, was dying of his wounds. They had come to
+find his young wife and take her back with them to Dunkirk in their
+launch, that she might comfort the last moments of her husband. The
+Americans asked for safe conduct to Charleroi, and permission to take
+Mrs. Denton with them to Dunkirk. Then he presented his papers,
+including the authority of the American Red Cross Society, the letter
+from the secretary of state and the recommendation of the German
+ambassador at Washington.
+
+The colonel looked them all over. He uttered little guttural
+exclamations and tapped the desk with his finger-tips as he read, and
+all the time his face wore that perplexing expression of surprise.
+Finally he asked:
+
+"Which is Mr. Merrick?"
+
+Hearing his name, Uncle John bowed.
+
+"Huh! But the description does not fit you."
+
+Captain Carg translated this.
+
+"Why not?" demanded Uncle John.
+
+"It says you are short, stout, blue-eyed, bald, forty-five years of
+age."
+
+"Of course."
+
+"You are not short; I think you are as tall as I am. Your eyes are not
+blue; they are olive green. You are not bald, for there is still hair
+over your ears. Huh! How do you explain that?"
+
+"It's nonsense," said Uncle John scornfully.
+
+Carg was more cautious in interpreting the remark. He assured the
+colonel, in German, that the description of Mr. Merrick was considered
+close enough for all practical purposes. But Grau was not satisfied. He
+went over the papers again and then turned to face the other officer.
+
+"What do you think, General?" he asked, hesitatingly.
+
+"Suspicious!" was the reply.
+
+"I think so, myself," said the colonel. "Mark you: Here's a man who
+claims to come from Sangoa, a place no one has ever heard of; and the
+other has endorsements purporting to come from the highest officials in
+America. Huh! what does it mean?"
+
+"Papers may be forged, or stolen from their proper owners," suggested
+the squinting general. "This excuse of coming here to get the wife of a
+hurt Belgian seems absurd. If they are really Red Cross workers, they
+are not attending to their proper business."
+
+When the captain interpreted this speech Patsy said angrily:
+
+"The general is an old fool."
+
+"An idiot, I'll call him," added Uncle John. "I wish I could tell him
+so."
+
+"You _have_ told him," said the general in good English, squinting now
+more rapidly than ever, "and your manner of speech proves you to be
+impostors. I have never known a respectable Red Cross nurse, of any
+country, who called a distinguished officer a fool--and to his face."
+
+"I didn't know you understood English," she said.
+
+"That is no excuse!"
+
+"But I _did_ know," she added, "that I had judged you correctly. No one
+with a spark of intelligence could doubt the evidence of these papers."
+
+"The papers are all right. Where did you get them?"
+
+"From the proper authorities."
+
+He turned to speak rapidly in German to Colonel Grau, who had been
+uneasy during the conversation in English, because he failed to
+understand it. His expression of piquant surprise was intensified as he
+now turned to the Americans.
+
+"You may as well confess your imposture," said he. "It will make your
+punishment lighter. However, if on further examination you prove to be
+spies, your fate is beyond my power to mitigate."
+
+"See here," said Uncle John, when this was translated to him, "if you
+dare to interfere with us, or cause us annoyance, I shall insist on your
+being courtmartialed. You are responsible to your superiors, I suppose,
+and they dare not tolerate an insult to the Red Cross, nor to an
+American citizen. You may have the sense to consider that if these
+papers and letters are genuine, as I declare they are, I have friends
+powerful enough to bring this matter before the Kaiser himself, in which
+case someone will suffer a penalty, even if he is a general or a
+colonel."
+
+As he spoke he glared defiantly at the older officer, who calmly
+proceeded to translate the speech to the colonel. Carg reported that it
+was translated verbatim. Then the general sat back and squinted at his
+companion, who seemed fairly bewildered by the threat. Patsy caught the
+young officer smothering a smile, but neither of them interrupted the
+silence that followed.
+
+Once again the colonel picked up the papers and gave them a rigid
+examination, especially that of the German ambassador, which was written
+in his own language. "I cannot understand," he muttered, "how one
+insignificant American citizen could secure such powerful endorsements.
+It has never happened before in my experience."
+
+"It is extraordinary," said the general.
+
+"Mr. Merrick," said Patsy to him, "is a very important man in America.
+He is so important that any indignity to him will be promptly resented."
+
+"I will investigate your case further," decided Colonel Grau, after
+another sotto voce conference with the general. "Spies are getting to be
+very clever, these days, and we cannot take chances. However, I assure
+you there is no disposition to worry you and until your standing is
+determined you will be treated with every consideration."
+
+"Do you mean that we are prisoners?" asked Uncle John, trying to control
+his indignation.
+
+"No, indeed. You will be detained, of course, but you are not
+prisoners--as yet. I will keep your papers and submit them to the
+general staff. It will be for that august body to decide."
+
+Uncle John protested vigorously; Patsy faced the old general and told
+him this action was an outrage that would be condemned by the entire
+civilized world; Captain Carg gravely assured both officers that they
+were making a serious mistake. But nothing could move the stolid
+Germans. The general, indeed, smiled grimly and told them in English
+that he was in no way responsible, whatever happened. This was Colonel
+Grau's affair, but he believed, nevertheless, that the colonel was
+acting wisely.
+
+The young officer, who had stood like a statue during the entire
+interview, was ordered to accompany the Americans to a hotel, where they
+must be kept under surveillance but might follow, to an extent, their
+own devices. They were not to mail letters nor send telegrams.
+
+The officer asked who should guard the suspects.
+
+"Why not yourself, Lieutenant? You are on detached duty, I believe?"
+
+"At the port, Colonel."
+
+"There are too many officers at the port; it is a sinecure. I will
+appoint you to guard the Americans. You speak their language, I
+believe?"
+
+The young man bowed.
+
+"Very well; I shall hold you responsible for their safety."
+
+They were then dismissed and compelled to follow their guard from the
+room.
+
+Patsy was now wild with rage and Uncle John speechless. Even Carg was
+evidently uneasy.
+
+"Do not mind," said the young lieutenant consolingly. "It is merely a
+temporary inconvenience, you know, for your release will come very soon.
+And since you are placed in my care I beg you to accept this delay with
+good grace and be happy as possible. Ostend is full of life and I am
+conducting you to an excellent hotel."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+TARDY JUSTICE
+
+
+The courtesy of Lieutenant von Holtz was beyond criticism. He obtained
+for his charges a comfortable suite of rooms in an overcrowded hotel,
+obliging the landlord to turn away other guests that Mr. Merrick's party
+might be accommodated. The dinner that was served in their cosy sitting
+room proved excellent, having been ordered by von Holtz after he had
+requested that privilege. When the young officer appeared to see that it
+was properly served, Patsy invited him to join them at the table and he
+laughingly consented.
+
+"You are one of our party, by force of circumstances," said the girl,
+"and since we've found you good-natured and polite, and believe you are
+not to blame for our troubles, we may as well be friendly while we are
+together."
+
+The young man was evidently well pleased.
+
+"However evil your fortune may be," said he, "I cannot fail to be
+impressed by my own good luck. Perhaps you may guess what a relief this
+pleasant commission is to one who for days has been compelled to patrol
+those vile smelling docks, watching for spies and enduring all sorts of
+weather."
+
+"To think," said Uncle John gloomily, "that _we_ are accused of being
+spies!"
+
+"It is not for me," returned von Holtz, "to criticize the acts of my
+superiors. I may say, however, that were it my province to decide the
+question, you would now be free. Colonel Grau has an excellent record
+for efficiency and seldom makes a mistake, but I suspect his judgment
+was influenced by the general, whose son was once jilted by an American
+girl."
+
+"We're going to get even with them both, before this affair is ended,"
+declared Patsy, vindictively; "but although you are our actual jailer I
+promise that you will escape our vengeance."
+
+"My instructions are quite elastic, as you heard," said the lieutenant.
+"I am merely ordered to keep you in Ostend, under my eye, until your
+case has been passed upon by the commandant or the general staff. Since
+you have money, you may enjoy every luxury save that of travel, and I
+ask you to command my services in all ways consistent with my duty."
+
+"What worries me," said Patsy to Uncle John, "is the delay. If we are
+kept here for long, poor Denton will die before we can find his wife and
+take her to him."
+
+"How long are we liable to be detained?" Uncle John asked the officer.
+
+"I cannot say. Perhaps the council of the general staff will meet
+to-morrow morning; perhaps not for several days," was the indefinite
+reply.
+
+Patsy wiped away the tears that began to well into her eyes. She had so
+fondly set her heart on reuniting the Dentons that her disappointment
+was very great.
+
+Von Holtz noticed the girl's mood and became thoughtful. Captain Carg
+had remained glum and solemn ever since they had left the colonel's
+office. Uncle John sat in silent indignation, wondering what could be
+done to influence these stupid Germans. Presently the lieutenant
+remarked:
+
+"That sailor whom you left with the launch seemed an intelligent
+fellow."
+
+Patsy gave a start; Uncle John looked at the young man expectantly; the
+captain nodded his head as he slowly replied:
+
+"Henderson is one of the picked men I brought from Sangoa. He is both
+intelligent and loyal."
+
+"Curiously enough," said von Holtz, "I neglected to place the man under
+arrest. I even forgot to report him. He is free."
+
+"Ah!" exclaimed Patsy, her eyes lighting.
+
+"I know a civilian here--a bright young Belgian--who is my friend and
+will do anything I ask of him," resumed von Holtz, still musingly. "I
+had the good fortune to protect his mother when our troops entered the
+city, and he is grateful."
+
+Patsy was thinking very fast now.
+
+"Could Henderson get to Charleroi, do you imagine?" she asked. "He has a
+passport."
+
+"We do not consider passports of much value," said the officer; "but a
+Red Cross appointment--"
+
+"Oh, he has that, too; all our men carry them."
+
+"In that case, with my friend Rondel to guide him, I believe Henderson
+could accomplish your errand."
+
+"Let us send for him at once!" exclaimed Uncle John.
+
+Carg scribbled on a card.
+
+"He wouldn't leave the launch without orders, unless forced by the
+Germans," asserted the captain, and handed the card to von Holtz.
+
+The young lieutenant took his cap, bowed profoundly and left the room.
+In ten minutes he returned, saying: "I am not so fortunate as I had
+thought. All our troops are on the move, headed for the Yser. There will
+be fighting, presently, and--I must remain here," he added despondently.
+
+"It won't be your last chance, I'm sure," said Patsy. "Will that
+dreadful Colonel Grau go, too?"
+
+"No; he is to remain. But all regiments quartered here are now marching
+out and to-morrow a fresh brigade will enter Ostend."
+
+They were silent a time, until someone rapped upon the door. Von Holtz
+admitted a slim, good-looking young Belgian who grasped his hand and
+said eagerly in French:
+
+"You sent for me?"
+
+"Yes. You may speak English here, Monsieur Rondel." Then he presented
+his friend to the Americans, who approved him on sight.
+
+Henderson came a few minutes later and listened respectfully to the plan
+Miss Doyle unfolded. He was to go with Monsieur Rondel to Charleroi,
+find Mrs. Denton, explain that her husband was very ill, and bring her
+back with him to Ostend. He would report promptly on his return and they
+would tell him what to do next.
+
+The man accepted the mission without a word of protest. Charleroi was in
+central Belgium, but that did not mean many miles away and Rondel
+assured him they would meet with no difficulties. The trains were
+reserved for soldiers, but the Belgian had an automobile and a German
+permit to drive it. The roads were excellent.
+
+"Now, remember," said Patsy, "the lady you are going for is Mrs. Albert
+Denton. She lives with her mother, or did, the last we heard of her."
+
+"And her mother's name and address?" inquired Henderson.
+
+"We are ignorant of either," she confessed; "but it's not a very big
+town and I'm sure you'll easily find her."
+
+"I know the place well," said Rondel, "and I have friends residing there
+who will give me information."
+
+Uncle John supplied them liberally with money, impressed upon them the
+necessity of haste, and sent them away. Rondel declared the night time
+was best for the trip and promised to be on the way within the hour, and
+in Charleroi by next morning.
+
+Notwithstanding the fact that they had succeeded in promoting by proxy
+the mission which had brought them to Belgium, the Americans found the
+next day an exceedingly irksome one. In the company of Lieutenant von
+Holtz they were permitted to walk about the city, but they found little
+pleasure in that, owing to the bustle of outgoing troops and the arrival
+of others to replace them. Nor did they care to stray far from their
+quarters, for fear the council would meet and they might be sent for.
+
+However, no sign from Colonel Grau was received that day. Patsy went to
+bed with a nervous headache and left Uncle John and the captain to smoke
+more than was good for them. Both the men had now come to regard their
+situation as serious and as the American consul was at this time absent
+in Brussels they could think of no way to secure their freedom. No one
+knew when the consul would return; Mr. Merrick had been refused the
+privilege of using the telegraph or mails. During one of their strolls
+they had met the correspondent of an American newspaper, but when the
+man learned they were suspects he got away from them as soon as
+possible. He did not know Mr. Merrick and his own liberty was too
+precarious for him to argue with Colonel Grau.
+
+"I'm beginning to think," said Uncle John, "that we're up against a hard
+proposition. Letters and endorsements from prominent Americans seem to
+have no weight with these Germans. I'd no idea our identity could ever
+be disputed."
+
+"We must admit, sir," returned the captain, reflectively, "that the spy
+system in this war is something remarkable. Spies are everywhere; clever
+ones, too, who adopt every sort of subterfuge to escape detection. I do
+not blame Grau so much for caution as for lack of judgment."
+
+"He's a blockhead!" cried Mr. Merrick testily.
+
+"He is. I'm astonished they should place so much power in the hands of
+one so slow witted."
+
+"He has insulted us," continued Uncle John. "He has dared to arrest
+three free-born Americans."
+
+"Who came into a troubled country, occupied by a conquering army,
+without being invited."
+
+"Well--that's true," sighed the little millionaire, "but what are we
+going to do about it?"
+
+"Wait," counseled the captain.
+
+The next day dawned dark and rainy and the weather had a depressing
+effect upon the prisoners. It was too damp to stir out of doors and the
+confinement of the hotel rooms became especially irksome. Not only were
+they anxious about their own fate but it was far past the time when they
+should have heard from Henderson and Rondel. Patsy's nerves were getting
+beyond her control; Uncle John stumped around with his hands thrust deep
+in his pockets and a frown wrinkling his forehead; the captain smoked
+innumerable pipes of tobacco and said not a word. Von Holtz, noting the
+uneasiness of his charges, discreetly forbore conversation and retired
+to a far corner where he hid behind a book.
+
+It was nearing evening when a commotion was heard on the stairs,
+followed by the heavy tramp of feet in the corridor. A sharp rap sounded
+on the door of their sitting room. Uncle John stepped forward to open
+it, when in stalked a group of German officers, their swords and spurs
+clanking and their cloaks glistening with rain-drops. At sight of the
+young girl off came cap and helmet and with one accord they bowed low.
+
+The leader was a tall, thin man with a leathern face, hooked nose and
+piercing gray eyes. His breast glittered with orders. It was von
+Kargenbrut, the military governor.
+
+"Pardon our intrusion," he said in English, his harsh voice having a
+guttural accent. "Which gentleman is Mr. John Merrick?"
+
+"I am John Merrick."
+
+The eagle eyes swept over him with a swift glance.
+
+"We owe you our apology," continued the governor, speaking as fiercely
+as if he were ordering Uncle John beheaded. "I have been too busy to
+take up your case before to-day, when I discover that we have treated
+you discourteously. You will consider our fault due to these troubled
+times, when mistakes occur in spite of our watchfulness. Is it not so?"
+
+"Your error has caused us great inconvenience," responded Mr. Merrick
+stiffly.
+
+The governor whirled around. "Colonel Grau!" he called, and from the
+rear of the group the colonel stepped forward. His face still wore the
+expression of comical surprise. "Return to Mr. Merrick his papers and
+credentials."
+
+The colonel drew the packet of papers from his breast pocket and handed
+it to Uncle John. Then he glanced hesitatingly at his superior, who
+glared at him.
+
+"He cannot speak the English," said the governor to Mr. Merrick, "but he
+owes you reparation."
+
+"Grau's stupidity has been very annoying, to say the least," was the
+ungracious reply. "We came here on important business, and presented our
+papers--all in proper order--on demand. We had the right to expect
+decent treatment, as respectable American citizens engaged in
+humanitarian work; yet this--this--man," pointing an accusing finger at
+the colonel, "ordered us detained--arrested!--and kept our papers."
+
+The governor listened coldly and at the end of the speech inclined his
+head.
+
+"Colonel Grau," said he, "has been relieved of his duties here and
+transferred to another station. To you I have personally apologized. You
+will find my endorsement on your papers and, in addition, an order that
+will grant you safe conduct wherever you may wish to go. If that is not
+enough, make your demands and I will consider them."
+
+"Why, that is all I can expect, your Excellency, under the
+circumstances," replied Mr. Merrick. "I suppose I ought to thank you for
+your present act of justice."
+
+"No; it is your due. Good evening, Mr. Merrick."
+
+He swung around on his heel and every officer of the group turned with
+him, like so many automatons, all facing the door. But Mr. Merrick
+touched the governor upon the arm.
+
+"One moment, your Excellency. This young officer, Lieutenant von Holtz,
+has treated us kindly and courteously. I want you to know that one of
+your men, at least, has performed his duty in a way to merit our
+thanks--and yours."
+
+The governor scowled at Lieutenant von Holtz, who stood like a statue,
+with lowered eyes.
+
+"Lieutenant, you are commissioned to guide Mr. Merrick as long as he
+remains within our lines. You will guard his safety and that of his
+party. When he departs, come to me personally with your report."
+
+The young officer bowed; the governor tramped to the door and went out,
+followed by his staff. Grau left the room last, with hang-dog look, and
+Patsy slammed the door in the hope of bumping his wooden head.
+
+"So we're free?" she said, turning to von Holtz.
+
+"Not only that, Fraulein, but you are highly favored," he replied. "All
+German territory is now open to you."
+
+"It's about time they came to their senses," remarked Uncle John, with a
+return to his accustomed cheerfulness.
+
+"And, best of all," said Patsy exultantly, "they've fired that awful
+colonel!"
+
+The captain thoughtfully filled and lighted his pipe.
+
+"I wonder," said he, "how that happened. Was it the council, do you
+think, Lieutenant?"
+
+Von Holtz shook his head.
+
+"I think it was the governor," he replied. "He is a just man, and had
+you been able to see him personally on your arrival you would have been
+spared any annoyance."
+
+"Perhaps," said Patsy doubtfully. "But your governor's a regular bear."
+
+"I believe that is merely his way," asserted Uncle John. "I didn't mind
+the man's tone when I found his words and deeds were all right. But
+he--"
+
+Another rap at the door. Patsy opened it and admitted Henderson. He
+saluted the captain, bowed to the others and said:
+
+"We've got her, sir."
+
+"Mrs. Denton?" cried Patsy, delightedly.
+
+Henderson nodded.
+
+"Yes, Miss Doyle; Mrs. Denton and the children."
+
+"The children! Why, there aren't any."
+
+"I beg your pardon, Miss; there are two."
+
+"Two children!" she exclaimed in dismay. "There must be some mistake.
+The young people have only been married five months."
+
+Henderson stood stiff as a poker, refusing to argue the point.
+
+"A governess, maybe," suggested the captain.
+
+"More likely," said Uncle John, "young Denton married a widow,
+with--eh--eh--incumbrances."
+
+"That's it, sir," said Henderson earnestly.
+
+"What's it?"
+
+"The incumbrances, sir. No other word could describe 'em."
+
+Patsy's heart sank; she was greatly disappointed.
+
+"And she so young and pretty!" she murmured.
+
+Henderson started to smile, but quickly suppressed it.
+
+"Shall I show them up, Miss?" he inquired.
+
+"Of course," answered Uncle John, as the girl hesitated. "You should
+have brought her to us at once. Where is that Belgian--Rondel?"
+
+"He is guarding the woman, sir."
+
+"Guarding her!"
+
+"She's a little difficult to manage, sir, at times. She left Charleroi
+willingly enough, but she's tricky, and it is our duty to deliver her to
+you safely."
+
+"Get her at once, Henderson," exclaimed Patsy, recovering her wits; "and
+the dear children, too."
+
+Presently there was a sound of shuffling on the stairs and through the
+corridor. The door opened to admit the arrivals from Charleroi.
+
+Henderson first pushed in a big woman dressed in a faded blue-checked
+gown, belted around the waist in a manner that made her look like a sack
+tied in the middle. Her head was bare, her hair awry, her face sullen
+and hard; she was undeniably "fleshy" and not altogether clean. She
+resisted Henderson at every step and glared around her with shrewd and
+shifting eyes.
+
+Following her came Monsieur Rondel leading a boy and a girl, the latter
+being a small replica of the woman. The boy was viciously struggling to
+bite the hand of the Belgian, who held him fast.
+
+"Ah, well," said Rondel, first sighing and then turning with a smile to
+face the lieutenant, "we have performed our mission. But heaven guard us
+from another like it!"
+
+Patsy stared hard at the woman.
+
+"This cannot be Mrs. Denton," she gasped, bewildered.
+
+"Indeed?" answered Rondel in English. "She declares that is her name.
+Question her in French or Flemish, Miss Doyle."
+
+Patsy addressed the woman in French but could elicit no reply. She stood
+impassive and silent.
+
+"How did you make the mistake?" asked the girl, looking reproachfully
+first at Henderson and then at Rondel, both of whom were evidently
+astonished to find themselves at fault. "I have seen a photograph of
+Mrs. Andrew Denton, taken recently, and she is young and pretty
+and--and--rather small."
+
+Monsieur Rondel cleared his throat to answer:
+
+"It happened in this way, mademoiselle: We searched one whole day in
+Charleroi for Mrs. Denton but could not find her. My friends, on whom I
+had relied for assistance, had unfortunately moved away or joined the
+army. The townspeople were suspicious of Monsieur Henderson, who is a
+foreigner. We could get no information whatever. I appealed to the
+burgomaster and he said he would try to find Mrs. Denton for us the
+next day. In the morning came to us this woman, who said she was the
+person we sought. If we promised her safe conduct to Dunkirk, she would
+go with us. She had wanted to go to Dunkirk for some weeks, but the
+Germans would not let her pass the lines. We suspected nothing wrong,
+for she admitted she was aware that her husband is in Dunkirk, and she
+wanted to get to him. So we brought her to you."
+
+Patsy faced the woman resolutely and said in French:
+
+"Why did you wish to get to Dunkirk?"
+
+"He has said it. To find my husband," replied the woman in a surly tone.
+
+"What is your name?"
+
+No reply.
+
+"Answer me!"
+
+The woman eyed her obstinately and remained silent.
+
+"Very well. Release those children, Monsieur Rondel. Madam, you have
+imposed upon us; you have tricked us in order to get to Ostend at our
+expense. Now go, and take your children with you."
+
+She pointed dramatically at the door, but the woman retained her
+position, only moving to cuff the boy, who was kicking Henderson on his
+shins. Then, setting her hands on her hips she said defiantly:
+
+"They promised me passage to Dunkirk, and they must take me there."
+
+"Who promised you?"
+
+"Those men," pointing to them, "and the burgomaster."
+
+"Yes," admitted Henderson, "we agreed with the burgomaster to take her
+out of the country. We signed a paper to that effect."
+
+"But she is a Belgian. And she is not the person she claimed to be."
+
+To this neither Rondel nor Henderson had an answer.
+
+"See here," said Uncle John, "I'll untangle this matter in a jiffy. Here
+is money; give it to the woman and tell her to get out--or we'll eject
+her by force."
+
+The woman grabbed the money eagerly, but after placing it in an ample
+pocket she said: "I will go no place but Dunkirk. I will not leave you
+until you take me there."
+
+But here the lieutenant interfered. He suddenly faced the woman, who had
+not noticed his presence before, and she shrank back in fear at sight of
+his uniform. The boy and girl both began to cry.
+
+"I know you," said von Holtz sternly. "You are the wife of a spy who has
+been condemned to death by both the Belgians and the Germans, since he
+betrayed them both. The last time you came to Ostend to annoy us you
+were driven out of the city. There is still an edict against you. Will
+you leave this room peaceably, or shall I order you under arrest?"
+
+"Dog of a German!" she hissed, "the day is coming when I will help to
+drive you out of Belgium, even as you now drive me. Brave soldiers are
+you, to make war on women and children. Guh! I would kill you where you
+stand--if I dared." With venomous hate she spat upon the floor, then
+seized her wailing children, shook them and waddled out of the room.
+
+There was a general sigh of relief.
+
+"You may return to the launch, Henderson," said the captain.
+
+"Monsieur Rondel," said Uncle John, grasping the young Belgian's hand,
+"we are grateful to you for your kindness. The failure of your mission
+was not your fault. We thank you. The governor has given us our liberty
+and permission to travel where we please, so to-morrow we will go to
+Charleroi ourselves to search for Mrs. Denton."
+
+"My motor car is at your disposal, sir, and my services."
+
+"To-morrow? Oh, let us go to-night, Uncle!" cried Patsy.
+
+Mr. Merrick looked inquiringly at the Belgian.
+
+"I am ready now," said Rondel with a bow.
+
+"Then," said Patsy, "we will start in half an hour. You see, we have
+wasted two whole days--two precious days! I hope Dr. Gys will keep his
+promise, and that we shall find poor Denton alive on our return."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+FOUND AT LAST
+
+
+The pretty city of Charleroi had suffered little damage from the German
+invasion, yet many of the townspeople had gone away since the occupation
+and those who remained kept well within their houses or huddled in
+anxious groups upon the streets. The civic affairs were still
+administered by the Belgian burgomaster, but the martial law of the
+Germans prevailed over all.
+
+When Patsy Doyle, escorted by Uncle John and accompanied by Captain
+Carg, Lieutenant von Holtz and Monsieur Rondel, arrived in the early
+morning, the streets were comparatively deserted. The Hotel Royal
+received them hospitably and the landlord and his daughters prepared
+them an excellent breakfast.
+
+While eating, Patsy chatted with the Belgian girls, who were neat,
+modest and intelligent. She found that Henderson and Rondel had not
+stopped at this hotel while in Charleroi, but at a smaller inn at the
+other end of the town. The girls remembered hearing of their visit and
+of their inquiries for a Mrs. Denton, but did not know whether they had
+succeeded in their quest or not.
+
+"We have lived here all our lives," said the eldest of the landlord's
+three daughters, "but we have not known, during that time, any family of
+Dentons in Charleroi."
+
+Patsy reflected.
+
+"They were married only five months ago, these Dentons," said she, "and
+the young man may have come from some other town. Do you remember that
+any of your young girls were married about five months ago?"
+
+Yes; there was Hildegarde Bentel, but she had married Anthony Mattison,
+who was not a soldier. Could the American mamselle remember what the
+girl's first name was?
+
+"Oh, yes!" exclaimed Patsy. "She signed her letters 'Elizabeth.'"
+
+They shook their heads.
+
+"My name is also Elizabeth," said one. "We have many Elizabeths in
+Charleroi, but none has lately married."
+
+"And her husband told me that she was now living here with her mother."
+
+"Ah, let us see, then," responded another. "Could she have been a lady
+of rank, think you?"
+
+"I--I do not know."
+
+"Is her husband an officer?"
+
+"No; a private, I believe."
+
+"Then we are on the wrong scent," laughed the girl. "I had in mind the
+daughter of the Countess Voig, whose name chances to be Elizabeth. She
+was educated at a convent in Antwerp, and the countess has lived in that
+city for several years, in order to be nearer her daughter. There was
+some gossip here that the young lady had married in Antwerp, just after
+leaving the convent; but we know little of the life of the Voigs because
+they are very reserved. Two or three months ago they returned to their
+castle, which is four miles to the north of Charleroi, and there they
+are still living in retirement. Every day the old steward drives into
+town to visit the post office, but we have not seen the countess nor
+her daughter since they came back."
+
+Patsy related this news to Uncle John, who did not understand French.
+
+"Let us drive over to Castle Voig the first thing," she said.
+
+"But, my dear, it's unreasonable," he objected. "Do you suppose a
+high-born young lady would marry a common soldier? In America, where we
+have no caste, it would be quite probable, but here--"
+
+"He wasn't a soldier five months ago," said Patsy. "He's just a
+volunteer, who joined the army when his country needed him, as many of
+the wealthy and aristocratic Belgians did. He may be high-born himself,
+for all we know. At any rate I mean to visit that castle. Tell Rondel to
+bring around the automobile."
+
+They had no trouble in passing the guards, owing to the presence of von
+Holtz, and in half an hour they were rolling through a charming,
+peaceful country that as yet had suffered no blemish through the German
+conquest.
+
+At Castle Voig they were received by an aged retainer who was visibly
+nervous at their arrival. He eyed the uniform of young von Holtz with
+ill-concealed terror and hurried away to carry their cards to the
+countess. After a long wait they learned that the countess would receive
+the Americans, but it was a full half hour after that when they were
+ushered into a reception room where a lady sat in solitary state.
+
+Under other circumstances Patsy could have spent a day in admiring the
+quaint, old-fashioned furniture and pictures and the wonderful carvings
+of the beamed ceiling, but now she was so excited that she looked only
+at the countess. The lady was not very imposing in form or dress but her
+features were calm and dignified and she met her guests with a grave
+courtesy that was impressive if rather chilly. Before Patsy had summoned
+courage to explain her errand a younger woman--almost a girl--hurriedly
+entered the room and took a position beside the other.
+
+"Oh, it's Elizabeth--it really is!" cried Patsy, clapping her hands
+together joyfully.
+
+Mother and daughter regarded the American girl wonderingly and somewhat
+haughtily, but Patsy was not in the least dismayed.
+
+"Isn't this Mrs. Denton?" she asked, stepping forward to lay a hand upon
+the other girl's arm.
+
+"Yes," was the quiet reply.
+
+Patsy's great eyes regarded her a moment with so sad and sympathetic a
+look that Mrs. Denton shrank away. Then she noticed for the first time
+the Red Cross uniform, and her hand went swiftly to her heart as she
+faltered:
+
+"You--you have brought bad news of Andrew--of my husband?"
+
+"Yes, I am sorry to admit that it is bad news," answered Patsy soberly.
+"He has been wounded and is now lying ill in our hospital ship at
+Dunkirk. We came here to find you, and to take you to him."
+
+Mrs. Denton turned to her mother, a passionate appeal in her eyes. But
+it was some moments before the hard, set look on the face of the
+countess softened. It did soften at last, however, and she turned to
+Patsy and said simply:
+
+"We will prepare for the journey at once. Pray excuse us; Niklas will
+serve refreshments. We will not detain you long."
+
+As they turned to leave the room Elizabeth Denton suddenly seized
+Patsy's hand.
+
+"He will live?" she whispered. "Tell me he will live!"
+
+Patsy's heart sank, but she summoned her wits by an effort.
+
+"I am not a surgeon, my dear, and do not know how serious the wound may
+be," she answered, "but I assure you it will gladden his heart to see
+you again. He thinks and speaks only of you."
+
+The girl-wife studied her face a moment and then dropped her hand and
+hurried after her mother.
+
+"I fibbed, Uncle," said Patsy despondently. "I fibbed willfully.
+But--how could I help it when she looked at me that way?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+DR. GYS SURPRISES HIMSELF
+
+
+Henderson was waiting with the launch at the Ostend docks. Lieutenant
+von Holtz was earnestly thanked by Patsy and Uncle John for his kindness
+and in return he exacted a promise from them to hunt him up in Germany
+some day, when the war was ended. The countess and Mrs. Denton, sad and
+black-robed, had been made comfortable in the stern seats of the boat
+and the captain was just about to order Henderson to start the engine
+when up to them rushed the fat Belgian woman and her two children.
+
+Without an instant's hesitation the two youngsters leaped aboard like
+cats and their mother would have followed but for the restraining hand
+of Captain Carg.
+
+"What does this mean?" cried Mr. Merrick angrily.
+
+The woman jabbered volubly in French.
+
+"She says," interpreted Patsy, "that we promised to take her to Dunkirk,
+so she may find her husband."
+
+"Let her walk!" said Uncle John.
+
+"The Germans won't allow her to cross the lines. What does it matter,
+Uncle? We have plenty of room. In three hours we can be rid of them, and
+doubtless the poor thing is really anxious to find her lost husband, who
+was last seen in Dunkirk."
+
+"He is a spy, and a traitor to both sides, according to report."
+
+"That isn't our affair, is it? And I suppose even people of that class
+have hearts and affections."
+
+"Well, let her come aboard, Captain," decided Uncle John. "We can't
+waste time in arguing."
+
+They stowed her away in the bow, under Henderson's care, and threatened
+the children with dire punishment if they moved from under her shadow.
+Then the launch sped out into the bay and away toward Dunkirk.
+
+Three days had brought many changes to the hospital ship _Arabella_. Of
+the original batch of patients only Lieutenant Elbl, the German, and
+Andrew Denton now remained. All the others had been sent home,
+transferred to the government hospitals or gone back to the front,
+according to the character of their injuries. This was necessary because
+their places were needed by the newly wounded who were brought each day
+from the front. Little Maurie was driving the ambulance again and, with
+Ajo beside him and Dr. Kelsey and a sailor for assistants, the Belgian
+would make a dash to Ypres or Dixmude or Furnes and return with a full
+load of wounded soldiers.
+
+These were the days of the severest fighting in Flanders, fighting so
+severe that it could not keep up for long. There would come a lull
+presently, when the overworked nurses and surgeons could get a bit of
+sleep and draw a long breath again.
+
+Gys had elected to remain aboard the ship, where with Maud and Beth he
+was kept busy night and day. Two French girls--young women of good birth
+and intelligence--had been selected by Dr. Gys from a number of
+applicants as assistant nurses, and although they were inexperienced,
+their patriotic zeal rendered them valuable. They now wore the Red Cross
+uniforms and it was decided to retain them as long as the ship's
+hospital remained crowded.
+
+There was plenty of work for all and the worry and long hours might have
+broken down the health and strength of Beth and Maud had not the doctor
+instituted regular periods of duty for each member of the force and
+insisted on the schedule being carried out.
+
+This hospital ship was by no means so gloomy a place as the reader may
+imagine. The soldiers were prone to regard their hurts lightly, as "a
+bit of hard luck," and since many had slight injuries it was customary
+for them to gather in groups upon the deck, where they would laugh and
+chat together, play cards for amusement or smoke quantities of
+cigarettes. They were mainly kind-hearted and grateful fellows and
+openly rejoiced that the misfortunes of war had cast their lot on this
+floating hospital.
+
+Under the probe of the surgeon to-day, a fortnight hence back on the
+firing line, was not very unusual with these brave men. The ambulances
+had gathered in a few German soldiers, who would become prisoners of
+war on their recovery, and while these were inclined to be despondent
+and unsociable they were treated courteously by all, the Americans
+showing no preference for any nation. The large majority of the
+patients, however, came from the ranks of the Allies--French, English
+and Belgian--and these were men who could smile and be merry with
+bandaged heads, arms a-sling, legs in splints, bullet holes here and
+there, such afflictions being regarded by their victims with a certain
+degree of pride.
+
+Dr. Gys was in his element, for now he had ample opportunity to display
+his skill and his patients were unable to "jump to another doctor" in
+case his ugly features revolted them. His main interest, however, lay in
+the desperately wounded Belgian private, Andrew Denton, whom he had
+agreed to keep alive until the return of Miss Doyle and her uncle.
+
+In making this promise Gys had figured on a possible delay of several
+days, but on the second day following Patsy's departure the sudden
+sinking of his patient aroused a defiant streak in the surgeon and he
+decided to adopt drastic measures in order to prevent Denton from
+passing away before his wife's arrival.
+
+"I want you to assist me in a serious operation," he said to Maud
+Stanton. "By all the rules and precedents of human flesh, that fellow
+Denton ought to succumb to his wound within the next three hours. The
+shell played havoc with his interior and I have never dared, until now,
+to attempt to patch things up; but if we're going to keep him alive
+until morning, or until your cousin's return, we must accomplish the
+impossible."
+
+"What is that?" she inquired.
+
+"Remove his vital organs, tinker them up and put them back so they will
+work properly."
+
+"Can that be done, doctor?"
+
+"I think not. But I'm going to try it. I am positive that if we leave
+him alone he has less than three hours of life remaining; so, if we
+fail, Miss Stanton, as it is reasonable to expect, poor Denton will
+merely be spared a couple of hours of pain. Get the anaesthetics,
+please."
+
+With all her training and experience as a nurse, Maud was half terrified
+at the ordeal before her. But she realized the logic of the doctor's
+conclusion and steeled her nerves to do her part.
+
+An hour later she stood looking down upon the patient. He was still upon
+the operating table but breathing quietly and as strongly as at any time
+since he had received his wound.
+
+"This shows," Dr. Gys said to her, his voice keen with elation, "what
+fools we are to take any human condition for granted. Man is a machine.
+Smash his mechanism and it cannot work; make the proper repairs before
+it is too late and--there he goes, ticking away as before. Not as good a
+machine as it was prior to the break, but with care and caution it will
+run a long time."
+
+"He will live, then, you think?" she asked softly, marveling that after
+what she had witnessed the man was still able to breathe.
+
+Gys leaned down and put his ear to the heart of the patient. For two
+minutes he remained motionless. Then he straightened up and a smile
+spread over his disfigured features.
+
+"I confidently believe, Miss Stanton, we have turned the trick! Luck,
+let us call it, for no sensible surgeon would have attempted the thing.
+Rest assured that Andrew Denton will live for the next ten days. More
+than that, with no serious set-back he may fully recover and live for
+many years to come."
+
+He was so pleased that tears stood in his one good eye and he wiped them
+away sheepishly. The girl took his hand and pressed it in both her own.
+
+"You are wonderful--wonderful!" she said.
+
+"Don't, please--don't look in my face," he pleaded.
+
+"I won't," she returned, dropping her eyes; "I will think only of the
+clever brain, the skillful hand and the stout heart."
+
+"Not even that," he said. "Think of the girl wife--of Elizabeth. It was
+she who steadied my hand to-day. Indeed, Miss Stanton, it was
+Elizabeth's influence that saved him. But for her we would have let him
+die."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+CLARETTE
+
+
+So it was toward evening of the fourth day that the launch finally
+sighted the ship _Arabella_. Delays and difficulties had been
+encountered in spite of government credentials and _laissez-passer_ and
+Patsy had begun to fear they would not reach the harbor of Dunkirk
+before dark.
+
+All through the journey the Belgian woman and her children had sat
+sullenly in the bow, the youngsters kept from mischief by the stern eye
+of Henderson. In the stern seats, however, the original frigid silence
+had been thawed by Patsy Doyle's bright chatter. She began by telling
+the countess and Elizabeth all about herself and Beth and Maud and Uncle
+John, relating how they had come to embark upon this unusual mission of
+nursing the wounded of a foreign war, and how they had secured the
+services of the clever but disfigured surgeon, Dr. Gys. She gave the
+ladies a clear picture of the hospital ship and told how the girls had
+made their dash to the firing line during the battle of Nieuport and
+brought back an ambulance full of wounded--including Andrew Denton.
+
+Patsy did not answer very fully Elizabeth Denton's eager questions
+concerning the nature of her husband's injuries, but she tried to
+prepare the poor young wife for the knowledge that the wound would prove
+fatal. This was a most delicate and difficult thing to do and Patsy
+blundered and floundered until her very ambiguity aroused alarm.
+
+"Tell me the worst!" begged Elizabeth Denton, her face pale and tensely
+drawn.
+
+"Why, I cannot do that, you see," replied Patsy, "because the worst
+hasn't happened yet; nor can I tell you the best, because a wound is
+such an uncertain thing. It was a shell, you know, that exploded behind
+him, and Dr. Gys thought it made a rather serious wound. Mr. Denton was
+unconscious a long time, and when he came to himself we eased his pain,
+so he would not suffer."
+
+"You came to get me because you thought he would die?"
+
+"I came because he asked me to read to him your letters, and I found
+they comforted him so much that your presence would, I knew, comfort him
+more."
+
+There was a long silence. Presently the countess asked in her soft, even
+voice:
+
+"Will he be alive when we get there?"
+
+Patsy thought of the days that had been wasted, because of their
+detention at Ostend through Colonel Grau's stupidity.
+
+"I hope so, madam," was all she could reply.
+
+Conversation lagged after this episode. Elizabeth was weeping quietly on
+her mother's shoulder. Patsy felt relief in the knowledge that she had
+prepared them, as well as she could, for whatever might wait upon their
+arrival.
+
+The launch made directly for the ship and as she came alongside to the
+ladder the rail was lined with faces curious to discover if the errand
+had been successful. Doctor Gys was there to receive them, smiling
+horribly as he greeted the two women in black. Maud, seeing that they
+recoiled from the doctor's appearance, took his place and said
+cheerfully:
+
+"Mr. Denton is asleep, just now, but by the time you have bathed and had
+a cup of tea I am quite sure he will be ready to receive you."
+
+"Tell me; how is he? Are you his nurse?" asked the young wife with
+trembling lips.
+
+"I am his nurse, and I assure you he is doing very well," answered Maud
+with her pleasant, winning smile. "When he finds you by his side I am
+sure his recovery will be rapid. No nurse can take the place of a wife,
+you know."
+
+Patsy looked at her reproachfully, thinking she was misleading the poor
+young wife, but Maud led the ladies away to a stateroom and it was Dr.
+Gys who explained the wonderful improvement in the patient.
+
+"Well," remarked Uncle John, "if we'd known he had a chance, we wouldn't
+have worried so because we were held up. In fact, if we'd known he would
+get well, we needn't have gone at all."
+
+"Oh, Uncle John!" cried Patsy reprovingly.
+
+"It was your going that saved him," declared the doctor. "I promised to
+keep him alive, for that little wife of his, and when he took a turn for
+the worse I had to assume desperate chances--which won out."
+
+Meantime the big Belgian woman and her children had been helped up the
+ladder by Henderson, who stood respectfully by, awaiting orders for
+their disposal. The mother had her eye on the shore and was scowling
+steadily upon it when little Maurie came on deck and strolled toward Mr.
+Merrick to greet him on his return. Indeed, he had approached to within
+a dozen feet of the group when the woman at the rail suddenly turned and
+saw him.
+
+"Aha--mon Henri!" she cried and made a dash toward him with outstretched
+arms.
+
+"Clarette!"
+
+Maurie stopped short; he grew pallid; he trembled. But he did not await
+her coming. With a howl that would have shamed a wild Indian he leaped
+upon the rail and made a dive into the water below.
+
+Even as her engulfing arms closed around the spot where he had stood,
+there was a splash and splutter that drew everyone to the side to watch
+the little Belgian swim frantically to the docks.
+
+The woman grabbed a child with either arm and held them up.
+
+"See!" she cried. "There is your father--the coward--the traitor--the
+deserter of his loving family. He thinks to escape; but we shall capture
+him yet, and when we do--"
+
+"Hurry, father," screamed the little girl, "or she'll get you."
+
+A slap on the mouth silenced her and set the boy wailing dismally. The
+boy was accustomed to howl without provocation. He kicked his mother
+until she let him down. By this time they could discern only Maurie's
+head bobbing in the distant water. Presently he clambered up the dock
+and ran dripping toward the city, disappearing among the buildings.
+
+"Madam," said Uncle John, sternly, "you have cost us the best chauffeur
+we ever had."
+
+She did not understand English, but she shook her fist in Mr. Merrick's
+face and danced around in an elephantine fashion and jabbered a stream
+of French.
+
+"What does she say?" he asked Patsy, who was laughing merrily at the
+absurd scene.
+
+"She demands to be put ashore at once. But shall we do that, and put
+poor Maurie in peril of being overtaken?"
+
+"Self preservation is the first law of nature, my dear," replied Uncle
+John. "I'm sorry for Maurie, but he alone is responsible. Henderson," he
+added, turning to the sailor, "put this woman ashore as soon as
+possible. We've had enough of her."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+PERPLEXING PROBLEMS
+
+
+Although the famous battle of Nieuport had come to an end, the fighting
+in West Flanders was by no means over. All along the line fierce and
+relentless war waged without interruption and if neither side could
+claim victory, neither side suffered defeat. Day after day hundreds of
+combatants fell; hundreds of disabled limped to the rear; hundreds were
+made prisoners. And always a stream of reinforcements came to take the
+places of the missing ones. Towns were occupied to-day by the Germans,
+to-morrow by the Allies; from Nieuport on past Dixmude and beyond Ypres
+the dykes had been opened and the low country was one vast lake. The
+only approaches from French territory were half a dozen roads built high
+above the water line, which rendered them capable of stubborn defence.
+
+Dunkirk was thronged with reserves--English, Belgian and French. The
+Turcos and East Indians were employed by the British in this section and
+were as much dreaded by the civilians as the enemy. Uncle John noticed
+that military discipline was not so strict in Dunkirk as at Ostend; but
+the Germans had but one people to control while the French town was host
+to many nations and races.
+
+Strange as it may appear, the war was growing monotonous to those who
+were able to view it closely, perhaps because nothing important resulted
+from all the desperate, continuous fighting. The people were pursuing
+their accustomed vocations while shells burst and bullets whizzed around
+them. They must manage to live, whatever the outcome of this struggle of
+nations might be.
+
+Aboard the American hospital ship there was as yet no sense of monotony.
+The three girls who had conceived and carried out this remarkable
+philanthropy were as busy as bees during all their waking hours and the
+spirit of helpful charity so strongly possessed them that all their
+thoughts were centered on their work. No two cases were exactly alike
+and it was interesting, to the verge of fascination, to watch the
+results of various treatments of divers wounds and afflictions.
+
+The girls often congratulated themselves on having secured so efficient
+a surgeon as Doctor Gys, who gloried in his work, and whose judgment,
+based on practical experience, was comprehensive and unfailing. The
+man's horribly contorted features had now become so familiar to the
+girls that they seldom noticed them--unless a cry of fear from some
+newly arrived and unnerved patient reminded them that the doctor was
+exceedingly repulsive to strangers.
+
+No one recognized this grotesque hideousness more than Doctor Gys
+himself. When one poor Frenchman died under the operating knife, staring
+with horror into the uncanny face the surgeon bent over him, Beth was
+almost sure the fright had hastened his end. She said to Gys that
+evening, when they met on deck, "Wouldn't it be wise for you to wear a
+mask in the operating room?"
+
+He considered the suggestion a moment, a deep flush spreading over his
+face; then he nodded gravely.
+
+"It may be an excellent idea," he agreed. "Once, a couple of years ago,
+I proposed wearing a mask wherever I went, but my friends assured me the
+effect would be so marked that it would attract to me an embarrassing
+amount of attention. I have trained myself to bear the repulsion
+involuntarily exhibited by all I meet and have taught myself to take a
+philosophic, if somewhat cynical, view of my facial blemishes; yet in
+this work I can see how a mask might be merciful to my patients. I will
+experiment a bit along this line, if you will help me, and we'll see
+what we can accomplish."
+
+"You must not think," she said quietly, for she detected a little
+bitterness in his tone, "that you are in any way repulsive to those who
+know you well. We all admire you as a man and are grieved at the
+misfortunes that marred your features. After all, Doctor, people of
+intelligence seldom judge one by appearances."
+
+"However they may judge me," said he, "I'm a failure. You say you admire
+me as a man, but you don't. It's just a bit of diplomatic flattery. I'm
+a good doctor and surgeon, I'll admit, but my face is no more repellent
+than my cowardly nature. Miss Beth, I hate myself for my cowardice far
+more than I detest my ghastly countenance. Yet I am powerless to remedy
+either defect."
+
+"I believe that what you term your cowardice is merely a physical
+weakness," declared the girl. "It must have been caused by the suffering
+you endured at the time of your various injuries. I have noticed that
+suffering frequently unnerves one, and that a person who has once been
+badly hurt lives in nervous terror of being hurt again."
+
+"You are very kind to try to excuse my fault," said he, "but the truth
+is I have always been a coward--from boyhood up."
+
+"Yet you embarked on all those dangerous expeditions."
+
+"Yes, just to have fun with myself; to sneer at the coward flesh, so to
+speak. I used to long for dangers, and when they came upon me I would
+jeer at and revile the quaking I could not repress. I pushed my
+shrinking body into peril and exulted in the punishment it received."
+
+Beth looked at him wonderingly.
+
+"You are a strange man, indeed," said she. "Really, I cannot understand
+your mental attitude at all."
+
+He chuckled and rubbed his hands together gleefully.
+
+"I can," he returned, "for I know what causes it." And then he went away
+and left her, still seeming highly amused at her bewilderment.
+
+In the operating room the next day Gys appeared with a rubber mask drawn
+across his features. The girls decided that it certainly improved his
+appearance, odd as the masked face might appear to strangers. It hid the
+dreadful nose and the scars and to an extent evened the size of the
+eyes, for the holes through which he peered were made alike. Gys was
+himself pleased with the device, for after that he wore the mask almost
+constantly, only laying it aside during the evenings when he sat on
+deck.
+
+It was three days after the arrival of Mrs. Denton and her mother--whose
+advent had accomplished much toward promoting the young Belgian's
+convalescence--when little Maurie suddenly reappeared on the deck of the
+_Arabella_.
+
+"Oh," said Patsy, finding him there when she came up from breakfast,
+"where is Clarette?"
+
+He shook his head sadly.
+
+"We do not live together, just now," said he. "Clarette is by nature
+temperamental, you know; she is highly sensitive, and I, alas! do not
+always please her."
+
+"Did she find you in Dunkirk?" asked the girl.
+
+"Almost, mamselle, but not quite. It was this way: I knew if I permitted
+her to follow me she would finally succeed in her quest, for she and the
+dear children have six eyes among them, while I have but two; so I
+reposed within an ash-barrel until they had passed on, and then I
+followed them, keeping well out of their sight. In that way I managed to
+escape. But it proved a hard task, for my Clarette is very persistent,
+as you may have noticed. So I decided I would be more safe upon the ship
+than upon the shore. She is not likely to seek me here, and in any event
+she floats better than she swims."
+
+Patsy regarded the little man curiously.
+
+"Did you not tell us, when first we met you, that you were heart-broken
+over the separation from your wife and children?" she inquired in severe
+tones.
+
+"Yes, of course, mamselle; it was a good way to arouse your sympathy,"
+he admitted with an air of pride. "I needed sympathy at that time, and
+my only fear was that you would find Clarette, as you threatened to do.
+Well," with a deep sigh, "you did find her. It was an unfriendly act,
+mamselle."
+
+"They told us in Ostend that the husband of Clarette is a condemned spy,
+one who served both sides and proved false to each. The husband of
+Clarette is doomed to suffer death at the hands of the Germans or the
+Belgians, if either is able to discover him."
+
+Maurie removed his cap and scratched the hair over his left ear
+reflectively.
+
+"Ah, yes, the blacksmith!" said he. "I suspected that blacksmith fellow
+was not reliable."
+
+"How many husbands has Clarette?"
+
+"With the blacksmith, there are two of us," answered Maurie, brightly.
+"Doubtless there would be more if anything happened to me, for Clarette
+is very fascinating. When she divorced the blacksmith he was
+disconsolate, and threatened vengeance; so her life is quite occupied in
+avoiding her first husband and keeping track of her second, who is too
+kind-hearted to threaten her as the blacksmith did. I really admire
+Clarette--at a distance. She is positively charming when her mind is
+free from worry--and the children are asleep."
+
+"Then you think," said Ajo, who was standing by and listening to
+Maurie's labored explanations, "that it is the blacksmith who is
+condemned as a spy, and not yourself?"
+
+"I am quite sure of it. Am I not here, driving your ambulance and going
+boldly among the officers? If it is Jakob Maurie they wish, he is at
+hand to be arrested."
+
+"But you are not Jakob Maurie."
+
+The Belgian gave a start, but instantly recovering he answered with a
+smile:
+
+"Then I must have mistaken my identity, monsieur. Perhaps you will tell
+me who I am?"
+
+"Your wife called you 'Henri,'" said Patsy.
+
+"Ah, yes; a pet name. I believe the blacksmith is named Henri, and poor
+Clarette is so accustomed to it that she calls me Henri when she wishes
+to be affectionate."
+
+Patsy realized the folly of arguing with him.
+
+"Maurie," said she, "or whatever your name may be, you have been
+faithful in your duty to us and we have no cause for complaint. But I
+believe you do not speak the truth, and that you are shifty and artful.
+I fear you will come to a bad end."
+
+"Sometimes, mamselle," he replied, "I fear so myself. But, _peste_! why
+should we care? If it is the end, what matter whether it is good or
+bad?"
+
+Watching their faces closely, he saw frank disapproval of his sentiments
+written thereon. It disturbed him somewhat that they did not choose to
+continue the conversation, so he said meekly:
+
+"With your kind permission, I will now go below for a cup of coffee,"
+and left them with a bow and a flourish of his cap. When he had gone
+Patsy said to Ajo:
+
+"I don't believe there is any such person as the blacksmith."
+
+"Nor I," was the boy's reply. "Both those children are living images of
+Maurie, who claims the blacksmith was their father. He's a crafty little
+fellow, that chauffeur of ours, and we must look out for him."
+
+"If he is really a spy," continued the girl, after a brief period of
+thought, "I am amazed that he dared join our party and go directly to
+the front, where he is at any time likely to be recognized."
+
+"Yes, that is certainly puzzling," returned Ajo. "And he's a brave
+little man, too, fearless of danger and reckless in exposing himself to
+shot and shell. Indeed, our Maurie is something of a mystery and the
+only thing I fully understand is his objection to Clarette's society."
+
+At "le revue matin," as the girls called the first inspection of the
+morning, eight of their patients were found sufficiently recovered to be
+discharged. Some of these returned to their regiments and others were
+sent to their homes to await complete recovery. The hospital ship could
+accommodate ten more patients, so it was decided to make a trip to
+Dixmude, where an artillery engagement was raging, with the larger
+ambulance.
+
+"I think I shall go to-day," announced Gys, who was wearing his mask.
+"Dr. Kelsey can look after the patients and it will do me good to get
+off the ship."
+
+Uncle John looked at the doctor seriously.
+
+"There is hard fighting, they say, in the Dixmude district. The Germans
+carried the British trenches yesterday, and to-day the Allies will try
+to retake them."
+
+"I don't mind," returned the doctor, but he shuddered, nevertheless.
+
+"Why don't you avoid the--the danger line?" suggested Mr. Merrick.
+
+"A man can't run away from himself, sir; and perhaps you can understand
+the fascination I find in taunting the craven spirit within me."
+
+"No, I can't understand it. But suit yourself."
+
+"I shall drive," announced Maurie.
+
+"You may be recognized," said Patsy warningly.
+
+"Clarette will not be at the front, and on the way I shall be driving.
+Have you noticed how people scatter at the sound of our gong?"
+
+"The authorities are watching for spies," asserted Ajo.
+
+Maurie's face became solemn.
+
+"Yes; of course. But--the blacksmith is not here, and," he added with
+assurance, "the badge of the Red Cross protects us from false
+accusations."
+
+When they had gone Uncle John said thoughtfully to the girls:
+
+"That remark about the Red Cross impressed me. If that fellow Maurie is
+really in danger of being arrested and shot, he has cleverly placed
+himself in the safest service in the world. He knows that none of our
+party is liable to be suspected of evil."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+A QUESTION OF LOYALTY
+
+
+During the morning they were visited by a French official who came
+aboard in a government boat and asked to see Mr. Merrick.
+
+The ship had been inspected several times by the commander of the port
+and the civil authorities, and its fame as a model hospital had spread
+over all Flanders. Some attempt had been made to place with the
+Americans the most important of the wounded--officers of high rank or
+those of social prominence and wealth--but Mr. Merrick and his aids were
+determined to show no partiality. They received the lowly and humble as
+well as the high and mighty and the only requisite for admission was an
+injury that demanded the care of good nurses and the skill of competent
+surgeons.
+
+Uncle John knew the French general and greeted him warmly, for he
+appreciated his generous co-operation. But Beth had to be called in to
+interpret because her uncle knew so little of the native language.
+
+First they paid a visit to the hospital section, where the patients were
+inspected. Then the register and records were carefully gone over and
+notes taken by the general's secretary. Finally they returned to the
+after-deck to review the convalescents who were lounging there in their
+cushioned deck-chairs.
+
+"Where is the German, Lieutenant Elbl?" inquired the general, looking
+around with sudden suspicion.
+
+"In the captain's room," replied Beth. "Would you like to see him?"
+
+"If you please."
+
+The group moved forward to the room occupied by Captain Carg. The door
+and windows stood open and reclining upon a couch inside was the maimed
+German, with Carg sitting beside him. Both were solemnly smoking their
+pipes.
+
+The captain rose as the general entered, while Elbl gave his visitor a
+military salute.
+
+"So you are better?" asked the Frenchman.
+
+Beth repeated this in English to Carg, who repeated it in German to
+Elbl. Yes, the wounded man was doing very well.
+
+"Will you keep him here much longer?" was the next question, directed to
+Mr. Merrick.
+
+"I think so," was the reply. "He is still quite weak, although the wound
+is healing nicely. Being a military prisoner, there is no other place
+open to him where the man can be as comfortable as here."
+
+"You will be responsible for his person? You will guarantee that he will
+not escape?"
+
+Mr. Merrick hesitated.
+
+"Must we promise that?" he inquired.
+
+"Otherwise I shall be obliged to remove him to a government hospital."
+
+"I don't like that. Not that your hospitals are not good enough for a
+prisoner, but Elbl happens to be a cousin of our captain, which puts a
+different face on the matter. What do you say, Captain Carg? Shall we
+guarantee that your cousin will not try to escape?"
+
+"Why should he, sir? He can never rejoin the army, that's certain,"
+replied Carg.
+
+"True," said the general, when this was conveyed to him by Beth.
+"Nevertheless, he is a prisoner of war, and must not be allowed to
+escape to his own people."
+
+Beth answered the Frenchman herself, looking him straight in the face.
+
+"That strikes me as unfair, sir," said she. "The German must henceforth
+be a noncombatant. He has been unable, since he was wounded and brought
+here, to learn any of your military secrets and at the best he will lie
+a helpless invalid for weeks to come. Therefore, instead of making him a
+prisoner, it would be more humane to permit him to return to his home
+and family in Germany."
+
+The general smiled indulgently.
+
+"It might be more humane, mademoiselle, but unfortunately it is against
+the military code. Did I understand that your captain will guarantee the
+German's safety?"
+
+"Of course," said Carg. "If he escapes, I will surrender myself in his
+place."
+
+"Ah; but we moderns cannot accept Pythias if Damon runs away," laughed
+the general. "But, there; it will be simpler to send a parole for him
+to sign, when he may be left in your charge until he is sufficiently
+recovered to bear the confinement of a prison. Is that satisfactory?"
+
+"Certainly, sir," replied the captain.
+
+Elbl had remained silent during this conversation, appearing not to
+understand the French and English spoken. Indeed, since his arrival he
+had only spoken the German language, and that mostly in his intercourse
+with Carg. But after the French officer had gone away Beth began to
+reflect upon this reticence.
+
+"Isn't it queer," she remarked to Uncle John, "that an educated
+German--one who has been through college, as Captain Carg says Elbl
+has--should be unable to understand either French or English? I have
+always been told the German colleges are very thorough and you know that
+while at Ostend we found nearly all the German officers spoke good
+English."
+
+"It is rather strange, come to think of it," answered Uncle John. "I
+believe the study of languages is a part of the German military
+education. But I regret that the French are determined to keep the poor
+fellow a prisoner. Such a precaution is absurd, to my mind."
+
+"I think I can understand the French position," said the girl,
+reflectively. "These Germans are very obstinate, and much as I admire
+Lieutenant Elbl I feel sure that were he able he would fight the French
+again to-morrow. After his recovery he might even get one of those
+mechanical feet and be back on the firing line."
+
+"He's a Uhlan."
+
+"Then he could ride a horse. I believe, Uncle, the French are justified
+in retaining him as a prisoner until the war is over."
+
+Meantime, in the captain's room the two men were quietly conversing.
+
+"He wants you to sign a parole," said Carg.
+
+"Not I."
+
+"You may as well. I'm responsible for your safety."
+
+"I deny anyone's right to be responsible for me. If you have made a
+promise to that effect, withdraw it," said the German.
+
+"If I do, they'll put you in prison."
+
+"Not at present. I am still an invalid. In reality. I am weak and
+suffering. Yet I am already planning my escape, and that is why I insist
+that you withdraw any promise you have made. Otherwise--"
+
+"Otherwise?"
+
+"Instead of escaping by water, as I had intended, to Ostend, I must go
+to the prison and escape from there. It will be more difficult. The
+water route is best."
+
+"Of course," agreed the captain, smiling calmly.
+
+"One of your launches would carry me to Ostend and return here between
+dark and daylight."
+
+"Easily enough," said Carg. It was five minutes before he resumed his
+speech. Then he said with quiet deliberation: "Cousin, I am an American,
+and Americans are neutral in this war."
+
+"You are Sangoan."
+
+"My ship is chartered by Americans, which obliges the captain of the
+ship to be loyal to its masters. I will do nothing to conflict with the
+interests of the Americans, not even to favor my cousin."
+
+"Quite right," said Elbl.
+
+"If you have any plan of escape in mind, do not tell me of it,"
+continued the captain. "I shall order the launches guarded carefully. I
+shall do all in my power to prevent your getting away from this ship."
+
+"Thank you," said the German. "You have my respect, cousin. Pass the
+tobacco."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+THE CAPTURE
+
+
+There was considerable excitement when the ambulance returned. Part of
+the roof had been torn away, the doors were gone, the interior wrecked
+and not a pane of glass remained in the sides; yet Ajo drove it to the
+dock, the motor working as smoothly as ever, and half a dozen wounded
+were helped out and put into the launch to be taken aboard the hospital
+ship.
+
+When all were on deck, young Jones briefly explained what had happened.
+A shell had struck the ambulance, which had been left in the rear, but
+without injuring the motor in any way. Fortunately no one was near at
+the time. When they returned they cleared away the rubbish to make room
+for a few wounded men and then started back to the city.
+
+Doctor Gys, hatless and coatless, his hair awry and the mask making him
+look more hideous than ever, returned with the party and came creeping
+up the ship's ladder in so nervous a condition that his trembling knees
+fairly knocked together.
+
+The group around Ajo watched him silently.
+
+"What do you think that fool did?" asked the boy, as Gys slunk away to
+his room.
+
+"Tell us," pleaded Patsy, who was one of the curious group surrounding
+him.
+
+"We had gone near to where a machine gun was planted, to pick up a
+fallen soldier, when without warning the Germans charged the gun. Maurie
+and I made a run for life, but Gys stood stock still, facing the enemy.
+A man at the gun reeled and fell, just then, and with a hail of bullets
+flying around him the doctor coolly walked up and bent over him. The
+sight so amazed the Germans that they actually stopped fighting and
+waited for him. Perhaps it was the Red Cross on the doctor's arm that
+influenced them, but imagine a body of soldiers in the heat of a charge
+suddenly stopping because of one man!"
+
+"Well, what happened?" asked Mr. Merrick.
+
+"I couldn't see very well, for a battery that supported the charge was
+shelling the retreating Allies and just then our ambulance was hit. But
+Maurie says he watched the scene and that when Gys attempted to lift the
+wounded man up he suddenly turned weak as water. The Germans had
+captured the gun, by this time, and their officer himself hoisted the
+injured man upon the doctor's shoulders and attended him to our
+ambulance. When I saw the fight was over I hastened to help Gys, who
+staggered so weakly that he would have dropped his man a dozen times on
+the way had not the Germans held him up. They were laughing, as if the
+whole thing was a joke, when crack! came a volley of bullets and with a
+great shout back rushed the French and Belgians in a counter-charge. I
+admit I ducked, crawling under the ambulance, and the Germans were so
+surprised that they beat a quick retreat.
+
+"And now it was that Gys made a fool of himself. He tore off his cap and
+coat, which bore the Red Cross emblem, and leaped right between the two
+lines. Here were the Germans, firing as they retreated, and the Allies
+firing as they charged, and right in the center of the fray stood Gys.
+The man ought to have been shot to pieces, but nothing touched him
+until a Frenchman knocked him over because he was in the way of the
+rush. It was the most reckless, suicidal act I ever heard of!"
+
+Uncle John looked worried. He had never told any of them of Dr. Gys'
+strange remark during their first interview, but he had not forgotten
+it. "I'll be happier when I can shake off this horrible envelope of
+disfigurement," the doctor had declared, and in view of this the report
+of that day's adventure gave the kind-hearted gentleman a severe shock.
+
+He walked the deck thoughtfully while the girls hurried below to look
+after the new patients who had been brought, not too comfortably, in the
+damaged ambulance. "It was a bad fight," Ajo had reported, "and the
+wounded were thick, but we could only bring a few of them. Before we
+left the field, however, an English ambulance and two French ones
+arrived, and that gave us an opportunity to get away. Indeed, I was so
+unnerved by the dangers we had miraculously escaped that I was glad to
+be out of it."
+
+Uncle John tried hard to understand Doctor Gys, but the man's strange,
+abnormal nature was incomprehensible. When, half an hour later, Mr.
+Merrick went below, he found the doctor in the operating room, cool and
+steady of nerve and dressing wounds in his best professional manner.
+
+Upon examination the next morning the large ambulance was found to be so
+badly damaged that it had to be taken to a repair shop in the city to
+undergo reconstruction. It would take several weeks to put it in shape,
+declared the French mechanics, so the Americans would be forced to get
+along with the smaller vehicle. Jones and Dr. Kelsey made regular trips
+with this, but the fighting had suddenly lulled and for several days no
+new patients were brought to the ship, although many were given first
+aid in the trenches for slight wounds.
+
+So the colony aboard the _Arabella_ grew gradually less, until on the
+twenty-sixth of November the girls found they had but two patients to
+care for--Elbl and Andrew Denton. Neither required much nursing, and
+Denton's young wife insisted on taking full charge of him. But while the
+hospital ship was not in demand at this time there were casualties day
+by day in the trenches, where the armies faced each other doggedly and
+watchfully and shots were frequently interchanged when a soldier
+carelessly exposed his person to the enemy. So the girls took turns
+going with the ambulance, and Uncle John made no protest because so
+little danger attended these journeys.
+
+Each day, while one of the American girls rode to the front, the other
+two would visit the city hospitals and render whatever assistance they
+could to the regular nurses. Gys sometimes accompanied them and
+sometimes went to the front with the ambulance; but he never caused his
+friends anxiety on these trips, because he could not endanger his life,
+owing to the cessation of fighting.
+
+The only incident that enlivened this period of stagnation was the
+capture of Maurie. No; the authorities didn't get him, but Clarette did.
+Ajo and Patsy had gone into the city one afternoon and on their return
+to the docks, where their launch was moored, they found a street urchin
+awaiting them with a soiled scrap of paper clenched fast in his fist.
+He surrendered it for a coin and Patsy found the following words
+scrawled in English:
+
+"She has me fast. Help! Be quick. I cannot save myself so you must save
+me. It is your Maurie who is in distress."
+
+They laughed a little at first and then began to realize that the loss
+of their chauffeur would prove a hardship when fighting was resumed.
+Maurie might not be a good husband, and he might be afraid of a woman,
+but was valuable when bullets were flying. Patsy asked the boy:
+
+"Can you lead us to the man who gave you this paper?"
+
+"Oui, mamselle."
+
+"Then hurry, and you shall have five centimes more."
+
+The injunction was unnecessary, for the urchin made them hasten to keep
+up with him. He made many turns and twists through narrow alleys and
+back streets until finally he brought them to a row of cheap, plastered
+huts built against the old city wall. There was no mistaking the place,
+for in the doorway of one of the poorest dwellings stood Clarette, her
+ample figure fairly filling the opening, her hands planted firmly on her
+broad hips.
+
+"Good evening," said Patsy pleasantly. "Is Maurie within?"
+
+"Henri is within," answered Clarette with a fierce scowl, "and he is
+going to stay within."
+
+"But we have need of his services," said Ajo sternly, "and the man is in
+our employ and under contract to obey us."
+
+"I also need his services," retorted Clarette, "and I made a contract
+with him before you did, as my marriage papers will prove."
+
+The little boy and girl had now crowded into the doorway on either side
+of their mother, clinging to her skirts while they "made faces" at the
+Americans. Clarette turned to drive the children away and in the act
+allowed Patsy and Ajo to glance past her into the hut.
+
+There stood little Maurie, sleeves rolled above his elbows, bending over
+a battered dishpan where he was washing a mess of cracked and broken
+pottery. He met their gaze with a despairing countenance and a gesture
+of appeal that scattered a spray of suds from big wet fingers. Next
+moment Clarette had filled the doorway again.
+
+"You may as well go away," said the woman harshly.
+
+Patsy stood irresolute.
+
+"Have you money to pay the rent and to provide food and clothing?" she
+presently asked.
+
+"I have found a few francs in Henri's pockets," was the surly reply.
+
+"And when they are gone?"
+
+Clarette gave a shrug.
+
+"When they are gone we shall not starve," she said. "There is plenty of
+charity for the Belgians these days. One has but to ask, and someone
+gives."
+
+"Then you will not let us have Maurie?"
+
+"No, mademoiselle." Then she unbent a little and added: "If my husband
+goes to you, they will be sure to catch him some day, and when they
+catch him they will shoot him."
+
+"Why?"
+
+"Don't you know?"
+
+"No."
+
+Clarette smiled grimly.
+
+"When Henri escapes me, he always gets himself into trouble. He is not
+so very bad, but he is careless--and foolish. He tries to help the
+Germans and the French at the same time, to be accommodating, and so
+both have conceived a desire to shoot him. Well; when they shoot him he
+can no longer earn money to support me and his children."
+
+"Are they really his children?" inquired young Jones.
+
+"Who else may claim them, monsieur?"
+
+"I thought they were the children of your first husband, the
+blacksmith."
+
+Clarette glared at him, with lowering brow.
+
+"Blacksmith? Pah! I have no husband but Henri, and heaven forsook me
+when I married him."
+
+"Come, Patsy," said Ajo to his companion, "our errand here is hopeless.
+And--perhaps Clarette is right."
+
+They made their way back to the launch in silence. Patsy was quite
+disappointed in Maurie. He had so many admirable qualities that it was a
+shame he could be so untruthful and unreliable.
+
+As time passed on the monotony that followed their first exciting
+experiences grew upon them and became oppressive. December weather in
+Flanders brought cutting winds from off the North Sea and often there
+were flurries of snow in the air. They had steam heat inside the ship
+but the deck was no longer a practical lounging place.
+
+Toward the last of the month Lieutenant Elbl was so fully recovered that
+he was able to hobble about on crutches. The friendship between the two
+cousins continued and Elbl was often found in the captain's room. No
+more had been said about a parole, but the French officials were
+evidently keeping an eye on the German, for one morning an order came to
+Mr. Merrick to deliver Elbl to the warden of the military prison at
+Dunkirk on or before ten o'clock the following day.
+
+While the German received this notification with his accustomed stolid
+air of indifference, his American friends were all grieved at his
+transfer. They knew the prison would be very uncomfortable for the
+invalid and feared he was not yet sufficiently recovered to be able to
+bear the new conditions imposed upon him. There was no thought of
+protesting the order, however, for they appreciated the fact that the
+commandant had been especially lenient in leaving the prisoner so long
+in their care.
+
+The Americans were all sitting together in the cabin that evening after
+dinner, when to their astonishment little Maurie came aboard in a skiff,
+bearing an order from the French commandant to Captain Carg, requesting
+him to appear at once at military headquarters.
+
+Not only was Carg puzzled by this strange summons but none of the others
+could understand it. The Belgian, when questioned, merely shook his
+head. He was not the general's confidant, but his fee as messenger would
+enable him to buy bread for his family and he had been chosen because he
+knew the way to the hospital ship.
+
+As there was nothing to do but obey, the captain went ashore in one of
+the launches, which towed the skiff in which Maurie had come.
+
+When he had gone, Lieutenant Elbl, who had been sitting in the cabin,
+bade the others good night and retired to his room. Most of the others
+retired early, but Patsy, Uncle John and Doctor Gys decided to sit up
+and await the return of the captain. It was an exceptionally cool
+evening and the warmth of the forward cabin was very agreeable.
+
+Midnight had arrived when the captain's launch finally drew up to the
+side and Carg came hastening into the cabin. His agitated manner was so
+unusual that the three watchers with one accord sprang to their feet
+with inquiring looks.
+
+"Where's Elbl?" asked the captain sharply.
+
+"Gone to bed," said Uncle John.
+
+"When?"
+
+"Hours ago. I think he missed your society and was rather broken up over
+the necessity of leaving us to-morrow."
+
+Without hesitation Carg turned on his heel and hastened aft. They
+followed him in a wondering group. Reaching the German's stateroom the
+captain threw open the door and found it vacant.
+
+"Humph!" he exclaimed. "I suspected the truth when I found our launch
+was gone."
+
+"Which launch?" asked Uncle John, bewildered.
+
+"The one I left with the ship. On my return, just now, I discovered it
+was not at its moorings. Someone has stolen it."
+
+They stared at him in amazement.
+
+"Wasn't the deck patrolled?" asked Patsy, the first to recover.
+
+"We don't set a watch till ten-thirty. It wasn't considered necessary.
+But I had no suspicion of the trick Elbl has played on me to-night," he
+added with a groan. Their voices had aroused others. Ajo came out of his
+room, enveloped in a heavy bathrobe, and soon after Maud and Beth joined
+them.
+
+"What's up?" demanded the boy.
+
+"The German has tricked us and made his escape," quietly answered Dr.
+Gys. "For my part, I'm glad of it."
+
+"It was a conspiracy," growled the captain. "That rascal, Maurie--"
+
+"Oh, was Maurie in it?"
+
+"Of course. He was the decoy; perhaps he arranged the whole thing."
+
+"Didn't the general want you, then?"
+
+Carg was so enraged that he fairly snorted.
+
+"Want me? Of course he didn't want me! That treacherous little Belgian
+led me into the waiting room and said the general would see me in a
+minute. Then he walked away and I sat there like a bump on a log and
+waited. Finally I began to wonder how Maurie, who was always shy of
+facing the authorities, had happened to be the general's messenger. It
+looked queer. Officers and civilians were passing back and forth but no
+one paid any attention to me; so after an hour or so I asked an officer
+who entered from an inner room, when I could see the general. He said
+the general was not there evenings but would be in his office to-morrow
+morning. Then I showed him my order and he glanced at it and said it was
+forged; wasn't the general's signature and wasn't in proper form,
+anyhow. When I started to go he wouldn't let me; said the affair was
+suspicious and needed investigation. So he took me to a room full of
+officers and they asked me a thousand fool questions. Said they had no
+record of a Belgian named Maurie and had never heard of him before. I
+couldn't figure the thing out, and they couldn't; so finally they let me
+come back to the ship."
+
+"Strange," mused Uncle John; "very strange!"
+
+"I was so stupid," continued Carg, "that I never thought of Elbl being
+at the bottom of the affair until I got back and found our launch
+missing. Then I remembered that Elbl was to have been turned over to the
+prison authorities to-morrow and like a flash I saw through the whole
+thing."
+
+"I'm blamed if _I_ do," declared Mr. Merrick.
+
+The others likewise shook their heads.
+
+"He got me out of the way, stole the launch, and is half way to Ostend
+by this time."
+
+"Alone? And wounded--still an invalid?"
+
+"Doubtless Maurie is with him. The rascal can run an automobile; so I
+suppose he can run a launch."
+
+"What puzzles me," remarked Patsy, "is how Lieutenant Elbl ever got hold
+of Maurie, and induced him to assist him, without our knowing anything
+about it."
+
+"I used to notice them talking together a good bit," said Jones.
+
+"But Clarette has kept Maurie a prisoner. She wouldn't let him come back
+to the ship."
+
+"He was certainly at liberty to-night," answered Beth. "Isn't this
+escape liable to be rather embarrassing to us, Uncle John?"
+
+"I'm afraid so," was the reply. "We agreed to keep him safely until the
+authorities demanded we give him up; and now, at the last minute, we've
+allowed him to get away."
+
+Anxiety was written on every countenance as they considered the serious
+nature of this affair. Only Gys seemed composed and unworried.
+
+"Is it too late to go in chase of the launch?" asked Ajo, breaking a
+long pause. "They're headed for Ostend, without a doubt, and there's a
+chance that they may run into a sand-bank in the dark, or break down, or
+meet with some other accident to delay them."
+
+"I believe it's worth our while, sir," answered Carg. "The launch we
+have is the faster, and the trip will show our good faith, if nothing
+more."
+
+"Then make ready to start at once," said Ajo, "and I'll dress and go
+along."
+
+Carg hurried away to give orders and the boy ran to his stateroom. Five
+minutes later they were away, with four sailors to assist in the capture
+of the fugitives in case they were overtaken.
+
+It was a fruitless journey, however. At daybreak, as they neared Ostend,
+they met their stolen launch coming back, in charge of a sleepy Belgian
+who had been hired to return it. The man frankly stated that he had
+undertaken the task in order to get to Dunkirk, where he had friends,
+and he had been liberally paid by a German on crutches, who had one foot
+missing, and a little Belgian whom he had never seen before, but who,
+from the description given, could be none other than Maurie.
+
+They carried the man back with them to the _Arabella_, where further
+questioning added nothing to their information. They now had proof,
+however, that Elbl was safe with his countrymen at Ostend and that
+Maurie had been his accomplice.
+
+"I would not believe," said Patsy, when she heard the story, "that a
+Belgian could be so disloyal to his country."
+
+"Every nation has its quota of black sheep," replied Uncle John, "and
+from what we have learned of Maurie's character he is not at all
+particular which side he serves."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+THE DUNES
+
+
+The escape of a prisoner of war from the American hospital ship was made
+the subject of a rigid inquiry by the officials and proved extremely
+humiliating to all on board the _Arabella_. The commandant showed his
+irritation by severely reprimanding Mr. Merrick for carelessness, while
+Captain Carg had to endure a personal examination before a board of
+inquiry. He was able to prove that he had been at headquarters during
+the evening of the escape, but that did not wholly satisfy his
+inquisitors. Finally an order was issued forbidding the Americans to
+take any more wounded Germans or Austrians aboard their ship, and that
+seemed to end the unpleasant affair.
+
+However, a certain friction was engendered that was later evidenced on
+both sides. The American ambulance was no longer favored on its trips
+to the front, pointed preference being given the English and French Red
+Cross Emergency Corps. This resulted in few wounded being taken to the
+_Arabella_, as the Americans confined their work largely to assisting
+the injured on the field of battle. The girls were not to be daunted in
+their determined efforts to aid the unfortunate and every day one of
+them visited the trenches to assist the two doctors in rendering first
+aid to the wounded.
+
+The work was no longer arduous, for often entire days would pass without
+a single casualty demanding their attention. The cold weather resulted
+in much sickness among the soldiers, however, and Gys found during this
+period of military inactivity that his medicine chest was more in demand
+than his case of surgical instruments.
+
+A slight diversion was created by Clarette, who came to the ship to
+demand her husband from the Americans. It seemed almost impossible to
+convince her that Maurie was not hidden somewhere aboard, but at last
+they made the woman understand he had escaped with the German to
+Ostend. They learned from her that Maurie--or Henri, as she insisted he
+was named--had several times escaped from her house at night, while she
+was asleep, and returned at daybreak in the morning, and this
+information led them to suspect he had managed to have several secret
+conferences with Lieutenant Elbl previous to their flight. Clarette
+announced her determination to follow her husband to Ostend, and perhaps
+she did so, as they did not see her again.
+
+It was on Sunday, the twentieth of December, that the Battle of the
+Dunes began and the flames of war burst out afresh. The dunes lay
+between the North Sea and the Yser River in West Flanders and consisted
+of a stretch of sandy hillocks reaching from Coxyde to Nieuport les
+Bains. The Belgians had entrenched these dunes in an elaborate and
+clever manner, shoveling the sand into a series of high lateral ridges,
+with alternate hollows, which reached for miles along the coast. The
+hollows were from six to eight feet deep, affording protection to the
+soldiers, who could nevertheless fire upon the enemy by creeping up the
+sloping embankments until their heads projected sufficiently to allow
+them to aim, when they could drop back to safety.
+
+In order to connect the hollows one with another, that an advance or
+retreat might be made under cover, narrow trenches had been cut at
+intervals diagonally through the raised mounds of sand. Military experts
+considered this series of novel fortifications to be practically
+impregnable, for should the enemy defile through one of the cross
+passages into a hollow where the Allies were gathered, they could be
+picked off one by one, as they appeared, and be absolutely annihilated.
+
+Realizing this, the Germans had not risked an attack, but after long
+study of the defences had decided that by means of artillery they might
+shell the Belgians, who held the dunes, and destroy them as they lay in
+the hollows. So a heavy battery had been planted along the German lines
+for this work, while in defence the Belgians confronted them with their
+own famous dog artillery, consisting of the deadly machine guns. The
+battle of December twentieth therefore began with an artillery duel,
+resulting in so many casualties that the Red Cross workers found
+themselves fully occupied.
+
+Beth went with the ambulance the first day, worked in the hollows of the
+dunes, and returned to the ship at night completely worn out by the
+demands upon her services. It was Patsy's turn next, and she took with
+her the second day one of the French girls as assistant.
+
+When the ambulance reached the edge of the dunes, where it was driven by
+Ajo, the battle was raging with even more vigor than the previous day.
+The Germans were dropping shells promiscuously into the various hollows,
+hoping to locate the hidden Belgian infantry, while the Belgian
+artillery strove to destroy the German gunners. Both succeeded at times,
+and both sides were equally persistent.
+
+As it was impossible to take the ambulance into the dunes, it was left
+in the rear in charge of Jones, while the others threaded their way in
+and out the devious passages toward the front. They had covered fully a
+mile in this laborious fashion before they came upon a detachment of
+Belgian infantry which was lying in wait for a call to action. Beyond
+this trench the doctors and nurses were forbidden to go, and the officer
+in command warned the Americans to beware of stray shells.
+
+Under these circumstances they contented themselves by occupying some of
+the rear hollows, to which the wounded would retreat to secure their
+services. Dr. Kelsey and Nanette, the French girl, established
+themselves in one hollow at the right, while Dr. Gys and Patsy took
+their position in another hollow further to the left. There they opened
+their cases of lint, plaster and bandages, spreading them out upon the
+sand, and were soon engaged in administering aid to an occasional victim
+of the battle.
+
+One man who came to Patsy with a slight wound on his shoulder told her
+that a shell had exploded in a forward hollow and killed outright
+fifteen of his comrades. His own escape from death was miraculous and
+the poor fellow was so unnerved that he cried like a baby.
+
+They directed him to the rear, where he would find the ambulance, and
+awaited the appearance of more patients. Gys crawled up the mound of
+sand in front of them and cautiously raised his head above the ridge.
+Next instant he ducked to escape a rain of bullets that scattered the
+sand about them like a mist.
+
+"That was foolish," said Patsy reprovingly. "You might have been
+killed."
+
+"No such luck," he muttered in reply, but the girl could see that he
+trembled slightly with nervousness. Neither realized at the time the
+fatal folly of the act, for they were unaware that the Germans were
+seeking just such a clew to direct them where to drop their shells.
+
+"It's getting rather lonely here, and there are a couple of vacant
+hollows in front of us," remarked the doctor. "Suppose we move over to
+one of those, a little nearer the soldiers?"
+
+Patsy approved the proposition, so they gathered up their supplies and
+moved along the hollow to where a passage had been cut through. They had
+gone barely a hundred yards when a screech, like a buzz-saw when it
+strikes a nail, sounded overhead. Looking up they saw a black disk
+hurtling through the air, to drop almost where they had been standing a
+moment before. There was a terrific explosion that sent debris to their
+very feet.
+
+"After this we'll be careful how we expose ourselves," said the doctor
+gravely. "They have got our range in a hurry. Here comes another; we'd
+better get away quickly."
+
+They progressed perhaps half a mile, without coming upon any soldiers,
+when at the brow of a hill slightly higher than the rest, they became
+aware of unwonted activity. A trench had been dug along the ridge, with
+great pits here and there to serve as bomb-proof shelters. Every time a
+head projected above the ridge, a storm of bullets showed that the enemy
+was well within rifle range. In fact, it was to dislodge the Germans
+that the present intrenchments were being made; machine guns would be
+mounted as soon as positions had been prepared.
+
+The German bullets had already taken their toll. In the little valley a
+poor Belgian pressed his hand against a bad wound in his side, while
+another was nursing an arm roughly bandaged by his fellows in the
+trenches. First aid made the two comfortable for the time being at least
+and the men were directed toward the ambulance. As they left, the man
+with the wounded arm pointed down the narrow valley to where a deep
+ravine cut through. "We were driven from there," he said. "The big guns
+dropped shells on us and killed many; there are many wounded beyond--but
+you cannot cross the ravine. We lost ten in doing it."
+
+Nevertheless, the doctor and Patsy strode off. Just within the shelter
+of the ridge they found another Belgian, desperately wounded, and the
+doctor stopped to ease his pain with the hypodermic needle. Patsy looked
+across the narrow defile; it was a bare fifty feet, and seemed safe
+enough. Her Red Cross uniform would protect her, she reasoned, and
+boldly enough she stepped out into the open. A cry from a wounded
+soldier ahead hastened her footsteps. Without heeding the warning shout
+of Doctor Gys she calmly stooped over the man who had called to her.
+
+And then there was a sudden rending, blinding, terrifying crash that
+sent the world into a thousand shrieking echoes. A huge shell had fallen
+not fifty feet away, plowing its way through the earthworks above. Its
+explosion sent timbers, abandoned gun-carriages, everything, flying
+through the air. And one great piece of wood caught Patsy a glancing
+blow on the back of her head as she crouched over the wounded Belgian.
+With a weak cry she toppled over, not unconscious, but unable to raise
+herself.
+
+Another shell crashed down a hundred yards away, and then one closer
+that sent the sand spouting high in a blinding cloud. She raised herself
+slowly and glanced back toward Doctor Gys. He stood, his face ashen with
+fear, hiding behind the shelter of the other hill. He looked up as she
+stirred; a cry of relief came to his lips.
+
+"Wait!" he called, bracing up suddenly. "Wait and I will get you."
+
+Bending his head low he sprang across the unprotected space. He stopped
+with a sudden jerk and then came on.
+
+"You were hit!" cried Patsy as he bent over her.
+
+"It is nothing," he answered brusquely. "Hold tight around my neck."
+"Now--" another shell scattered sand over them--"we must get away from
+here."
+
+Breathing thickly, he staggered across the open, dropping her with a
+great groan behind the protection of the ridge.
+
+"The man you were helping," he gasped. "I must bring him in."
+
+"But you are wounded--" Patsy cried.
+
+He straightened up--his hand clutched his side--there came across his
+disfigured features a queer twisted smile--he sighed softly and slowly
+sank in a crumpled heap. A clean little puncture in the breast of his
+coat told the whole story. Patsy felt herself slipping.... All grew
+dark.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+It was Ajo who found her and carried her back to the ambulance, where
+Dr. Kelsey and Nanette were presently able to restore her to
+consciousness. Then they returned to the _Arabella_, grave and silent,
+and Patsy was put to bed. Before morning Beth and Maud were anxiously
+nursing her, for she had developed a high fever and was delirious.
+
+The days that succeed were anxious ones, for Patsy's nerves had given
+away completely. It was many weeks later that the rest of them met on
+deck.
+
+"It's the first of February," said Uncle John. "Don't you suppose Patsy
+could start for home pretty soon?"
+
+"Perhaps so," answered Maud. "She is sitting up to-day, and seems
+brighter and more like herself. Have we decided, then, to return to
+America?"
+
+"I believe so," was the reply. "We can't keep Ajo's ship forever, you
+know, and without Doctor Gys we could never make it useful as a hospital
+ship again."
+
+"That is true," said the girl, thoughtfully. "Now that Andrew Denton,
+with his wife and the countess, have gone to Charleroi, our ship seems
+quite lonely."
+
+"You see," said Ajo, taking part in the discussion, "we've never been
+able to overcome the suspicious coldness of these Frenchmen, caused by
+Elbl's unfortunate escape. We are not trusted fully, and never will be
+again, so I'm convinced our career of usefulness here is ended."
+
+"Aside from that," returned Uncle John, "you three girls have endured a
+long period of hard work and nervous strain, and you need a rest. I'm
+awfully proud of you all; proud of your noble determination and courage
+as well as the ability you have demonstrated as nurses. You have
+unselfishly devoted your lives for three strenuous months to the injured
+soldiers of a foreign war, and I hope you're satisfied that you've done
+your full duty."
+
+"Well," returned Maud with a smile, "I wouldn't think of retreating if I
+felt that our services were really needed, but there are so many women
+coming here for Red Cross work--English, French, Swiss, Dutch and
+Italian--that they seem able to cover the field thoroughly."
+
+"True," said Beth, joining the group. "Let's go home, Uncle. The voyage
+will put our Patsy in fine shape again. When can we start, Ajo?"
+
+"Ask Uncle John."
+
+"Ask Captain Carg."
+
+"If you really mean it," said the captain, "I'll hoist anchor to-morrow
+morning."
+
+
+
+***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AUNT JANE'S NIECES IN THE RED
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