"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