Vietnam or Thailand ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
Updated: May 4, 2025
"I learned through some of my scouts that a wild engine had dealt a heavy blow to the Germans, but I had never thought that you two were aboard it." Then it was that Hal told his commander of his encounter with young Dersi, and of what the latter had told him concerning General Tromp, of General Joffre's staff. "What!" cried General French, springing to his feet. "Tromp a traitor!
And at that moment there was a hasty step outside, the door to the room in which they were sitting was flung open, and a young man, in civilian garb, burst in. Mrs. Dersi was across the room in a moment, her arms wrapped about the newcomer. Tears streamed down her face, as she repeatedly kissed the young man, who seemed to take no great interest in the procedure. Finally Mrs.
It would break her heart to know that her son is a traitor to his country." "It would, indeed," was Chester's reply; but further talk was prevented by the return of Mrs. Dersi. "And is not my son a fine, brave man?" she asked, with justifiable pride. "He is," said Hal and Chester both, hoping that they were telling the truth. "Mrs.
Dersi," said Hal, "we have decided that it probably will be better for us if we take our departure at once. I am sure there are no Germans near right now, and the sooner we get started the sooner we shall reach our own lines." "But would it not be safer to wait until dark?" questioned the woman anxiously. "I am afraid not," replied Hal, with a meaning glance at Chester.
Lying almost at full length on the ground as he was, he drove his fist straight upward into Hal's face. The lad released his hold upon his enemy's throat and fell back. It was now beginning to grow light, and, as the man sprang after him, Hal recognized him. It was young Dersi! "Dersi!" gasped Hal, as he once more put himself in an attitude of defense.
Dersi turned to Hal and Chester. "My son," she said proudly, "of whom I was just talking to you." Now the newcomer freed himself from her embrace and stepped forward. "Who are these?" he demanded, pointing to the two lads. Mrs. Dersi explained. "And we were just talking of you," she added; then stopped and surveyed her son critically. "Why are you not in uniform?" she demanded.
"And you shall have it, sir!" thundered General Joffre, now very angry, as he took a step forward. General Tromp quailed before him. His eyes fell to the ground and his injured dignity dropped from him like a mask. "I accuse you," continued General Joffre, "of being a traitor to France. I accuse you of aiding and abetting the escape of another traitor, one Dersi.
Why, it is unbelievable. General Joffre has entire confidence in his ability and integrity." "Nevertheless it is true, there can be no doubt of that," said Hal quietly. "Dersi told us with almost his dying breath, and he certainly was repentant at the end." "Oh, I do not doubt your word," General French assured Hal, "but it seems impossible. Something must be done at once."
"Why, I I I " stuttered young Dersi, "I am on a scout, and it was thought best for me not to go in uniform." He turned suddenly to Hal: "Are you expecting any of your men here?" he demanded. "Why, no," replied Hal. "We are going to try and make our way back to our lines to-night." Young Dersi appeared to breathe easier, and this fact was not lost upon either Hal or Chester.
Nor were they wrong; and, had they but known what they learned later, they would have sought shelter almost anywhere rather than continue their journey afoot. Even now the same band of German motorcyclists who had given chase the night before were again in pursuit. But now, instead of an even dozen, there were thirteen. For Young Dersi himself was with them.
Word Of The Day
Others Looking