[Pg 171] Then one of the officers remained in the yard while the other led his soldiers into the house. Ten, fifteen minutes passed. Eugenia talked quietly to Barbara. She begged her to ask permission of the hospital authorities to allow her to stay with the children. She told her where she might obtain the money for keeping up their expenses. Some time before she had written a letter giving Barbara her power of attorney. Almost every detail had been arranged. Of course, Eugenia was frightened. She was not unlike other people, only that she had a stronger will and sometimes a finer determination. Finally the German officer and his soldiers returned. "We can find no trace of Colonel Carton or his wife," the younger officer reported. "However, a servant from their household in Brussels is here and I have reason to believe the two children of Madame and Colonel Carton." Still Jan, who had never let go his hold[Pg 172] on Eugenia, did not flinch. Not once did he even glance up toward one of the German soldiers, nor give a sign that might betray him or his protector. [Pg 172] "I am sorry, but you must go with us until the circumstances can be more thoroughly investigated," the older officer commanded. A short time afterwards Eugenia went quietly away. One of the soldiers carried her suitcase. Since she marched between them and showed no intention of giving trouble, the officer had taken off the handcuffs. Evidently he meant to be as courteous as possible under the circumstances. Moreover, Eugenia's dignity was impressive. All through the interview Barbara had felt her knees trembling so beneath her that she felt unable to stand. Her hands were like ice and her cheeks on fire; moreover, there was a lump in her throat which made her totally unable to speak. Nevertheless, she did speak whenever a question was asked of her, nor did she shed a tear until Eugenia had gone. It was curious, but no one broke down,[Pg 173] not even Jan. He merely kept his hold on Eugenia's skirt until she started to leave. [Pg 173] Then Eugenia herself unloosed his hands. He had been on his knees before and he made no effort to get up
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