fellows, we'd better hustle a bit faster. You know a German marmite may be flying in this direction at any minute."

"A sensible suggestion," said the art student; "for nothing is more certain than that we are in the midst of the greatest of uncertainties."

Reaching the entrance hall they discovered a very elegant staircase, with ornate newel posts and balustrades, ascending to a balcony.

"Just a moment—let's finish our inspection of the first floor before venturing into the unknown regions above," exclaimed Chase.

Cautiously following the pathway of light, which ever streamed far in advance, the trio presently entered a long apartment which brought forth involuntary exclamations of admiration from all.

"The ballroom!" cried Dunstan.

"And the show-place of the whole château," exclaimed Don.

"It certainly is a show, all right," commented Chase. "What staggering sums of money it must have taken to run such an establishment!"

"I don't think I could have managed it on my income," laughed Don.

On one side of the ballroom stretched gilded mirrors and magnificent decorations, while on the other a long row of high, arched windows faced the park. In whichever direction the light traveled some new and unexpected beauty flashed into view. The beams sparkled and shone on candelabra, on paintings and tapestries, and sometimes reaching up to the ceiling disclosed a bluish vault, in imitation of the heavens, studded with golden stars.

"Enough of this!" cried Chase, suddenly. "We don't want to stay here all night."

And turning abruptly on his heel, the new member of the Red Cross hurried away.

A few moments later the three uninvited visitors were ascending the stairway.

 CHAPTER VIII

A MAN-HUNT

Some time previously a certain projectile had left a certain gun situated a certain distance to the rear of the German trenches, and this shell, no doubt owing to the correct calculations of a certain artillery officer, had exploded so near the Château de Morancourt as to destroy the upper portion of the tower. Perhaps it was this very same shell which had caused the French to decide that the château could no longer be used as an observation post.

 Prev. P 41/146 next