It is behind our lines and I did not hear of it, but so much has happens
of which we do not hear, and there has been so much shifting of the
lines in recent days that a battle could easily have occurred at Chastel
without my knowledge. And the shock of cannon fire with the enormous
guns now used is so tremendous that the fleeing people may not have
recovered from it yet. Doubtless they will return tomorrow or the next
day."
"I hope so, Mr. Scott. A ruined town with nobody in it oppresses
terribly."
A sudden thought stabbed at John's heart. It was possible that the
people of Chastel did not return because they were fearing another
attack. If Antoine had caught the gleam of German lances in the wood
then a considerable German force might be behind the French lines.
Snowstorms formed a good cover for secret operations.
Julie noticed the passing shadow in his face and she knew it to be the
sign of alarm.
"What is it, Mr. Scott?" she asked. "Do you know of any danger?"
"No," he replied truthfully, because he had dismissed his thought as
incredible, "but you will not remain here, Miss Julie. You and your
servant will go to the hospital camp, will you not? It is not much more
than a mile beyond the river."
But to his surprise she shook her head.
"I must stay in Chastel," she said. "It is here that Philip wished me to
come, and if I am not here when he arrives he will not know where to
find me.
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