
E-text prepared by Al Haines
\[Frontispiece: "Unless you can prove that you are innocent, you will be tried as spies," said the lieutenant.\]
World's War Series, Volume 5
by - Colonel James Fiske
Illustrated by E. A. Furman
In the fading light over Liège’s historic square, a troop of Belgian Boy Scouts files away, their crisp uniforms drawing the curious gaze of townspeople. Scoutmaster Armand Van Verde has just warned them that war may shatter Belgium’s declared neutrality, and the city’s glowing steel works hint at the weapons being forged.
Two scouts, Paul Latour and his younger cousin Arthur Waller, sense a restless stir beneath ordinary chatter. Rumors of a mysterious gardener, secret plans, and a looming German threat push them toward a midnight venture that could expose hidden conspiracies. Their eagerness to aid their nation pulls them into intrigue.
As the plot unfolds, the boys become entangled with spies, military orders, and daring pursuits that test their loyalty. The narrative blends youthful innocence with the stark realities of a continent on the brink of war, offering listeners a suspenseful glimpse of Belgium’s front‑line experience. It balances historical detail with fast‑paced intrigue, inviting the audience to follow the scouts from the safety of the square into the shadows of conflict.
Language
en
Duration
~3 hours (207K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2006-07-16
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
1885–1933
A prolific early 20th-century adventure writer, this author is best known for fast-moving war stories set against the turmoil of World War I. Books published under the James Fiske name include titles such as Under Fire for Servia and The Belgians to the Front, written to pull young readers straight into danger, courage, and battlefield suspense.
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