said the soldier, pointing his gun at him, "and if by that time
you have not found your tongue"

But he did not finish the sentence. From an unexpected quarter a
shot rang out. It struck the pail of milk and dashed it over the
German and over Father De Smet too. Another shot followed, and
the right arm of the soldier fell helpless to his side. One of
his companions gave a howl and fell to the ground. Still no one
appeared at whom the Germans could direct their fire. "Snipers!"
shouted the soldiers, instantly lowering their guns, but before
they could even fire in the direction of the unseen enemy, there
was such a patter of bullets about them that they turned and
fled.

Father De Smet fled, too. He leaped over the frying-pan and tore
down the river-bank after the boat. As he overtook it, Mother De
Smet ran out the gang. plank. "Boys!" shouted Father De Smet.
"Get aboard! Get aboard!" Joseph and Jan instantly stopped the
mule and, dropping the reins, raced up the gangplank, almost
before the end of it rested safely on the ground. Father De Smet
snatched up the reins. On went the boat at Netteke's best speed,
which seemed no better than a snail's pace to the fleeing family.
Sounds of the skirmish continued to reach their ears, even when
they had gone some distance down the river, and it was not until
twilight had deepened into dusk, and they were hidden in its
shadows, that they dared hope the danger was passed. It was after
ten o'clock at night when the "Old Woman" at last approached the
twinkling lights of Antwerp, and they knew that, for the time
being at least, they were safe.