The fighting will be all in Belgium soon, and then in Germany.

Our watchword is 'On to Berlin!'" "Perhaps we ought to proceed directly to Ostend," said Uncle John.
"The Germans still hold it, monsieur.

In a few days, perhaps, when Belgium is free of the invaders, you will find work enough to occupy you at Ostend; but I advise you not to attempt to go there now." In spite of the friendly attitude of this officer and of the authorities at Cherbourg, they were detained at this port for several days before finally receiving permission to proceed.

The delay was galling but had to be endured until the infinite maze of red tape was at an end.

They reached Calais in the early evening and just managed to secure an anchorage among the fleet of warships in the harbor.
Again they were obliged to show their papers and passports, now vised by representatives of both the English and French navies, but this formality being over they were given a cordial welcome.
Uncle John and Ajo decided to go ashore for the latest news and arrived in the city between nine and ten o'clock that same evening.