initial commit of ebook 12682HEADmain

6 files changed, 15683 insertions, 0 deletions

diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6833f05
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.gitattributes
@@ -0,0 +1,3 @@
+* text=auto
+*.txt text
+*.md text
diff --git a/12682-0.txt b/12682-0.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..02a88bb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/12682-0.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,7638 @@
+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 12682 ***
+
+THE BOY ALLIES IN GREAT PERIL
+
+Or, With the Italian Army in the Alps
+
+By
+
+CLAIR W. HAYES
+
+Author of "The Boy Allies at Liege," "The Boy Allies on the Firing Line."
+"The Boy Allies with the Cossacks," "The Boy Allies in the Trenches."
+
+1916
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+THE BREWING STORM.
+
+
+"Did you ever see such a mob, Hal?"
+
+The speaker was an American lad of some seventeen years of age. He
+stopped in his walk as he spoke and grasped his companion by the arm.
+The latter allowed his gaze to rove over the thousands upon thousands
+of people who thronged the approach to the king's palace at Rome,
+before he replied:
+
+"Some mob, Chester; some mob."
+
+"Looks like a real army could be recruited from this bunch," continued
+the first speaker.
+
+"Rather," agreed the other. "And unless I am mightily mistaken that is
+what will be done. Most of them are soldiers anyhow, you know."
+
+"True. I had forgotten we were in Italy, where military service is
+compulsory. Then you think that Italy has at last decided to enter the
+war?"
+
+"I certainly do. The Chamber of Deputies has done its best to keep Italy
+from becoming involved, but the voice of the people must be heeded sooner
+or later. I believe the time has come."
+
+"I am sure I hope so," said Chester. "Italy's army, entirely ready for
+any eventuality, should turn the balance in favor of the Allies."
+
+"And I believe it will," said Hal.
+
+"Do you believe the announcement of a state of war between Italy and
+Austria will be formally made to-day?"
+
+"I do--and so, apparently, do the others here," and Hal swept his arm
+about him in a comprehensive gesture. "Hear them shout!"
+
+For a mighty cheer had suddenly risen upon the air. Wildly excited
+Italians--men and women from all walks of life--seemed to have gone
+suddenly mad. A deafening roar filled the air. Caps and hats, canes, and
+other articles ascended and descended in a dense cloud.
+
+"Can you doubt, after that, that Italy is for war?" asked Hal, when at
+last he could make himself heard.
+
+"I guess not," replied Chester grimly. "But why should the crowd have
+gathered in front of the palace rather than before the Chamber of
+Deputies?"
+
+"You forget that the premier is closeted with the king," returned Hal.
+"In all probability, the first word of a definite step will emanate from
+the palace, though unofficially, of course."
+
+"I see," said Chester. "Well--look there, Hal!"
+
+"What's the matter?" demanded the latter, eying his companion in
+some surprise.
+
+Chester seized his friend's arm with one hand and with the other pointed
+directly ahead. Hal gazed in the direction indicated. He saw at once what
+had caused Chester's sudden exclamation.
+
+Not five yards away, right in the center of the dense crowd, but still in
+view of the two boys, stood an Italian army officer in full uniform. He
+was gazing straight ahead toward the palace steps, paying no heed to
+those who pushed and jostled him. He stood erect, with arms folded upon
+his breast.
+
+Even as the two boys looked, an arm came from behind him, and reaching
+across his shoulder, a hand crept cautiously into the pocket of the
+officer's military cloak, which he had thrown open because of its warmth.
+
+Hal uttered a low exclamation and was about to step forward when there
+came a sudden shout from the crowd, which surged in about him, cutting
+off his view of the Italian officer. For a single instant Hal turned his
+eyes toward the palace and there took one look at a second uniformed
+figure, who stood upon the top step and waved his arms about violently.
+
+"I guess war has come," the boy muttered to himself, as he took a step
+forward and elbowed his way toward the spot where the other Italian
+officer stood.
+
+Chester came close behind his friend.
+
+By dint of hard pushing and shoving, which drew ugly remarks from some of
+the bystanders upon whose feet they trod, the boys at last came to the
+spot they sought. They had made good time and the invisible owner of the
+hand that had explored the officer's pocket was just withdrawing it. And
+in it Hal saw a white paper flutter.
+
+He uttered a cry and dashed forward in spite of the crowd. At almost the
+same moment the officer came to life. Instinct must have warned him that
+there was something wrong. He clapped his hand to his pocket, and then
+uttered a fierce ejaculation in his native tongue.
+
+He wheeled about with a cry, and his arm shot out. There was a struggle,
+and then the officer fell to the ground. A blow from his adversary's fist
+had laid him low. Hal, who was a few leaps ahead of Chester, reached out
+to seize the man, who, he could see, still held the bit of white paper in
+his hand, but the other was too quick for him.
+
+With a sudden backward leap he was among the crowd, which, apparently,
+had failed to grasp the significance of the trouble. Hal uttered a quick
+cry to Chester and also dashed into the crowd. Chester followed him.
+
+Ahead, but almost hidden by others of the crowd, which pressed forward
+the better to see what was going on upon the palace steps, Hal could see
+his quarry squirming his way through the dense mass of humanity.
+
+"Stop him!" he cried, raising his voice to a shout.
+
+The crowd paid no heed. The people were too wrapped up in what was going
+on before the palace to notice the three who were trying to force their
+way through. Again Hal cried out, but the result was the same.
+
+For a brief instant the fugitive glanced over his shoulder, and he waved
+a hand at Hal. It was the first time the lad had seen his face, and he
+knew that he would recognize it again wherever he saw it.
+
+"I'll get you yet," declared Hal to himself between tightly shut lips.
+"I'll get you if it takes a year."
+
+He pressed on, with Chester close at his heels.
+
+Turning and squirming and twisting their way, the lads managed to plod on
+through the dense crowd at a snail's pace. Ahead of them, however, Hal
+could see that the fugitive was making about the same progress. His hopes
+rose, and he called over his shoulder to Chester;
+
+"Keep coming; we'll get him!"
+
+Chester made no reply, for he knew none was expected. He kept close
+behind his friend.
+
+Now, suddenly, the fugitive reached the edge of the crowd. For a single
+moment he paused, and gazed back at his pursuers. Once more he waved a
+hand at Hal, and then, turning, started off at a run.
+
+Hal, seeing that his quarry was about to make good his escape, suddenly
+grew angry. Bringing some tactics learned on the football field into
+play, he dashed forward, hurling spectators to right and left. In
+another moment he, too, had reached the edge of the crowd and, with a
+cry, dashed ahead.
+
+He did not pause to see whether Chester was behind him. All he thought of
+was to overtake the fugitive.
+
+Chester, in attempting to follow his friend, stumbled over an
+outstretched foot and fell heavily to the ground. He was not badly hurt,
+but he had struck on his face and for a moment he was dazed. He dragged
+himself quickly to his feet and moved forward again. Some distance ahead
+he saw that Hal was gaining upon the fugitive.
+
+Down the wide street ran the fugitive, with Hal close behind and gaining
+at every stride. As the sound of pursuing footsteps became plainer, the
+man looked back over his shoulder. Then he redoubled his efforts; but
+still Hal gained.
+
+Suddenly the man dashed around a corner. Three seconds later Hal did the
+same. As he did so he caught sight of a big man before him. Hal tried to
+check his pace, but it was too late.
+
+Something bright flashed in the sunlight and Hal felt a sickening thud
+upon his head. In vain he tried to keep his feet. He sank slowly to the
+ground and then fell forward on his face. And even as he lost
+consciousness, he thought to himself:
+
+"What a fool I was. I should have suspected a trap. So he hit me with the
+butt of a revolver. I'll get even yet."
+
+Above the fallen lad the man stood with a grim smile of satisfaction. He
+stirred the prostrate form with his foot and then put his revolver back
+in his pocket. He turned to go.
+
+At that moment Chester dashed around the corner. The lad and the fugitive
+took in the situation at the same moment. Chester pulled himself up short
+and reached for his revolver, which he always carried in his coat pocket.
+But the other was too quick for him. He leaped suddenly forward and
+Chester's arm was seized in a vise-like grip.
+
+In vain the lad struggled to free himself. He could not move the powerful
+fingers that gripped him. He kicked out with his right foot and this
+effort was rewarded by a cry of pain from his opponent.
+
+"Kick me on the shins, will you?" cried the latter in German.
+
+His free hand found the revolver in his pocket and it flashed in the
+sunlight once more. He attempted to reverse the weapon and seize it by
+the barrel, and as he did so he unconsciously loosened his grip upon
+Chester's arm.
+
+The latter swung himself about suddenly and with a sweep of his arm sent
+the man's revolver clattering to the ground. The other uttered an
+exclamation of rage, and stepped back.
+
+Chester again reached for his own revolver, but once more the other was
+too quick for him. He came forward with a jump, and his right fist shot
+out. Chester ducked this blow, but he was unprepared for the left-handed
+blow that followed.
+
+As he came up after ducking the first blow, the second caught him
+squarely upon the point of the chin, and he toppled over. It was a
+clean knockout.
+
+"I guess that will settle you," said the victor, as he surveyed the
+prostrate forms of his two enemies. "I guess that will teach you not to
+interfere in other people's business. Hello, one of them is moving."
+
+He gazed curiously at Hal, who at that moment opened his eyes. The man
+stood undecided a moment. Then he took a step toward the boy, but
+stopped again.
+
+"No," he muttered. "What's the use? Let him be."
+
+He swung upon his heel and made his way down the street. A moment later
+he was lost to sight around a corner.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+THE TWO FRIENDS.
+
+
+While Hal and Chester are still upon the ground and consciousness is
+gradually returning, it will be well to introduce a few words concerning
+them, that those who have not made their acquaintance before may learn
+just what sort of boys our heroes are.
+
+Hal Paine and Chester Crawford were typical American boys. With the
+former's mother, they had been in Berlin when the great European
+conflagration broke out and had been stranded there. Mrs. Paine had been
+able to get out of the country, but Hal and Chester were left behind.
+
+In company with Major Raoul Derevaux, a Frenchman, and Captain Harry
+Anderson, an Englishman, they finally made their way into Belgium, where
+they arrived in time to take part in the heroic defense of Liége in the
+early stages of the war. Here they rendered such invaluable service to
+the Belgian commander that they were commissioned lieutenants in the
+little army of King Albert.
+
+Both in fighting and in scouting they had proven their worth. Following
+the first Belgian campaign, the two lads had seen service with the
+British troops on the continent, where they were attached to the staff of
+General Sir John French, in command of the English forces. Also they had
+won the respect and admiration of General Joffre, the French
+commander-in-chief.
+
+As related in the third book of this series, "The Boy Allies with the
+Cossacks," Hal and Chester had seen active service under the Russian Bear
+in the eastern theater of war. They fought in the midst of the Russian
+forces and were among the troop of 60,000 that made the first wild dash
+over the Carpathians to the plains of Hungary.
+
+Returning to the western war area with despatches from the Grand Duke
+Nicholas to the French commander-in-chief, they had again taken up their
+duties with the British army. As related in "The Boy Allies in the
+Trenches," they had been instrumental in defeating more than one German
+coup, and it was through them, also, that a plot to assassinate President
+Poincaré had failed.
+
+Both lads were about the same age. Large and strong, they were proficient
+in the use of their fists and of the art of swordsmanship, and were
+entirely familiar with firearms. Another thing that stood them in good
+stead was the fact that both spoke French and German fluently. Also, each
+had a smattering of Italian.
+
+Following their coup in saving the French president from the hands of
+traitorous Apaches in Paris, Hal and Chester had come to Rome with their
+mothers, whom they had found in Paris, and Chester's uncle. They had not
+come without protest, for both had been eager to get back to the firing
+line, but their mothers' entreaties had finally prevailed. As Chester's
+Uncle John had said, "This is none of our war. Your place, boys, is with
+your mothers."
+
+Chester and Hal had sought consent to rejoin the army in vain. Neither
+Mrs. Paine nor Mrs. Crawford would hear of such a thing. So at last they
+agreed to return home. First, however, at Uncle John's suggestion, the
+party decided to stop in Rome.
+
+"Italy is still a sane and peaceable country," Uncle John had said.
+
+Naturally the lads had been greatly interested in the war demonstrations
+in Rome. Uncle John, who at first had "pooh-poohed" the prospect of
+Italy's entering the war, finally had been convinced that such a course
+was only a matter of time. Mrs. Paine and Mrs. Crawford, realizing how
+greatly interested their sons were becoming, immediately decided to
+return to America. They feared that some harm would come to Hal and
+Chester--feared that the boys might be drawn into trouble again--for they
+both knew their dispositions not to shirk danger.
+
+The war situation at this time was anything but favorable to the
+Allies. Along the great western battle line, stretching out from the
+North Sea far to the south, the mighty armies were gripped in a
+deadlock. Occasional advances would be made by both sides and retreats
+would follow.
+
+Having pushed the invader back from the very walls of Paris soon after
+the outbreak of hostilities, the French had shoved him across the Aisne
+and then across the Marne. But here the allied offensive halted. Grand
+assaults and heroic charges proved ineffectual. The Kaiser's troops were
+strongly intrenched and could not be dislodged. On their side, the
+Allies' positions were equally impregnable and repeated assaults by the
+enemy had failed to shake their lines.
+
+In the eastern theater of war the Russians, at this moment, were meeting
+with some success. Several large Austrian strongholds had been captured
+after the bloodiest fighting of the war, and it was believed that it
+would only be a question of a few weeks until the Russian Grand Duke
+would develop his long-expected invasion of Hungary.
+
+In the north of the eastern war arena, also, the Russians had met with
+some success, Poland had been invaded, and around Warsaw the great German
+drive had been checked. The sea was still free of German ships, with the
+exception of the submarines which still continued to prey upon all
+commerce, neutral as well as Allies'.
+
+The situation in the Balkan states remained unchanged. It was hoped that
+the Balkan countries would rally to the support of the Allies, and thus
+form an iron ring about the Germanic powers, but this matter was no
+nearer a successful issue than it had been months before. However,
+diplomats of both sides were still busy in the Balkans, and each hoped to
+gain their support.
+
+But for the last few weeks all eyes had been turned toward Italy. A
+member of the Austro-German Triple Alliance at the beginning of the war,
+Italy had refused to support a war of aggression by the Kaiser and had
+severed her connection with the Alliance. She had announced that she
+would remain neutral.
+
+At length, however, matters reached such a pass that Italy realized she
+must cast her lot with the Allies. She knew that should the Germans
+emerge from the war victorious she had all to lose and nothing to gain.
+The first act of the successful German army would be to crush her.
+Besides, there had always been antagonism between Austria and Italy,
+and the drawing of Italy into the Triple Alliance in the first place
+was considered an act of trickery. Austria and Italy could have nothing
+in common.
+
+The people of Italy demanded that she throw her military as well as her
+moral support to the Allies. The matter had been threshed out in the
+Chamber of Deputies. Wild anti-German and anti-Austrian demonstrations
+were almost daily occurrences in the streets of Rome and other of the
+larger Italian cities. The people wanted war. Here was the one country of
+all the powers engaged in the mighty conflict that could truthfully say:
+"This is a popular war."
+
+At the instigation of the Kaiser, Austria had agreed to make many
+concessions to Italy in return for her neutrality. She agreed to almost
+anything. But the Italian government was not fooled. Austria would yield
+anything at the present time, and then, with the aid of her powerful
+ally, Germany, at the close of the war, take it away from Italy again.
+
+So the Italian people and the Italian government decided upon war on the
+side of the Allies. Millions of trained fighting men, fresh from the
+rigors of the recent Turkish war, were ready to take the field at almost
+a moment's notice. The reserves had already been ordered to the colors.
+The Italian fleet was ready for action.
+
+There was now no question that Italy would enter the war. The chief topic
+of interest was as to where she would strike first. Would she send an
+army to join the French and British troops recently landed on the
+Gallipoli peninsula and a portion of her fleet to help force the
+Dardanelles, or would she strike first at Austria, and if so, would the
+first blow be delivered by her fleet in the Adriatic, or to the north,
+upon the border, and through the Alps?
+
+The Chamber of Deputies had been in continuous session now for almost two
+days. It was known that upon the result of this conference hinged the
+issue, peace or war. The chamber was still in session, but the Premier
+had left and sought King Victor Emmanuel at the palace for a
+consultation.
+
+News of this kind travels quickly. The great mob which had assembled
+outside the Chamber of Deputies wended its way to the palace, where it
+stood awaiting some word of what action was to be taken. The people knew
+that the answer would not be long coming.
+
+Hal Paine and Chester Crawford were standing in the midst of this crowd
+when this story opens. They had just left their mothers and Uncle John at
+their hotel, announcing that they would get the latest war news. The two
+women had offered no objection, but Uncle John had instructed them:
+
+"Don't be gone long, boys. Remember we leave in the morning, and we
+expect you to do your share of the packing."
+
+So the two lads had strolled out and joined the crowd.
+
+When they had decided to return to America, each lad had carefully
+packed his British uniform, so they were now in civilian clothes. This
+was a matter of some regret to them, for they had been proud of their
+uniforms, and not without cause, and even as they walked along to-day
+Chester had remarked:
+
+"We should have our uniforms on, Hal."
+
+"Why?" demanded the latter.
+
+"Well, just look at all these Italian officers. It makes me feel lonesome
+to be without my uniform."
+
+Hal laughed.
+
+"By Jove! it does at that," he agreed. "I can sympathize with the soldier
+who has such an absolute disgust for a civilian. You know there is no
+love lost between them."
+
+"Right! Well, I wish I had my uniform on."
+
+"It's a good thing you haven't, I guess. That warlike spirit of yours
+might get us in trouble. Every time I look at mine, I want to run back to
+the front instead of going home."
+
+"It is pretty tough," agreed Chester.
+
+"You bet it is. But what else could we do? We must please our mothers,
+you know."
+
+"I suppose you're right. But just the same, several times I have had a
+notion to disappear."
+
+"The same thought struck me, too; but we gave our promise, you know."
+
+Chester shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"It can't be helped now," he said.
+
+"Maybe we'll have a little war of our own some day," said Hal. "Then
+they'll have to let us fight."
+
+"That would be too good to be true," was Chester's reply.
+
+It was just at the end of this conversation that the lads had joined
+the crowd before the palace, and Chester had made the remark that opens
+this story.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+THE MOB.
+
+
+Hal sat up and passed his right hand gently over his head.
+
+"Quite a bump," he muttered to himself. "What a fool I was not to have
+been prepared for that ruse. Well, I'll know better next time."
+
+The lad pulled himself to his feet and gazed in the direction in which
+the other had disappeared. He made as if to move after him, and then
+changed his mind.
+
+"Not much chance of finding him now, I guess," he muttered.
+
+He turned on his heel, and then, for the first time, his eyes fell upon
+Chester's prostrate form.
+
+"So he got you, too, eh?" he said to himself.
+
+He hurried forward and bent over his chum. At the same moment Chester
+opened his eyes and smiled up at him feebly.
+
+"Hello," he said; "where's our friend?"
+
+"Gone," replied Hal briefly, raising Chester's head to his knee. "How do
+you feel?"
+
+"A little rocky, and that's a fact," was the reply.
+
+"What did he bump you over with--gun?"
+
+"No; fist."
+
+"I don't see any marks."
+
+"I feel 'em," said Chester, rubbing his chin ruefully. "He landed an
+uppercut that was a beauty."
+
+"I am glad you are well enough to appreciate it," said Hal, with a slight
+smile. "He was big enough to have put you out for keeps."
+
+"I'm not to be gotten rid of so easily," returned Chester. "Help me up."
+
+Hal lent a supporting hand and Chester struggled to his feet.
+
+"Dizzy?" queried Hal.
+
+"A little," was the reply. "I'll be all right in a minute, though."
+
+He shook his head several times and at last appeared to have gotten rid
+of the effects of the blow. He threw off Hal's hand.
+
+"Well, what now?" he asked.
+
+Hal hesitated.
+
+"I hate to see that fellow get away," he said finally. "He probably has
+stolen important information."
+
+"I guess there is not much doubt of that," replied Chester, "but Rome is
+a pretty sizeable town. A slim chance we have of finding him."
+
+"I'd know him if I see him," said Hal
+
+"So will I. Did you notice the scar across his face?"
+
+"Yes; that's why I say I would know him any place. What do you suppose it
+was he stole?"
+
+"A paper of some kind; I saw that. Probably has to do with troop
+movements or something of the sort. You remember he stole it from an
+army officer."
+
+"Yes; which reminds me that he also disposed of said army officer without
+much trouble. The last I saw of him he was floundering about on the
+ground in the midst of the crowd."
+
+"Let's go back and have a look for him."
+
+"Good; come on."
+
+The boys turned and retraced their steps. Rounding a corner they came
+again within sight of the palace.
+
+"Crowd still there," Hal commented briefly.
+
+It was true. The crowd seemed to have grown rather than to have
+diminished.
+
+"Something must have happened while we were gone," said Chester. "Hear
+them yell."
+
+"I guess it means war," was Hal's quiet response. "Well, I'm glad."
+
+"And so am I. This German business should be settled without much
+trouble now."
+
+"Don't you believe it. The Kaiser is good for a long, hard fight yet."
+
+They pushed their way through the crowd. Suddenly they came to a stop,
+their further progress being barred by a solid mass of humanity directly
+in front of them, Hal took Chester by the arm.
+
+"Let's see what is going on here," he said.
+
+By dint of hard pushing and shoving they worked their way gradually
+through the crowd.
+
+"As I live, it's our friend the army officer," ejaculated Hal.
+
+"So it is," agreed Chester, "and he seems to be rather excited. Look at
+him waving his arms about."
+
+Surrounded by a curious crowd, the officer referred to was declaiming
+eloquently. It was plain from the attitude of the crowd, however, that he
+wasn't making himself plain.
+
+"He's too excited to talk coherently," said Hal. "Maybe we can help him
+out a bit. Let's get through the rest of this gang."
+
+He put his elbows in front of him, and closely followed by Chester, threw
+his weight upon the mass of humanity in front. The crowd parted, and the
+lads pushed their way through, unheeding the protests their rough methods
+called forth. They stopped beside the still excited officer.
+
+"Signor--" began Hal, but the officer paid no attention to him, and
+continued to wave his arms violently about.
+
+"You can't get his attention that way," said Chester. "Let me try."
+
+He grasped the Italian officer roughly by the arm and whirled him about.
+
+Immediately the latter's arms ceased their violent gesticulations and he
+turned an angry face upon Chester.
+
+"How dare you lay your hands upon an officer of the king?" he demanded in
+a harsh voice.
+
+His hand dropped to his holster.
+
+"Here! Here!" exclaimed Hal. "Hold your horses now and don't get excited.
+We've come to tell you something about that paper you lost."
+
+"Ah!" cried the Italian. "So you have it, eh? Give it to me!"
+
+He held out a hand expectantly.
+
+"No, we haven't it," replied Hal, "but--"
+
+"Give me the paper!" cried the officer, his voice becoming shrill
+with anger.
+
+"I tell you we haven't the paper," said Hal.
+
+"That's a lie!" shouted the Italian. "You knocked me down and stole
+the paper."
+
+He clutched Hal by the arm.
+
+"Let go of me," said the lad angrily. "We are trying to help you and--"
+
+The Italian officer now suddenly drew his revolver, and pointed it
+squarely at Hal.
+
+"Give me the paper or I shall shoot," he said more quietly.
+
+He staggered suddenly backward and the revolver dropped to the ground
+with a clatter. The Italian wheeled and confronted the angry face of
+Chester, who had struck up the weapon.
+
+"What's the matter with you? Can't you see we are trying to help you?"
+demanded Chester.
+
+At this point there came a diversion. Members of the crowd who had
+witnessed the dispute between the officer and the two lads suddenly set
+up a cry of "spies."
+
+Others behind them took it up.
+
+"Spies! Spies!" a hundred voices rang out.
+
+The crowd surged in about them.
+
+Hal gave one quick look about, and then said quietly to Chester:
+
+"We are in for it now, old man. We'll have to make a break for it."
+
+"All right," said Chester grimly. "Lead the way."
+
+Once more the Italian officer stretched forth a detaining hand, but this
+time Hal wasted no time in explanation. He struck out straight from the
+shoulder, and the officer toppled to the ground.
+
+"Second fall for him to-day," muttered Hal between his teeth.
+
+He felt Chester's arm press his elbow.
+
+"Come on," he said.
+
+Side by side the lads stepped forward in the very faces of the mob that
+barred their path, and for a moment the crowd gave back. Then one man,
+bolder than the rest, sprang forward and sought to clutch Chester's arm.
+The lad's fist met him half way and he dropped silently to the ground.
+
+An angry roar went up from the crowd.
+
+Chester's hand dropped to his pocket. Hal perceived the motion and
+cried out:
+
+"No guns, Chester!"
+
+Chester realized the soundness of the warning and his revolver remained
+where it was.
+
+Two of the crowd sprang forward together, but Hal and Chester, with their
+greater strength and reach, disposed of them easily. A blow from behind
+landed on Chester's neck and he staggered forward. He recovered himself
+in a moment, however, and shouted.
+
+"Rush 'em, Hal!"
+
+The latter also realized that to stand still and fight gave the crowd
+behind too great an opening and he obeyed Chester's injunction. At the
+same moment both sprang forward, and the crowd opened before them.
+
+Straight ahead they went, striking out right and left, but rushing
+forward as fast as possible all the time. Men fell on both sides of
+them beneath their heavy blows, and so far neither lad had received a
+severe jolt.
+
+At that moment, however, Hal felt a keen pain in his left arm. He glanced
+down curiously and saw a tiny stream of red spout forth. His lips set in
+a thin line.
+
+"Guns, Chester," he said quietly, halting in his tracks. "They are
+using knives."
+
+"Good," said Chester, also halting. "Back to back."
+
+The lads whipped out their automatics simultaneously, and, back to back,
+confronted the crowd. Hal spoke.
+
+"We are not spies," he shouted, "but we are not going to be killed
+without a fight. We are British army officers. Stand back!"
+
+Before the threatening muzzles of the two automatics the crowd hesitated.
+Then, from directly ahead of Chester, a shot rang out. The lad heard
+something whiz past his head, and from beyond came a cry of pain.
+
+"Shot one of his own number," muttered the lad.
+
+His finger tightened on the trigger as he saw a man about to leap forward
+regardless of the automatic.
+
+"I'm going to shoot, Hal," he called.
+
+"I guess it can't be helped," replied the lad quietly. "When I give the
+word turn loose on 'em, and then we'll make another break."
+
+He hesitated a single instant and then called:
+
+"Ready?"
+
+"Ready!" came the reply.
+
+"Then--" began Hal, and suddenly cried, "Wait!"
+
+For at that moment the crowd in front of him suddenly began to scatter,
+and from beyond Hal made out a troop of Italian cavalry bearing down on
+them with drawn sabers. Hal lowered his weapon and called out:
+
+"It's all right, Chester!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+AN OLD FRIEND.
+
+
+"What's the meaning of this?" demanded an officer, pulling in his horse
+beside the two lads, while his troop gave their attention to driving back
+the crowd, which gave ground slowly.
+
+"We were attacked by the crowd, captain," Hal explained.
+
+"Why?" asked the officer.
+
+"We were accused of being spies."
+
+"By whom?"
+
+"By an Italian army officer back there," replied Hal, making a gesture
+with his hand.
+
+"Here he comes now," interrupted Chester.
+
+The man who had caused all the trouble now came pompously forward. At
+sight of him, the mounted officer sprang from the saddle and came to
+attention.
+
+"What is the matter, sir?" he asked.
+
+"Arrest these two," said his superior, pointing to Hal and Chester. "They
+are spies, and they knocked me down."
+
+The Italian captain motioned to half a dozen of his men. He also pointed
+to the two lads.
+
+"Arrest them," he said quietly.
+
+The men surrounded the lads.
+
+"But--" began Chester.
+
+"No words," said the officer. "Take them before General Ferrari," he
+ordered his men.
+
+He motioned to the commander of the troop to accompany them.
+
+"I shall be there to make the charge against them," he said.
+
+The young officer saluted.
+
+"Very well, sir," he replied. He turned to the lads. "March," he ordered.
+
+There was no help for it, as the lads realized in a moment. Accordingly
+they made no further protests and marched off, surrounded on all sides.
+
+As they walked along the street there came a new diversion. A man came
+hurrying toward them. Hal and Chester recognized him in an instant.
+
+"Uncle John!" cried Chester.
+
+He glanced at Hal and smiled sheepishly.
+
+"We seem always to be in trouble when he appears," said Chester with a
+slight smile.
+
+Uncle John addressed the officer in command of the squad.
+
+"What's the meaning of this?" he demanded.
+
+"The meaning of what, sir?" asked the officer respectfully, for he was
+impressed by Uncle John's manner.
+
+"What are you doing with these two lads?"
+
+"They are under arrest, sir."
+
+"What!" ejaculated Uncle John. "Under arrest, and what for?"
+
+"They are spies."
+
+"Spies!" The good man staggered back. He forced a smile. "You are joking
+with me," he said.
+
+The Italian officer drew himself up.
+
+"I never joke of serious matters," he said quietly. "But what interest
+have you in these prisoners?"
+
+"Well, I have considerable interest," was the reply. "One of them happens
+to be my nephew. What have they been doing?"
+
+"I couldn't say as to that. All I know is that they are spies."
+
+"You're crazy," shouted Uncle John, now becoming angry. "They are British
+army officers, and American citizens."
+
+The young officer drew himself up.
+
+"Crazy, am I?" he demanded. "March!" he ordered his men.
+
+"Here, hold on a minute," gasped Uncle John. "I didn't mean to ruffle
+your feelings; but one of those boys is my nephew. I tell you they are
+British officers."
+
+"I trust they will be able to prove it," said the Italian.
+
+"What?" demanded Uncle John. "Why?"
+
+"Because," replied the officer with a pleasant smile, "they probably will
+be shot if they don't."
+
+"Shot!" gasped Uncle John.
+
+"Exactly. That is the usual treatment accorded spies."
+
+"But I tell you--"
+
+"You can tell the rest to General Ferrari," said the Italian officer.
+"Forward, men."
+
+Uncle John was brushed unceremoniously aside in spite of his protests,
+and the lads were led away.
+
+"Don't worry, Uncle John," Chester called back to him. "We'll get out of
+this all right. Tell mother to have no fear."
+
+"I'll see the ambassador!" shouted Uncle John. "I'll get you out of
+this. I'll show these confounded Italians they are not half as big as
+Uncle Sam."
+
+"Poor old Uncle John," said Chester to Hal. "He does get excited so
+easily. I'll bet the ambassador is due for an unpleasant half hour."
+
+"I'd give a whole lot to be there to hear what transpires," agreed Hal.
+
+In front of a large and imposing building the Italian officer called a
+halt; and a few minutes later ordered the prisoners up the steps.
+
+"Where are we going?" demanded Hal.
+
+"You'll find out soon enough," was the reply.
+
+"You're very civil and courteous, to be sure," said Hal.
+
+"I can see no reason for being courteous to a spy," replied the officer.
+
+"Perhaps not," returned the lad; "but when we are out of this I believe I
+shall hunt you up and pull your nose."
+
+"What!" exclaimed the officer, stepping back. "Pull my nose! Such
+American impudence! I have a notion to pull your nose right here."
+
+"I wouldn't if I were you," said Chester, grinning.
+
+"And what have you to say about it?" exclaimed the now angry officer.
+
+"Oh, nothing," replied Chester. "Just a kindly word of warning;
+that's all."
+
+The officer stared at both lads angrily, as they stood at the top of the
+steps, and seemed about to say more, when a second officer appeared in
+the doorway and motioned for all to enter.
+
+"Move on there," said the first officer angrily.
+
+The lads obeyed without replying.
+
+Inside the building they were led through a long corridor, and thence to
+a room which they were motioned to enter. Inside stood a tall, stout man
+attired in full military uniform.
+
+"General Ferrari, I guess," Chester whispered to his friend.
+
+Hal nodded in assent. It was indeed General Ferrari, and he came forward.
+
+"What have we here?" he demanded, addressing the officer.
+
+"Spies, sir," was the reply.
+
+"Where did you find them?"
+
+The officer explained.
+
+"So Colonel Fuesco found them, eh? You say they stole an important
+document from him?"
+
+"Yes, sir, and the colonel will be here directly, sir."
+
+"Good, you may go. Leave a guard outside the door."
+
+The officer saluted and took his departure, casting a sneering glance at
+the two lads.
+
+"Sit down," commanded the general.
+
+The lads obeyed, and the general took a seat at a huge desk at the far
+end of the room and immediately plunged into a mass of correspondence.
+For half an hour he was busy with his letters and paid no attention to
+the boys. The latter also sat silently.
+
+An orderly entered the room and announced:
+
+"Colonel Fuesco, sir."
+
+"Show him in," said the general.
+
+A moment later and the colonel came blustering in. He gazed angrily at
+the two lads and spoke to General Ferrari in a whisper. Then both turned
+upon the lads.
+
+"Have you the paper?" demanded the general.
+
+"No, sir," replied Hal. "We never had it in the first place. Will you
+allow me to explain, sir?"
+
+"Proceed," said the general.
+
+"First," said Hal, "I would inform your excellency that we are officers
+in the British army, having recently come from France."
+
+He then went ahead with the story of how they had seen Colonel Fuesco
+relieved of his papers before the palace a short time ago. At the
+conclusion of the story the colonel sniffed audibly.
+
+"A likely tale," he sneered.
+
+"Silence, colonel," said the general sharply. "I shall go at this matter
+in my own way. Can you prove your identity?" he asked of Hal.
+
+"With time, yes," was the reply.
+
+At this moment the orderly again entered the room.
+
+"The officer you were expecting, sir," he said to General Ferrari.
+
+"Have him enter," said the general, and the orderly saluted and
+disappeared.
+
+"There can be no doubt that these are spies, sir," said Colonel Fuesco.
+
+Chester became suddenly angry.
+
+"That's a lie," he said flatly.
+
+"What!" exclaimed the doughty colonel. "You call me a liar?"
+
+Before General Ferrari or Hal could move to stay him, he stepped close to
+Chester and struck him in the face.
+
+Hal, knowing Chester's quick temper, became alarmed and cried out
+sharply:
+
+"Don't hit him, Chester."
+
+But he spoke too late. The blow aroused Chester's fighting blood and
+he took no thought of consequences. His right fist shot out sharply,
+and struck squarely upon the nose, the colonel reeled back and fell to
+the floor.
+
+He was up in a moment, however, and in spite of his commander's sharp
+order, closed with Chester. The two rocked back and forth, as Hal and
+General Ferrari sought to separate them.
+
+And at this moment a newcomer entered the room. He was a young man, thin
+and tall, and his face showed the marks of hard service. He was attired
+in the uniform of a French major. He, too, took a hand in attempting to
+separate the combatants.
+
+As the five struggled about, Hal caught a glimpse of the newcomer's
+face, and he gave a cry of wonder, uttering a name that caused Chester
+to release his hold upon the Italian officer and step back in surprise
+and pleasure.
+
+"Major Derevaux!" exclaimed Hal.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+A NEW RECRUIT.
+
+
+The French officer also stepped back in surprise, for until that moment
+he had not had time to glance at the two lads. He, too, gave vent to an
+exclamation of pleasure and held out both hands.
+
+"Hal! Chester!" he cried.
+
+Each lad seized upon a hand and wrung it heartily. General Ferrari and
+Colonel Fuesco stood back and eyed them curiously. Finally the general
+spoke to the Frenchman.
+
+"You know these boys?" he asked.
+
+"Know them!" repeated Major Derevaux. "Well, I should say I do. They are
+Lieutenants Paine and Crawford, of His British majesty's service, sir."
+
+"Then they are not German or Austrian spies?"
+
+"What! These lads German spies! If you but knew of what invaluable
+service they have been to the cause of the Allies, you would be proud to
+shake hands with them. Why, let me tell you," and forgetting all other
+matters for the moment, Major Derevaux plunged into an account of the
+boys' triumphs since joining the allied forces.
+
+At the conclusion of this recital, General Ferrari extended a hand to
+each of the boys.
+
+"I am indeed glad to know two such gallant lads," he said. "I felt sure
+when I first saw you that there must be some mistake in your cases."
+
+"But they stole my paper!" cried Colonel Fuesco.
+
+"That is not true," said Major Derevaux. "I can vouch for their loyalty."
+
+"But who can vouch for you?" demanded the colonel. "How is General
+Ferrari to know that you, too, are not a spy, coming to him with false
+credentials?"
+
+"I can answer that question," replied the general. "As it happens, I have
+known Major Derevaux for years. He has often visited at my home, he and
+his parents. You owe these lads an apology, colonel."
+
+"He knocked me down," replied the colonel, pointing to Chester.
+
+"So he did," said the general, "and you deserved it."
+
+Chester now approached the colonel and extended a hand.
+
+"I bear you no ill will," he said.
+
+The officer glanced at him searchingly for a moment, and then took the
+hand.
+
+"I have done you and your friend an injustice," he said. "I am sorry."
+
+"Say no more about it," replied Chester.
+
+Colonel Fuesco also shook hands with Hal.
+
+"But what of my paper?" he demanded of the general.
+
+"I can give you a description of the man who took it," said Hal, and did
+so. When he mentioned that the man had a scar on his face, the two
+Italian officers uttered a cry.
+
+"Hans Robard!" they exclaimed.
+
+"You know him, then?" asked Chester.
+
+"Rather," said the general dryly. "He is an Austrian, and attached to the
+Austrian embassy here. Of course there has as yet been no formal
+declaration of war between Italy and Austria, but it has been known for
+days that war was sure to come. Colonel Fuesco here has been entrusted
+with important documents relating to troop movements, and it is this
+document that Robard has stolen. It must be recovered."
+
+"We are willing to help all we can," said Chester. "With a little
+forethought we should have been able to recover it ourselves. Robard made
+monkeys of us."
+
+"He made a monkey of me, too," said the colonel ruefully.
+
+"The thing to be done," said Chester, "is to get track of him."
+
+"That's easy enough," was the reply. "He can be found at the embassy; but
+he will deny that he has the paper. Also, we cannot arrest him. Being a
+member of a foreign embassy, in times of peace he is immune from arrest."
+
+"And he will take the paper with him when he leaves Italy," said
+Major Derevaux.
+
+"It was stolen once," said Hal thoughtfully. "Why cannot it be
+stolen again?"
+
+"What do you mean?" asked Colonel Fuesco.
+
+"Just what I say. Robard stole the document from you. Some one must
+recover it from Robard without his knowledge."
+
+"An excellent idea!" exclaimed General Ferrari. "But who will do
+this work?"
+
+"We shall be glad to undertake it, your excellency," said Hal.
+
+"You! But you are so young for such a piece of work."
+
+"Don't you believe it, general," Major Derevaux interrupted. "If the
+papers can be recovered, these lads can get them. You could not put the
+mission in better hands."
+
+"But the danger--"
+
+"We have been in danger before, sir," said Chester quietly.
+
+The general considered a moment, and then brought a hand down on his desk
+with tremendous force.
+
+"So be it!" he exclaimed. "And if you are successful, Italy will know how
+to reward you."
+
+"We seek no reward, sir," said Hal quietly. "Then we are at liberty to go
+now, sir?"
+
+"Yes. I shall not hamper you with instructions."
+
+"All we wish to know, sir," said Hal, "is whether Robard still is at the
+Austrian embassy."
+
+"He is," was the reply, "and will be until some time to-morrow, when the
+ambassador will be given his passports."
+
+"Can I be of any assistance?" asked Colonel Fuesco, stepping forward.
+
+"If you can, we shall call on you," replied Hal.
+
+"Good," said the colonel, and, drawing out a card, he scribbled an
+address on it. "You will find me there," he said. "I shall remain at my
+quarters in the hopes that I may be given a hand in the game."
+
+The lads shook hands with the general and walked to the door.
+
+"Wait a moment, boys," said Major Derevaux. "I want a few words with the
+general, and then I shall be at liberty to go with you."
+
+"If it is all the same to you, Major Derevaux," said the general, "I
+would prefer to postpone our conference until this evening. I have
+several matters that require my immediate attention."
+
+Major Derevaux accepted this postponement graciously, and announced that
+he would accompany the boys at once. As they would have passed out, the
+general's orderly once more entered the room.
+
+"The American ambassador is without, sir," he said, "and demands an
+immediate interview with you."
+
+General Ferrari turned to Colonel Fuesco.
+
+"You see what trouble you have brought down on my head," he said, with a
+smile. "I won't bother to see the ambassador now," he said to his
+orderly. "I shall send these lads to greet him."
+
+In response to these words, Hal and Chester, accompanied by Major
+Derevaux and Colonel Fuesco, made their way from the room. In the
+corridor they encountered the American ambassador and Uncle John.
+The latter was walking back and forth nervously and muttering
+angrily to himself.
+
+"Here we are, Uncle John," said Chester.
+
+Uncle John jumped as though he had been shot, for he had not perceived
+their approach.
+
+"You young rascals," he exclaimed, "so you have been released, eh?"
+
+"Yes," said Chester quickly, "we have been released providing we can
+really apprehend the man who is the spy."
+
+"What do you mean?" asked Uncle John anxiously.
+
+Hal followed Chester's lead, for he wished no obstacle to be put in
+their path.
+
+"If we can catch the spy, we shall be permitted to go free," he said,
+
+"I see," said Uncle John. "But I can't see that spy-catching is any of
+your business."
+
+"Well, we have promised to do the best we can," said Chester.
+
+"In that case, I have nothing to say," said Uncle John. "But remember we
+are due to sail for home to-morrow."
+
+"Oh, we can wait over for the next ship," said Chester.
+
+"Perhaps," said Uncle John, with a twinkle in his eye. "We shall see what
+your mothers have to say about that."
+
+Hal now bethought himself to introduce Uncle John to his friends. This
+accomplished, the American ambassador announced that he would be moving,
+and took his departure. The others Uncle John invited to have lunch with
+him in a nearby hotel.
+
+Over the table, Hal asked Major Derevaux what he was doing in Rome.
+
+"I don't know as it is my secret now," replied the major. "I am here with
+a despatch from General Joffre. I cannot say exactly what the despatch
+contains, but at a guess I would say it has to do with the entrance of
+Italy into the war, and plans for a possible simultaneous advance between
+all the troops opposed to the Austro-German army."
+
+"I see," said Hal. "That would be a great thing. I wish we were going
+back to the front with you."
+
+"Well, you're not," said Uncle John briefly.
+
+"We won't argue about it," said Chester, smiling. "But you never can tell
+what will happen."
+
+Uncle John changed the subject abruptly. When the conversation reached
+this stage he always felt uncomfortable.
+
+"When are you going to start spy-hunting?" he asked.
+
+Chester looked at Hal.
+
+"What do you think?" he inquired.
+
+"Well, I should say not until to-night," replied Hal. "I don't believe we
+could do much good in the day time."
+
+"My idea exactly," agreed Chester. "We may have to make a few
+preparations."
+
+"I would like to go with you boys," said Major Derevaux, "but I fear it
+will be impossible. I must return immediately I have had my interview
+with General Ferrari."
+
+Uncle John had been sitting silent during all this conversation, but
+now he straightened in his chair and brought his fist down on the table
+with a bang.
+
+"By Jove!" he exclaimed. "All this talk makes me feel young again. What's
+the matter with my joining this expedition?"
+
+The two lads gazed at him in wonder. Uncle John saw the amazement written
+on their features.
+
+"I mean it," he continued. "I want a hand in this game myself. Here,
+waiter, check!" he called.
+
+He paid the check and rose from the table.
+
+"You wait here for me," he instructed the boys.
+
+"Where are you going?" asked Chester.
+
+"Going to buy a gun," replied Uncle John; "going to outfit myself to join
+the spy-hunters."
+
+He stalked from the room.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+ON THE TRAIL.
+
+
+The stars were shining when Hal and Chester, accompanied by Uncle John,
+made their way from the hotel toward the Austrian legation. Uncle John
+was chuckling to himself as he walked between his two younger companions.
+
+"What is so funny, Uncle John?" asked Chester.
+
+"I was just thinking what your mothers would say if they knew where we
+were going," was the reply; "particularly if they knew where I was going.
+I guess they think I am too old for this foolishness, but I tell you, a
+man likes to be young again."
+
+"What did you tell mother? Where did you say we were going?" asked Hal.
+
+"I told her we were going out--I didn't say where," was the answer. "I'm
+something of a strategist myself, you know."
+
+"I see you are," replied Chester.
+
+"Now I want you boys to understand that I am under your orders," said
+Uncle John. "You are older heads at this game than I am. I am willing to
+obey orders."
+
+"Which is the first essential of every good soldier," said Chester
+quietly.
+
+"By the way," said Uncle John, patting his pocket, "this is the first
+time I have had a gun in my hands for a good many years. However, I used
+to be able to hit the side of a barn. I guess I haven't forgotten. Do you
+think we shall have to do any shooting?"
+
+"I hope not," said Hal, "but you never can tell."
+
+Uncle John lapsed into silence and the three made their way along slowly.
+The hour was early, and, as Hal had said, there was no rush.
+
+"Have you formed any definite plan?" asked Chester of Hal, as they
+walked along.
+
+"Well, no," was the reply. "We shall have to let events shape
+themselves."
+
+"Which is the best plan, after all," said Chester.
+
+An hour's walk brought them to the embassy building.
+
+"The first thing," said Hal, "is to find out if Robard is in."
+
+"And how are you going to do that?" asked Uncle John.
+
+"Simple," replied Hal. "I'll go up and ask."
+
+He approached the door and rang the bell. A servant opened the door.
+
+"Is Herr Robard in?" asked Hal in perfect German.
+
+The man shook his head.
+
+"I have an important message for him," said Hal. "When shall I
+find him in?"
+
+The servant glanced at him sharply, then leaned close.
+
+"Are you the messenger Herr Robard expects?" he asked, in a low voice.
+
+Hal glanced sharply about him, more for effect than anything else, and
+replied, speaking softly:
+
+"From the Wilhelmstrasse."
+
+"Good," said the man, nodding his pleasure. "I am instructed to tell you
+to come back at a little before ten o'clock."
+
+"Will Herr Robard be here then?"
+
+"Possibly not, but you can wait."
+
+"I shall be here," said Hal, and walked down the steps.
+
+He rejoined Chester and Uncle John, who had waited around the corner.
+
+"I was beginning to fear something had happened to you," said Uncle John.
+
+"What luck?" demanded Chester.
+
+"Better than could be expected," said Hal, and repeated the conversation
+with the servant.
+
+"And who do you suppose this messenger is?" asked Chester.
+
+"A German secret agent," replied Hal decidedly.
+
+"That was the first thought that flashed through my head when he asked me
+who I was, which is the reason I took a long chance and mentioned the
+Wilhelmstrasse."
+
+"You seem to have hit the nail on the head," said Chester.
+
+"Which was luck," said Hal.
+
+"Or quick wit," interposed Uncle John.
+
+"Well," said Chester, "what next? And what are we to do while you are in
+the house? Surely you are not expecting that we shall all be admitted?"
+
+"No," replied Hal, "and my plan is this: I shall reach the house somewhat
+earlier than the time set, moving up my watch to avoid suspicion should
+anything be said. Thus I shall make sure that Robard has not returned. I
+shall wait.
+
+"Now, when the servant leaves the room, I shall, in some manner, raise
+the window facing the spot where you stood while I went up to the door a
+moment ago. Then you and Uncle John can come in. Of course, I may not be
+left in that particular room to wait, but I shall manage some way. I'll
+cover your entrance with my gun."
+
+"Good," said Chester, "but then what? Will you try to take the papers
+forcibly or by stealth?"
+
+"Whichever way seems the most likely to succeed," said Hal briefly.
+"Something must be left to chance."
+
+"Well," said Chester, "we may as well return to the hotel for a couple of
+hours. It's early yet."
+
+"Not much," said Uncle John. "I don't want to have to answer any
+questions. Not me. Let's go some place else."
+
+"We'll walk about, then," Hal decided.
+
+This was done.
+
+At fifteen minutes to ten o'clock Hal once more mounted the steps to the
+Austrian embassy. Chester and Uncle John took their places at the spot
+agreed upon, and waited.
+
+The same servant opened the door for Hal.
+
+"You are early," he said, somewhat suspiciously it seemed to Hal.
+
+"Why, no," replied the lad, manifesting surprise. "I am on the dot, as I
+always am. Ten o'clock."
+
+"But it is not ten yet," said the man.
+
+Hal drew out his watch and looked at it.
+
+"Ten to the minute," he said, and held it up so the man could see.
+
+"Your watch is wrong," was the reply. "However, I suppose it makes no
+difference. Come in."
+
+He held the door open while Hal entered, then closed it.
+
+"This way," he said, and led the way down the hall. Fortunately, he
+turned into a room facing upon the street where Chester and Uncle John
+waited without, though it was the room beyond the one beneath the
+window of which they stood. But, Hal noticed, there was a door between
+the two rooms.
+
+"Ought to be easy enough," he told himself.
+
+"You can wait here for Herr Robard," said the servant, and moved
+to withdraw.
+
+"This is the Herr Robard's private office, I take it," said Hal.
+
+"You are wrong," was the reply. "His office is just across the hall. But
+no one is allowed to enter there unless the Herr is with him, and the
+door is always locked."
+
+"I see," said Hal, mentally thanking the man for the information, which
+had come a great deal easier than he had expected. "The Herr is a careful
+man. It is as it should be."
+
+"You can make yourself at home here until he comes," said the servant.
+"There are magazines and books. I have other matters to attend to."
+
+"All right," said Hal, for he now wished to get rid of the man without
+more loss of time; he had gained all the information he could hope for
+without laying himself open to suspicion.
+
+The man withdrew. Hal glanced at his watch.
+
+"Ten-five," he muttered. "That means ten minutes to ten. Robard may come
+sooner than expected. I must hurry."
+
+Quietly he arose and silently crossed the room. He tried the knob to the
+door of the next room. The door was locked. He glanced down. There was a
+key in the lock, and it turned easily. Hal unlocked the door and passed
+into the room beyond.
+
+Quickly he crossed to the window, and then paused a moment, listening
+attentively. There was no sound. Unfastening the catch, the lad raised
+the window gently. It went up without so much as a sound. Hal poked his
+head out, and called in a low voice:
+
+"All right."
+
+He stepped back and drew his revolver and took his place in the shadow,
+commanding a view of both doors to the room.
+
+He heard faint sounds without, and concluded rightly that Chester was
+giving Uncle John a hand up. A moment later Uncle John's head appeared at
+the window, and he clambered into the room. He was unable to see Hal in
+the darkness and called:
+
+"Where are you, Hal?"
+
+"Sh--h--h!" whispered Hal. "Come over here."
+
+Uncle John obeyed silently.
+
+There came a whistle from without. Hal recognized it as that of Chester.
+He hurried to the window and peered out.
+
+"What's the matter?" he called.
+
+"The window is too high, I can't reach the sill," was the reply. "Give
+me a hand."
+
+Hal started to lay down his gun and lend a hand, but thought better of
+it. He called to Uncle John.
+
+"Help Chester up," he whispered, and again took his position guarding the
+doors, with drawn revolver.
+
+Uncle John approached the window and leaned out. He seized Chester's
+uplifted hand, and pulled. A moment later Chester came scrambling through
+the window.
+
+"A pretty good climb, if you ask me," he said.
+
+At that moment the door from the hall was thrown open, and a man appeared
+in the doorway. In his hand he held a revolver, which he pointed straight
+at Uncle John and Chester, who stood in plain sight before the window.
+
+"Hands up!" he called.
+
+There was nothing for it but to obey. Uncle John's and Chester's hands
+went high in the air.
+
+Hal, well back from the light which streamed through the open door and
+the window, slunk further back in the darkness. He was unnoticed, and he
+knew that he held the whip hand.
+
+"So," said the man in the doorway, "burglars, eh? Well, I shall attend to
+your cases."
+
+With revolver levelled in a steady hand he advanced further into the
+room.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+UNCLE JOHN IN TROUBLE.
+
+
+A few paces in front of Chester and Uncle John the newcomer paused.
+
+"Armed?" he asked.
+
+Chester made no reply. Uncle John remained silent.
+
+"We'll see," said the newcomer briefly.
+
+Still covering them with his weapon, he put his free hand in Chester's
+pocket and relieved the lad of his revolver. A similar operation and
+Uncle John's gun came forth. Uncle John could keep quiet no longer.
+
+"There goes my gun," he said sorrowfully.
+
+In spite of the seriousness of the situation Chester was forced to laugh.
+
+"Don't worry; you'll get it back," he replied.
+
+"You think so, eh?" sneered the newcomer. "Tell me," addressing Chester,
+"what are you doing here?"
+
+"That's for you to find out," replied the lad.
+
+"Well, I'll find out," exclaimed the man. "Do you know who I am?"
+
+"Why, yes; your name is Robard, isn't it?"
+
+The other stepped back in surprise.
+
+"So you know me, eh!" he exclaimed. "Then you are not burglars."
+
+"Hardly," replied Chester.
+
+"Then what are you doing here?"
+
+"I can't see that it will do any harm to tell you," was Chester's answer.
+"We are after the paper you stole from Colonel Fuesco to-day."
+
+"Oho! And by any chance are you the same youngster I encountered in
+the street?"
+
+"The same," replied Chester briefly.
+
+"And where is the other? Surely," peering closely at Uncle John, "you are
+not he. He was younger."
+
+"Right you are," replied Uncle John. "But I guess he'll turn up when he
+is most needed."
+
+"You think so? Then he had better turn up quickly." He turned again to
+Chester. "So you came after the paper," he said. "I am very sorry to say
+that you will not get it."
+
+"Then you have sent it to Vienna," said Chester, somewhat crestfallen.
+
+"Oh, no, I still have it right here," and Robard tapped the breast pocket
+of his coat.
+
+"Thanks," said Chester. "I just wanted to know where you kept it."
+
+"I suppose you think you are very smart," said the Austrian, somewhat
+angry at having betrayed himself.
+
+"Smart enough, I guess," returned Chester.
+
+"Come, I have had enough of this," exclaimed the Austrian. "Hold your
+hands up now, and march out of this room ahead of me."
+
+He waved his revolver from one to the other, and stepped aside that the
+two might pass ahead of him. Uncle John and Chester obeyed his injunction
+and moved toward the door. The Austrian took a step after them.
+
+It was at this moment that Hal came into action.
+
+With a sudden spring he leaped upon the Austrian from behind. With one
+hand he seized the wrist that held the revolver, and turned it upward.
+With the other he clutched the man by the throat, shutting off his wind
+and preventing him from crying out. Hal called to Chester:
+
+"Grab him!"
+
+Chester and Uncle John wheeled about and lent a hand in subduing the
+Austrian. Three against one, it was easy work, and after a short
+struggle Robard lay panting on the floor. Hal drew his own revolver and
+covered him.
+
+"One move and you are a dead man," he said quietly.
+
+Robard glared up at him angrily. Chester smiled at him pleasantly.
+
+"You see I am smarter than you gave me credit for," he said.
+
+The Austrian made no response.
+
+"He keeps the paper in his pocket, Hal," said Chester.
+
+"So I heard him say," replied Hal.
+
+He bent over the Austrian and thrust a hand into his pocket. He pulled
+forth a batch of papers, and walking over to the window, ran through them
+hurriedly.
+
+"Find it?" asked Chester, walking over to him.
+
+Hal extended a paper.
+
+"I guess this is it, all right," he said, and thrust the document into
+his pocket.
+
+At that moment there came a startled cry from Uncle John, followed by
+a heavy thud. Hal and Chester wheeled quickly, just in time to see
+Robard disappearing through the door, which closed after him with a
+bang. A key turned in the lock. The thud they had heard was Uncle John
+toppling to the floor as the result of a blow delivered by the
+Austrian, who, catching Uncle John off his guard, had sprung to his
+feet and attacked him.
+
+Hal jumped to the door, while Chester bent over Uncle John and assisted
+him to his feet.
+
+"The scoundrel!" exclaimed Uncle John. "He took me by surprise. He gave
+me no warning."
+
+"Surely you didn't expect him to," said Chester, somewhat angry.
+
+Hal sprang to Chester's side.
+
+"Quick!" he exclaimed. "We must get out of here. Robard will have
+assistance in a moment."
+
+"Which way? Out the window?" asked Chester.
+
+"I guess that will be the best way," said Hal. "You first, Uncle John."
+
+The three hurried to the window, and Uncle John put a leg over the sill.
+As he did so a sharp shot rang out and Uncle John withdrew his leg
+hurriedly. He tumbled over to the floor, and seizing his foot in his
+hand, rocked himself back and forward.
+
+"Hit?" asked Chester anxiously.
+
+"I'm afraid so," replied Uncle John, apparently very much frightened.
+
+Chester bent over him.
+
+He looked at the heel of Uncle John's shoe, and then exclaimed.
+
+"Get up. You are all right. The bullet just carried your heel away."
+
+Uncle John rose to his feet.
+
+"Felt like I had been plugged through the leg," he said. "Just the shock,
+I guess. Well, what now, boys? We can't get out that way."
+
+"We'll have to go through the door, then," said Chester.
+
+He approached and tried the knob.
+
+"It's locked," said Hal. "I tried it a moment ago. However, that's the
+way we shall have to go out. Stand back a little."
+
+He drew his revolver, put the muzzle to the lock and fired. There was a
+loud explosion and the room filled with smoke. Hal seized the knob and
+threw the door open.
+
+"Where are your guns?" he asked Chester hurriedly.
+
+"Robard took them," replied Chester.
+
+"Then they must be in the room. Find them quickly."
+
+Chester looked hurriedly about. At last his eyes lighted upon them,
+on a little table at the far end of the room, where the Austrian had
+laid them.
+
+"All right," said Chester, picking them up and passing one to Uncle John.
+"The sooner we make a start the better."
+
+"Let's go then," said Hal.
+
+He poked his head cautiously out the door and looked down the hall. There
+was no one in sight.
+
+"Coast clear," he called over his shoulder. "Follow me!"
+
+He sprang into the hall and started for the front door on a dead run.
+Chester was right behind him, and Uncle John followed close upon
+Chester's heels.
+
+Hal was just about to seize the knob in his free hand, when it was turned
+from the outside.
+
+"Back, quick," called the lad. "Some one coming."
+
+He wheeled about as he spoke and the other two did likewise. They
+had barely regained their retreat when heavy footsteps were heard
+in the hall.
+
+"This way," called a voice in German.
+
+The footsteps came toward them, stopped before the door a moment, and
+then passed on.
+
+"Now for another trial," whispered Hal.
+
+Again he poked his head out and saw that the coast was apparently clear.
+
+"Come on!" he cried, and made a second dash for the front door. Chester
+followed him, as did Uncle John.
+
+This time Hal reached the door without trouble and threw it open. Without
+pausing, he dashed through it and down the steps. Chester was right
+behind him. But as Uncle John also would have passed out, there came a
+shot from behind and he toppled to the floor.
+
+In the excitement neither Chester nor Hal noticed this and they had gone
+half a block before they discovered that Uncle John was not with them.
+
+"Great Scott! What can have happened to him?" exclaimed Chester.
+
+"Probably got caught," replied Hal.
+
+"Then we must go back after him. Come on."
+
+"Wait a minute," said Hal. "Don't forget this paper we recovered. It must
+be returned to General Ferrari, Uncle John or no Uncle John."
+
+"But we can't let them kill him!" cried Chester.
+
+"They won't kill him," said Hal positively. "They would be afraid to do
+that. First I must deliver this paper, and then we shall try to rescue
+Uncle John. But the paper is first. You know that."
+
+"You are right, of course," Chester agreed. "Besides Uncle John knew what
+he was up against before he came with us. He'll have to wait until we can
+help him."
+
+"All right, then. Now my idea is for you to wait here while I return this
+paper to General Ferrari. Then I shall come back and we will see what can
+be done. If they should take Uncle John from the house you follow them."
+
+"Suits me," said Chester. "Get back as soon as you can."
+
+Hal waved a hand and hurried away in the darkness.
+
+"Guess I'll see if I can learn anything," said Chester to himself, after
+Hal had disappeared.
+
+He approached the embassy cautiously. He could see lights within, but the
+shades were drawn and he could distinguish nothing. Once he thought he
+heard sounds of a struggle in the house, but he could not be sure.
+
+He was on the point of entering, but it occurred to him that if he should
+fall into the enemy's hands he could do Uncle John little good.
+
+"I'll wait until Hal comes back, anyhow," he decided at last.
+
+He walked some distance from the embassy, still remaining close enough to
+see any one who should leave by the front door, and sat down on the steps
+before a large stone house.
+
+"Hope Hal gets a move on," he muttered to himself, as he settled himself
+as comfortably as possible.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+UNCLE JOHN SHOWS HIS METTLE.
+
+
+When Uncle John fell to the floor, his first feeling was one of anger. He
+scarcely felt the sharp pain in his leg, where a bullet had grazed the
+skin. He saw Chester disappearing ahead of him, and his first thought was
+to get up and hurry after him.
+
+He pulled himself to his feet and again moved toward the door. As he did
+so he felt a pair of arms thrown about him from behind. Uncle John turned
+to give battle to this assailant.
+
+Now Uncle John was a big man and in his youth had been noted for his
+strength. Time had sapped his prowess, however, and he knew that he was
+no match for his adversary. Nevertheless, he determined to fight it out.
+
+With an effort he shook off the encircling arms and faced his opponent,
+who proved to be none other than Robard himself. Bethinking himself of
+the days of his youth, when he had been considered something of a boxer,
+Uncle John decided to keep the other at arm's length, if possible.
+Therefore he squared off in most approved fashion.
+
+It was plain that the Austrian was not an exponent of the art of
+self-defense and Uncle John sent three hard blows to the man's face,
+before the latter stepped back and sought to bring his revolver to bear.
+But Uncle John had no mind to be shot down and he sprang forward and
+seized the other in a fierce embrace. This style of fighting was more to
+the Austrian's liking.
+
+A big man himself, he was nothing loath to test Uncle John's wrestling
+ability. He threw his arms about him, and the two struggled up and down
+the long hall, panting and gasping.
+
+But the Austrian was a younger man and he soon realized that Uncle John
+was beginning to tire. The latter realized it also and knew that if he
+would be successful, it must be immediately. He put a foot in back of the
+Austrian and pushed hard. Robard lost his balance and fell, but he kept
+his grip, and Uncle John was pulled to the floor with him.
+
+Uncle John freed an arm and planted his fist squarely in the Austrian's
+face. The latter gave a cry of rage and shouted for help. Uncle John
+smiled grimly.
+
+"You'll need it," he said.
+
+Again he raised a fist and brought it down with all his force. The
+Austrian's arms relaxed their grip. He quivered a bit, and then sank back
+unconscious. Uncle John got to his feet.
+
+"I'm not so bad at that," he told himself modestly. "I wish the boys
+could have been here to see that. Now to get out of here."
+
+He moved toward the door, but even as he would have opened it, it moved
+back and three men stepped inside. They saw Uncle John and the
+unconscious form of Robard at first glance, and sprang upon Uncle John
+with a shout.
+
+Uncle John drew a long breath and waded into the midst of them.
+
+The newcomers also proved to be novices in the fistic art, and as long as
+Uncle John was able to keep them at long range he gave a good account of
+himself. But, realizing that they were getting the worst of this kind of
+fighting, one of the men gave a command to close in. In vain Uncle John
+strove to keep them off. One threw himself to the floor, and avoiding a
+heavy kick, grasped Uncle John by the leg, pulling him down. The others
+piled on top of him.
+
+Two minutes later Uncle John had ceased to struggle, and lay powerless in
+the hands of his captors.
+
+"Well, you've got me," he said. "Now what?"
+
+Still keeping a tight grip upon him, the men assisted Uncle John to his
+feet. One drew a revolver and covered him. The other two went to the
+assistance of Robard, who was just getting to his feet. The latter came
+forward with an angry gleam in his eye.
+
+"So I've got you at last," he said. "Well, I'll see that you don't get
+away this time."
+
+"You weren't big enough to get me alone," said Uncle John, panting from
+his exertions.
+
+"I wasn't, eh!" shouted Robard, now furiously angry. "I've got you now,
+and you shall pay. Take that!"
+
+He dealt Uncle John a heavy blow with the back of his hand.
+
+In his early days Uncle John had been noted for his fiery temper. It
+was said of him that when his temper was aroused, he became a maniac.
+So it was now.
+
+Taking no thought of the man who held the revolver almost in his face,
+Uncle John, his cheek red from the imprint of the Austrian's hand,
+uttered a cry of rage, and leaped forward. His move was so unexpected
+that the man with the revolver did not fire, and when at last he had
+again brought his revolver to bear, he feared to press the trigger lest
+he might hit his friend as well as foe.
+
+Uncle John, in a moment, was the center of a struggling, shouting mass.
+His fists flew about like flails and he kicked out with his feet
+whenever occasion presented itself. One, two, three heavy blows he
+landed upon Robard's face, and the Austrian suddenly collapsed in a
+heap. Still fighting mad, Uncle John whirled upon the other three, who
+now closed with him.
+
+A right-handed jolt caught one of them flush on the jaw and he toppled
+over backwards without so much as a groan. The other brought a fist
+heavily to Uncle John's nose, bringing blood, but before he could repeat
+the blow, Uncle John had placed him hors de combat with a terrific
+left-handed punch to the abdomen.
+
+Then the third man drew back and presented his revolver, but Uncle John
+sprang forward with a cry and before the man's finger could press the
+trigger, Uncle John had seized him about the middle. Raising him high in
+the air, he swung him to one side, and the man's head struck the wall
+with a crunch even as the revolver exploded.
+
+Uncle John dropped the limp body and surveyed the field. His anger had
+departed and he was again a cool and self-possessed American gentleman of
+middle age.
+
+"There's that temper of mine again," he said reprovingly to himself.
+"Why, I might have killed somebody. After all these years I should
+have it under control. I guess I'll be moving before some one makes me
+real mad."
+
+He stooped and picked up his hat, which had fallen on the floor, took one
+last look at his fallen foes, and opened the door and passed out.
+
+Down the street he saw a solitary figure sitting upon the steps in front
+of a large stone house, and he walked in the other direction.
+
+"I've had trouble enough for one night," he told himself. "Guess I will
+give that fellow a wide berth."
+
+And had he gone toward the seated figure he would have avoided more
+trouble for all concerned, and Hal and Chester would probably never have
+seen active service with the Italian army. For the figure that caused
+Uncle John to turn his footsteps in the opposite direction was Chester,
+awaiting the return of Hal.
+
+"Wonder why those young scalawags didn't come back to help me?" mused
+Uncle John, as he walked along toward the hotel. "I'll tell them what I
+think of them for running away and leaving me to do all the fighting."
+
+Uncle John glanced at his watch.
+
+"Great Scott!" he exclaimed. "Twelve o'clock! Why, it doesn't seem
+fifteen minutes since we went in that house. Guess Hal and Chester have
+returned to the hotel by this time. What shall I tell the women folks?
+They'll wonder what a man of my age is prowling about the streets of Rome
+for at this hour of the night."
+
+He entered his hotel and made his way toward the elevator. It descended,
+and as he would have entered, he bumped squarely into Mrs. Paine and
+Mrs. Crawford.
+
+"John," cried the latter, "where is Chester?"
+
+"Where is Hal?" demanded Mrs. Paine anxiously.
+
+"Why, they--aren't they--they'll be here in a few minutes," stuttered
+Uncle John.
+
+"Where are they?" demanded the two anxious mothers in a single voice.
+
+"Now hold on here," said Uncle John, regaining his composure with an
+effort. "I'll explain. Hal and Chester are all right. They'll be here in
+a few minutes."
+
+"And what on earth is the matter with you, John?" asked Mrs. Crawford
+in surprise.
+
+"What's the matter with me?"
+
+"Yes. Your collar is half off, your clothes are dirty and there is blood
+on your shoe. What is the matter?"
+
+"Well, nothing much," replied Uncle John in great confusion, "you see, I
+had--I had a--"
+
+"And were Hal and Chester with you?" asked Mrs. Paine.
+
+"Yes, that is no. I mean--" stuttered Uncle John.
+
+"Come now, John, no fibbing," said Mrs. Crawford. "You were in trouble,
+and Hal and Chester were with you. Where are they now?"
+
+"Well, to tell the truth, I don't know where they are," said Uncle John.
+"I supposed they would be here by this time."
+
+In a few words he explained what had transpired.
+
+"They left the house without being hurt?" asked Mrs. Paine.
+
+"Yes, ma'am."
+
+"Then where can they be now?" demanded Mrs. Crawford.
+
+"I'm sure I don't know, unless they have stopped for a talk with the
+general, and that's about the size of it."
+
+"I guess you are right," replied Mrs. Paine with relief. "But why didn't
+you tell us all this before you went out to-night?"
+
+"Yes, why didn't you?" demanded Mrs. Crawford.
+
+"Well," said Uncle John slowly, "we didn't want to worry you."
+
+"You are getting too old for such foolishness," declared Mrs. Crawford.
+
+"I thought so myself," replied Uncle John, "but I know better now. If you
+had seen the licking I handed those four Austrians you would think I was
+a boy again."
+
+"I'll think you have reached your second childhood if you ever let me
+hear of anything like it again," declared his sister.
+
+Uncle John was growing tired of this conversation. He wanted to be
+let alone.
+
+"I'll go out and see if I can find the boys," he said.
+
+"Please do," said Mrs. Paine.
+
+"And see that you keep out of mischief yourself," adjured Mrs. Crawford.
+
+Uncle John shook his head as he walked away.
+
+"These women are funny things," he said. "I wonder what can have happened
+to those boys? They've probably gone back to look for me. Guess I had
+better head that way myself. I may come in handy, you never can tell."
+
+He patted the revolver, which still rested securely in his pocket.
+
+"I may have use for this next time," he muttered, as he quickened his
+steps toward the Austrian legation.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+CAPTURED.
+
+
+Chester rose to his feet, as he saw a figure hurrying toward him.
+
+"Must be Hal," he said.
+
+He was right. A moment later Hal came up to him.
+
+"Did you give the general the paper?" asked Chester.
+
+"Yes. Any one come out of the house?"
+
+"I haven't seen any one, and I have been right here all the time you
+were gone."
+
+"Hear any sounds from within?"
+
+"Thought I did several times, but I couldn't be sure. Thought I heard a
+shot once."
+
+"Well, we had better go and have a look. I don't believe they will harm
+Uncle John, but he probably is beginning to be worried by this time."
+
+He led the way and Chester followed him. Hal mounted the steps without
+hesitancy and turned the knob of the door. The door opened and the lad
+stepped inside, where he halted with a cry of surprise. Chester peered
+over his shoulder.
+
+"Looks like a cyclone had struck this place," Hal ejaculated.
+
+It did indeed. Robard was lying upon the floor, with a man on either side
+of him, and a fourth lay some distance away, his skull crushed in.
+
+"Uncle John probably was the cyclone," said Chester briefly. "I have
+heard that he used to be considerable of a fighter in his younger days."
+
+"And still he could hardly have done all this," said Hal.
+
+"Remember Alexis," said Chester sententiously.
+
+"That's different," replied Hal.
+
+"Well, maybe so, but--"
+
+Chester broke off and grabbed Hal by the arm.
+
+"Sh-h-h," he whispered.
+
+Hal listened attentively for a few seconds. The faint sound of footsteps
+could be heard approaching from further back in the house. At the same
+moment Robard groaned, moved about and sat up. The hands of the two lads
+dropped to their pockets.
+
+But before they could draw their weapons, they were startled by a voice
+behind them.
+
+"Hands up!" it said.
+
+There was no mistaking the menace in the quiet tones and Hal and Chester
+realized that the owner of the voice meant business.
+
+"Good work, Fritz," came the voice of Robard, and he pulled himself to
+his feet with some difficulty and advanced toward the boys. "I'll thank
+you for your guns," he said. "No, I'll get them myself," he added as both
+boys moved their hands toward the weapons.
+
+He suited the action to the word and relieved the lads of their
+automatics.
+
+"Now stand back there against the wall," he commanded.
+
+The boys obeyed.
+
+Robard now gave his attention to the injured men on the floor. Two of
+them showed signs of returning consciousness and soon were able to get to
+their feet. The other could not be revived, and at a command from Robard,
+he was carried to another room.
+
+"Well, I've got you this time," said Robard to Hal and Chester, "and this
+time I'll guarantee you don't get away."
+
+"I wouldn't be too sure of that," said Hal with a smile. "We are pretty
+hard to hold on to."
+
+"I'll hold on to you, never fear," was the response. "I'd like to get my
+hands on the other."
+
+"Then he has gotten away?" queried Chester.
+
+"Oh, yes, he got away all right," said Robard with a frown. "He's as
+strong as an ox, and a real fighter."
+
+"Then he was responsible for all this human wreckage we found when we
+came in?" demanded Hal.
+
+"He was," was the grim reply, "but the next time I get my hands on him
+there will be a different story to tell. Why, he's a madman when he
+gets started."
+
+"Then I would advise you to keep away from him," said Hal.
+
+The sound of footsteps outside the door prevented Robard from replying.
+Levelling a revolver at the lads, he motioned them to be silent, and took
+up a position at the side of the hall, where he would be concealed by the
+door when it swung inward.
+
+A hand turned the knob and the door swung back. Uncle John's face
+appeared in the doorway. He saw Hal and Chester immediately and advanced
+with a smile.
+
+"So here you are," he said. "Your mothers--"
+
+The sentence died on his lips as Robard, who had stepped quietly from
+behind the door, brought the butt of his heavy revolver down upon his
+head. Uncle John dropped to the floor like a log.
+
+The action had been so sudden that neither Hal nor Chester had time to
+give a cry of warning, though both would have done so, in spite of
+Robard's command for them to remain quiet. As Uncle John fell, Chester
+stepped forward, but he was confronted by the barrel of Robard's gun.
+
+"Stand back," said the Austrian.
+
+Chester obeyed. There was nothing else he could do in the face of certain
+death should he refuse.
+
+Now Robard called two of his men, and Uncle John was carried into an
+adjoining room. Robard motioned Hal and Chester in also.
+
+Uncle John was laid upon the bed, and at a command from Robard, was
+tightly bound. Hal and Chester were also tied to chairs, after which
+Robard took his leave, saying:
+
+"I'll see you the first thing in the morning."
+
+"What are you going to do with us?" demanded Chester.
+
+"I haven't decided yet," was the reply. "But wait. If you will return me
+the paper you took from me I shall let you all go now."
+
+"It's too late," said Hal quietly. "I gave the paper to General Ferrari."
+
+"I had surmised as much," said Robard. "Well, good-night."
+
+He waved a hand airily and stepped from the room. Then he turned and
+poked his head back through the door.
+
+"A word more," he said. "In case you should unloose your bonds, I would
+advise you not to try to escape. There will be a man on guard here in the
+hall all night, and another outside, so you cannot leave by the window."
+
+"Thanks," said Hal dryly.
+
+Robard withdrew his head and a key grated in the lock.
+
+"Well, now what are we going to do?" asked Hal.
+
+"You've got me," replied Chester. "Say, do you know this reminds me of
+old times--of the days in France, Belgium and Russia."
+
+"You bet," agreed Hal, "and those were the good old days."
+
+At this juncture Uncle John moaned feebly and his eyelids fluttered. A
+moment later the lids opened and he gazed at Hal and Chester curiously.
+Then the light of comprehension dawned upon his face and he spoke:
+
+"So they have got us all, eh?"
+
+"Yes, they've got us," replied Chester.
+
+"The trouble will be to keep us," said Hal. "How do you feel, sir?"
+
+"Not much," replied Uncle John. "What did he hit me with, a crowbar?"
+
+"No, just a revolver butt," replied Chester, grinning.
+
+"How did they happen to capture you boys?"
+
+"We came back here looking for you, as soon as Hal had delivered the
+paper to General Ferrari," Chester explained.
+
+"Your mothers are worried almost to death," said Uncle John.
+
+"I'm afraid they will worry a whole lot more before we get out of here,"
+said Chester. "I don't know what Robard will do with us."
+
+"Perhaps we may see the Austrian ambassador," said Hal hopefully.
+"Certainly he would stand for no such work as this."
+
+"I don't know about that," said Chester. "They are likely to all
+be alike."
+
+"Well, we shall just have to make the best of it," said Hal.
+
+"By the way, Uncle John," said Chester, "you must be considerable of a
+fighter. You laid these fellows out in great shape a while ago."
+
+"I did do a pretty fair job," admitted his uncle, "but they made me mad."
+
+"I vote that we try to get a little sleep," said Hal. "It won't be very
+comfortable here in these chairs, but we shall have to make the best of
+it. Perhaps with the coming of daylight something will turn up."
+
+Chester tugged at his bonds in vain.
+
+"Can't budge 'em," he said.
+
+Hal closed his eyes.
+
+"I'm going to try to get forty winks," he said. "Good night."
+
+Chester followed his friend's example, and Uncle John also composed
+himself to sleep. And in spite of their uncomfortable positions,
+presently all slumbered.
+
+Hal was the first to awaken. The key turning in the lock of the door
+aroused him. Sunlight streamed in through the closed window. The face of
+Robard appeared in the door, and he entered the room.
+
+"Good morning," he said.
+
+At the sound of his voice, Chester and Uncle John opened their eyes.
+
+"Good morning," replied Hal. "I trust you have come to liberate us."
+
+"Of your bonds, yes," was the reply; "but I regret to say that I cannot
+set you free."
+
+"What are you going to do with us?"
+
+"Take you to Austria."
+
+"To Austria! Great Scott! What for?"
+
+"For no particular reason," said Robard, and his face suddenly took on
+a savage look, "except that you have thwarted me, and for that you
+shall pay. I shall probably lose my rank for my failure to obtain the
+papers, and if I do I want some one to take my spite out on. Do I make
+myself clear?"
+
+"Perfectly," replied Hal quietly. "It is very like a coward."
+
+Robard took a threatening step forward.
+
+"A coward, am I?" he cried in a loud voice.
+
+He made as though to strike the lad, then suddenly changed his mind.
+
+"I'll wait," he said. "I promise you shall regret those words before I am
+through with you."
+
+"And when do we start?" asked Chester.
+
+"To-night; after dark. A special train will be ready for the Austrian
+ambassador and his suite. You shall go with us. Of course the ambassador
+shall know nothing of your presence, for he would not permit me to work
+out a personal grudge in this way. I shall keep you out of his sight."
+
+"The ambassador has been given his passports then?" asked Chester.
+
+"He has, to Italy's sorrow. We shall wipe her off the map."
+
+"Don't forget you have a pretty sizable job on your hands
+already," said Hal.
+
+Robard made no reply, but turning on his heel, strode from the room.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+VENICE.
+
+
+As the boys had feared, they were given no opportunity to make a personal
+appeal to the Austrian ambassador. All day long they were kept in their
+improvised prison. They slept a little and talked a little, but try as
+they would they were unable to so much as loosen their bonds. But they
+all agreed on one thing, as expressed by Chester:
+
+"We'll make a break for freedom at the first opportunity, no matter what
+the odds against us."
+
+One of Robard's hirelings brought them a bite to eat about noon and again
+shortly after 6 o'clock. Darkness fell and still Robard himself had
+failed to appear.
+
+"Maybe the time for departure has been postponed," said Chester.
+
+"Hardly," replied Uncle John. "If the ambassador has been given his
+passports and has made arrangements to leave Italy he'll probably go at
+the appointed time."
+
+It was at this juncture that footsteps were heard without. The key turned
+in the lock and a moment later Robard stood before them.
+
+"Well," he said cheerfully, "all ready for your little trip?"
+
+"We're not what you would call ready," replied Hal, with an attempt
+at levity, "but if you say it's time to move, we may as well agree
+with you."
+
+"Your reasoning is to be commended," said Robard. He stepped to the door
+and raised his voice in a shout. A moment later a second man stood beside
+him. "Untie these fellows while I keep them covered," he ordered, at the
+same time producing a brace of automatics.
+
+The man stepped forward and with a few quick movements relieved the
+prisoners of their bonds. He stepped back.
+
+"Stand up!" commanded Robard, levelling his revolvers, "and mind,
+no tricks."
+
+Hal, Chester and Uncle John obeyed. It was a wonderful relief to be on
+their feet again and be able to stretch their cramped muscles.
+
+"By George! this feels better," said Chester.
+
+"Rather," agreed Hal dryly.
+
+Robard moved to one side of the room.
+
+"Out you go," he said, motioning toward the door with his revolver, but
+still keeping the three covered.
+
+"Which way?" asked Hal, playing for time.
+
+"Out the door is all you need to know," was the reply. "You'll find
+pleasant company there."
+
+One of the revolvers covered Hal threateningly.
+
+Hal walked toward the door, followed by Chester and then Uncle John.
+Robard followed close behind, with his man at his heels.
+
+Outside the door Hal led the way down the hall toward the front door,
+where he saw perhaps half a dozen other figures standing about. These
+proved to be more Austrians. Near the door Hal halted at a word of
+command from Robard and the three prisoners soon were surrounded.
+Their captors were all dressed in civilian attire, but from their
+military bearings, Hal and Chester concluded that they were Austrian
+army officers.
+
+Robard turned to one who stood somewhat apart from the others.
+
+"Everything ready?" he asked.
+
+"All ready," was the reply. "The baggage has been sent on ahead of us and
+the train to Venice will leave within the hour."
+
+"Good! And the ambassador?"
+
+"Will be here within half an hour," was the answer.
+
+Hal's heart leaped. Here, he thought, would be a chance to demand his
+freedom, and that of his companions. He was loath to believe that a man
+in the capacity of an ambassador would countenance such proceedings. But
+his hopes were doomed to disappointment.
+
+Within the half hour mentioned, the door was flung suddenly open
+and a small man hurried in. He gazed quickly about him and then
+spoke to Robard.
+
+"Everything ready?" he asked.
+
+"Yes, sir," was Robard's answer.
+
+The ambassador--for such the newcomer was--gazed rapidly about him. His
+eyes rested on Hal, Chester and Uncle John.
+
+"Who are these?" he demanded with a wave of his hand in their direction.
+
+"These," said Robard, taking a step forward, and throwing a warning look
+at the three prisoners, "are a trio who have too much knowledge of some
+of our plans. I thought it best to take them along, sir."
+
+Hal took a quick step forward, but even as he opened his mouth to speak,
+he felt something cold pressed against the back of his neck by a hand
+from behind. He closed his lips and fell back.
+
+The ambassador was silent a moment before replying. Then he said:
+
+"You are sure you are not taking too much upon yourself? You are certain
+you are right in your surmise?"
+
+"It is not a surmise, sir; it is a fact," returned Robard.
+
+For another moment the ambassador hesitated. Then he said with a shrug of
+his shoulders:
+
+"Very well then. Come; let us go."
+
+He led the way out the door, the others following. Hal, Chester and Uncle
+John were kept closely in the center of the little knot of men as all
+made their way down the steps to where three large automobiles stood
+waiting at the curb. The ambassador and Robard climbed into the first,
+and Hal found himself separated from his friends as he was pushed into
+the second machine; Chester and Uncle John were in the third.
+
+Twenty minutes later the three prisoners found themselves in a first
+class section on the special express for Venice, vigilantly guarded by
+two Austrians, who had been placed in charge of them after they had been
+securely tied up at Robard's command. Robard himself had entered another
+compartment with the ambassador.
+
+"You'll be safer this way," the Austrian had said with a smile, after
+testing their bonds to make sure they were secure.
+
+"Looks like we were pretty safe any way you might put us," replied
+Hal grimly.
+
+"You Americans are pretty slippery customers; I won't take any chances
+with you," was the rejoinder, and Robard took his leave.
+
+A few moments later a slight motion told the prisoners that the train
+had started.
+
+"Well, here we go," said Chester with a laugh. "We've been started for
+the enemy's country in this manner before."
+
+"Only on previous occasions our destination was Berlin instead of
+Venice," replied Hal.
+
+"Which is not our destination after all," said Uncle John. "Our true
+destination is back to the hotel where we left your mothers."
+
+"And I am sure we shall reach it eventually," said Hal hopefully.
+
+"How long does it take to get to Venice?" asked Chester.
+
+"I don't know exactly," replied Uncle John. "But we shall be there by
+daylight surely."
+
+"Perhaps we may get a chance to make a break for liberty," said Chester.
+
+"Don't bank on that, Chester," replied Hal. "It looks as though these
+fellows do things a little more thoroughly than their German cousins.
+Still there is always a chance."
+
+"While there's life there's hope, eh?" said Uncle John. "We'll see."
+
+"In the meantime," said Hal, "we may as well try to get a little sleep."
+
+"A good idea," agreed Chester. "Here goes."
+
+He closed his eyes and was soon in the land of dreams. Hal and Uncle John
+followed suit.
+
+How long they slept they did not know, but they were awakened by rough
+hands shaking them and the sound of gruff voices. Hal opened his eyes.
+Daylight streamed in through the windows of the compartment.
+
+"Get up!" commanded a harsh voice.
+
+Hal rubbed his eyes and called to Chester and Uncle John.
+
+"What's the matter?" asked the latter sleepily.
+
+"Venice, I guess," was the reply.
+
+Again their bonds were removed, and under cover of the revolvers of their
+captors, which the latter kept concealed in their coats but which the
+three prisoners knew were ever ready, Hal, Chester and Uncle John stepped
+from the car.
+
+The Austrian ambassador and Robard had alighted before them, and Hal
+could see them talking and gesticulating excitedly.
+
+"Wonder what's up?" he muttered.
+
+"Which way from here, do you suppose?" asked Chester.
+
+"Trieste, I should say," replied Uncle John. "They will want to get over
+the border as soon as possible, and I guess they will head in that
+direction."
+
+"My idea, too," agreed Hal.
+
+What was their surprise, then, when, instead of boarding another train,
+as Hal had confidently believed would be done, the ambassador led the way
+into the station and then to the street beyond. Here Robard disappeared
+for a brief moment, and returning, motioned the ambassador and others to
+follow him.
+
+Again the prisoners found themselves shoved into a large touring car,
+which started immediately in the wake of the one which bore Robard and
+the ambassador.
+
+"Some funny business here, as sure as you're born," said Chester
+excitedly.
+
+"Must be," declared Hal grimly. "Robard and the ambassador have something
+up their sleeves. Wonder if the Italian authorities are not on their
+guard. There is no telling what these fellows may do."
+
+"I don't imagine the Italian authorities are watching them any too
+closely," remarked Uncle John. "You know men in such positions are
+supposed to be men of honor."
+
+"Which the ambassador undoubtedly is," said Chester. "If there is
+anything wrong, you can take my word that Robard is the gentleman who is
+responsible for it."
+
+"You have hit the nail on the head there, old fellow," agreed Hal.
+
+After a ten-minute drive the machine came to an abrupt stop.
+
+"Out you go," said a gruff voice in very poor English.
+
+It was the voice of one of their captors and the prisoners obeyed.
+
+Ahead, the ambassador and Robard were walking down the steps to the
+canal, and a few moments later a large closed gondola came toward them.
+
+The ambassador entered, followed by Robard, and the prisoners found
+themselves aboard also a moment later. The gondola moved off.
+
+"Well, what next?" demanded Chester.
+
+"It's too deep for me," was the reply. "But we are going to learn
+something; that's sure. Perhaps it's a good thing we were captured and
+brought along. Who knows? we may be able to avert some mischief."
+
+"Let us sincerely hope so," said Uncle John earnestly. "I know that you
+boys are experienced in this line of work, but you can count on me to the
+last ditch."
+
+"You didn't need to tell us that, Uncle John," said Chester. "We knew
+it."
+
+The gondola stopped.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+A PLOT IS FOILED.
+
+
+"Out with you," commanded one of their captors, when he saw that the
+ambassador and Robard had made their way up the short flight of steps.
+
+No urging was necessary. The prisoners, closely followed by their guards,
+made their way in the same direction. A hundred yards ahead, they were
+suddenly turned to the left, where they caught sight of a small house.
+Into this they were marched and then on into a room at the far end of the
+short hall.
+
+"Guess you'll be safe enough in there. No need to tie you up," said the
+voice of Robard, who came up at this moment.
+
+The door slammed, a key grated harshly and the prisoners were left alone.
+
+"Now what in the name of all that's wonderful do you suppose this means?"
+asked Chester. "Think they are going to leave us here to starve or perish
+of thirst?"
+
+"No, I guess not," was the reply. "My opinion is that Robard is up to
+something funny, and that he has enticed the ambassador here on some
+pretext or another."
+
+"What do you think he is up to?" demanded Chester.
+
+"If I knew I'd have told you a long while ago," said Hal. "Now, if we--"
+
+He paused as Chester held up a warning hand. The latter moved toward the
+wall at the far end of the room as Hal eyed him curiously. The lad placed
+his ear against the wall, and listened intently for a moment; then he
+motioned Hal and Uncle John to approach.
+
+"The ambassador and Robard are in the next room," he whispered. "I can
+hear them talking. Listen."
+
+Hal and Uncle John also laid their ears to the wall.
+
+"But," and the ambassador's voice came faintly to them, "such a thing as
+you suggest is dishonorable."
+
+"What has that to do with it, sir?" came Robard's reply. "Our enemies
+would do the same thing had they the opportunity. All's fair in war, you
+know, sir."
+
+"Not that," said the ambassador. "You must remember that until I have
+crossed the frontier I am still the ambassador to Italy. I am upon my
+honor to leave the country peaceably."
+
+"But no one would know you had a hand in the matter, sir."
+
+"That is not the point," was the reply.
+
+"But I have made all arrangements," protested Robard. "Everything is
+ready. The chief of the Italian general staff is in Venice at this
+moment, and at noon will inspect the large stores of ammunition at the
+northern outskirts of the city. A word from you and ammunition, chief of
+staff and all will be destroyed."
+
+"I will give no such word," was the angry response. "Besides," and the
+ambassador considered a moment, "why do you wish a word from me in this
+matter? It could have been done without my consent."
+
+"Well, sir, I--we--I," stammered Robard, evidently at a loss for a
+convincing reply.
+
+There came the sound of a blow, as though a hand had struck a table and
+the ambassador's voice rose angrily.
+
+"Robard," he said sternly, "I can see through your plot. You would have
+me stand sponsor for this crime, that you might disqualify me upon my
+return to Vienna."
+
+"I assure you, sir--" began Robard.
+
+"Enough," replied the ambassador. "I have not forgotten that you were
+ever my enemy--at least until this war brought us closer together and put
+an end to all our disputes--at least, so I believed. Now I know better."
+
+"Sir--" Robard began again.
+
+"I have told you I would have no hand in it," declared the ambassador.
+"What is more, I forbid it! Do you understand, I forbid it!"
+
+Now Robard's voice rose angrily.
+
+"You forbid it!" he exclaimed. "You forbid it! Well, little good will
+that do. I will see that the work is carried out if I have to do it
+myself. And what is more, I will see that the blame falls on you. You are
+right. I have plotted to discredit you, and I shall do it, or my name is
+not Robard."
+
+"I shall see that your actions are brought to the attention of the
+emperor," declared the ambassador. "And more than that, I shall
+immediately notify the Italian authorities of your plans, that they may
+be on their guard."
+
+"You will never do that," replied Robard, and his voice was so low that
+the listeners could scarcely catch the words.
+
+"Robard," said the ambassador sternly, "you may consider yourself
+under arrest."
+
+There was the sound of a scraping chair and heavy footsteps moving in the
+room beyond.
+
+"Another move and I shall fire," came Robard's voice.
+
+"Man, you don't know what you are doing," came the surprised voice of the
+ambassador.
+
+"Don't?" said Robard, with a sneer in his voice. "I'll show you."
+
+Again there came to the listeners' ears the sounds of heavy footsteps,
+followed by the noise of a struggle.
+
+"Great Scott! They are fighting!" exclaimed Hal. "What can we do? He
+might kill the Ambassador."
+
+"There is nothing we can do, old man," replied Chester quietly. "We'll
+have to let them fight it out."
+
+They listened intently.
+
+The struggle continued, and occasionally the listeners could catch the
+sound of fierce ejaculations. Then, suddenly, there came the sound of a
+shot. Then silence, followed a moment later by a voice:
+
+"There! I guess now you will know better than to interfere with me."
+
+"Robard," said the voice of the ambassador, very weak now, "you shall pay
+for this."
+
+"I don't know whether I have done for you or not," came Robard's voice
+after a pause, "and I don't care. In fact, I hope I have. Now, just to
+blacken your reputation a bit, if I have killed you, I shall go through
+with my plan."
+
+The boys could hear him stalk heavily across the room. A moment later a
+door slammed.
+
+Hal rose to his feet and passed a hand across a moist brow.
+
+"And to think that we were unable to lend a hand," he muttered.
+
+"He's a black villain," declared Uncle John.
+
+"And now," said Chester, "he is on his errand of mischief. Can we do
+nothing to thwart him?"
+
+"I can't see how," declared Uncle John.
+
+"Nor I," said Hal.
+
+"Wait a moment, though," said Chester.
+
+"Well?" queried Hal anxiously.
+
+"I think it can be done," replied Chester quietly. "At least there is
+a chance."
+
+"Let's have it," demanded Hal eagerly.
+
+"Well, here is the idea. We'll stir up a racket in here. Naturally some
+of our captors will come to see what it is all about. We won't quiet down
+until he opens the door. Now you will notice that the door swings inward.
+That will help. Also that from outside it is impossible to see this side
+of the room. I'll stand behind the door. You and Uncle John remain on
+this side and stay here until the man comes into the room. Then I'll jump
+him, or them, as the case may be."
+
+"But they'll get you, Chester," said Uncle John.
+
+"Perhaps," was the reply. "That's the chance I must take. But we can't
+let a little thing like that stand in the way. As soon as I tackle them,
+or him, you two can rush out and lend a hand. There'll be a hard fight,
+of course, and the first fellow that gets a chance to make a break
+through the door will do so. Do I make myself clear?"
+
+"Perfectly," said Hal. "And the plan is not so bad. There is a certain
+chance of success."
+
+"Well, it doesn't look good to me," replied Uncle John. "One of you boys
+is almost sure to get killed."
+
+"You are taking the same chance, sir," replied Chester.
+
+"Oh, I'm not worrying about myself," returned Uncle John. "But you must
+remember that I am to some extent responsible for you and I shall have to
+answer to your mothers for your safety."
+
+"If you wish," said Chester dryly, "we'll each write you a little note
+exonerating you of all blame should either of us be hurt."
+
+Uncle John was forced to smile.
+
+"Oh, never mind," he said. "Well, boys, if you have decided upon your
+plan, I guess I shall have to agree to it."
+
+"I believe it will succeed," said Chester. "But at all events, we can't
+remain here inactive while that villain Robard is about his work."
+
+"You're right there, Chester," said Hal. "Something must be done, and as
+there is no one else aware of this plot, I guess it is up to us."
+
+"As I said before, you can count on me to the limit," said Uncle John.
+
+"I'm counting on you, Uncle John," replied Chester. "I know you will do
+your part."
+
+"Thanks," was the quiet response.
+
+"Any more suggestions?" asked Chester.
+
+There were none.
+
+"What time is it?" asked Hal.
+
+Chester glanced quickly at his watch.
+
+"Great Scott!" he ejaculated. "Ten o'clock! I had no idea it was so
+late."
+
+"Nor I," declared Uncle John.
+
+"Time to get busy, then," said Hal.
+
+"Right," Chester agreed. "We haven't a whole lot of time."
+
+He gazed quickly about the room and then took his position at one side of
+the door, where he would not be seen by one entering the room. Hal and
+Uncle John also took their places.
+
+"Everything ship-shape?" asked Chester.
+
+"Guess so," replied Uncle John, somewhat nervously--he was not used to
+this kind of work, although each lad knew there was no question of his
+nerve and courage.
+
+"All set," replied Hal quietly.
+
+"Good!" said Chester. "Now for the disturbance. You fellows will have to
+help me out a little."
+
+He raised his voice in a loud shout.
+
+Hal and Uncle John followed suit.
+
+"A terrible racket," said Chester, drawing a long breath a moment later.
+"It should raise the dead."
+
+"It should," agreed Hal.
+
+"But it didn't," said Chester. "Again. All together now, and keep it up."
+
+Again the room rang with a horrible noise. Came footsteps running
+without.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+A FIGHT.
+
+
+"All ready now," called Chester in a hoarse whisper. "Here comes
+some one."
+
+The others made no reply, but stood silently waiting.
+
+The footsteps paused just outside the door.
+
+"What's the matter in there?" asked a voice.
+
+Chester made no reply; instead, he raised his voice in another
+blood-curdling shout.
+
+The man outside wasted no more time in parley. Evidently he believed
+there was something serious the matter within. A key grated in the lock
+and the door swung inward.
+
+Chester held himself tense--ready to spring upon the man the moment he
+should come within reach. Just inside the door the man paused and again
+sought to determine the cause of the commotion.
+
+"What on earth is the matter in here?" he demanded loudly.
+
+Seeking to help matters along, Hal gave vent to a sepulchral groan.
+
+"Somebody must be sick," muttered the man to himself, and advanced into
+the room, casting discretion to the winds. One, two, three forward steps
+he took, and then whirled suddenly as Chester's hands closed about his
+throat from behind.
+
+Now the Austrian was a big man, and in spite of Chester's strength, the
+lad realized in a moment that he was no match for his opponent.
+
+"Quick, Hal, while I am able to hold him," he panted.
+
+Hal wasted no time in words, for he realized it was time for action. He
+sprang from his place of concealment and darted toward the door, calling
+over his shoulder to Uncle John:
+
+"Lend Chester a hand!"
+
+But even as Hal would have darted through the door, the Austrian
+succeeded in freeing himself of Chester's hold, and hurling the lad from
+him with a swift backward kick, he turned just in time to encounter Hal.
+
+Hal's right fist shot out sharply, and the Austrian staggered back as the
+blow caught him upon the point of the chin. But the blow had been
+delivered too quickly to have the desired effect, and the Austrian
+recovered himself in a moment, and, crouching low, advanced upon Hal. At
+the same time he raised his voice in a call for help.
+
+"We'll have to dispose of this fellow pretty quick or it's all off," said
+Hal to the others. "Jump him from behind, Chester, while I keep him
+occupied here."
+
+Chester needed no urging. He stepped aside quickly, and then jumped
+behind the Austrian, before the latter had time to back into a corner,
+had such been his intention. Uncle John circled about a bit and moved on
+him from the other side.
+
+The Austrian took a quick look at his foes, threatening him from three
+sides. He realized he was no match for all, and his thoughts turned to
+escape. There was just one way by which he could get away--through the
+door by which he had entered the room--and this would give the prisoners
+a chance to make a break for liberty.
+
+Hal struck out savagely with his right fist, and the Austrian hesitated
+no longer. With a quick backward leap, he passed from the room, making no
+effort to close the door behind him.
+
+"After him!" cried Hal, also jumping forward.
+
+The Austrian turned and took to his heels, and Hal, Chester and Uncle
+John gave chase. Down the hall ran the man, with Hal but a few paces
+behind him.
+
+And then, suddenly, the Austrian turned in his tracks. Hal was quite
+unprepared for this maneuver, and before he could check himself, he had
+bumped squarely into his opponent, who seized him in close embrace. The
+man's hands closed about the boy's throat, and Hal gasped for breath.
+
+Chester and Uncle John, seeing Hal's predicament, charged forward with a
+shout; and then the reason that the Austrian had turned to give battle
+became apparent.
+
+A second and a third figure stepped around the two who were struggling in
+the center of the hall, and faced Uncle John and Chester. One held a
+drawn revolver and the other was in the act of drawing a weapon.
+
+It was no time to hesitate, and Chester realized it.
+
+"Come on!" he cried, and leaped forward.
+
+There came a flash and a loud report; but Chester was unwounded. He had
+stooped at the moment the man's hand pressed the trigger, and now came up
+beneath the other's guard. Before the latter could fire again, Chester
+drove him back with a hard right-handed blow to the jaw. The man uttered
+a low imprecation and at that instant Chester's left fist reached his
+opponent's stomach. The latter doubled up like a knife, and his revolver
+fell to the floor with a clatter.
+
+Chester stooped quickly and his hand found the weapon. As he straightened
+up again, his eyes unconsciously took in the scene about him. He saw Hal
+make a last futile effort to free himself from the grasp of the first
+Austrian, and then fall to the floor with the man on top of him; and he
+saw Uncle John crumple up as a flash of flame came from the revolver of
+the third Austrian.
+
+Chester gave a cry, and turning his newly acquired weapon in the
+direction of the man who had just fired at Uncle John, he pulled the
+trigger almost without taking aim. There came a cry, and the latter threw
+up his arms and fell to the floor. At the same moment the first Austrian
+rose from above Hal's prostrate form, and his revolver and Chester's
+spoke simultaneously. Chester felt a sharp tinge in his left arm and
+realized that he was not seriously hurt. He dropped quickly to the floor,
+even as the Austrian's revolver spoke again.
+
+A bullet whizzed over his head. Chester now took deliberate aim and
+fired. The Austrian's weapon fell to the floor with a clatter, the man
+himself staggered and tried to retain his feet. He reeled forward toward
+Chester and then, just as the boy would have pressed the trigger again,
+collapsed almost at the lad's feet.
+
+"I guess that settles the whole lot of you," Chester muttered to himself.
+
+He ran quickly to where Hal lay and raised his chum's head to his knee.
+Hal made no move. Chester laid his hand over Hal's heart, and drew a
+breath of relief as he felt a faint beating. He stroked his friend's
+head, and rubbed his hands, and presently was rewarded by a sigh of
+returning consciousness.
+
+Then Hal opened his eyes.
+
+"Wow! A terrible dream I just had, Chester," he said.
+
+Chester smiled in spite of himself.
+
+"It came almost being your last dream," he replied quietly.
+
+Without waiting for a reply, he laid Hal gently down again and hurried to
+Uncle John. The latter raised himself on one elbow even as Chester bent
+down beside him.
+
+"Careless of me to get in the way of a bullet like that," he said with a
+faint smile. "I'll know better next time."
+
+"Where are you hit, sir?" asked Chester anxiously.
+
+"Caught me in the left side, some place," replied Uncle John, and with
+Chester's aid, got to his feet.
+
+Chester made a quick examination.
+
+"Lucky, sir. Just a flesh wound," he said. "I'll have it fixed up
+in a jiffy."
+
+Making a bandage of his handkerchief, he soon had the wound tied up as
+well as could be done under the circumstances. Then the lad lent Hal a
+hand as the latter staggered to his feet.
+
+"How do you feel?" asked Chester.
+
+"Well, I don't feel very chipper, and that's a fact," replied Hal with a
+grimace. "That fellow had powerfully strong fingers."
+
+"I guess we are lucky at that," remarked Chester.
+
+"Lucky?" exclaimed Uncle John. "I'd like to know how you make that out,
+and me with a bullet hole in my side."
+
+"Why," Chester explained, "the best we figured on was for one of us to
+get away, and now we are all at liberty."
+
+"Perhaps we are," said Uncle John dryly. "I'll feel a whole lot safer
+when I once get outside of this house."
+
+"Then we had better be moving," said Hal. "Come on."
+
+He led the way to the end of the hall and into the room beyond.
+
+"I guess we can get out this way," he said.
+
+He examined a window at the far end of the room.
+
+"Quite a drop down there," he said, "but I guess it can be done."
+
+Chester and Uncle John also surveyed the distance to the ground.
+
+"It's got to be done," said Uncle John. "I'll go first, if you
+don't mind."
+
+"Go ahead, sir," said Hal.
+
+Uncle John climbed to the sill, and then lowered himself until he hung by
+his hands.
+
+"Here I go," he said.
+
+He dropped.
+
+"He's safe enough," said Chester, peering down, as Uncle John got to his
+feet and brushed himself off. "You next, Hal."
+
+Hal climbed into the sill, lowered himself and dropped.
+
+"All right," he called up to Chester.
+
+Chester climbed to the sill.
+
+"Here I come," he called; and just as he was about to lower himself a
+figure dashed suddenly into the room and seized him by the leg.
+
+Chester gave vent to a cry of vexation.
+
+"Hey," he called to Hal and Uncle John, "one of the big Austrians has
+grabbed me by the leg."
+
+"Kick him in the face," cried Hal, dancing excitedly about, and making
+vain attempts to jump up so he could reach the sill.
+
+Chester attempted to follow Hal's advice, but it was no use. Slowly he
+was dragged back through the window, and landed on the floor with a thud.
+When he was able to get to his feet, he faced a revolver held in a steady
+hand. He was caught and he knew it.
+
+"He's got me, Hal," he shouted. "Hurry! Never mind me! Give the warning!"
+
+For a single moment Hal hesitated after hearing Chester's voice. Then he
+took Uncle John by the arm.
+
+"Chester is right," he muttered hoarsely. "Come on, sir, or we shall be
+captured, too."
+
+Uncle John seemed about to protest, but Hal led him down the street at a
+rapid gait.
+
+"What is one to many?" he asked.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+CHESTER MISSES A CHANCE.
+
+
+Chester surveyed his captor with a slight smile on his face, although the
+bitterness of disappointment had touched his heart.
+
+"Well, you've got me," he said quietly. "Now what are you going to
+do with me?"
+
+The Austrian returned his look with a sour scowl.
+
+"That is not for me to decide," he said. "Come with me."
+
+He waved his revolver in the general direction of the door, and Chester
+walked out of the room. The Austrian followed closely, keeping his
+revolver close to the back of the lad's head. Evidently he had decided to
+take no further chances with him.
+
+Chester smiled faintly to himself.
+
+"Guess he'll hang on to me pretty tight this time," he muttered.
+
+A moment later he found himself back in the same room the three had been
+locked in when first brought to the house. The lad threw himself down
+dejectedly when the captor left the room and locked the door behind him.
+
+"Well, I'm in for it now," he told himself. "Hal and Uncle John will warn
+the Italian general in time, and when Robard fails in his plot he'll come
+back to deal with me. I hope I am able to give a good account of myself.
+However, a fellow can never tell what is going to happen, so in order to
+be prepared, I'll try and get a little sleep."
+
+He lay down and closed his eyes; and in spite of the seriousness of his
+situation, and the hard floor upon which he lay, he was soon asleep.
+
+Meanwhile, Hal and Uncle John made all haste toward the headquarters
+of the Italian general staff, which at the moment were in Venice. It
+took Hal some moments to convince several subordinate officers that it
+was essential he see the commander himself, but after some
+explanations the lad, accompanied by Uncle John, was ushered into the
+presence of the general.
+
+Hal laid bare the details of the plot in a few words, and the Italian
+commander eyed him incredulously.
+
+"How am I to know you are telling the truth?" he demanded.
+
+"For one reason, because I don't lie," replied Hal. "Besides, if you
+doubt me, sir, it would be well to be on the safe side, anyhow. It can do
+no harm to take the necessary precautions."
+
+"What you say is true," replied the general.
+
+"A wire to General Ferrari might tell you we are to be relied upon,"
+continued Hal. "We were so fortunate as to be of some slight service to
+him recently."
+
+The Italian commander glanced at his watch.
+
+"It is best to be on the safe side," he said. "I shall take the necessary
+precautions, meanwhile wiring to General Ferrari, as you suggest. In the
+meantime, I fear I shall have to detain you, at least, until I receive a
+reply to my wire."
+
+"But, sir," Hal protested, "I would like to go back and find my friend."
+
+"I cannot permit that," was the reply. "How do I know that you are not
+spies yourselves and have concocted this story for some reason of your
+own--a reason that precautions I might take against the plot you have
+outlined might throw my troops into more serious difficulties? No, I
+shall keep you under guard. That is final."
+
+Hal realized the futility of further protest and subsided. Not so
+Uncle John.
+
+"This is an outrage, sir," he exploded. "I repeat, this is an outrage.
+Here we are, three of us, who have gone out of our way, to do the Italian
+army a service, and the best we get is trouble, fights and insults. I--"
+
+The Italian commander raised a hand.
+
+"I trust that you are telling the truth," he said turning to Hal, and
+ignoring Uncle John. "But I must make sure. You say you are a soldier.
+You can appreciate my position."
+
+Hal nodded affirmatively. But Uncle John refused to be appeased.
+
+"I think you are a lot of savages," he declared. "I wish the Austrians
+would blow up your whole army and drop bombs on every spot in the
+country. I'd help 'em do it if I had a good chance. I wouldn't turn my
+hand over to help you again."
+
+The commander began to grow angry, and Hal realized it.
+
+"That's enough, Uncle John," he remonstrated. "You'll get us in worse
+trouble than ever if you are not careful."
+
+"Worse?" exclaimed Uncle John. "What can be worse than being in the same
+room with a bunch like this? I--"
+
+Again the Italian commander raised a hand.
+
+"Enough!" he said sharply. "I am convinced you have come here for no
+good. I shall send the wire I promised, but I am confident of the reply I
+shall receive. Orderly!"
+
+An orderly approached.
+
+"Keep these fellows safe," said the general.
+
+"At least, sir, you will still take the precautions," said Hal.
+
+The general hesitated a moment.
+
+"Yes," he said finally, "you may at least have the satisfaction of
+knowing you have caused me to change my plans. All precautions shall
+be taken."
+
+Hal and Uncle John were led away.
+
+"I wonder what they have done with Chester?" said Uncle John.
+
+"Whatever they have done will not be a circumstance to what they will do
+when Robard's plot fails," replied Hal. "That's why I was anxious not to
+antagonize the general. If the wire goes through we will possibly be in
+time to save him, if not--"
+
+He broke off with a shrug.
+
+"You mean--" began Uncle John.
+
+"I don't know just what I mean," replied Hal. "I'm afraid. That's all."
+
+Both lapsed into silence.
+
+When Chester opened his eyes in his improvised prison the evil
+face of Robard bent over him. Chester sat up, stretched and then
+rose to his feet.
+
+"Hello," he said. "Back again, I see."
+
+Robard scowled fiercely, but made no reply.
+
+"Well, did you blow up the whole Italian army?" asked Chester with a
+pleasant smile.
+
+Robard stretched out a hand suddenly and seized Chester by the wrist and
+with his other hand struck the lad heavily in the face. Chester reeled
+back, but, recovering, promptly sent his right first into Robard's face.
+
+The lad thought for a moment of following up his advantage and attempting
+to escape, but before he could act, Robard whipped out a revolver and
+covered him.
+
+"Stand back!" he ordered.
+
+Chester stood still.
+
+"I've a notion to kill you right here," cried the Austrian furiously.
+"What do you mean by hitting me?"
+
+"What do you mean by hitting me?" demanded Chester.
+
+"You young American upstart!" shouted the enraged Austrian. "I'll--"
+
+"I wouldn't if I were you," said Chester calmly, as Robard raised a heavy
+fist. "You may be able to fight with a gun or a knife, but don't come at
+me with your fists or I'll spank you."
+
+If Chester's object had been to enrage the Austrian he had succeeded.
+Robard cast discretion to the winds, and, lowering his revolver, struck
+at the lad.
+
+It was the chance for which Chester had been waiting and hoping.
+
+He ducked under the heavy blow, and instead of returning it, he kicked
+out with his left foot. His aim was true and Robard's revolver fell to
+the floor with a clatter. Chester pounced on it, beating the Austrian by
+the fraction of a second. A moment later the Austrian struck him a heavy
+blow on the side of the face.
+
+Chester became suddenly very angry--not furiously and excitedly so, but
+his temper blazed up and his anger was quiet and deadly. Calmly he
+blocked a second blow from his opponent and took the time to put the
+revolver hastily in his pocket.
+
+"Now," he said, "I am going to give you a first class licking. I didn't
+take boxing lessons for nothing, and if you have anything to say when I
+get through I'll be willing to listen."
+
+At that moment the Austrian rushed. Chester side-stepped neatly, and his
+left fist crashed to the side of the Austrian's jaw as the latter brushed
+past. Before Robard could turn, Chester planted his right fist upon the
+back of the other's neck, sending him staggering.
+
+Then he waited for Robard to come at him again.
+
+Turning, Robard advanced more cautiously this time. Chester feinted with
+his right, and sent his left to Robard's nose. Blood flowed. Chester
+danced about the big Austrian, raining blows upon him almost at will.
+
+"Take that, and that, and that," he said gleefully, skipping first this
+way and then that, skillfully evading the heavy blows launched wildly
+by Robard.
+
+This continued for perhaps five minutes, and then Chester grew tired.
+
+"Well, we'll end it now," he told the Austrian with a smile. "Watch, here
+comes the finish."
+
+He stiffened a bit, took a backward step, then danced suddenly forward.
+He feinted with dazzling rapidity once, twice, three times, and then, his
+opponent completely bewildered, planted his right fist squarely upon the
+point of Robard's chin. Robard staggered back, but a second terrific
+blow, delivered to the stomach, brought him forward again, and Chester
+straightened him up with another terrific drive to the point of the chin.
+
+The lad stepped back and dropped his hands, watching the big Austrian
+with a smile on his face.
+
+Clear across the room the man staggered and then crumpled up in a heap.
+
+"That settles him," said Chester. "Now to get out of here."
+
+He turned toward the door, and stopped, a cry of dismay on his lips.
+
+In the doorway stood three figures. As Chester turned, one of them
+advanced toward him.
+
+"You did a pretty job," he said, eyeing the lad appreciatively, "and we
+are glad to have seen it. But, we cannot let you escape."
+
+Chester groaned and sat down.
+
+"There're too many of them," he said to himself. "So near and yet so far.
+If I hadn't let my temper get the best of me I would have been safely out
+of here. I'll never waste another second on an Austrian. This is what I
+get for not shooting him like a dog, and using my fists on him, like I
+would on a gentleman. Never again."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+THE AMBASSADOR AGAIN.
+
+
+While Hal, Chester and Uncle John were having their troubles with members
+of the Austrian diplomatic corps on Italian soil, the Italian army itself
+already had taken the field against the enemy. War having been declared,
+the Italian general staff had wasted no time.
+
+Along the Austrian frontier, at the head of the Adriatic, clear north to
+the Swiss border, the troops of King Emmanuel had intrenched themselves
+against a possible attack of the foe; big guns even now were roaring and
+raining the messengers of death upon the fortified positions of the
+Austrians in their front.
+
+Skirmishes between isolated forces of the two armies, some of which
+reached the proportions of real battles, had taken place, and upon the
+southern border some slight success already had crowned the efforts of
+the Italian troops.
+
+The Italian fleet had been set in motion; giant battleships and other
+vessels of war had joined other craft of the quadruple entente in an
+effective blockade of Austrian ports in the Adriatic; and the Austrians
+were keeping well behind the shelter of their own mines.
+
+In one or two cases they had ventured forth to give battle, but each
+expedition of this nature had resulted disastrously--at the bottom of the
+sea. Apparently, now, they had given up attempts to run the blockade and
+were content to lie snug in their well-fortified harbors, even as their
+German allies were doing in their ports.
+
+Several Austrian aircraft had left their bases and flown over Genoa,
+dropping bombs, killing and wounding a score of non-combatants, but
+doing little damage to fortified positions or to munition plants and
+provision camps, which were presumed to be their goal. Also several had
+been brought to earth by the accurate fire from the anti-air craft guns
+of the Italians.
+
+Unlike England, France, Russia and Belgium, Italy entered the war
+prepared. She was not taken by surprise, as had been her allies. She went
+into the war with her eyes open and a full realization of her
+responsibilities. Also mobilization had been completed before she had
+finally decided to take the plunge into the maelstrom. Again, she was
+better prepared than her allies for the reason that she had recently
+emerged from a successful struggle against the Turks in Tripoli and her
+army was an army of veterans.
+
+There was no doubt that Italy would be the first to take the offensive.
+The question was, where would she strike? It was an established fact that
+she would not await the attacks of the Austrians, but where would she
+deliver her first blow? Would it be by sea, hurling her fleet upon the
+enemy's base across the Adriatic? Would it be across the southern
+boundary of Austria, or would it be farther north--through the Alps?
+
+There was little to choose between the latter methods; but the first was
+given little thought. It was well known that the Austrians had mined the
+Adriatic thoroughly near their ports, and to attempt an expedition there
+threatened destruction for the attackers.
+
+An advance through the Alps also presented its difficulties. In spite of
+the fact that the weather was still warm, it was anything but warm in the
+mountain fastnesses. True, a passage of the Alps had been forced before
+now--one by the Carthaginian General Hannibal in the middle ages, and
+again by Napoleon. But it was still a desperate undertaking.
+
+The world waited to see.
+
+Chester Crawford, still in the hands of his captors, took no thought of
+these things now. His one absorbing thought at the moment was of hitting
+upon some plan whereby he could elude his guards and make his escape. At
+the same time, he realized that he had a hard problem before him; for now
+that he had almost made his get-away twice, he knew he would be guarded
+with more vigilance than before. Still, he determined to bide his time
+and take advantage of the first opportunity that presented itself.
+
+The two Austrians who had arrived in time to prevent his escape after his
+tussle with Robard now stood guard over the lad, waiting for Robard to
+return to consciousness. Presently the fallen man stirred, rolled over,
+gasped a bit, and sat up. He gazed about and took in his surroundings. An
+ugly look passed over his face as his eyes fell upon Chester.
+
+"I'll get even with you for this," he said harshly, as he scrambled
+to his feet.
+
+"Oh, I don't know," returned Chester with a smile. "I might only increase
+my indebtedness the next time we meet."
+
+The Austrian took a threatening step forward. Chester did not flinch and
+the man paused and dropped the arm he had raised.
+
+"I'll wait till we get to Vienna, and then I'll guarantee to make you
+whine for mercy," growled Robard.
+
+"We shall see," said Chester.
+
+Robard turned to his men.
+
+"We'll go at once," he said.
+
+"By the way," interrupted Chester, "what has happened to the ambassador?"
+
+Robard gave a start, and looked quickly at his two men, who had turned at
+Chester's words.
+
+"You'll find him in the next room, I think," said Chester, pointing.
+
+"Shut up!" commanded Robard, again taking a step forward.
+
+Chester smiled and stepped back a bit.
+
+"Where you shot him," he continued pleasantly.
+
+With a cry Robard leaped upon him. Chester struck out quickly with both
+fists, one after the other, and the Austrian staggered back. Chester
+turned to the others.
+
+"What I say is true," he said quietly, as he noted the look of
+uncertainty on their faces. "You can easily tell by investigating."
+
+"It's a lie!" shouted Robard.
+
+The men hesitated.
+
+"Look and see," said Chester.
+
+"The boy is right," said one of them. "I'll look."
+
+He stepped toward the door.
+
+"Stand where you are!" cried Robard.
+
+He moved upon the other and clenched his fists. The man gazed at him a
+moment without a word; then, suddenly, he seized his superior by the arms
+and held him as though he had been in a vise.
+
+"You have a look, Fritz," he said to his companion. "I'll hold him
+safe enough."
+
+The latter wasted no time. He hurried from the room.
+
+"You'll pay for this!" screamed Robard.
+
+"Perhaps," said his subordinate, "but I believe the boy has told the
+truth. I never did trust you, with your shifty eyes."
+
+At that moment the third man came back into the room, dragging a heavy
+body after him.
+
+"The ambassador!" cried the other.
+
+"You see, I was right," said Chester.
+
+The ambassador was unconscious still, although it was hours after he had
+been wounded.
+
+"He's alive," said one of the Austrians, after an examination.
+
+"Get some water," commanded the other.
+
+At this moment Robard took a step forward, and seemed about to wrench
+himself free from his captor's arms.
+
+"If you gentlemen will allow me," said Chester, "I shall make a
+suggestion that may save us all time and bother."
+
+"Well?" demanded one of the men.
+
+"If you'll give me the gun you deprived me of," said the boy, "I'll give
+my word to hold our friend here safe until the ambassador is brought back
+to consciousness. Also, I give my word not to attempt to escape."
+
+The others eyed him closely for a brief moment.
+
+"All right," said the man who had gone after the ambassador. "Here." He
+passed over his automatic.
+
+Chester took it and covered Robard.
+
+"You can release him now," he said to the big Austrian's captor. "He'll
+make no break while I have him covered. He knows me too well by this
+time, don't you, Robard?"
+
+The latter's reply was a low growl.
+
+The other Austrian released his hold, and stood back. For an instant it
+seemed that Robard would spring forward and give battle to all three,
+but as Chester's revolver covered him steadily, he changed his mind and
+stood still.
+
+Immediately the others began the work of reviving the ambassador, and
+five minutes later their efforts were rewarded. The ambassador moaned
+feebly, and a few seconds later sat up. His eyes fell on Robard, and he
+jumped quickly to his feet.
+
+"So!" he exclaimed. "Guard him carefully, boy. He's a dangerous man."
+
+"I'll guard him," replied Chester briefly.
+
+Suddenly the Austrian smote himself on the breast.
+
+"The plot!" he cried. "Robard's plot!"
+
+"Has failed," interrupted Chester. Then noticing the look of surprise on
+the ambassador's face, he explained.
+
+"We overheard the conversation in the room where we were locked, sir. My
+friends managed to escape and give the warning. The plot has failed.
+Robard told me as much."
+
+"I'm glad," said the ambassador simply. "And now, what am I to do
+with you?"
+
+"Let me go, sir," was the lad's reply.
+
+The ambassador considered the matter.
+
+"I'll tell you," he said at length, "I would like for you to go to Vienna
+with me and substantiate my story to the emperor. You will say that my
+story should need no proof, as I am the ambassador, but Robard has
+influential friends there. He would easily discredit the stories of these
+two men here. With you it would be different. Will you go?"
+
+"I would rather not, sir," replied Chester quietly.
+
+"I must insist," urged the ambassador.
+
+For some reason that Chester was never afterwards able to explain to
+himself, he suddenly grew terribly angry.
+
+"No, I won't go!" he shouted, and waved a fist in the very face of the
+ambassador.
+
+The latter looked at him in amazement; then took his decision.
+
+"You shall go anyhow," he said softly. "Seize him, men!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+INTO AUSTRIA.
+
+
+"Any time," said the ambassador gently, "that you are ready to give me
+your parole, I shall have your bonds removed."
+
+"I wouldn't give my parole to you or any other of your kind," declared
+Chester grimly.
+
+"I'm sorry you feel that way about it," declared the ambassador, with a
+deprecating gesture. "I assure you, I shall see that you are given safe
+conduct back to Italy. But in the meantime, I can take no chances upon
+your escaping."
+
+"Do as you please," said Chester.
+
+Again a captive, Chester left Venice.
+
+In a first class compartment of the special train that was bearing the
+Austrian ambassador and his staff rapidly toward Trieste was also
+Chester, nursing a sore head, the result of trying to vanquish the
+ambassador and the two other Austrians when the diplomat had ordered him
+seized. The lad put up such a battle that one of his opponents had found
+it necessary to tap him gently on top of the head with the butt of his
+revolver. That had settled the argument, and when Chester returned to
+consciousness he was aboard the special train, bound, and seated across
+from the ambassador.
+
+"Sorry we had to give you that crack on the head," the ambassador
+continued, "but you wouldn't behave without it. Does it pain you much?"
+
+"Not so much as the fact that you are a race lacking in all sense of
+gratitude," replied Chester. "I wish now I had let you lie where you
+were. The next time I shall keep my mouth shut, you can bet on that."
+
+"Well, anyhow, here you are," said the ambassador, "and I promise that
+you shall remain with me until I see the emperor in Vienna, if I have to
+drug you. After that, I promise you safe conduct to the Italian border.
+Come, why not be sensible?"
+
+But Chester was in no mood to be sensible, and there is little wonder.
+Twice he had almost regained his liberty, and a third time, after he had
+come to the assistance of the ambassador, he felt certain he would be set
+free. He was far from cheerful now.
+
+"We are now in Austria," said the ambassador, an hour later.
+
+"It won't be so long before it will be Italy, I guess," said Chester,
+with something like a sneer in his voice.
+
+"Come, come, my friend," said the ambassador. "Don't let your feelings
+run away with you. You are simply talking to hear yourself talk."
+
+"Don't you believe it," declared Chester. "I know what I am talking
+about. Say! You fellows don't think you can whip the world, do you?"
+
+"Well, we seem to have been whipping a pretty good part of it," replied
+the ambassador sententiously.
+
+"That's it! That's it!" cried Chester. "That's your Teutonic air of
+conquerors. Don't forget that some of these days, however, you will be
+sorry for all this trouble and bloodshed you have caused."
+
+"We have caused?" echoed the ambassador. "You mean that England
+has caused."
+
+"No, I don't mean England," replied Chester.
+
+"Why," exclaimed the ambassador, "if it had not been for England, this
+war would never have happened."
+
+Chester looked at the ambassador sharply for a moment.
+
+"Good night," he said at last, and fell back in his seat.
+
+It was dusk when the train pulled into Trieste, and the party alighted.
+
+"We shall spend the night here," the ambassador decided. "I have some
+work to do."
+
+"One place suits me as well as another, if I have to stay in this kind of
+a country," said Chester.
+
+At a hotel where they were driven in a taxi, Chester was locked in a room
+on the fifth floor. It was a handsomely appointed room, and Chester would
+have been content to spend the night there had he been in other
+circumstances. But right now he wasn't content to spend the night in
+Austria, no matter how well he was treated.
+
+"I want to get out of this country," he told himself repeatedly. "I guess
+it's a good enough country, so far as it goes, but I can plainly see it's
+no place for me."
+
+Left alone, Chester made a tour of inspection. The door was heavily
+barred. He looked out the window.
+
+"A long way to the ground," he muttered.
+
+There was no other means of egress.
+
+"Looks like I was safe enough," he muttered.
+
+Again he examined the window carefully. A slight whistle escaped him.
+
+"A little risky," he told himself, "but I believe it can be done."
+
+He walked to the door, laid his ear against it and listened intently. No
+sound came from without.
+
+"Well," he said, straightening up, "if I am going to do it, the sooner I
+get busy the better."
+
+Quickly he stripped the covering from the bed, and with his knife
+slit it lengthwise. Each strip he tied to another, until he had a
+strong improvised rope. He stretched it out on the floor, and
+measured it carefully with his eye. Then he again walked to the
+window and peered out.
+
+"Pretty close," he muttered, "but I believe it will reach. The trouble is
+some one in one of the rooms below is liable to see me."
+
+Now he pushed the bed close to the window, and securely knotted one end
+of his improvised rope to the heavy iron bars. Then he walked across the
+room to the door again and listened.
+
+It was now dark outside and Chester realized that he could not have a
+better moment for his desperate attempt. Quickly he recrossed the room,
+and dropped the other end of the rope out the window. He glanced down.
+
+"O.K.," he said. "Here goes."
+
+He leaped quickly to the sill, and a moment later was lowering himself
+hand over hand. And at length he came to the end of the rope.
+
+The ground was still far below him, but Chester had not figured the rope
+would reach to the ground. Clinging tightly to the rope, he gazed
+quickly about.
+
+He was now even with the window on the third floor, and he succeeded by
+clever work in getting a foothold on the sill; and, still clinging to the
+rope, he stood erect. Inside, Chester saw the figure of a man.
+Inadvertently, the lad's foot crashed against the window pane, shattering
+the glass. There was a crash, followed by a guttural exclamation from
+inside the room.
+
+"I've got to move now!" exclaimed the lad.
+
+Taking a firm hold on the rope, he swung himself outward, giving his
+flight through space an added impetus by pushing with his right foot. He
+went sailing through the air, even as a pistol shot rang out behind him.
+
+Chester had calculated truly. Headfirst he crashed among the branches of
+a tree, at the far side of the walk. Instantly he released his hold upon
+the rope and was safe in the tree.
+
+"I thought I could do it," he muttered. "Now to get down before some of
+these fellows get after me."
+
+Rapidly he made his descent, and a few moments later stood upon the
+sidewalk, unhurt. For a moment he paused to gain a much-needed breath,
+and then, turning, he stalked quickly away. And as he did so there came
+cries from within the hotel, and men rushed out and after him.
+
+Chester took to his heels.
+
+"I don't know whether they saw me on the street or not," he told himself,
+"but the safest place for me is a long way from that hotel."
+
+He doubled around several corners, and at last, as he turned into a more
+traveled street, he slowed down to a walk. He drew a long breath.
+
+"Guess I have shaken them," he said. "Now, if I only knew where I was,
+I might manage to get out of here. Guess I had better pick one
+direction and keep going that way. I'll trust to luck that it is either
+north or west."
+
+He turned down the next street and set out resolutely, having determined
+in his mind to stick to the direction he had selected. Fortunately,
+although the lad could not be sure of it, he was heading northward,
+where, eventually, he would reach the Italian frontier, although it was
+much further away than was the western border.
+
+Chester walked along for an hour without even being challenged.
+
+"Funny, too," he muttered. "It's a wonder every street corner doesn't
+spout soldiers and police at me. I must be getting to be rather a lucky
+young man."
+
+He had now reached a less thickly populated district. There were few
+pedestrians upon the streets, houses became farther and farther apart. An
+occasional automobile passed him, but no attention was paid to the
+hurrying figure.
+
+Chester slowed down a trifle as he made out a form approaching. As
+it drew closer Chester noticed it was a uniformed figure. He drew a
+deep breath.
+
+"Looks like there was liable to be something doing here," he muttered.
+
+He continued his way. The officer, for such Chester perceived the man to
+be, drew closer. As Chester would have passed him, he suddenly stopped in
+his tracks, and commanded:
+
+"Halt!"
+
+Chester did so.
+
+"Who are you?" demanded the man, "and where are you going?"
+
+To Chester's great relief, he spoke in German, and the lad replied in the
+same language, which he spoke without an accent.
+
+"I am on an errand for the ambassador, sir. A prisoner has
+recently escaped, and I am bearing word to the outposts to be on
+the watch for him."
+
+"Hm-m-m," muttered the officer. "Why didn't the ambassador make use of
+the wireless 'phone?"
+
+"I don't know, sir," replied Chester.
+
+The officer laid a heavy hand on the lad's arm, and peered into his face
+in the dim light. Then the hand tightened.
+
+"You are no German!" was his quiet comment. "You are probably a spy. You
+are my prisoner!"
+
+Chester's heart sank.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+A FRIEND IN NEED.
+
+
+Many thoughts ran through Chester's head as he stood there for a brief
+moment with the hand of the man who had accosted him on his shoulder. He
+thought of flight and he thought of fight, but most of all he thought of
+the ill fortune he had encountered in the past few days.
+
+"This is the limit," he told himself ruefully. Aloud he said: "You are
+mistaken, sir."
+
+"No, I'm not mistaken," returned the officer, "and I suppose most would
+take you at your word. You speak German without an accent, but your face
+betrays you. At a guess, I would say you are English."
+
+"You are wrong," declared Chester.
+
+"Nevertheless, I shall have to ask you to accompany me," said the
+officer.
+
+For a moment Chester hesitated; he was tempted to leap upon his captor
+and make a fight for it, but he had hesitated too long now. The officer
+produced a revolver, which he held carelessly in his right hand.
+
+"I have a little persuader here, in case you should think of disobeying
+my order," he said quietly.
+
+"Oh, all right," said Chester. "I'll go along."
+
+"I thought you would," replied his captor, with a smile.
+
+He motioned for Chester to walk on ahead of him, which the boy did, the
+while grumbling to himself.
+
+"I should have run when I saw him coming," he muttered.
+
+There was little doubt in Chester's mind now that he was due for his trip
+to Vienna with the ambassador. After that, in view of his attempt to
+escape, he wasn't sure what might happen, for he believed the ambassador
+would recall his offer of a safe conduct after this.
+
+"Yes, it looks like Vienna to me," he told himself.
+
+And so it probably would have been but for one thing--or rather, for one
+person; and Chester had no more idea of seeing him than he had of
+encountering Hal at the next cross street.
+
+As the two walked along, Chester slightly in front, his captor following
+him closely with drawn revolver, a figure left the shadow of a nearby
+building, and with a whistle of amazement, crept silently in their wake.
+
+"Well! Well!" muttered this figure to himself. "What do you think of
+that? I can't stand for this. I'm liable to get killed or hurt, but I've
+just got to take a hand."
+
+As Chester and his captor turned into another street and disappeared
+from sight, the man broke into a run, stepping lightly on his toes. When
+he rounded the corner he was only a few feet behind the other two.
+Silently as a cat, he closed up the distance, drawing a weapon from his
+pocket as he ran.
+
+He took the revolver by the barrel, and with a sudden leap, sprang
+upon the officer who had captured Chester. A quick blow and the
+officer staggered. He seemed about to cry out, but even as he opened
+his mouth, the newcomer repeated the blow and the man fell to the
+sidewalk without a word.
+
+"It's all right, Chester," said the newcomer.
+
+Chester, who had stood as if petrified during the struggle--he was so
+surprised at this sudden and unexpected aid--uttered an exclamation
+of surprise.
+
+"Who are you?" he asked, in vain trying to pierce the darkness
+with his eyes.
+
+The stranger chuckled.
+
+"You don't know, eh?" he asked.
+
+Again Chester peered at him intently. It was so dark he could not make
+out the man's features, but there was something very familiar about the
+short, rotund figure that stood before him.
+
+"By Jove!" cried the lad at last. "It is--it can't be--yes, it must be--"
+
+"Anthony Stubbs, war correspondent of the New York _Gazette_, sir, and
+very much at your service," came the now well-known voice.
+
+Chester sprang forward and seized the extended hand.
+
+"And what in the name of all that's wonderful are you doing here?" he
+asked in amazement.
+
+"Getting some red-hot news for the New York _Gazette_," was Stubbs'
+laconic response. "You are liable to find me most any place. As I told
+you before, there is no place a newspaper man cannot go. Now, what's all
+this mess I find you in?"
+
+Chester explained and Stubbs listened attentively.
+
+"Hm-m-m," he said, when the lad had concluded, "I guess the best thing
+for you to do is to hop back into Italy as fast as the law allows."
+
+"My idea," said Chester dryly. "The trouble is it's a pretty long hop,
+and in the next place the Austrian law doesn't allow it."
+
+"That's so," agreed Stubbs. "However, you just leave these little things
+to Anthony. He'll get you through or the New York _Gazette_ will lose its
+best man."
+
+"Well, I hope the _Gazette_ doesn't lose him," said Chester; "but I would
+like to get back into civilization."
+
+"Civilization?" echoed the little man. "And what do you call this? Let
+one of these uniformed gentleman on this side of the border hear you say
+that and you won't ever get any place except under the sod. This, take
+the Austrian word for it, is the last word in civilization. Therefore,
+what you mean is that you want to get out of civilization."
+
+"Whichever way suits you," agreed Chester.
+
+"All right. Then you come with me. It's time to be moving, anyhow. This
+fellow is getting about ready to get up and there is no use of our being
+here to greet him when he opens his eyes. Let's go."
+
+He led the way back toward the heart of the city and Chester followed,
+though not without a protest.
+
+"What's the use of going back there?" he wanted to know. "That's the
+place I have been trying to get away from."
+
+"Now listen here, young man," said Stubbs, "you didn't have much luck
+getting away by yourself, did you?"
+
+"No," replied Chester, "but--"
+
+"And you won't have any better now, if you don't do as I say," declared
+Stubbs. "But I'll tell you. I am leaving here myself in the morning. I am
+going to Italy. I've dug up all the stuff I can get around here and now
+I'm going to have a look at the Italian army in action. If you wish, you
+can come along."
+
+"Of course I'll come," said Chester. "That is, if they will let me."
+
+"Oh, they'll let you, all right," replied Stubbs. "Say, I guess you
+don't know who I am! I'll tell you: I'm the war correspondent of the New
+York _Gazette_, and these fellows over here are glad to show me what
+favors they can. It doesn't do them any harm, and it might do them some
+good. See?"
+
+"I see," agreed Chester briefly.
+
+"All right, then. I'll take you to my lodgings and you can spend the
+night there with me. We'll leave early in the morning."
+
+Chester followed the little man, though not without some misgivings.
+
+Apparently Stubbs had not spoken without reason. Along the way they
+passed several officers, each of whom, after recognizing the war
+correspondent, gave him a formal military salute.
+
+"You see," said Stubbs, "I am some pumpkins around these parts."
+
+"So I see," replied Chester.
+
+"Here is where we put up," said Stubbs presently, turning into a large
+and well-lighted hotel. "Put your best foot foremost now, and walk in
+like you owned the place. Can you swagger a bit?"
+
+"Well, some," said Chester hesitatingly.
+
+"So can I," said Stubbs, "which is the reason I get along so well.
+Follow me."
+
+His usual manner--the one to which Chester had become accustomed when he
+had been with the little man in the French theater of war, left him as he
+entered the door, and he swaggered in like a true bravo. Chester threw
+out his shoulders and did likewise.
+
+Straight up to the desk walked Stubbs, where a clerk came courteously
+forward to see what was desired.
+
+"My friend here," said Stubbs, with a wave of his hand, "will share my
+room to-night. Have us called at six o'clock and send a man to help me
+with my things at that hour. Understand?"
+
+"Yes, Herr Stubbs," replied the clerk, rubbing his hands together, though
+why Chester did not know. "It shall be done."
+
+"All right," said Stubbs. "My key!"
+
+The clerk hastened to get it.
+
+"Now that's the way to get by in this benighted land," said Stubbs to
+Chester as they made their way to the little man's room. "Make 'em think
+you own the place. It never hurts anything."
+
+"So I see," said Chester dryly. "Now, about the morning. How do we get
+out of this country?"
+
+"Simple," said Stubbs. "We take an automobile from here to a little
+town called Gorz, to the north. And then we circle around the little
+neck of Italy to Trent, again in Austria. Of course there are quicker
+ways out, but I have made these arrangements already and it would look
+suspicious to change now. Until we get to Trent there will be no
+trouble. There we shall have to do a little figuring, but the best way
+is this: I have a safe conduct, given me by the Austrian commander
+here. It will pass me into Italy. What I shall do is give it to you and
+you can cross the border."
+
+"But you--" began Chester.
+
+"I'm coming to that. They will stop me, of course. Then I'll raise a
+holler. I'll demand that they wire the commander here and give a
+description of me, saying I have lost my papers. They will identify me,
+all right, because there are no more like me. A second safe conduct will
+come along and I'll move into Italy. Simple little thing, isn't it?"
+
+"Quite simple--if it works," said Chester.
+
+"Oh, it'll work all right!"
+
+"I hope so," declared Chester.
+
+"It's got to work," replied Stubbs. "I can't afford to have it fail. My
+paper will be expecting something out of Italy from me within a few days
+and I've got to be there to give it to them. Otherwise, I'm liable to be
+dismissed."
+
+"I guess that won't happen," said Chester, with a smile.
+
+"Not if I can help it," agreed Stubbs. "Now let's climb between
+the sheets."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+BACK INTO ITALY.
+
+
+"Now here," said Stubbs, "are my papers. You just take them, and for the
+moment you will be Anthony Stubbs, war correspondent of the New York
+_Gazette_. You are a little young looking, so put on all the airs you
+can, for they'll think you must be awful good to have such a job."
+
+Chester and the little war correspondent had left Trieste without trouble
+and had arrived in Trent without adventure of any kind. True to his word,
+Stubbs had arranged for Chester's departure with him and now the time for
+parting had come.
+
+Chester took the papers Stubbs held out to him and thrust them into
+his pocket.
+
+"And when will you be across?" he asked.
+
+"Oh, I'll be there before the day is over," was the reply. "When you once
+get within the Italian lines, you demand to be taken to the nearest
+general commanding a division and explain matters to him. Then wait for
+me, if it is until to-morrow. I'll be there."
+
+"All right," agreed Chester.
+
+"I'll walk as far as the outposts with you," said Stubbs. "No, I won't
+either," on second thought. "I'll be wanting to get out myself directly
+and it wouldn't do for us to be seen together."
+
+He held out his hand.
+
+"Good-bye, and good luck," he said. "You just do as I tell you and you'll
+have no trouble. Remember, you are just as big as any of these fellows,
+and a whole lot bigger, if it comes to that."
+
+Chester gripped the hand hard.
+
+"Good-bye," he said, "and thanks."
+
+The little man gazed after the boy as the latter strode away with
+shoulders squared and head held high.
+
+"He'll do," he muttered to himself.
+
+Chester disappeared, and Stubbs turned and strode in the opposite
+direction.
+
+"Now for my holler--and my new papers," he told himself.
+
+Chester was halted at the extreme Austrian front. He produced Stubbs'
+papers, which he gave the man without a word. Luckily, as Stubbs had
+explained, the safe conduct was simply made out to "Anthony Stubbs, war
+correspondent," without description.
+
+The officer scanned the papers closely, looked Chester over from head to
+foot and seemed about to speak. Chester gazed at him sternly and the
+Austrian closed his lips without uttering a word. He shrugged his
+shoulders, summoned an orderly and commanded:
+
+"Take a flag of truce and conduct this gentleman to the Italian lines."
+
+Two hours later Chester was safe.
+
+To the Italian officer who approached him, he demanded to be taken to the
+general commanding the division, and this was done without protest.
+Chester explained the circumstances to the general, and the latter
+believed him. He turned him over to an orderly, with instructions that he
+be taken care of; and in a tent of his own, Chester sat down to await the
+arrival of Stubbs.
+
+Stubbs, after Chester had left him, immediately betook himself to the
+commander of the Austrian forces at this point. The latter received him,
+although he didn't know Stubbs from any one else.
+
+"General," said Stubbs, "somebody stole my papers, among them a safe
+conduct to the Italian lines. I want to get there."
+
+"No papers, no safe conduct," replied the general briefly.
+
+This was what Stubbs had expected.
+
+"Look here now, general," he said familiarly, "that's no way for you to
+talk. I want to get into Italy, and I had safe conduct from General
+Oberlatz at Trieste."
+
+The Austrian commander got to his feet.
+
+"I have told you, sir," he said, "that without papers you cannot leave
+our lines."
+
+"I heard you," replied Stubbs, "but you don't seem to understand the
+answer to my being here. I've got to get into the Italian lines. You
+can't blame me. The fellow you want is the one who stole my papers; he's
+probably a spy."
+
+"And you may be one, too," said the officer.
+
+"Sure, I may be," said Stubbs; "only I'm not. Now, I'll tell you, you
+just push through a little wire to General Oberlatz and he'll straighten
+this thing out."
+
+"Can't be done," replied the general.
+
+"But it's got to be done," declared Stubbs. "I can't stay around here
+when I have orders to go elsewhere. I don't want to have to take this
+matter up with my friend, the archduke."
+
+The Austrian commander looked up in surprise at this last remark.
+
+"You know the archduke?" he questioned.
+
+"Well, rather," said Stubbs. "He and I are pretty good friends."
+
+"Then," said the general, "it would do no harm for you to appeal to him
+in person."
+
+"You're right, there, general," declared Stubbs. "My friend, the
+archduke, would fix this thing up in a minute. The only trouble on that
+score is the matter of time. Time is precious, you know, general, and
+time presses."
+
+"Fortunately for you," said the officer, "the archduke happens to be in
+the next room at this moment. If you will be seated, I shall call him."
+
+Stubbs sat down abruptly. A slight whistle escaped him, though it did not
+carry to the general's ears.
+
+"Good night!" muttered the little man to himself. "I've sure enough gone
+and done it this time."
+
+But Stubbs didn't betray himself. To the general he said:
+
+"The archduke here? By Jove! This is what I call luck. Have him come out
+and talk to me."
+
+With a bow, the Austrian commander turned and passed from the room. The
+moment he crossed the threshold, Stubbs sprang to his feet and dashed to
+the door through which he had entered a few moments before.
+
+"This," he said, as he came again into the open, "is no place for
+Anthony Stubbs."
+
+He disappeared from within view of the general's quarters with
+amazing rapidity.
+
+"Wasn't much use of me patting the archduke on the back," he told
+himself. "Never having seen me before, I guess he wouldn't have
+remembered me. I don't want to be shot."
+
+Half a mile from the scene of his trouble, he entered a little
+restaurant and sat down to have something to eat and to figure out what
+he should do.
+
+"This place is going to be too small to hold me," he said to himself over
+a second cup of coffee. "They'll have all the natives on my trail. I've
+got to get over the frontier some way. The question before me is how?"
+
+He meditated for some moments, then rose, paid his check and left the
+restaurant. In front of the door he stopped and looked toward the south,
+where, in the distance, he knew heavy Austrian patrols faced the Italian
+pickets only a few miles beyond.
+
+"That's the way I want to go," he told himself. "So I may as well be
+starting in that direction."
+
+He moved off.
+
+Possibly half a mile from the utmost Austrian line he stopped and sat
+down. So far he had been unchallenged and now, as he sat there, a plan
+came to him. He took his revolver from his pocket and examined it.
+
+"I'll try it," he said briefly to himself. "If Chester knew what I was
+about to do, he would be greatly surprised. But the thing is I am more
+afraid to stay here than I am to take this chance."
+
+He arose and moved on. As he expected, probably five minutes later, a
+mounted officer came toward him. There was no one else near. He halted
+the correspondent.
+
+"Where are you going?" he asked sharply.
+
+"I'll tell you," was the reply. "I am a war correspondent and I am just
+looking about a bit. Am I going too far? If so, I shall turn back."
+
+"Well, I can permit you to go no farther," said the Austrian, with a
+smile.
+
+"Oh, all right," said Stubbs.
+
+He drew a cigar from his pocket, bit off the end, struck a match and
+lighted it. Then, with a start, he produced a second cigar.
+
+"Beg pardon," he said. "Have a smoke?"
+
+The Austrian signified that he would. Stubbs gave him the cigar and
+struck a second match. The Austrian leaned from his horse and put the
+cigar to the flame. At that moment Stubbs drew his revolver with his free
+hand and, dropping the match, seized the Austrian by the leg with the
+other. The latter came tumbling from his horse, and when he looked up, he
+gazed squarely into the mouth of Stubbs' revolver.
+
+"Quiet," said the little man briefly. "I want you to change
+clothes with me."
+
+The Austrian appeared about to protest, but changed his mind and
+signified his willingness to comply with the command.
+
+"Stand off there and remove your clothes," ordered Stubbs, pointing.
+
+The man obeyed, Stubbs the while keeping him covered with his revolver.
+The man's clothes removed, Stubbs approached him.
+
+"I'll have to tie you up minus your outer garments," he told him. "I
+can't take any chances on you while I am donning your robes."
+
+He tied him up in most approved fashion and then gagged him with his
+handkerchief.
+
+"Just to keep you from giving an alarm," he said.
+
+Rapidly he donned the Austrian's clothes and then walked over to his
+horse. This he mounted and turned the animal's head southward. He waved a
+hand at the Austrian.
+
+"_Auf Wiedersehen_," he said, and rode away.
+
+He kept as far as possible from the Austrian troops that patrolled the
+outposts and half an hour later was beyond the Austrian lines. Out of
+sight he halted and discarded the Austrian uniform he had drawn on over
+his civilian attire and then rode on more confidently.
+
+And the little man welcomed a command that broke upon his ears a short
+time later:
+
+"Halt!"
+
+He drew rein. A soldier in Italian uniform advanced toward him.
+
+"Thank the Lord," said the little man.
+
+He drew a hand across a moist brow and gave a whistle of pure relief.
+
+"No one will ever know how scared I was," he muttered. "Now to
+find Chester."
+
+He turned to the soldier who had accosted him.
+
+"Take me immediately to your commanding officer," he ordered.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+HAL AND UNCLE JOHN.
+
+
+While Chester and his old friend, Anthony Stubbs, war correspondent, are
+resting at ease for the moment with the Italian troops at the extreme
+northern front, it behooves us to go back and see what has happened to
+Hal and Uncle John.
+
+When the two were led away from the headquarters of the Italian
+commander, under guard, Uncle John's rage had by no means subsided; but
+he cooled down somewhat after Hal had, to the best of his ability,
+attempted to show him the viewpoint of the general.
+
+"It's a contemptible trick," Uncle John protested.
+
+"Well, let it go at that, then," said Hal helplessly.
+
+And Uncle John did.
+
+Now the thoughts of the two turned to Chester, for both were greatly
+worried about him, and their anxiety increased as the long hours passed.
+
+So darkness came, and they lay down to sleep. They were awake with the
+morning light and the first thought of each was whether any word had been
+received from the Italian commander in Rome.
+
+And two hours after daylight they knew. An orderly entered and informed
+them that the commander desired their presence immediately. They
+followed him.
+
+"Everything all right, general?" Hal greeted him, with a smile.
+
+The Italian commander frowned.
+
+"The answer to my wire will hardly gain you your freedom," he replied.
+
+"What, sir?" demanded Hal, in great surprise.
+
+"Exactly," replied the commander, this time smiling a little himself.
+
+"What did General Ferrari say?" inquired Hal anxiously.
+
+"Well, he didn't say anything," replied the Italian. "He is no longer in
+Rome, but has gone to the front. My wire did not reach him. Consequently,
+I shall have to turn you over to the civil authorities here for
+safe-keeping. I cannot be bothered with you."
+
+Hal gazed at Uncle John in dismay.
+
+"What did I tell you?" the latter broke out. "And you sided with him,
+too. Tried to show me where he was right, didn't you? Well, what do you
+think of him now?"
+
+In spite of the seriousness of their situation, Hal was forced to smile
+at Uncle John's righteous wrath.
+
+"It will turn out all right," he said quietly.
+
+"I'm glad somebody thinks so," declared Uncle John. "I don't."
+
+Hal addressed the commander:
+
+"General, I can assure you that all we have said has been the truth. You
+will learn so in time. I, sir, have seen active service. I have fought
+with the Belgians, the British in France and the Russians in the eastern
+war zone."
+
+"From your own accounts you must have had quite a time," said the Italian
+commander dryly. "Now, I may as well tell you that I do not believe a
+single word of your story and protests will avail you nothing. Were I to
+follow my own inclinations, I would order you both shot as spies within
+the hour. However, there is always a chance that my convictions may be
+wrong, which is the only thing that is saving you now. I shall wait until
+I have word from General Ferrari. Orderly!"
+
+A subordinate entered.
+
+"Turn these prisoners over to Colonel Brunoli. Colonel Brunoli," he
+continued, addressing Hal, "is the chief of police. I can guarantee that
+you will be safe in his keeping."
+
+Hal would have protested, but the orderly signalled him to march out
+ahead, of him. Hal took Uncle John by the arm, and they left, but not
+before Uncle John had hurled a final remark over his shoulder to the
+Italian commander.
+
+"You will hear of me again, sir," he thundered. "I'm an American citizen
+and we have an ambassador over in this benighted country. He'll warm
+things up for you when he learns of this outrage."
+
+"March!" commanded the orderly and Uncle John heeded the order.
+
+Before an imposing building a short distance away, the orderly called a
+halt and then motioned them up the short flight of steps. Through a long
+hall they were marched and into a room at the far end. Here a man in
+uniform with much lace and gold facings sat at a large desk. Hal didn't
+need to be told that he was the chief of police.
+
+"What have we here?" he demanded, swinging about in his chair and eyeing
+the two severely.
+
+"Prisoners, sir, whom I am instructed to turn over to you," was the
+orderly's reply. "You are to hold them until you receive further
+instructions, sir."
+
+"Very good," said the chief. "You may go."
+
+The orderly saluted, turned on his heel and departed.
+
+"You may sit there until I have completed this piece of work," said the
+chief, motioning the prisoners to chairs behind him.
+
+Hal and Uncle John sat down and the chief turned again to his desk and
+was soon busy writing.
+
+Hal's eyes roved about the room. An idea struck him like a flash. They
+sat between the chief of police and the door by which they had entered.
+What would be more easy than to tip-toe to the door, which stood slightly
+ajar, and disappear unbeknown to the chief?
+
+With Hal to think was to act. Fearing to lift his voice in a whisper, he
+at last managed to catch Uncle John's eye. Then he laid a warning finger
+to his lips and beckoned Uncle John to follow him. Uncle John manifested
+some surprise, but he signified that he understood.
+
+Carefully Hal got to his feet and Uncle John followed suit. Then Hal,
+stepping very softly, moved toward the door. Now it was five, now four,
+now three paces away--and then the boy laid his hand on the knob. Uncle
+John was right behind him.
+
+The door swung open without so much as a creak, and Hal stepped out.
+Uncle John followed him. Hal motioned Uncle John to lead the way down the
+hall, while he remained behind to close the door. The order was obeyed.
+
+Hal took the precaution to close the door tightly and then hurried after
+Uncle John. "Well--" began Uncle John, just as they stepped from the
+building, "I guess we--"
+
+Came a sudden roar from behind them--the roar of a human voice.
+
+"The chief!" exclaimed Hal. "Run!"
+
+Uncle John needed no urging and the two went down the steps four and five
+at a time. Hal led the way and Uncle John followed close at his heels.
+
+Around the corner they darted even as the chief of police appeared in the
+doorway--too late to see in which direction his erstwhile prisoners had
+flown. But the two fugitives could hear his voice raised in another roar,
+as he thundered out a call for his men to give chase.
+
+"Come on, Uncle John!" shouted Hal, and the latter, although he had long
+since come to believe that his bones had stiffened with age, surprised
+himself by the manner in which he flew over the ground.
+
+Fortunately, the street at the moment was deserted. Around one, two, then
+three corners Hal doubled, and then slowed down.
+
+"Guess we are all right for a few minutes," he gasped.
+
+Uncle John stopped and gasped for breath.
+
+"I'm not as young as I used to be, Hal," he said. "Don't forget that. I
+can't go a hundred yards in eleven seconds any more."
+
+"Well, you didn't miss it much," said Hal, with a chuckle. "But come on,
+we must get away from here. If we are caught now, the chances are they
+will stand us up against a wall and have a shot at us."
+
+"In which event," said Uncle John dryly, "I can still do a hundred yards
+in ten flat."
+
+Side by side the two walked on.
+
+"The question that now arises," said Uncle John, "is how we are going to
+get away from here?"
+
+"First," said Hal, "we must go back and see if Chester is still where we
+left him."
+
+"Like looking for a needle in a haystack," said Uncle John. "This is a
+pretty good-sized town."
+
+"Not at all," replied Hal. "I have a pretty keen sense of direction;
+besides, I always make it a point to look at the names of the streets. I
+can find it in half an hour. Come on."
+
+The lad had not boasted and less than an hour later they stood again in
+the house where so lately they had been prisoners.
+
+"Well, he's gone," said Hal quietly. "We cannot help him here. The best
+thing for us to do is to return to Rome and lay the case before the
+ambassador, who can take the matter up with Ambassador Penfield at
+Vienna, or through Washington."
+
+"The thing to do, then, is to hunt the railroad station," declared Uncle
+John. "Do you think you can find it?"
+
+"If I can't, I can ask," replied Hal.
+
+Thirty minutes later saw Hal at the ticket window asking what time the
+next train left for Rome.
+
+"In an hour," was the reply.
+
+Hal purchased two tickets. Then with Uncle John he strolled about
+the station.
+
+Suddenly the boy halted in his tracks and grabbed Uncle John by the arm,
+pulling him into a corner. And it was well that he did so, for a moment
+later there brushed by the spot where they had stood none other than the
+chief of police and several other men in uniform.
+
+"He may not be looking for us, but the chances are he is," said Hal.
+
+The chief went straight to the ticket office, where he engaged the agent
+in conversation.
+
+"No Rome for us now," declared Hal. "Come on."
+
+He led the way out of the station and directly stood in the train
+shed. The boy heard a cry of "All aboard" and saw that a train was
+about to pull out.
+
+"Don't know where it is going, but we'll get it!" he cried, and Uncle
+John followed him in his mad dash. By a hard run they succeeded in
+climbing into an unoccupied compartment even as the guard would have
+closed the door.
+
+"Where do you suppose we are bound?" asked Uncle John, as he sat
+down, panting.
+
+"Don't know," was Hal's reply. "We'll find out directly."
+
+A few minutes later the conductor enlightened them.
+
+"Milan," he said.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+WITH THE ARMY.
+
+
+"Milan!" echoed Hal. "Good night!"
+
+"Oh, well," said Uncle John, with rare optimism for him, "I guess we can
+double back from there, can't we?"
+
+"I suppose it can be done," agreed Hal. "But we haven't any business
+wandering all over this country. We want to get to Rome."
+
+"We'll get there, all right," said Uncle John.
+
+"Yes; but if they happen to nab us we are likely not to get there whole,"
+declared Hal.
+
+When the train arrived in Milan, Hal and Uncle John were among the first
+to alight.
+
+"Well, here we are; now what?" demanded Uncle John.
+
+"You've got me," declared Hal.
+
+They made their way to the street and there they halted suddenly, for a
+wonderful sight had met their gaze.
+
+Passing along the street were thousands and thousands of soldiers,
+mounted and afoot, fully equipped for the field. They passed by in a
+steady stream. For an hour Hal and Uncle John watched the imposing sight
+and still the long line wended its way along. Hal's heart beat faster as
+his eyes rested upon this imposing array of fighting strength.
+
+"By Jove! I'd like to go along," he muttered to himself.
+
+And it was to be so, even sooner that he could possibly have hoped. But
+the suggestion came from an altogether unexpected source.
+
+"Tell you what, Hal," said Uncle John suddenly. "As long as we are here
+we might as well see a little something. What do you think?"
+
+"Just what do you mean?" asked Hal.
+
+"Well, let's go along to the front with these fellows; that is, if we
+can make it. We may see something that we will never have another
+chance to see."
+
+"Suits me," declared Hal. "Let's see if we can get a couple of
+horses--it's pretty tough walking and we don't know how far we may
+have to go."
+
+This was easier than could have been expected; and an hour later found
+them riding slowly along in the direction taken by the Italian troops.
+
+"Don't suppose the authorities here have been apprised of our escape from
+Milan," said Hal. "I guess we are safe enough."
+
+Hour after hour they rode along, passing regiment after regiment of
+infantry as it moved toward the front. Uncle John was greatly impressed
+by the military carriage and bearing of the troops, but in spite of their
+impressiveness Hal could not help thinking that they did not have the
+businesslike appearance of the British troops.
+
+Now, in the distance, they made out what they could see was a great camp,
+stretching out as far as the eye could see on both sides.
+
+"This," said Hal, pointing, "will be the end of our tour of inspection.
+Beyond those lines they will not let us go."
+
+"We'll go as far as we can," declared Uncle John.
+
+Suddenly from directly ahead came the heavy thunder of a single gun,
+followed almost immediately by another giant voice. Other big guns began
+to speak, and soon the roaring of thousands filled the air.
+
+"A battle!" exclaimed Hal.
+
+Other voices now, more faint but sharper of note, took up the
+fighting--rapid firers and the rifles of the infantry coming into play.
+From their present position Hal and Uncle John could not tell just where
+the fighting was in progress, the numbers engaged, or whether the
+Italians had taken the offensive, or the Austrians, or how the battle was
+progressing. All they could hear was the terrible din and roar. They
+could see nothing. They were at present far from the battle line.
+
+Still they advanced.
+
+Now they were suddenly in the center of the Italian troops, still
+stationary, awaiting the word to move forward in support of the second
+line or the first line as the case might be.
+
+An officer rode up to them.
+
+"What are you doing here?" he demanded.
+
+"Nothing particularly," replied Hal. "I am a British officer and, being
+in this neighborhood, thought I would look around a bit."
+
+"Your papers?" was the next command.
+
+"Unfortunately, I have none with me," returned the lad.
+
+The officer hesitated.
+
+"I'll tell you," he said finally, "there is a British officer commanding
+a regiment here. Perhaps he will know you. I shall conduct you to him. He
+has arrived from France only recently."
+
+"I don't know all the British officers in France," said Hal, "but there
+is always the possibility I may know this one."
+
+"Follow me," commanded the Italian.
+
+The two did so. To the far left wing their guide led the way, and finally
+stopped before a tent somewhat larger than the rest.
+
+An orderly came forth.
+
+"Tell the colonel I have a man here who claims to be a British officer,"
+said the Italian.
+
+A moment later there stepped from the tent a long, tall Englishman,
+attired in British uniform, youngish of face, and at sight of him Hal
+started forward with a glad cry.
+
+"Major Anderson!" he exclaimed.
+
+The officer gazed at him in surprise, then came forward with
+extended hand.
+
+"Bless my soul," he exclaimed. "What in the name of all that's wonderful
+are you doing here? I thought you were dead. And where is Chester?"
+
+"I don't know," answered Hal, answering the last question first.
+
+Upon Colonel Anderson's--he was no longer major--request, Hal plunged
+into an account of what had transpired since they had last seen the
+gallant Englishman. Now the Italian officer stepped forward.
+
+"Then they are all right?" he questioned, indicating Hal and Uncle John.
+
+"This one is," replied Anderson, laying a hand on Hal's shoulder. "I
+don't know the other."
+
+He hastened to introduce the two men.
+
+Anderson turned to the Italian.
+
+"It's all right," he said.
+
+The latter saluted and moved away.
+
+"While you are here," said Anderson, "you will make yourselves at home in
+my quarters. I am now called to the front."
+
+"Can't we go with you?" asked Hal anxiously.
+
+The colonel hesitated.
+
+"Well, I guess it can be done," he said at length. "You have your horses;
+wait until I get mine."
+
+A command to his orderly and the horse was soon waiting. The three rode
+forward and as they went the colonel explained something of the situation
+and his reason for being with the Italian army.
+
+"I was sent here immediately Italy declared war," he said, "at the
+request of the Italian government. Of course, they didn't ask for me
+personally, but they did ask for a British officer who had seen active
+service. General French selected me, with the rank of colonel. That's why
+I'm here."
+
+"And this fighting now?" questioned Hal. "Who is on the offensive?"
+
+"The Austrians, at the moment," was the reply. "They have massed
+thousands of men to the north, and at the far side of the Alps. We have
+let it be known that we were in insufficient strength here and the
+Austrians evidently hope, by a quick drive, to gain a foothold on Italian
+soil. Fortunately, however, our lines were strengthened no later than
+yesterday and reinforcements still are arriving. The Austrians have
+delayed too long.
+
+"Now our troops are falling back slowly and in good order. The Austrians,
+feeling sure of a quick victory, will follow them too far. Then for our
+coup. First the artillery, then the infantry and cavalry, and let me tell
+you something, this Italian artillery fire is going to be one of the
+wonders of the war. Its effect will be terrific. Watch and see."
+
+In the distance now the three made out a squad of a dozen men advancing
+toward them, with what appeared to be two prisoners in their midst.
+
+"We'll have a look and see what's up," declared Colonel Anderson.
+
+They rode forward.
+
+As at last they were able to make out the faces of the two apparent
+prisoners, Hal uttered a loud shout and spurred his horse forward. Uncle
+John took a second look and did likewise. Colonel Anderson rode rapidly
+after them.
+
+At the side of the squad, Hal leaped quickly from his horse, and plunging
+directly into the squad, threw his arms about one of the prisoners.
+
+"Chester!" he cried.
+
+And Chester it was.
+
+The latter returned his friend's embrace with gusto, and then freeing
+himself, fell into the bear hug of Uncle John.
+
+The latter was sniffling with joy; but at last released, Chester caught
+sight of Colonel Anderson.
+
+Again there was an affectionate greeting and then Hal heard a voice
+in his ear.
+
+"And haven't you anything to say to me, young man?"
+
+Hal whirled about and caught sight of the smiling face of Anthony Stubbs,
+war correspondent of the New York _Gazette_.
+
+"Stubbs!" he cried, and his delight was so evident that the little man
+flushed with pleasure.
+
+Introductions followed all around now and then Colonel Anderson addressed
+the officer in charge of the squad.
+
+"Are these men prisoners?" he asked.
+
+"No, sir," was the reply, "but General Ferrari instructed me to have them
+taken to a place of safety."
+
+"Then you can turn them over to me without question?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Good! Then I shall relieve you of further responsibility."
+
+The Italian saluted, ordered his men to "'Bout face" and marched off
+toward the front.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+THE ADVANCE.
+
+
+The shrill, clear voice of a single bugle broke the stillness of the
+early morning. There was a second of intense silence, and the call came
+again. A second took it up, and a third, and many more, each less
+distinct than the first, for they were farther away.
+
+Hal, Chester, Uncle John and Anthony Stubbs, three of them accustomed as
+they were to the life of the military camps, were upon their feet almost
+before the sound of the first bugle had died away, and strained their
+ears to catch a repetition.
+
+They had spent the night in a large tent assigned them by Colonel
+Anderson, not far from his own quarters, and had retired completely
+exhausted as the result of the strenuous time they had gone through. But
+they were all perfectly wide awake now and rushed from their tent with
+the sound of the second call.
+
+"A call to arms!" exclaimed Hal.
+
+"Probably means an advance," said Chester quietly.
+
+"I guess you are right," returned his chum. "And here we are, nothing but
+spectators at the best."
+
+"And that's where you are lucky," chimed in Stubbs. "Now take me, I've
+got to get out among all this fighting and maybe I'll be killed. But I've
+got to do it. You fellows can stay here where it is perfectly safe."
+
+"Well, I'd much rather be in your place, then," said Chester.
+
+"Same here," declared Hal.
+
+The Italian camp had sprung to life as if by magic. Half-clothed sleepers
+poured from the tents and formed into ranks in the darkness. Officers ran
+hither and thither shouting hoarse orders. For a moment confusion
+reigned, but this gave place almost immediately to perfect order. The
+discipline of the Italian troops was remarkable. In almost less time than
+it takes to tell it, the whole Italian army of the North, stretching out
+as it did for mile after mile and mile after mile, was under arms,
+eagerly awaiting the word that would send it against the strongly
+entrenched Austrian columns ahead.
+
+Less than a hundred rods away Hal made out the form of Colonel Anderson,
+as he now stood at the head of his men; gazing steadily ahead except when
+he turned to give an order to one of his subordinates. Far back, just
+distinguishable in the now half light, could be seen the dense masses of
+cavalry, unmounted as yet, but ready to leap to the saddle and dash
+forward at command.
+
+A gun boomed, shattering the almost oppressive stillness. Another
+followed suit. More took up the work and the air was filled with their
+thundering. It became apparent to Hal and Chester, to whom this was
+nothing new, that the infantry would make the first advance, under the
+support of the artillery.
+
+"A good-sized job, if you ask me," declared the latter.
+
+"Rather," replied Hal dryly. "Hey," breaking off suddenly, "where are
+you going?"
+
+"To the front," replied Stubbs, to whom the lad had addressed his remark,
+pausing for a moment and glancing back over his shoulder. "Got to get a
+little news, you know."
+
+"You'd better look out or you are likely to get a little bullet,"
+remarked Uncle John.
+
+"Well, I'll have to take a chance," replied the little man.
+
+With a wave of his hand he disappeared in the darkness.
+
+"Forward!" came a clear voice from their rear.
+
+Came the heavy tramp, tramp of marching feet, as the First Infantry
+moved forward. Steadily they marched ahead, silently and with an air of
+determination. They made an imposing appearance in the dim light of
+early morning.
+
+"A gallant body of men," muttered Hal. "They'll give a good account of
+themselves."
+
+Came a word of command from Colonel Anderson--the boys recognized his
+voice--and more troops moved forward. As far as the eye could see dense
+masses of men were marching rapidly toward the front. It became apparent
+that this was to be no mere skirmish--no mere feeling-out process. It was
+to be a battle, and as both lads realized, it might well last for days.
+
+"We may as well go forward a bit," said Hal.
+
+Accordingly the three started out. Half an hour later they were suddenly
+surrounded by a body of infantry, and, in some unaccountable manner, were
+separated from Uncle John. In vain they looked, called and whistled for
+him. He had disappeared.
+
+"Well, I guess he will be able to find the way back," said Chester. "We'd
+better see if we can find him."
+
+They retraced their steps. For an hour and more they waited, but Uncle
+John failed to put in an appearance. And all the time, from ahead, came
+the dull roar of battle.
+
+"Well, what shall we do?" asked Chester at length.
+
+Hal shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"Guess your peaceful Uncle John has gone on to the front," he said. "We
+may as well do the same. He'll turn up sooner or later."
+
+Chester was struck with a sudden idea.
+
+"By Jove!" he exclaimed.
+
+"What's the matter now?" demanded Hal, eyeing his chum in some surprise.
+
+"I was just thinking," said Chester. "Say, let's see if we can't find a
+couple of spare uniforms around here."
+
+"H-m-m," muttered Hal, who knew what Chester meant. "Maybe we shouldn't
+do anything like that."
+
+"Maybe we shouldn't," agreed Chester, "but there is no one here to tell
+us not to. Come on."
+
+Hal followed him.
+
+They looked into several tents, but their search met with no success, but
+in the sixth tent they were more fortunate. Chester, rummaging around in
+a corner, produced a lieutenant's uniform.
+
+"Looks like it might fit," he said. "I'll try it on."
+
+He did.
+
+"Fits well enough," he said.
+
+"All right," said Hal. "But where is mine?"
+
+"Oh, we'll find you one, all right," said Chester.
+
+And, after half an hour's further search, they did--a second lieutenant's
+uniform. Hal donned it hurriedly.
+
+"Might as well hunt up our horses," he said.
+
+"Ours?" queried Chester.
+
+"Well, mine and Uncle John's, or anybody else's, for that matter. It's a
+long walk to the front."
+
+They were fortunate enough to find two mounts without much trouble, and,
+leaping to the saddles, they rode forward.
+
+"Got a gun?" asked Chester.
+
+"No," replied Hal. "Have you?"
+
+"No such luck. Maybe we can find one further on."
+
+This hope was realized.
+
+As they rode forward the sights of battle became evident. Here and there
+were fallen men, some dead and some dying, struck down by the long-range
+artillery of the Austrians. Red Cross nurses and physicians were busy
+attending to the wounded.
+
+Hal leaped to the ground, and from the fingers of a dead officer took a
+revolver. A second he removed from his holster. Then he unstrapped the
+officer's sword belt and put it on himself.
+
+"Well, I'm fixed," he said, leaning down and producing the unfortunate
+officer's supply of ammunition.
+
+"My turn next," said Chester.
+
+Half a mile further along he relieved a second fallen officer of his
+sword, revolvers and ammunition.
+
+"Now," said he, "we are ready to go into battle?"
+
+"We're ready," agreed Hal, "but we have no business there."
+
+"Well, we won't do any fighting unless we have to," said Chester, "but
+we'll go as far to the front as we can."
+
+They rode forward more rapidly.
+
+Meanwhile, the Italians pressed forward to the attack. With the first
+shell hurled within their lines by the enemy's artillery, the Austrians
+came to life. Weak spots in the long battle line were strengthened,
+reinforcements were hurried forward all along the entire front. The
+Austrian artillery opened fire and for an hour the long-range artillery
+duel continued.
+
+But now the Austrian officers grew greatly excited. From the shelter of
+the distant Italian trenches rose a long line of men. Coolly they formed
+under the Austrian fire, and stood awaiting the signal to advance. And a
+moment later it came.
+
+On came the Italians in spite of the withering fire of the Austrian
+infantry and the still more deadly execution of the great guns, which
+mowed them down by the hundreds.
+
+But as fast as these gaps appeared, they were filled by others, and the
+Italians continued to forge ahead.
+
+An Austrian bugle spoke sharply, and there sallied forth from the
+Austrian entrenchments masses of infantry at the double, closely followed
+by cavalry.
+
+Evidently the Austrian commander had determined not to put his entire
+dependence upon his artillery.
+
+The Italians sprang forward to meet the foe. They rushed as though hurled
+from a catapult.
+
+The solid lines of infantry met with a shock. Rifles flashed and
+revolvers spoke sharply. Steel flashed in the air and hand grenades added
+their deadly execution to the terrible work.
+
+And now the Italian infantry parted suddenly in the center and from
+behind at a furious pace came squadron upon squadron of cavalry,
+possibly, all told, five thousand men.
+
+With impetuous bravery they dashed forward, throwing themselves upon the
+bayonets of the Austrian infantry, which had braced to receive the shock.
+But the enemy could not withstand this desperate charge. They faltered,
+hesitated, broke and fled. In vain their officers sought to bring order
+out of chaos. It was beyond their effort.
+
+Straight in among the broken infantry plunged the Italian cavalry. Sabers
+whirled in the air and descended with terrible effect. Horses trampled
+fallen men, and bit at those who stood in their way, stamping and
+striking at others with their feet.
+
+Realizing that his infantry was completely demoralized, the Austrian
+commander gave the word to send his own cavalry into the fray.
+
+With a shout the horsemen charged. The Italians drew up their horses
+sharply and braced themselves to meet this new attack.
+
+Chester and Hal, who came within view of this deadly work at this moment,
+stood spellbound.
+
+Then Chester spoke.
+
+"Now," he said, "you will see what I call real fighting. Look!"
+
+The two bodies of horsemen met with a crash.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+THE BOYS GO INTO BATTLE.
+
+
+Sitting their horses quietly, their lives endangered every moment by shot
+and shell that dropped around them and whistled by their heads, Hal and
+Chester watched keenly the hand-to-hand struggle that ensued.
+
+The two bodies of horsemen met with a crash less than a quarter of a
+mile from where the two lads had taken their places. With swords and
+sabers flashing aloft, the Austrians had charged with a wild yell. The
+Italian cavalry, stationary and braced for the shock, received their
+foes silently.
+
+Hal and Chester could see that the opposing bodies of horse were about
+evenly matched; and they realized that skill, horsemanship and fighting
+prowess would play important parts in the encounter.
+
+The very fierceness of the Austrian charge swept away the front rank of
+the Italian cavalry; and, over the fallen bodies of men and horses the
+foe pressed on, taking no count of their own dead and injured that reeled
+and fell from the saddles. The horses themselves became imbued with the
+spirit of battle, and bit and struck at each other as their riders fought
+with sword, saber and pistol.
+
+It was a terrible sight, and the lads shuddered unconsciously. It was
+more frightful to the spectator than it was to the struggling men
+themselves, who, in the heat of battle, took no thought of the dead and
+the dying and pressed forward bent only upon protecting themselves while
+they sought the lives of their foes.
+
+For an hour the fierce hand-to-hand struggle raged, with advantage
+apparently first to one side and then to the other. In other sections of
+the field, at least where Hal and Chester could see, operations had
+ceased for the moment, each commander evidently loath to hurl forward
+additional troops until the cavalry action had been decided. However, the
+troops were engaged in other quarters of the field. Upon the right the
+Italians had made no impression on the Austrian, but the Italian left
+wing had had better success. The first line of trenches of the enemy had
+fallen to the attacking forces after a fierce bayonet charge by the
+infantry, and the left wing had now taken shelter in the trenches and was
+preparing to beat off a counter attack which the Austrian commander even
+now was about to make.
+
+And in the center the cavalry still fought sullenly and fiercely.
+
+Suddenly Hal uttered an exclamation of dismay.
+
+From a quarter of a mile to the left of the struggling cavalry, a second
+body of Austrian horsemen appeared. These men had been ordered to make a
+detour and fall upon the Italian horse from the left. They now charged
+with a shout.
+
+Apparently this had taken the Italian commander by surprise, for no
+additional Italian troops were for the moment hurled forward to the
+support of the cavalry. Beset by this new foe, the Italians were forced
+back slowly, fighting every minute, however, and contesting every foot of
+ground as they retreated.
+
+Hal and Chester now realized for the first time that they were directly
+in the line of retreat.
+
+"We'd better move, Hal," said Chester, "or we shall have to fight whether
+we want to or not."
+
+Hal signified his assent with a nod of his head, and they turned their
+horses' heads to ride out of harm's way.
+
+But they had delayed too long.
+
+From behind them came a loud, terrible, blood-curdling shout, and gazing
+quickly about, the lads saw that they were directly in the road of large
+cavalry reinforcements that were being rushed forward to the support of
+the hard-pressed men in front.
+
+"Quick, Chester!" cried Hal, and put spurs to his horse.
+
+But it was too late.
+
+The Italian cavalry was upon them, and rather than be thrown down and
+trampled, the lads were forced to turn their horses in with the troop;
+and thus they were carried along like a whirlwind in the very front rank
+of the charge, and Hal, glancing to his left, felt a sudden sense of
+satisfaction as he saw that the man who led this desperate charge was
+none other than Colonel Harry Anderson, his old companion in arms, the
+man by whose side both he and Chester had faced death more than once.
+
+Hal's hand dropped to his belt, and his revolver came forth in his left
+hand. The reins he allowed to fall loose upon his horse's neck, while
+with his right hand he drew his sword. Chester, with the light of battle
+in his eyes, was already prepared.
+
+The horses of the two boys darted forward with the rest of the troop,
+their ears standing straight up, their manes bristling, their
+nostrils extended.
+
+Now the troop came close upon the cavalry already engaged; and these men,
+despite their seeming confusion, parted as though by a prearranged plan,
+and the reinforcements passed through, and fell upon the enemy with an
+impact that was not to be denied. Behind, the first troop reformed and
+now came forward in support.
+
+And once more Hal and Chester found themselves in the midst of battle.
+
+Just before the impact, and as Colonel Anderson brandished his sword
+aloft and urged his men on with a shouted command, Hal discharged his
+revolver at a tall Austrian who had taken deliberate aim at Colonel
+Anderson. The man threw up his hands and with a wild yell toppled beneath
+the feet of the plunging horses, there to be trampled to death if Hal's
+bullet had not been enough.
+
+One volley was poured into the Austrians at a command from Colonel
+Anderson, and then the Italians were upon the foe with drawn sabers. A
+single volley from the Austrians proved ineffective; Hal and Chester and
+the commander of the troop were unscathed and the Austrians had no time
+for another.
+
+Chester parried a blow aimed at him by an Austrian cavalryman, and
+raising his pistol quickly, toppled him from his horse with a bullet. A
+second ploughed its way through the chest of another trooper and with his
+sword the lad caught a blow that at that moment would have descended upon
+Hal's head.
+
+And so the fighting went, cut, thrust, parry and strike, with an
+occasional revolver shot in between; and Hal, Chester, and Colonel
+Anderson, in some miraculous manner, escaping injury.
+
+The Austrians fought bravely, giving blow for blow, and in the center
+succeeded in breaking through. It was but a mere handful of men who
+succeeded in this venture, however, and they were immediately cut off
+from their friends. A demand to surrender went unheeded; and a moment
+later they had gone down.
+
+A bugle sounded in the Austrian rear. The enemy drew off. It was first
+blood to the Italians and the troops raised a loud cheer as they dashed
+forward in pursuit of the foe, who now turned their horses about
+sharply and fled.
+
+For a hundred yards the Italians pursued, doing great execution with
+their heavy cavalry swords; and then Colonel Anderson called a halt, for
+he feared he might be rushing into a trap.
+
+When two hundred yards separated the opposing forces, the Austrian
+artillery suddenly broke loose again. A shell struck squarely in the
+center of the Italian horsemen, doing frightful execution. Colonel
+Anderson hurriedly gave the order to fall back.
+
+The colonel turned to Hal and Chester.
+
+"What are you two doing here?" he demanded. "I thought you told me your
+fighting days were over?"
+
+"We thought so, too," replied Hal, with a smile, "but you fellows
+swooped down on us so suddenly that we didn't have a chance to get out
+of the way."
+
+"And it seemed pretty good," said Chester, "just like old times."
+
+"You both gave good accounts of yourselves," declared the colonel. "I'll
+have a word to say about you in my report."
+
+"No use of--" began Chester and broke off with an ejaculation: "Hello!"
+
+"What's up?" demanded Anderson.
+
+For answer, Chester pointed to the left and slightly ahead. There,
+overlooked in some way, a small body of Italian troops was engaged
+silently with a larger number of Austrians and the Italians were getting
+the worst of the encounter.
+
+Colonel Anderson made his decision in a moment, and in spite of the
+Austrian artillery shells that were flying overhead and dropping on all
+sides, the cavalry rushed to the aid of their countrymen.
+
+But the Austrians didn't wait to receive this new attack. They turned and
+took to their heels; and as they hastened away, Hal caught the sound of a
+voice coming from their midst:
+
+"Hal! Chester!" it came. "Help!"
+
+"By George! it's Uncle John!" exclaimed Chester, and urged his horse
+forward faster than before.
+
+"Uncle John--and a prisoner," ejaculated Hal, and also spurred forward.
+
+But a heavy hand was laid on the bridle of each.
+
+"Here! what's the matter with you fellows?" demanded Colonel Anderson's
+gruff voice. "Want to get yourselves killed?"
+
+"But we've got to get Uncle John out of this mess," declared Chester.
+
+"You won't get him out by getting yourselves killed," was the reply.
+"He's safe enough now. He's a prisoner and they won't hurt him."
+
+"But they'll keep him prisoner," was Chester's exclamation.
+
+"Well, what of it?" demanded the colonel.
+
+"Well, I don't know," said Chester slowly.
+
+"I'll speak to the general," said Colonel Anderson. "Perhaps he will see
+his way clear to making representations for his release."
+
+"Do you think he will?" asked Hal eagerly.
+
+"To tell you the truth, I don't, but I'll speak to him, anyhow."
+
+With this the lads were forced to be content, for they realized that
+Colonel Anderson would not permit them to go forward by themselves;
+besides, they recognized the folly of such an act.
+
+The battle was over for the moment. The Italian left wing retained the
+ground won despite several counter assaults and the right wing had also
+been pushed forward after vigorous fighting. The Italians held their
+dearly gained victory in the center.
+
+"Come with me," said Colonel Anderson to Hal and Chester. "We'll have a
+talk with the general."
+
+The two lads followed him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+OFF ON A MISSION.
+
+
+"I regret to say that what you ask is impossible."
+
+The speaker was General Ferrari, commander of the Italian army of the
+North--the army that later was to attempt an invasion of Austrian
+territory by way of the Alps.
+
+Colonel Anderson had just put before the general the question of trying
+to gain the freedom of Uncle John. The general turned to Hal and Chester.
+
+"I am not unmindful of the great help you rendered Italy in Rome," he
+said; "but, at the same time, I cannot grant your present request. I
+am sorry."
+
+"Why, that's all right, sir," said Chester quietly. "The idea was Colonel
+Anderson's, and if it cannot be done, that settles it, of course. Uncle
+John will have to take his chances, the same as the rest of us."
+
+"I am glad you are so sensible about it," replied the general. "Now,"
+turning to Colonel Anderson, "I have a matter to discuss with you."
+
+Hal and Chester took their departure, telling Colonel Anderson they would
+await him without. Half an hour later the colonel joined them.
+
+"It's too bad you fellows are not in the fighting business any
+more," he said.
+
+"Why?" demanded both lads in one voice.
+
+"Because I am now confronted with a piece of work in which I should be
+glad to have your aid."
+
+"What kind of work?" asked Chester.
+
+"Oh, just a little mission that would take us into the Austrian lines.
+General Ferrari wants a little information, and he has selected me to go
+after it. I've got to have a couple of companions."
+
+"By Jove, Chester! Here's a chance for us," declared Hal. "We'll go
+along, and who knows, perhaps we may have a chance to help Uncle
+John, too."
+
+"Good!" agreed Chester. "What do you say, colonel?"
+
+"I am afraid the general would not hear of it," replied the colonel, with
+a slight smile. "For my part, if you are willing I should be glad to have
+you with me. I know you are to be depended upon and I have great
+confidence in your resourcefulness."
+
+"Let's go and see the general," said Chester.
+
+Colonel Anderson offered no protest to this and a few moments later
+Chester put his request to General Ferrari.
+
+"H-m-m," said the general, musing for a while. Then he gave his decision.
+"All right," he said; "but first, I want to impress one thing upon you.
+Your work of trying to release your Uncle John, as you call him, must be
+a secondary matter. The mission you are undertaking will permit of no
+delay. Do you agree to that?"
+
+"Yes, sir," replied both lads, without an instant's hesitation.
+
+"You say you hold commissions in the Belgian army?" asked the general.
+
+"Yes, and I can vouch for the fact that they were both attached to the
+staff of General Sir John French," put in Colonel Anderson.
+
+"Very well, then," returned the general. "You may go, and my only
+instructions are that the work be done with the greatest possible haste."
+
+"It shall be done, sir," declared the colonel. "Come, boys."
+
+The three saluted and made their way from the general's quarters.
+
+In Colonel Anderson's tent they talked over their plans.
+
+"Just what is it we are supposed to find out?" asked Hal.
+
+"First, the enemy's strength at this point," replied the colonel. "The
+lay of the land, the strength of the enemy's position, how his army is
+laid out, and, lastly, the feasibility of a quick dash over the Alps."
+
+"Not such a little job, after all," commented Hal dryly.
+
+"And," said Chester, "just how do you figure we are going to get within
+the Austrian lines?"
+
+"That's the problem," said the colonel. "We'll have to figure that out.
+One thing, we've got to get there, and at least one of us has got to get
+back again. Luckily, I speak German fluently. I don't believe Austrian
+will be necessary."
+
+"Not much difference, is there?" asked Hal.
+
+"Some. But German will do us."
+
+"Well," said Chester, "one thing is certain; we shall have to discard our
+uniforms."
+
+"In which event," said Hal, "we shall be shot if captured."
+
+"That can't be helped," said the colonel. "We'll have to don
+civilian garb."
+
+"But how to get across?"
+
+"Say, look here, I've got a plan," said Chester.
+
+"Let's have it," said Hal.
+
+"Listen, then. We'll put on civilian clothes. We'll tell the Italian
+officer in command of the farthest outpost what we are about to do. We'll
+get horses and we'll have a squadron of Italian cavalry chase us,
+shooting--but over our heads. That will attract the enemy, and they'll
+come forward to help us. Then we'll get there."
+
+"But what reason will we give for wanting to get into the Austrian
+lines?" asked Hal.
+
+"I'm coming to that. Before we start, we'll draw up a couple of maps of
+supposed Italian positions--which, of course, will be directly the
+opposite of how things are here; we'll take down false figures of the
+Italian strength and other such things. We'll tell the Austrian
+commander, when we are taken before him, that we are German secret
+agents, and we'll get away with it. Fortunately, I think we know the
+phrase that will get us by."
+
+"What do you mean?" asked Hal.
+
+"Why, the one you used on Robard in Rome," said Chester. "'From the
+Wilhelmstrasse.'"
+
+"By Jove! I believe you are right," declared Hal.
+
+"I am certain of it," replied Chester. "So, you see, we will overcome
+suspicion, and will have freedom of the Austrian camp--practically. Now,
+what do you think of the plan?"
+
+"Well, it has its advantages," replied Colonel Anderson, "and if we are
+careful and cautious, it may work. In lieu of a better, I guess we may as
+well act upon it. Now, who is going to draw these maps? A map I would
+draw wouldn't look like much."
+
+"I guess that is up to me," said Chester. "I am rather handy with
+a pencil."
+
+He set to work and an hour later produced the result of his labors.
+
+"Fine," said the colonel, after gazing at the maps. "And you have laid
+them out, names and all. If the Austrians were to advance with the belief
+that these were authentic, we'd eat 'em alive."
+
+"I hope they do it," said Chester. "Now it's up to you to get the
+other figures."
+
+"We've prepared those," said the colonel, and produced the result of an
+hour's work.
+
+"Now we'll have to hide them, so it will look right," said Chester.
+
+"Right; but first crumple them up and rub a little dirt on 'em," said
+Hal.
+
+This was done.
+
+Then the three went in search of the necessary clothing. This they
+obtained without much difficulty.
+
+"Now, about the starting time?" said Chester.
+
+"My idea," said Hal, "is that we go to the front at once, but that we do
+not start toward the enemy's lines until just after the break of day."
+
+"Why?" asked Colonel Anderson.
+
+"For several reasons, but one will suffice. If we go at night the whole
+thing is likely to go wrong, and they'll shoot us without taking any
+chances. They won't see our apparently serious predicament in the
+darkness."
+
+"You are right, as usual," replied the colonel.
+
+"Now about weapons," said Chester. "We ought to carry a couple of
+guns apiece."
+
+"And a good supply of ammunition," agreed Hal.
+
+"We've got the guns, but not the ammunition," said Chester.
+
+"I'll rustle that up for you in a few minutes," said the colonel.
+
+He was as good as his word.
+
+An hour later they set out for the front, still in uniform, for they did
+not wish to don their civilian attire until it became necessary, for fear
+they would arouse suspicion in the breast of the Italian officer in
+command and necessitate a loss of time.
+
+The Italian colonel in command of the outpost at the extreme northern
+front listened to their plan and pronounced it a good one.
+
+"I'll have you chased good and properly," he said, with a grin.
+
+"Guess we had better turn in," said Colonel Anderson. "We'll leave it
+to you to have us called half an hour before daybreak," he said to
+the officer.
+
+"I'll have you up if I have to pull you out by the heels myself," was
+the reply.
+
+The three friends turned in in the officer's own tent and soon were fast
+asleep, their desperate mission of the morrow weighing not at all upon
+their minds. They were too seasoned veterans for that.
+
+Half an hour before daybreak they were aroused. All were perfectly
+wide awake in a moment and donned their civilian clothes. Then they
+left the tent and joined the Italian officer, where he awaited their
+coming and explained to the officer of a squadron of cavalry what was
+expected of him.
+
+The latter nodded his understanding of the order and repeated it
+to his men.
+
+It was cool in the early morning air, close to the mountains as they
+were, and the boys shivered a bit. Both were anxious for the time
+for action.
+
+A faint tinge of gray streaked the eastern sky; and gradually it
+grew brighter.
+
+"Well, guess we may as well be on our way," said the colonel. "Have you
+got our horses?"
+
+The animals were led up at a command from the Italian officer. The three
+swung themselves to the saddles.
+
+"Ready?" queried the colonel, gazing carefully around.
+
+"All ready," came the reply.
+
+"Good! Here we go then," and the colonel set off at a gallop, his
+revolver in his hand. Hal and Chester spurred after him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+WITHIN THE ENEMY'S LINES.
+
+
+Revolvers clasped tightly in both hands, the reins hanging loose on their
+horses' necks, while they guided the animals by the pressure of the
+knees, the friends dashed forward toward the Austrian lines, probably
+three miles ahead.
+
+When they had gone some two hundred yards, there came behind them, with
+loud shouts, a squadron of Italian cavalry, firing as they urged their
+mounts on.
+
+A hundred yards farther on the three saw signs of excitement in the
+Austrian ranks, now visible in the distance. A moment and a troop sallied
+forth to protect the flight of the apparent fugitives, and to drive back
+the Italians.
+
+Hal, thinking to help the illusion along, pulled his horse up sharply,
+and as the animal staggered and lost his stride, the lad tumbled off.
+He was up in a moment, however, and raising his revolver, emptied it
+at the Italian horsemen bearing down on him. He was careful to aim
+high, however.
+
+Chester and Colonel Anderson checked their mounts and the former leaped
+to the ground and helped Hal back to his saddle. Then, with a last volley
+in the direction of the Italians, they urged their horses on again.
+
+Meanwhile they could hear the whine of the Italian bullets above their
+head, some so close that Chester feared for a moment the Italian
+cavalrymen had misunderstood their orders. But none touched them.
+
+Straight toward the onrushing Austrians they spurred their horses; and
+the Austrians parted to let them through. At this juncture the Italians
+gave up the chase and retired; and the Austrians did not pursue them.
+
+"Pretty narrow escape you fellows had," said the Austrian officer,
+speaking in German.
+
+"Rather," replied Hal dryly. "When my horse stumbled back there, I was
+afraid it was all over."
+
+"I thought so myself," returned the Austrian. "But what is the matter?
+Who are you?"
+
+Hal gazed about sharply, and then leaning close to the Austrian,
+whispered:
+
+"From the Wilhelmstrasse."
+
+The Austrian never moved a muscle, but whispered back again:
+
+"Good! Then you desire to see General Brentz?"
+
+"At once, if you please," replied Hal.
+
+The Austrian nodded.
+
+Back within his own lines the officer volunteered to conduct the three to
+the general himself.
+
+"It will avoid delay," he explained.
+
+The three friends followed him.
+
+Before the quarters of the Austrian commander, the officer whispered to
+the orderly stationed at the entrance. The latter saluted and
+disappeared. He came out a moment later and motioned for all to enter.
+
+A large man, both tall and stout, was General Brentz, and he eyed the
+three with a close gaze. All gave the stiff German military salute.
+
+"You come from--" said the general, and paused.
+
+"The Wilhelmstrasse," said Colonel Anderson, leaning slightly forward.
+
+"And how did you get here?"
+
+"Well, not without some trouble," replied the colonel. "And we almost
+failed. But, fortunately, we remembered that the Wilhelmstrasse never
+fails, and with the aid of your cavalry, sir, we escaped. This officer,"
+pointing to the man who had conducted them there, "can perhaps tell you
+better than I. I was too busy with my horse."
+
+The officer, at the general's command, gave an account of the chase.
+
+"Very well," said the general, when he had concluded. He turned again to
+Colonel Anderson. "I take it you have valuable information for me, then?"
+
+"Yes, sir, but for you only," replied the colonel, nodding toward the
+other officer.
+
+General Brentz took the hint. He motioned the subordinate to withdraw.
+
+Colonel Anderson leaned down and unloosened his boot. He took it off, and
+drawing a knife from his pocket, slit the sole. Then he withdrew several
+sheets of dirty, crumpled paper, which he extended to General Brentz. The
+latter took them eagerly, and turned quickly to his desk.
+
+For almost an hour he poured over the papers and at last a slow smile
+spread itself over his face. He turned to the others.
+
+"This," he said, "will prove the very link for which I have been wishing.
+I may need more information from you, sirs."
+
+The three friends were afraid to look at each other for fear they would
+betray themselves, so all stood silent.
+
+"I take it you know something of my position here," said General Brentz
+to Colonel Anderson.
+
+"Very little, sir," was the reply.
+
+"I'll show you," said the general. "Draw up chairs, gentlemen; you may be
+able to help me."
+
+The three did as requested and then the Austrian commander spread a big
+map on the desk.
+
+"Here," he said, "are the positions of my troops. Now, having in mind the
+lay of the enemy forces, can you not see that a feint on the enemy left
+wing, followed by an attack in force on the center, is the key to the
+whole situation?"
+
+Colonel Anderson nodded his head slowly. In the meantime he was looking
+carefully at the map before him, impressing it upon his memory, as were
+Hal and Chester also.
+
+The colonel put a finger on the map.
+
+"Then the bulk of your men are massed here?" he asked, indicating
+the center.
+
+"No, that's the beauty of it," was the reply. "My strength is on my left
+wing. But an attack in force in the center, after a feint with my right,
+will call such Italian troops to the center that a second assault in
+force on our left will be almost certain of success."
+
+"I see," said the colonel slowly. "You are right, sir. And what is the
+strength, approximately, of your left wing?"
+
+"One hundred and fifty thousand men. Fifty to seventy-five thousand in
+the center and somewhat under fifty thousand in the right wing."
+
+"Enough to make a show of force at any given point," commented the
+colonel.
+
+"Exactly; and with these maps and plans you have brought me, there can be
+no reason for failure."
+
+"Have you ever considered, general," said Hal, "that a raid by the enemy
+in force of say fifty thousand men, through your right wing, would give
+them a commanding position in the mountains, a position from which they
+could not be dislodged without a deal of trouble?"
+
+"It has been one of my worries," was the quiet reply. "But, because of
+the strategic position of the ground, I cannot afford to weaken my left
+wing or my center to strengthen it. But if this new plan of mine goes
+through, it will obviate all danger of such an attack."
+
+"And how long would it take you to prepare for such an attack?"
+asked Chester.
+
+"I would not attempt it under three days," was the reply. "Besides,
+feeling sure of success as I do, I will wait for another reason. The
+Emperor of Germany will be here within the next day or two and I would
+have him see my troops in action. I trust you will stay here until he
+arrives. I shall take pleasure in commending you to his Majesty."
+
+"We shall be glad to accept your hospitality until that time," said the
+colonel, "if you can provide us with suitable quarters."
+
+"It shall be done," said the general and clapped his hands.
+
+An orderly entered and to him the general gave the necessary
+instructions. As the three would have followed the orderly out, the
+general stayed them.
+
+"One moment," he said. "I had forgotten you are not in uniform and would
+be annoyed without a paper giving you the freedom of our lines."
+
+He turned and scribbled for a few moments, and gave each a paper.
+
+"Make yourselves entirely at home," he said. "I shall always be ready to
+give you an interview providing the press of other work does not
+interfere."
+
+Again the three gave the stiff German military salute and the general
+rose to his feet as he returned it.
+
+Then the three friends followed the orderly from the tent.
+
+An hour later found them established in large and pretentious quarters--a
+handsomely appointed tent not far from the first-line troops, but still
+far enough back to be safe from the Italian artillery shells that ever
+and anon came hurtling across the open.
+
+"Well," said Chester, in a low voice, "we were fortunate."
+
+"We were, indeed," returned the colonel. "I can't imagine yet what
+possessed the general to let us have a look at that map."
+
+"Nor I," said Hal.
+
+"Well, I've got a picture of it in my mind that will keep for a week,"
+said Chester. "I don't need to draw it."
+
+"And it would be well not to," declared the colonel. "For if anything
+should happen and you had such a map, you would be shot without a
+moment's notice."
+
+"There is one thing sure," said Hal. "We'll have to get out of here
+before the Kaiser arrives. He'll naturally want to have a look at his
+secret agents and then it would be good night."
+
+"Rather," replied Chester dryly. "Besides, it seems to me that we know
+enough right now."
+
+"Well, we'll look about another day, anyhow," said the colonel. "We may
+be able to gather a few more details."
+
+"It won't hurt anything," said Hal. "That's sure."
+
+"Then we'll make our dash for the Italian lines to-morrow night,"
+said Chester.
+
+"Agreed," said Colonel Anderson and Hal.
+
+There was a call from without and a moment later a pleasant, dapper
+little officer stuck his head in the tent.
+
+"General Brentz has told me to put myself at your service," he said.
+"Perhaps you would like me to conduct you through the camp?"
+
+The three friends were glad of this chance and followed him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+UNCLE JOHN "BUTTS IN."
+
+
+"Well," said Chester to the young Austrian officer, as they were
+returning to their quarters an hour later, "you hold a remarkably strong
+position here. And still, if you are forced to fall back, then what?"
+
+The Austrian smiled.
+
+"We have considered all possibilities," he replied. "Back there,"
+sweeping his arm about in a comprehensive gesture, "lies Gorizia, the key
+to Trieste, which naturally is the Italian goal in this section. Gorizia
+is exceptionally well fortified, as you well know. We could defend
+ourselves there indefinitely in the face of overwhelming numbers."
+
+"But," interrupted Hal, "it is not necessary to capture Gorizia to
+take Trieste?"
+
+"No," said the Austrian with a smile, "but it is necessary to take
+Gorizia to hold Trieste. The mountains that overhang the city are
+fortified with our great guns, which could rain shells upon the city
+without danger of a successful reply. The Italians know this, which is
+the reason they have not struck at Trieste before. The same goes for
+Trent, the other point coveted by the enemy."
+
+The party had stopped during this discussion, but now moved on again. In
+this part of the camp the tents were laid out in little streets and
+avenues, and down these they walked slowly.
+
+And suddenly the three friends were treated to a disagreeable shock.
+
+Closely followed by a guard, Uncle John suddenly stepped from a tent and
+stood directly in their path. He seemed stricken dumb with amazement for
+a moment and then hurried up to them with a glad cry.
+
+"Chester! Hal!" he exclaimed in English.
+
+For a moment the two lads were dumbfounded. Then, realizing their
+perilous situation, Hal pushed Uncle John away and frowned at him. He
+whirled upon the Austrian officer.
+
+"What is the meaning of this?" he demanded sternly. "I did not know you
+had lunatics here."
+
+Now Uncle John knew something of German himself, and he caught this
+remark. He glared angrily at Hal and then spoke to Chester.
+
+"What's the meaning of this, Chester?" he asked.
+
+Chester did not reply, pretending that he did not understand English.
+Uncle John grew more angry.
+
+"You young scalawags," he shouted, "what are you trying to do? Have some
+fun with me? I want to tell you this is no place nor time for fun. I want
+to get out of here."
+
+Hal and Chester each was afraid to give Uncle John a signal for fear it
+might be seen and Colonel Anderson made no move to interfere. The
+Austrian officer turned a suspicious gaze upon the three friends.
+
+"Do you know this man?" he asked.
+
+Hal shook his head.
+
+"He evidently has mistaken us for some one else," he said. "Do you
+understand what he says? It sounds like it was English he spoke."
+
+"So it is," replied the Austrian. "He called you Hal and Chester and also
+scalawags, whatever that means."
+
+Chester shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"I don't know him," he said.
+
+"Nor I," said Hal.
+
+"I've never seen him before, to my knowledge," declared Colonel Anderson.
+
+The Austrian officer glared down at Uncle John.
+
+"What's the meaning of this?" he demanded in broken English. "Why do you
+accost these gentlemen?"
+
+"Why?" exclaimed Uncle John, dancing up and down in his rage, "why?
+Because one of them is my nephew. What does he want to deny he
+knows me for?"
+
+"He says one of you is his nephew," said the Austrian turning to
+the others.
+
+"Well, he's wrong," declared Chester. "I'm sure none of us ever saw him
+before. Let us go."
+
+The Austrian signified his readiness and they moved off; and as they went
+along Uncle John, glaring after them, shook a finger violently, and
+shouted time after time:
+
+"You young rascals. You'll be sorry for this."
+
+He was still raging when the others disappeared from sight among
+the tents.
+
+"I wonder why?" he asked himself repeatedly, when he was back in his
+prison tent. And then suddenly it dawned upon him. "What a fool I
+was," he muttered. "Of course they are here to get me out of this and
+I came almost spoiling the whole thing, if I have not done so. I ought
+to be licked."
+
+Meanwhile, the three friends followed the Austrian officer back to their
+quarters, where he left them.
+
+"By Jove! that was a pretty close shave," remarked Hal, after the officer
+had taken his leave.
+
+"Rather," replied Chester dryly. "You would think a man of Uncle John's
+age would have more sense. I'll tell him about it good and strong when I
+see him again."
+
+"But great Scott! wasn't he mad," said Hal with a laugh. "Did you see how
+he glared at us? Wonder what he thinks of us, anyhow?"
+
+"Maybe he thinks he has made a mistake," put in the colonel.
+
+"No, he doesn't," declared Chester. "He knows us when he sees us, all
+right, and I'll bet he is doing some tall thinking about now."
+
+"Well," said the colonel, "we have done about enough for to-day. I vote
+we accept the officer's invitation to have dinner with him."
+
+"Same here," agreed the others.
+
+The evening and night passed quickly, as did another day, and with the
+coming of darkness on the second day, the friends began to think of a
+method of making their way back to their own lines.
+
+"We'll have to make an effort to take Uncle John with us," said Chester.
+
+"Sure," agreed Hal and the colonel, and the latter added: "I guess we
+will manage it some way. Now, as to the matter of getting by the
+outposts."
+
+"I can't see as there will be any difficulty about that," said Chester.
+"Fortunately we are known to most of the officers around here by sight.
+They will think nothing strange of the fact that we are making a tour of
+the outposts. Then, if we can manage to catch a sentinel off guard, we
+can nab him and run."
+
+"Sounds all right," remarked Hal. "We'll try it. But first we must get
+Uncle John."
+
+"Of course," said the colonel. "We'll get him, all right. In an hour,
+then, we shall move."
+
+The hour passed slowly, and it seemed to all that the time for action
+would never come. But at last Colonel Anderson, after a glance at his
+watch, rose to his feet.
+
+"Let's go," he said briefly.
+
+The others followed him from the tent and he led the way quickly to where
+Uncle John was confined. In the distance they saw that a sentinel stood
+on guard and that to enter by that way would arouse suspicion.
+
+"You fellows engage the guard in conversation," said Chester, "and keep
+talking to him until I rejoin you."
+
+The others asked no questions, but signified that they understood.
+Chester let them walk on ahead of him, and then made his way to the rear
+of the row of tents.
+
+He produced a knife when he stood behind Uncle John's tent and slit the
+canvas silently. Inside Uncle John was reading by candle light. Chester
+whistled softly, the old whistle of his boyhood days at home, which he
+felt sure Uncle John would recognize.
+
+Nor was he wrong. Uncle John looked around quickly and beheld Chester's
+face peering into the tent. Chester laid a finger to his lips and Uncle
+John nodded. Then Chester beckoned Uncle John to come toward him and the
+latter did so. Chester enlarged the opening in the tent with his knife
+and Uncle John stepped into the open.
+
+"Follow me," whispered the lad.
+
+Uncle John asked no questions, but obeyed. Two hundred yards from the
+tent, Chester halted.
+
+"Now you stay right here till I come back," he said.
+
+He hastened away to join his friends, who were still talking to Uncle
+John's guard.
+
+He joined in the conversation for a moment and then announced that they
+might as well turn in. They told the guard good night and walked back to
+where Chester had left Uncle John. The latter greeted them with silent
+joy; he realized that to make a sound might betray them, and he was tired
+of standing there by himself.
+
+Colonel Anderson motioned to the others to follow and led the way
+forward.
+
+Swiftly and silently the four shadowy forms made their way along in the
+shelter of the innumerable tents; and finally they passed beyond the
+farthest row and into the open. Rapidly they covered the ground toward
+the outposts, and nearing them, slowed down.
+
+Then they walked forward, talking quietly among themselves, as though
+they were just out for an evening stroll. And then--
+
+"Halt!" came a hoarse command.
+
+The four obeyed. A soldier confronted them with levelled rifle.
+
+"Who goes there?" he continued.
+
+"Friends," was the reply.
+
+The man peered at them closely, and still keeping them covered, raised
+his voice for his superior. The latter came on a dead run.
+
+He eyed the four in the darkness and then motioned the soldier to
+stand back.
+
+"It's all right," he told him.
+
+The soldier saluted and walked away. The officer spoke to Hal.
+
+"You are out rather late," he said.
+
+"Right," returned the lad, "but we thought we would take a short stroll
+before turning in. We had no idea we had wandered so far from camp."
+
+"Oh, it's all right," was the reply. "Who is that with you?" peering at
+Uncle John in the darkness.
+
+"Just a friend we have made," said Chester, a slight tremor in his voice,
+for he had hoped that Uncle John's presence would be overlooked.
+
+"I don't seem to know him," said the officer, still peering intently at
+Uncle John. And then suddenly he exclaimed: "The prisoner!"
+
+He raised his voice in a cry for help; and at the same moment Hal's
+revolver butt crashed down upon his head!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+A WILD DASH.
+
+
+But the damage had been done; and in response to the single wild cry,
+footsteps came hurrying toward them. Every sleepy outpost within hearing
+was wide awake now; and the alarm was carried both ways down the long
+battle line.
+
+"Run!" cried Hal.
+
+The four took to their heels and dashed ahead--in the direction that
+eventually would carry them into the heart of the Italian lines, were
+they fortunate enough to escape the bullets that in a moment would be
+sent whizzing after them.
+
+"If we only had horses," thought Chester as he dashed over the ground.
+
+The same thought struck the others, but they did not pause to give
+voice to it.
+
+Fifty yards, a hundred yards they covered in the darkness before the
+first shot came whining after them; but this was wide, thanks to the
+blackness of the night. But now came a volley, from the Austrian troops
+behind. They could not see the running figures, but the volley was
+scattered and the four heard the sound of the singing bullets as they
+passed over their heads.
+
+"Down!" cried Colonel Anderson, even as a second volley rang out, and
+they dropped just in time; for this second volley was aimed low, and
+would have riddled the four fugitives. A third volley passed over their
+prostrate forms, and then, as another did not come immediately, Colonel
+Anderson gave the command: "Up and on again."
+
+This command was obeyed to the letter and again the four fugitives dashed
+over the ground without a word. Two, three, four hundred yards they
+dashed at top speed and then paused for a much needed breath and to take
+stock of the situation.
+
+"Anybody hit?" asked Hal anxiously.
+
+"No," came the reply from the other three.
+
+"Good. Now the question is what is best to do. Undoubtedly the Austrians
+will send a force of cavalry out looking for our bodies, and when they
+fail to find them, they will spread out and give chase. That way they are
+bound to overtake us sooner or later. Shall we bear off to the left, with
+a hope of losing them, or shall we go straight ahead as fast as we can
+and trust to luck?"
+
+"I think I can answer that," said Hal, suddenly. "As we came out I
+remember passing an old shack of some kind, a short distance off our
+left. I vote we make for that, and if we can reach it, we will attempt to
+hold it until daylight, when we can expect some assistance from the
+Italians. They will come to our aid when they see us besieged by the
+Austrians."
+
+"A good plan," declared Colonel Anderson. "Do you think you can lead the
+way to the shack you speak of?"
+
+"I can come pretty close to it," declared Hal. "My sense of direction is
+still with me, I believe. Come on."
+
+Bearing slightly off to the right, he broke into a run and the others
+followed close behind him. For perhaps another five hundred yards, he ran
+forward at fair speed and then paused.
+
+"It should be about here some place," he said. "Spread out and we'll have
+a look for it."
+
+This plan was followed and a hunt for the shack began in the darkness.
+After perhaps five minutes, Chester's voice rang out.
+
+"I've found it. This way."
+
+The others made their way in the direction of his voice and a few moments
+later all stood before the shack.
+
+"Is it open?" asked Chester.
+
+Hal tried the doorknob. It was locked. Also it was barred on the outside.
+He put the muzzle of his revolver to the lock and would have fired had
+not Colonel Anderson stayed his hand.
+
+"Hold on there," he commanded. "We don't want to open it that way if we
+can help it. Look around. Maybe there is a window."
+
+At the back of the shack they found one, but it was well out of reach.
+
+"Give me a hand up, Hal," said Chester.
+
+Hal obeyed and Chester climbed to his shoulders. His head came level with
+the window. Chester pushed against it and it swung inward.
+
+"All right," he called back. "I'm going in."
+
+He pulled himself up and then dropped down inside. Those on the outside
+heard a terrible rattle and clatter and stood suddenly silent, for they
+did not know what had happened. Then Chester called out:
+
+"It's all right. I jumped in the dishpan; that's all. Come on."
+
+Hal and Colonel Anderson boosted Uncle John to the window sill, and then
+Hal gave Colonel Anderson a hand up. The latter, perched in the window,
+leaned down and pulled Hal up beside him. They dropped down inside.
+
+At that moment a sudden beam of light flashed into the room.
+
+The moon had come out, lighting up the outside and accentuating the
+darkness in the old shack.
+
+"Well, here we are," said Chester. "Now we'll keep quiet, so as not to
+tell the enemy where we are."
+
+For perhaps an hour they sat in silence; and then Hal's quick ears
+detected the sound of approaching horses.
+
+"Listen!" he whispered.
+
+The others strained their ears to catch some sound; and directly it
+came--the sound of many horses approaching.
+
+"Better see to our guns," said Colonel Anderson quietly.
+
+He examined his own brace of revolvers carefully, and Hal and Chester did
+the same. Uncle John was unarmed.
+
+"Too bad we didn't stop and get the guns of the officer I knocked down
+back there," said Hal. "However, it's too late now. We'll have to get
+along with these."
+
+"Perhaps they won't find this place in the darkness," said Uncle John
+hopefully.
+
+"Don't fool yourself there," said Chester. "They'll find it all right.
+That is their business, right now. Besides, it's not so dark as it was
+when we arrived."
+
+"Maybe they won't take the trouble to look in," persisted Uncle John.
+
+"They'll look in, all right," replied Hal dryly.
+
+"Whoa!" came a voice in Austrian from outside.
+
+Other voices became audible.
+
+"Maybe they are in this old shack," said one.
+
+"Hardly possible they found it in the darkness," replied another.
+
+"We'll have a look, anyhow," declared a third.
+
+Footsteps advanced toward the front door and a hand tried the knob.
+
+"Locked," said a voice, "and, as you see, barred from the outside. I
+guess they are not in there."
+
+"Any windows?" asked another voice.
+
+The pursuers moved around the house.
+
+"Here's one," exclaimed a voice, stopping before the window by which the
+fugitives had entered the shack.
+
+"Climb in and have a look around," came a command.
+
+"And get shot in the darkness?" questioned the other. "What's the matter
+with your doing that?"
+
+"Afraid, eh," said the other. "Here, give me a hand up."
+
+A moment later, in the moonlight that streamed through the window, the
+four inside saw the face of the first of their pursuers; but in the
+darkness within, the occupants of the shack were not visible.
+
+"I can see no one," said the Austrian.
+
+"Get down and have a look," said the other.
+
+The man in the window drew himself up to the sill and then turned and
+dropped down inside; and even as he struck the floor Colonel Anderson
+dealt him a terrific blow over the head with the butt of a revolver.
+
+The man fell forward on his face without so much as a groan.
+
+Then there was silence for some minutes.
+
+"Well," came a voice from outside, "what's the matter with you in there?
+Find anything?"
+
+Hal stepped close to the window, and mimicking the first Austrian's
+voice, replied:
+
+"Don't see a thing. Nobody here."
+
+"All right then; come on out."
+
+"I'll have a better look first," replied Hal.
+
+"Now what good is all that going to do?" demanded Chester of Hal. "They
+won't go away and leave him here; and they'll discover his absence
+before long."
+
+"Just a little play for time," replied Hal. "Every minute helps, you
+know. If we can hold out till daylight we will be all right."
+
+"Right you are," whispered Colonel Anderson. "Minutes are precious things
+right now."
+
+There was silence for a few minutes; then the voice of the man without
+came again:
+
+"Say; what are you doing in there, anyhow? Are you coming out or not?"
+
+"In a minute," mimicked Hal again.
+
+"Find anything yet?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Then come on out of there, and let's go."
+
+"All right, I'll be right out now."
+
+Again there was silence.
+
+A revolver butt tapped the side of the house.
+
+"Come on out of there," said the Austrian outside.
+
+"Coming," replied Hal.
+
+Again silence; but this time broken from an unexpected source.
+
+There came a sudden cry from the man on the floor--the man whom Colonel
+Anderson had struck down as he jumped into the room:
+
+"Help!"
+
+Just that one word; that was all. Again a revolver butt crashed upon the
+Austrian's head and he subsided without a murmur.
+
+But the one word had given the warning.
+
+The Austrian who had remained on the outside of the shack awaiting the
+return of his friend, also raised his voice.
+
+"The fugitives are in here!" he shouted. "This way, men!"
+
+Came the sound of many running footsteps.
+
+"We're in for it now," said Colonel Anderson quietly. "All ready?"
+
+"All ready," replied Hal and Chester quietly.
+
+"Good! Take your places in the corners of the room--as much out of the
+line of fire as possible."
+
+This was done.
+
+"Surrender!" came a voice from without.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+FOUR AGAINST MANY.
+
+
+Chester could not resist the temptation to answer this demand.
+
+"Come and get us!" he called back defiantly.
+
+Uncle John created a slight diversion at this moment. He had been
+stooping over the form of the unconscious German in the shack, and now
+straightened up with an exclamation of satisfaction.
+
+"Well, I've got these, anyway," he said.
+
+He displayed a brace of revolvers and a cartridge belt which he had taken
+from the fallen man.
+
+"Good," said Colonel Anderson. "Now, Hal, you and I will guard the door,
+and Chester and Uncle John will take care of the window. The chances are
+they will attack from both directions at once. Stand as far back as
+possible and out of the line of fire."
+
+At that moment there came a crash against the door, as if several
+men were pounding upon it with their rifle butts. And this, indeed,
+was the case.
+
+"Quick!" commanded Colonel Anderson. "Shove this table and these chairs
+against the door. Brace it with anything you can find. We should have
+done it sooner."
+
+Chester and Uncle John gave up their posts guarding the window for a
+minute and helped in the work of barricading the entrance. And all the
+time the pounding continued.
+
+As Chester stepped back after putting the last chair into place, there
+came a report from behind him. There was a flash that lighted up the
+shack like day, and the lad felt a bullet whiz past his ear.
+
+He whirled quickly, and fired in the direction of the window, where he
+saw a head bobbing down. The Austrian had dodged quickly after his shot,
+but Chester had been quicker still; and the Austrian toppled down outside
+at the feet of his companions. The fall was plainly audible.
+
+"I got one of 'em!" shouted Chester gleefully.
+
+"Good for you," replied Hal. "We'll get the rest of them as fast as
+they come."
+
+The pounding upon the door continued and the occupants of the shack kept
+their eyes upon it anxiously.
+
+"It gave a little that time," declared Hal, after an extraordinarily
+furious blow. "It won't last much longer. Then we'll have to do some real
+fighting."
+
+"They will hardly rush us," said the colonel. "We should be able to pick
+them off as fast as they come through. They won't try that long."
+
+At this juncture Chester grew tired of waiting. He motioned Uncle John to
+give him a hand up and from the latter's shoulder raised his head
+cautiously to the edge of the window. For the moment he was not seen. A
+body of Austrians stood beneath the window, engaged in deep conversation.
+
+Quickly Chester levelled his automatic and pressed the trigger. Ten shots
+struck squarely in the little knot of the enemy, and several men fell.
+
+A cry of anger rose on the night air, as Chester leaped down within the
+little cabin.
+
+"Think I got some more of 'em that time," he said with a grin. "They'll
+find out we can take the initiative ourselves once in a while."
+
+"Let them alone, unless they bother us," ordered Colonel Anderson. "The
+longer they keep quiet and do nothing, the better for us. Time is the one
+factor that will work to our advantage."
+
+"I forgot about that," returned Chester a little sheepishly.
+
+There came a terrible thundering upon the door now; and it was evident
+that many men without had been called to force an entrance.
+
+"It can't hold much longer," declared Hal quietly.
+
+"About two more like that and it will give," agreed Colonel Anderson.
+
+Another rain of blows was followed by a crash, as the bottom of the door
+gave way. A moment later it tumbled inward against the table and chairs
+stacked up to brace it.
+
+And even as it did so, Colonel Anderson and Hal pressed the triggers of
+their revolvers. Once, twice, each spoke, and the voices of the
+automatics were rewarded by cries of pain from the outside.
+
+"We must have done some damage," said Hal quietly.
+
+Colonel Anderson did not reply; but stepping forward behind the
+improvised barricade, again levelled his revolver and fired twice.
+
+"Think I got a couple that trip," he remarked.
+
+He glanced around the room quickly.
+
+"Back in the corners," he instructed. "They'll probably try to rush us
+this time."
+
+He had predicted correctly.
+
+For a moment there was silence without; but suddenly there came a wild
+yell and a score of Austrians dashed forward to force an entrance to
+the shack.
+
+"Make every shot count!" cried Hal.
+
+The occupants of the cabin waited until the foe was in plain sight and
+then four revolvers spoke once. As many men dropped in their tracks--for
+at that distance a miss was practically impossible; but the other
+Austrians came on.
+
+Again four revolvers spoke; and this time only three men dropped. A third
+volley from the occupants of the cabin accounted for two. The Austrians
+hesitated.
+
+"We're wasting bullets," declared Hal. "One is enough for each man. Uncle
+John, you take the man on the far left, Chester, you the one next to him,
+Colonel Anderson, the third is for you. I'll take the man on this side."
+
+"A good idea," replied the colonel. "One bullet for one Austrian. That's
+all each is worth."
+
+As the Austrians, after a moment of hesitation, pressed forward once
+more, the weapons of the four friends spoke twice in rapid succession
+with greater effect.
+
+This was enough for the enemy--for the time being, at least. They drew
+off and the occupants of the shack had time for a breathing spell and an
+opportunity to reload their weapons.
+
+"They'll be back in a few minutes," declared Colonel Anderson. "Their
+officers will not let them give up as long as we are here."
+
+"Well, we'll be ready for them," said Chester grimly.
+
+"So we will, Chester," declared Hal. He turned to Uncle John. "Well, what
+do you think of this kind of a life, sir?" he asked.
+
+Uncle John smiled faintly.
+
+"It's not so bad," he replied. "It's a little strange to me, but
+you notice I have been able to fire a gun. I guess I'll get used to
+it in time."
+
+"You are a brave and cool-headed man, sir," declared Colonel Anderson. "I
+do not believe I was half so cool my first time under fire."
+
+"If you really knew how scared I was, you wouldn't say that," was Uncle
+John's reply.
+
+A hail from outside interrupted further talk.
+
+"What do you suppose they want now?" asked Hal.
+
+"Don't know," replied the colonel briefly. "We'll see." He raised his
+voice in a shout.
+
+"What do you want?" he demanded in German.
+
+"Want to have a talk with you," was the reply.
+
+"Talk away," replied the colonel.
+
+"We would give you a chance of life and to avoid further bloodshed,"
+replied the Austrian.
+
+"There has been no bloodshed in here," returned Colonel Anderson, "except
+among your men. We are perfectly whole and ready to fight some more."
+
+"Then you refuse to surrender?"
+
+"We do; most decidedly."
+
+There was no more talk from the Austrians; neither was there another
+immediate attack. The quiet without became so pronounced that Hal
+became uneasy.
+
+"What do you suppose they are doing?" he asked.
+
+"Haven't any idea," replied Colonel Anderson.
+
+"Well, you can take my word for it they are up to some mischief,"
+declared Chester. "This silence bodes no good for us, I'll bet."
+
+"Well, as long as they let us alone, it's a point in our favor," declared
+Colonel Anderson. "It is less than an hour until daylight now. Then we
+shall have help."
+
+"The Austrians will have a whack at us before that," said Hal positively.
+"But I would like to know what's up."
+
+"So would I," declared Chester. "And I am positive that there's
+something."
+
+"I guess we'll know soon enough," said Uncle John.
+
+And they did learn--not fifteen minutes later.
+
+"What's that funny noise out there?" asked Chester suddenly.
+
+The others strained their ears.
+
+"I don't hear anything," said Hal. "You must--Wait, though. What is
+that noise?"
+
+Again all listened intently. There was a faint "crack, crack," as though
+some one were walking upon fallen twigs.
+
+At that moment Chester detected another cause for alarm.
+
+"I smell smoke," he said suddenly.
+
+"By George! that's what's the matter," shouted Hal. "They are going to
+smoke us out and shoot us down, or burn us here like rats in a trap. What
+are we going to do?" he demanded anxiously.
+
+"Don't get excited, in the first place," replied Colonel Anderson coolly,
+"We are in a ticklish situation, and that's a fact, but there must be
+some way out of it. Now let's see. We can't get out the front door
+without being shot down. The same goes for the window as the house
+undoubtedly is surrounded. Then what are we to do?"
+
+"There is only one thing I can think of," declared Hal.
+
+"And that?"
+
+"As long as we are playing for time, stay here until we can stand it no
+longer because of the heat. Then make a break for it. Perhaps we can take
+them by surprise, grab four horses and get a good start."
+
+"There is little chance of that," replied Colonel Anderson. "But it seems
+to be the only way. We'll do it."
+
+Their plans thus made, they waited patiently, conversing in low tones,
+the while keeping their eyes open. The flames were crackling merrily now,
+and the heat was becoming intense, while occasional clouds of smoke
+rolled into the single room. It was too hot to remain still. Colonel
+Anderson spoke. "We've stood it long enough," he said. "Guns ready, and
+let's go!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+A SACRIFICE.
+
+
+"Hold on there a minute," said Chester. "We are forgetting one thing."
+
+"What's that?" demanded Colonel Anderson.
+
+"Why," returned Chester, "that at least one of us must get back to
+General Ferrari and give him the information we were sent after."
+
+"But how can we?"
+
+"Well, not by jumping out there and fighting and getting killed, all of
+us. I've a plan."
+
+"You'll have to hurry," said Hal. "It's getting too hot in here."
+
+"Listen then," said Chester, speaking rapidly. "I'll climb up to this
+window and drop out. They won't shoot at me at first, because they
+naturally will think I am about to surrender. When I get to the bottom,
+I'll wait for either you or Colonel Anderson, as you may decide. When one
+of you reach my side, we'll both run. The Austrians will give chase. When
+I yell, the two who remain here will make a break out the door, try to
+find a couple of horses and head for the Italian lines. Come, now, let's
+get busy."
+
+Without awaiting a reply, he crossed to the window.
+
+"A hand up, Uncle John," he said quietly.
+
+The latter hurried to his side, and making a step of his uncle's hand,
+Chester pulled himself up. A moment later he disappeared.
+
+"I'll be the other," declared Colonel Anderson and started toward the
+window. Hal stretched out a hand and detained him.
+
+"No, I'll go," he said.
+
+"You forget," said Colonel Anderson, "that I am in command of this
+expedition, sir. I command you to obey my orders."
+
+Hal stepped back.
+
+"Very well," he said slowly.
+
+Uncle John gave the colonel a hand up, and then hurried to Hal's side,
+and the two stood awaiting the word that would send them from their fiery
+retreat in a wild dash through the Austrian troops without.
+
+Suddenly the sound came. Hal heard it plainly--Chester's voice, raised in
+a shout in English.
+
+"All right! Go!"
+
+With a low cry to Uncle John to follow him, Hal leaped through the
+scattered heap of chairs, over the table and dead bodies that almost
+blocked his progress, and into the open. Uncle John was right behind him.
+
+The way seemed clear and Hal's heart beat with hope as he made out
+directly ahead of him the shadowy form of what he knew to be a body of
+horses. He dashed toward them silently.
+
+He seized a bridle of the first horse and tossed it to Uncle John, who
+leaped quickly to the saddle, and waited a moment for Hal. The lad was
+astride a second horse a moment later and whirling the animals quickly,
+they urged them forward in the darkness at top speed.
+
+At that moment a form blocked their way.
+
+With a quick movement Hal whipped out his automatic, and without pausing
+to take aim, fired. The bullet went true, and the man toppled to one side
+even as Hal's horse would have trampled him under foot.
+
+There came a loud cry from behind and Hal realized that their ruse had
+been discovered.
+
+"Hurry," he called to Uncle John.
+
+A volley of bullets was sent after the flying horsemen by the
+Austrians, who realized for the first time that two of their quarry
+were about to escape.
+
+"Mount and after them," came a hoarse Austrian command.
+
+Half a dozen troopers made a rush for their horses, while as many more
+dropped to their knees, levelled their rifles and fired into the darkness
+where the fugitives had been a moment before.
+
+But the darkness was a blessing to the two fugitives. The Austrians were
+aiming by mere guess and neither rider was touched.
+
+Hal began to breathe easier. He checked the pace a trifle, as he realized
+that Uncle John was lagging a little behind, his horse, apparently, not
+being as fresh or as swift as the one the lad bestrode.
+
+And now the boy caught the sound of hoofbeats hurrying after them.
+
+"Hurry, Uncle John!" he called anxiously. "They are after us."
+
+Uncle John urged his horse to greater effort and the animal responded
+nobly. For a moment he kept pace with Hal's swifter mount.
+
+Hal dropped the reins to his horse's neck, and drew his second revolver.
+Then he slackened the pace of his horse even more.
+
+"Go ahead!" he cried as Uncle John flashed by. "I'll hold 'em back a
+minute or two."
+
+The pursuers gained upon him. Hal stopped his horse.
+
+A moment later the Austrians became visible in the now semi-darkness--for
+dawn was breaking. Hal raised both weapons and fired three times in rapid
+succession.
+
+His effort was rewarded by several cries of pain from the pursuers, and
+the others checked their horses abruptly. Again Hal fired twice; and
+then, turning his horse quickly, rode swiftly after Uncle John.
+
+The Austrians hesitated a moment before again taking up the chase, and
+this brief moment was the time the fugitives needed.
+
+As they galloped along, Hal still somewhat in the rear, it grew light and
+less than a half a mile ahead the riders made out the first Italian
+outpost. They headed toward it with loud cries, the Austrians now again
+in pursuit.
+
+Their cries were heard in the Italian lines, and quicker than it takes to
+tell it, Hal's heart was made glad by the sight of a mounted squadron of
+Italian troops dashing toward them.
+
+He slowed his horse down to a walk, and turning in the saddle, took a
+parting shot at the Austrians, who now had turned to flee. One threw up
+his arms, and dropped to the ground, and the horse went on riderless.
+
+The Italian horsemen pulled up when they reached Hal's side, and the lad
+explained the situation in a few words.
+
+"If you are quick," he told the officer, "you may take them unaware and
+rescue my two companions."
+
+The officer wasted no time in words; a quick command to his men, and the
+troop went on in pursuit of the foe.
+
+Hal turned to Uncle John.
+
+"There is nothing we can do for them," he said. "We shall go to General
+Ferrari and make our report."
+
+He led the way, more slowly now.
+
+The Italian commander received them immediately and Hal gave him the
+information they had gained in as few words as possible. After receiving
+the thanks of the general, the boy, followed by Uncle John, again made
+his way to the front; and at the extreme outpost, saw the Italians who
+had pursued the Austrians returning--empty-handed.
+
+The officer greeted him with a gesture of sorrow.
+
+"It was no use," he said. "They had started when we reached there. We
+pursued them as far as advisable, and fell back only when a strong force
+of the enemy came out to meet us."
+
+Hal thanked him and with Uncle John returned to his quarters, seeking to
+think of some way by which he could be of service to his chum and to
+Colonel Anderson.
+
+Meanwhile, what of the other two?
+
+When Chester leaped from the burning shack, he awaited the arrival of the
+next, who proved to be Colonel Anderson, even as he had planned. As
+Chester had figured, the Austrians did not attack him when he reached the
+ground, evidently believing he was about to surrender.
+
+A moment later Colonel Anderson stood beside him, and as the latter
+raised himself to his feet, Chester shouted the words that had set Hal
+and Uncle John on their dash for life:
+
+"All right! Go!"
+
+At these words, he and Colonel Anderson also dashed ahead. Taken by the
+surprise, the Austrians hesitated a moment and then dashed after them
+with cries. The men who had been guarding the door by which Hal and Uncle
+John later escaped, also joined in the chase.
+
+For a couple of seconds the Austrians did not fire at the fugitives,
+evidently believing they could catch them. But as the two gradually drew
+away from them an officer gave the command:
+
+"Fire!"
+
+A score of rifles cracked, but fortunately for Chester and Colonel
+Anderson, none of the soldiers had taken time to aim carefully. But one
+bullet whistled close to Chester's head.
+
+"I can't see any use getting killed," he muttered to himself.
+
+Colonel Anderson also came to a stop, and both raised their hands in
+token of surrender.
+
+An Austrian officer advanced toward them--and he proved to be the same
+man with whom they had talked just before making their dash from the
+Austrian lines--the man whom they had knocked unconscious as he gave
+the alarm.
+
+"So we have you at last, eh?" he said harshly.
+
+"Yes, we're here," agreed Chester with a smile.
+
+"And this time you will not get away," was the response. "Spies, eh?"
+
+"Well, what of it?" demanded Chester.
+
+"Nothing," replied the officer, "except that you will be shot some
+time to-day."
+
+"Oh, well, that's the chance we all take," replied Chester calmly.
+
+At this moment a subordinate approached the officer.
+
+"The other two fugitives, sir, have taken two horses and fled," he said.
+
+"What?" shouted the Austrian.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+The officer whirled upon Chester and Colonel Anderson.
+
+"So," he exclaimed. "This is some more of your work. You shall pay for
+it."
+
+"Perhaps," said Chester.
+
+The officer made no reply to this. Instead he motioned them to move ahead
+of him, which they did. A moment later they found themselves in the
+saddle and headed back toward the Austrian lines, closely surrounded by
+their guards.
+
+"And now," said Chester, "for another call on our friend, the general."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII.
+
+MR. STUBBS ONCE MORE.
+
+
+A hearty hand slapped Hal on the back, and he looked up from a moody
+reverie into the face of Anthony Stubbs.
+
+"Well, well, what's the matter now?" demanded the little war
+correspondent.
+
+"Matter enough," replied Hal. "The Austrians have nabbed Chester."
+
+"You don't say!" exclaimed Stubbs. "I thought you fellows had finished
+your fighting days."
+
+"So we had," returned the lad; "but we took one little fling, and this is
+the result."
+
+"And what are you going to do about it?"
+
+"That's what I have been trying to figure out."
+
+"Well, I guess they won't hurt Chester any," said Stubbs.
+
+"That's where you are wrong," declared Hal, getting to his feet. "They'll
+just about stand him up and shoot him as a spy."
+
+Stubbs became more serious at once; for before he had not realized that
+Chester was in any immediate danger.
+
+"As serious as all that?" he questioned. "Tell me about it. What have you
+fellows been up to?"
+
+Rapidly Hal laid the facts before him.
+
+"H-m-m," muttered Stubbs, when the lad concluded. "Chester certainly has
+got himself into a mess. And Anderson is with him, eh? Well, we will have
+to do something--and that at once."
+
+"Yes; but what?" demanded Hal anxiously.
+
+"Well, now, that's the question, but you'll have to give me time. I'll
+find a way. A newspaper man always finds a way."
+
+Hal felt a little relieved. He couldn't see that there was the slightest
+chance to be of assistance to his chum, but the little war
+correspondent's words cheered him.
+
+"Yep, you'll have to give me a little time," said Stubbs. "Now you wait
+here until I come back, and if I don't come back with a first class plan
+I hope to never write another story for the _Gazette_."
+
+He walked rapidly away, leaving Hal alone with his thoughts. Fifteen
+minutes later the little man returned.
+
+"All right," he said. "Let's go."
+
+"Go?" exclaimed Hal. "Go where?"
+
+"Why, go and get Chester and Anderson out of the hole. Are you ready?"
+
+"Oh, I'm ready enough," replied Hal, as he fell in step and hurried along
+beside Stubbs, "but tell me--"
+
+"Now hold on there," interrupted Stubbs. "I'll tell you, but I am a-going
+to do it in my own way. Don't hurry me."
+
+Hal made no reply, and after a few moments the war correspondent
+continued:
+
+"Yep, we'll get 'em all right--that is, if the Austrians don't beat us to
+it. Sure we'll get 'em."
+
+He grew silent again, and although Hal could hardly restrain his
+impatience, he pressed his lips close together and said nothing. Stubbs
+gazed at him and smiled.
+
+"You'll do," he said. "Now that you have managed to get a tight rein on
+your impatience I'll tell you. In the first place, we'll have to hurry;
+but first we'll turn in here a minute."
+
+He turned abruptly to the right, and a moment later led the way into his
+own temporary quarters.
+
+"My diggings, as the British say," he declared with a wave of his hands.
+"I'll have you fixed up in a minute."
+
+"Fixed up?" questioned Hal.
+
+"Sure. You didn't expect to go back to the Austrian side looking like
+that, did you? They'd nab you in a minute."
+
+He rummaged among some things in a corner, and directly produced an extra
+suit of clothes.
+
+"Climb into these," he ordered.
+
+Hal did as commanded and awaited further instructions.
+
+Stubbs opened a little box, which gave forth a peculiar smell and had a
+queer blackish appearance. Stubbs dipped his fingers in the box, and then
+passed them over Hal's face.
+
+"Lucky I had a little experience in the art of stagecraft," he remarked
+as he continued the operation.
+
+He stepped back and surveyed Hal critically.
+
+"There," he exclaimed. "Your own mother wouldn't know you. You look all
+of ten years older. Got your guns?"
+
+Hal picked them up from where he had thrown them when he had
+changed clothes.
+
+"All ready," he said quietly.
+
+"Wait till I fix myself up a little," said Stubbs. "You must remember I
+was within the Austrian lines not so long ago myself. They may be looking
+for me, too."
+
+He again delved into the little box, and Hal, as he watched, was
+surprised at the change in the appearance of the man. He, too, seemed to
+have aged greatly, and he bore slight resemblance to the old Stubbs.
+
+"All ready to move now," he said at last.
+
+He led the way from his quarters, and perhaps a hundred yards away,
+indicated a pair of horses.
+
+"Ours--for the journey," he said.
+
+A moment later both were in the saddle and were riding toward the front.
+
+"Now," said Stubbs, "I'll resume my little talk."
+
+"One minute," broke in Hal. "How do you figure we are going to be
+allowed the freedom of the Austrian camp? What'll they do with us when
+we get there?"
+
+"True," said Stubbs. He reached in his pocket and produced two papers,
+one of which he passed to Hal. "This may help a little," he explained.
+
+Hal looked at the paper. He found it was made out in the name of John
+Lawrence and that it purported to be an identification of John Lawrence
+as an accredited correspondent of the New York _Gazette_.
+
+"I've got two or three more back there," said Stubbs, waving an arm in
+the general direction of his quarters. "They have often come in handy."
+
+"I see," said Hal. "Then these papers are what you are figuring on to
+gain us the freedom of the Austrian lines."
+
+"Freedom to a certain extent, yes," replied Stubbs. "Now for the other
+part of my plan. To be perfectly frank, you know just as much about it as
+I do. I have no plan beside getting in the Austrian lines. Events must
+shape themselves after that."
+
+"But do you suppose these papers will satisfy the Austrian commander?"
+
+"They will after I have talked to him for five minutes."
+
+"I hope so," said Hal.
+
+They had now passed the Italian outposts, unmolested, and rode across the
+open toward the Austrian lines. Some time later they were halted by an
+Austrian sentinel.
+
+"Take us to the general," commanded Stubbs.
+
+The sentinel eyed the little man aggressively, but, evidently being
+impressed with his manner, called a superior. To him Stubbs gave the same
+command, and he gave it in such a way that the officer, after a slight
+hesitation, turned on his heel and motioned Hal and Stubbs to follow him.
+
+Five minutes later they stood again in the presence of General Brentz.
+Stubbs produced his paper and Hal did likewise. The general scanned
+them closely.
+
+"How do I know you are what you represent yourselves to be?" he
+demanded gruffly.
+
+"For one reason, general," said Stubbs, "because we wouldn't be here
+otherwise. Of course we don't expect the freedom of your lines, but we
+would like to know a little about the Austrian troops--whether they can
+fight, how they stand up under fire--what kind of men they are. The
+people of America want to know, and that's what we are here for."
+
+The general hesitated.
+
+"I've had some trouble with spies here lately," he said at length, "and I
+have become wary." He scrutinized them closely. "But you look honest.
+I'll take a chance on you. Besides, it would be well for the people of
+America to know something of the Austrians besides what they read from an
+enemy source."
+
+"Thank you, general," said Stubbs, "and you will provide us with papers
+so that we will not be molested?"
+
+"Yes, I'll do that."
+
+The general scribbled a few lines on two sheets of paper, which he passed
+to Stubbs. The latter gave one to Hal, and turned to go, Hal following
+him. At the entrance Stubbs turned quickly.
+
+"Oh, by the way, general, about these spies--are they Italians?"
+
+"No, they are British," was the reply.
+
+"And there is no doubt they are spies?"
+
+"None; they aided a prisoner to escape and were only captured after great
+trouble. There were two more whom we did not get."
+
+"Oh! In that case, I suppose you will have to shoot them," Stubbs stated
+as a matter of fact.
+
+"Exactly. They will be executed at sunrise to-morrow."
+
+"In the meantime they are likely to escape again," said Stubbs.
+
+"Not much," declared the general. He walked to the window, and pointed to
+a large tent a short distance away.
+
+"See that tent?" he questioned.
+
+Hal and Stubbs indicated that they did.
+
+"They are confined in there," said the general, "and they are heavily
+guarded. I have stationed a guard of five armed men, with instructions
+never to leave them alone. I shall take no chances; and in the morning
+they shall be shot. This is no place for spies."
+
+"I can see that, general," replied Stubbs. "Well, we are obliged to you
+for your courtesy, and we shall make it clear to the American people that
+the Austrians are not as black as they have been painted."
+
+The general bowed courteously, and Hal and Stubbs left his quarters.
+
+"You see," said Stubbs when they were outside, "it wasn't such a hard
+matter after all."
+
+"And to think," said Hal, "that, in view of his recent experiences, he
+was so unwary as to betray where Chester and Colonel Anderson are
+confined."
+
+"Which was lucky for us," declared Stubbs. "It will save us a lot of
+worry and search."
+
+"Now what?" demanded Hal.
+
+"Well," was the reply, "I should say that there is nothing that can be
+done before dark. However, we might as well take a look at the prison
+tent from the outside. It is always well to know the lay of the land."
+
+Accordingly they turned their footsteps in that direction, and walked by
+the tent slowly. And from the inside they heard the sound of Chester's
+laugh, as he talked to Colonel Anderson.
+
+"He's not worrying any, that boy," said Stubbs with a smile. "We'll get
+them out safely."
+
+All the afternoon the two prowled about the camp; and at last darkness
+fell. It was time to get busy, for whatever was done must be accomplished
+before the break of day, when a firing squad would snuff out the lives of
+the two prisoners.
+
+"Well, here we go," said Stubbs.
+
+He led the way slowly toward the prison tent.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX.
+
+SENTENCED TO DIE.
+
+
+Chester's and Lieutenant Anderson's interview with General Brentz was far
+from being the pleasant few minutes that Hal and Stubbs had experienced.
+Hal now considered the general a pleasant middle-aged man and a courteous
+gentleman; Chester looked upon him almost as a barbarian.
+
+General Brentz was striding wrathfully up and down his quarters when
+Chester and Colonel Anderson were taken before him. He greeted their
+arrival with a fierce scowl and motioned the guards outside the door with
+an angry gesture.
+
+"So!" he exclaimed. "You are British spies instead of German secret
+agents, eh? Well, we know how to treat all such here. What have you to
+say for yourselves?"
+
+"Nothing," said Colonel Anderson, replying for both.
+
+"'Twould do you no good," responded the officer. "But there is one thing
+I would know. How does it come that you are familiar with the password of
+the Wilhelmstrasse?"
+
+"I can't see where it would do any good to tell you, general,"
+replied Chester.
+
+"But I demand to know."
+
+"You'll never learn from me," declared the lad.
+
+Colonel Anderson smiled.
+
+"That goes for me, too," he said quietly.
+
+The general glared wrathfully at first one and then the other.
+
+"Very well," he said, controlling his anger. "You shall both be shot
+at sunrise."
+
+He gazed at the two closely to see what effect his words had; but if he
+expected to find an expression of fear upon either face, he was
+disappointed. Colonel Anderson and Chester eyed him steadily, though
+neither spoke.
+
+It was what they had expected.
+
+After a few moments the general spoke again, this time more kindly, with
+his eyes full upon Chester.
+
+"You," he said, "appear to be too young for this sort of business. How do
+you happen to be mixed up in such desperate work?"
+
+"It's too long a story to go into, general," replied Chester quietly.
+"Besides, as we have not much longer to live, Colonel Anderson and I
+would rather be left to ourselves."
+
+The general seemed about to make an angry reply; then changed his mind,
+and asked:
+
+"Are you English?"
+
+"No, I am not," replied Chester. "I am an American."
+
+"I thought so," declared the general. "Well, it's too bad, but if you
+will mix up in business that does not concern you, you must pay the
+penalty. Orderly!"
+
+His orderly entered and came to attention.
+
+"Have these prisoners closely confined," was the command. "Station a
+detail of five men and see that they are not unguarded a single moment.
+Then present my compliments to Colonel Frestung and tell him to have a
+firing squad ready at sunrise. These men are spies and must die."
+
+Again the orderly saluted and motioned the prisoners to precede him from
+the general's quarters.
+
+With heads erect and shoulders squared, Chester and Colonel Anderson
+marched out ahead of him. Each realized the futility of a break for
+liberty and each was determined to live his last moments and die the
+death of a soldier.
+
+Outside a squad of soldiers surrounded them and they were led to a large
+tent, which was to be their last prison. Inside they found comfortable
+chairs, a table and several books.
+
+"They seem to take pains to make it pleasant for a man about to die,"
+remarked Colonel Anderson. "We should be able to spend a profitable day."
+
+"So we should," was the reply. "I wonder if Hal and Uncle John got
+through safely?" he remarked somewhat irrelevantly.
+
+"I guess we can bank on that," said the colonel. "They got through if
+there was a possible chance."
+
+"I hope that Hal does not venture into the Austrian lines in an attempt
+to rescue us," declared Chester. "It would be sticking his head into the
+lion's mouth."
+
+"Nevertheless, that is what he is likely to do," asserted Colonel
+Anderson. "It is not like him to keep quiet when some one is in danger."
+
+"That's what worries me," confessed Chester. "There is no use of his
+being killed, too."
+
+"Oh, well," said the colonel, "whatever happens is beyond our power to
+remedy. Let's talk about something pleasant."
+
+And so they did, whiling away the rapidly flying hours with stories and
+reminiscences; and the shadows deepened as darkness approached.
+
+"It seems to me that we could get out of this place some way," declared
+Chester suddenly.
+
+"It seems to me that you are wrong," said, the colonel grimly. "There are
+five guards outside, each armed to the teeth. What chance would we have?"
+
+"Well, I don't know," confessed Chester. "I was just thinking."
+
+"Think while you have a chance," said the colonel with a slight grin.
+"Looks like our thinking days were about over."
+
+Chester's eyes roamed about the tent. His eyes sparkled.
+
+"We might as well have a little fun, anyhow," he remarked. "How hard do
+you think you could hit a man with that chair you are sitting on?"
+
+Colonel Anderson felt the chair carefully with his fingers.
+
+"Well, pretty hard, I guess," was his reply. "What's the idea?"
+
+"Think you could hit him so hard he wouldn't have time to cry out?"
+
+"Yes; if I was particular how I handled it."
+
+"Well, we'll have a try at it then," declared Chester.
+
+"Try at what? What do you mean?"
+
+"I'll tell you. I'll step out of the tent. The first guard in sight will
+order me to get back inside. I'll protest. Then he'll put me in. When he
+lets loose of me, you whack him over the head with that chair, and be
+careful how you do it."
+
+"Yes, but the other guards?"
+
+"I guess we can work that all right. I have noticed that no two of the
+guards are in front of the tent at the same time--they are walking around
+all the time. When you have disposed of the first man, we'll work the
+same trick on the other."
+
+"And then what?"
+
+"Why then," said Chester simply, "we'll put on their uniforms and walk
+out of here."
+
+"By Jove!" ejaculated the colonel. "Now I wonder--"
+
+He broke off and for some moments was lost in thought. Then he got
+quietly to his feet, determination written upon his strong features.
+
+"It may work," he said. "We'll try it. But we'll have to move quickly and
+silently; and we shall have to don the uniforms almost in a single jump."
+
+"All right," said Chester. "Ready?"
+
+"All ready," replied the colonel with a nod.
+
+He picked up the heavy chair and swung it once about his head. Then
+he took up a position at the side of the tent, just out of view from
+the entrance.
+
+Chester walked boldly from the tent.
+
+"Get back in there," came a harsh command in Austrian.
+
+Chester paid no heed and continued to gaze straight ahead into the
+rapidly descending darkness.
+
+"Get back in there," came the command, and still Chester made no move.
+
+The Austrian soldier came up to the lad, and taking him by the shoulders,
+thrust him within the tent. Chester threw out an arm and succeeded in
+drawing the man in after him. Then he released his own hold, and with an
+effort shook off the grip of his captor. At the same moment he jumped
+lightly aside and called in a hoarse whisper:
+
+"Now!"
+
+There was a rush of air as the heavy chair descended, followed by a dull
+thud, and a second impact as the soldier fell to the ground with a
+crushed skull. Colonel Anderson was over the unconscious form in a
+moment, ready to choke an outcry should his blow not have been true. But
+there was no need for this. His aim had been true, and the man was
+unconscious before he fell.
+
+"All right," whispered the colonel hoarsely. "Rip off your clothes while
+I get him out of this uniform."
+
+Chester flung off his clothes hurriedly, and stepped quickly into the
+uniform Colonel Anderson gave him. Then he deprived the man of his gun
+and revolvers.
+
+"All ready for the next one," he said. He moved toward the door.
+
+"Hold on there," called the colonel. "You can't go in that uniform."
+
+"By George! you're right," declared Chester. "What now?"
+
+"You'll have to wield the chair," was the reply. "There is no time to
+change again."
+
+He walked out of the tent and Chester picked up the chair and stepped
+into position.
+
+This time, therefore, it was Colonel Anderson who engaged in a heated
+altercation with a second Austrian soldier. The plan worked as well as
+before and the man pushed the colonel back into the tent. The latter
+dragged the man in after him and stepped hurriedly aside, just as Chester
+brought the chair down upon the Austrian's defenseless head with all his
+power. The man dropped like a log.
+
+Hurriedly Colonel Anderson stripped off his outer garments and climbed
+into the Austrian's uniform. Then he seized the man's gun and revolvers
+and led the way from the tent.
+
+"If you see another of them, keep your back toward him if possible,"
+whispered the colonel.
+
+And just as Chester emerged from the tent a third guard stepped around
+the side. Chester turned his back, as did Colonel Anderson, and the man
+paid no heed to them. The fugitives walked away quickly.
+
+Out of sight of the tent they slowed down and breathed with relief.
+
+"Which way now?" asked Chester.
+
+"As straight toward the front as we can go," was the reply. "We'll have
+to trust to luck to get through."
+
+They made off with all speed.
+
+And suddenly, from the direction in which they had come, there came a
+loud cry, followed by several pistol shots and the sound of footsteps
+running after them.
+
+"They have discovered our escape!" shouted Colonel Anderson. "Run."
+
+He suited the action to the word and Chester ran after him.
+
+"We'd better double back and try to throw them off our track," called the
+colonel over his shoulder.
+
+He swerved to the right, ran a few rods, and turned to the right again.
+
+And then, abruptly, he came to a pause. Chester, a step behind, crashed
+into him. He stumbled, and uttered an exclamation of dismay, as he heard
+Colonel Anderson say:
+
+"We surrender!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX.
+
+SAFE.
+
+
+As Hal and Anthony Stubbs approached the tent in which Chester and
+Colonel Anderson had been so recently confined, they discussed their plan
+of action; and after several plans had been advanced and rejected, Hal
+decided that caution must be thrown to the winds.
+
+"A quick dash--and a fight if necessary," he declared.
+
+And Stubbs had agreed, peaceful man though he was; and although Hal did
+not know it, the little man was literally shaking in his boots. However,
+like many men of his kind, he had a certain manner of concealing his
+nervousness, and he now followed Hal coolly enough.
+
+Fifty yards from the tent Hal paused, as he saw two figures emerge from
+the prison and walk quickly away.
+
+"Strange. Wonder what that means?" he said to himself. He turned to
+Stubbs. "All right now," he said quietly. "Follow me and be quick."
+
+He ran lightly forward and dashed into the tent. And in the darkness he
+stumbled over a prostrate form. Quickly he drew a match from his pocket
+and struck, it. The face of the man on the floor was not that of Chester
+nor Colonel Anderson. The flare of the match showed him a second
+prostrate form, and he saw that this, too, was a stranger to him. Then he
+saw the discarded clothing and realized what had transpired.
+
+"Quick, Stubbs! They have escaped!" he shouted, and darted from the tent.
+
+And in the entrance he met an Austrian guard, whose attention had been
+attracted by the sound of Hal stumbling within. The man uttered a low
+exclamation and sought to bring his gun to bear.
+
+But Hal was too quick for him. In spite of the fact that he keenly
+realized the need of caution, he also realized the value of time. His
+hand slipped quickly to his revolver, and without raising it he fired
+from his hip. The Austrian staggered back and tumbled over.
+
+"We're in for it!" cried Hal. "Follow me and hurry!"
+
+He dashed forward in the direction recently taken by the two figures he
+had seen leave the tent, for he felt sure the forms were those of Chester
+and Colonel Anderson.
+
+Stubbs was right behind him. Fear lent wings to the little man's legs,
+and Hal, despite his longer strides, did not forge ahead of him. Both ran
+at full speed.
+
+And suddenly Hal made out figures in front, and before he could swerve
+aside, he heard Colonel Anderson's well-known voice exclaim:
+
+"We surrender!"
+
+With a stifled shout, Hal put forth an extra burst of speed, as he
+realized that the men who held the drop on Chester and Colonel Anderson
+numbered but three, although from beyond he could see others rushing
+toward them.
+
+Again his revolver spoke and a bullet whizzed close to Colonel Anderson's
+head; but an Austrian soldier dropped. The others were taken by surprise,
+and relaxed their vigilance for a moment. And then Colonel Anderson and
+Chester, who had now recovered his balance, fired.
+
+Chester started as he recognized Hal's voice, which now called out:
+
+"Quick, Chester! To the right."
+
+Colonel Anderson was no less surprised, but he did not hesitate; and
+closely bunched the four turned to the right and ran for their lives.
+
+Men sprang up on all sides now; and it seemed impossible that the four
+could escape. But fortune favored them.
+
+Swerving suddenly again, Hal, who was in the lead, stopped short, and
+uttered a cry of pure dismay. The way ahead was blocked. There seemed no
+way out; and then Chester cried:
+
+"An aeroplane hangar!"
+
+It was true. Fortune had guided their footsteps to possibly the only
+place in the whole Austrian camp where there was a chance of escape.
+
+Hal wasted no time. Rapidly he mounted the hangar, the others following
+him closely. The lad uttered a short prayer as he climbed and then gave a
+great sigh of relief. He had feared there would be no air craft there,
+but, and Hal cried his relief aloud, there was.
+
+He glanced at the machine quickly and uttered another cry of joy as he
+made out that the craft was exceptionally large, capable of seating at
+least ten men, and the additional fact that it was a self starter.
+
+"Climb in quick!" he shouted, leaping into the pilot's seat and taking
+the wheel.
+
+The others followed this command with all despatch, and Chester took his
+place at the motor.
+
+"Let 'er go, Chester!" shouted Hal.
+
+There came a faint buzz at first, followed by a louder noise as the motor
+began to whir; there was the sound of the whizzing propellers, and the
+machine shot from the hangar with a lurch.
+
+And at the same moment there came from all sides volleys of rifle and
+pistol shots. Chester felt a sharp tinge in his left arm, and Hal felt
+the breeze of a bullet as it flew by his ear. Colonel Anderson was
+untouched, but Stubbs sent up a howl of anguish.
+
+"I'm shot!" he cried and started to his feet.
+
+The machine rocked crazily as he attempted to rise and Colonel Anderson
+reached quickly up and seized him by the arm.
+
+"Sit down, you fool!" he commanded. "Do you want to spill us all out?"
+
+Hal threw over the elevating lever and the huge air craft soared into the
+sky. And not until they had reached an altitude of a thousand feet did
+Hal straighten the machine out for a level flight.
+
+Then he slowed down a moment to take stock of injuries.
+
+"Hit, Colonel Anderson?" he asked.
+
+"No," was the reply.
+
+"You, Chester?"
+
+"Scratch, I guess," answered Chester. "Bullet touched me on the arm.
+Doesn't amount to much."
+
+"Stubbs?" queried Hal.
+
+"I'm killed!" exclaimed the little man, and there was the trace of a
+quaver in his voice. "Shot through the heart."
+
+"Nonsense!" exclaimed Hal. "If you had been shot through the heart you
+wouldn't be talking about it now."
+
+"But I was," protested Stubbs.
+
+"Look him over, Colonel Anderson," instructed Hal. "If it's as bad as all
+that, throw him out. We can't be bothered with excess now."
+
+"No! No! I'm all right!" declared Stubbs, drawing away as Colonel
+Anderson extended an exploring hand. "I don't think the bullet
+touched me."
+
+"All right then," declared Hal, smiling to himself, for his ruse had
+worked. "We'll go ahead then."
+
+"Which way?" demanded Chester.
+
+"Back to the Italian lines; and it behooves us to hurry. There will be a
+squadron of the enemy after us in a minute."
+
+"Right," declared Chester briefly.
+
+But, much as they would have liked it, they were not to get back within
+the heart of the Italian army for many a long day; and strenuous times
+were to befall them before they again saw their mothers, and Uncle John,
+who was to put in many weary days searching for them.
+
+As Hal headed the huge machine southward, a blinding glare caught his
+eyes. It cut off his view entirely, and only for the lad's quick wit,
+might have ended the lives of all.
+
+But the moment the light blinded him Hal acted. He knew in an instant
+from whence it came, and he swerved to the right so quickly as almost to
+upset the plane; but it was in time to avoid the forward sweep of an
+enemy plane.
+
+"Wow!" cried Stubbs. "Don't throw me out!"
+
+"Keep quiet," ordered Hal, when he had slowed down a bit, so as to ease
+his dazzled eyes and gain his bearings.
+
+"What was the matter?" demanded Chester.
+
+"Matter?" echoed Hal. "You mean to tell me you didn't see that other
+airship flash by?"
+
+"I didn't," replied Chester.
+
+"Well, I did," declared Hal. "We'll have to get away from here pretty
+quick. There'll be more of them along in a minute."
+
+He threw over the elevating lever and the craft soared higher into the
+heavens. And again Hal turned south.
+
+Once more he caught the flash of a hostile craft in time to avoid being
+run down. Again and again it happened. And at last Hal said:
+
+"Evidently there is no use trying to get back that way. They must be on
+the lookout for us. What shall we do?"
+
+"Whatever you say," replied Chester.
+
+"We'll take a vote on it," Hal decided. "I'll make my suggestion first."
+
+"All right," was the reply.
+
+"Then I'll suggest that we head in some other direction and keep going
+until we have passed out of the enemy's territory."
+
+"Which way?" asked Colonel Anderson.
+
+Hal considered a few minutes before replying.
+
+"Well," he said finally, "I should say east."
+
+"What!" exclaimed Chester. "Right into the heart of Austria?"
+
+"And why not?" Hal wanted to know. "We'll be safer there than any place
+else. Besides, if we go far enough we'll eventually land in Greece or
+perhaps Servia or Montenegro. They won't be expecting a foe that far from
+Italian soil. What do you say, Colonel Anderson?"
+
+"I'm with you," was the quiet response. "I believe that is good
+reasoning."
+
+"My only objection," said Chester, "is that we must get back to Uncle
+John, and then to Rome, where mother is."
+
+"True," replied Hal. "But mother would a great deal rather have us safe
+in Greece or Servia, than dead in Italy."
+
+"Which is more good reasoning," declared Colonel Anderson.
+
+"I guess you are right," replied Chester. "I'm with you then."
+
+"And you, Stubbs?" questioned Hal. "You have a vote on this."
+
+"Oh my, I don't care where you go," was the answer in a weak voice, "just
+so you let me put my feet on the ground once more. I'm so sick."
+
+"Poor fellow," said Chester, in a low voice, "he's frightened."
+
+"What's that?" demanded Stubbs in a shrill voice.
+
+"Frightened? Me frightened? I'll leave it to Hal there if I am
+frightened. Who was it found the way to get here and help you fellows,
+anyhow? Who was it, I ask you? I'll tell you who it was. It was me,
+Anthony Stubbs, war correspondent of the New York _Gazette_. Yes, sir, it
+was--Oh, let's go down. I'm so sick."
+
+"Stubbs, you are all right," declared Hal, and added to the others: "What
+he says is perfectly true. Had it not been for him, we would not be here
+now. He conceived the plan that admitted us to the Austrian lines, and if
+it were light enough you would see that it was a good plan. I'll venture
+to say you would know neither one of us but for our voices," and he
+explained in detail.
+
+"By George, Mr. Stubbs, I didn't think you had it in you!" exclaimed
+Chester. He stretched forth a hand. "Shake!" he said.
+
+"Oh, please let me alone," moaned Stubbs. "I'm terribly sick. How long
+before we can go down?"
+
+"Not for some hours, I'm afraid," replied Hal. "If we were to descend now
+we would fall into the hands of the Austrians."
+
+"I don't care whose hands we fall into," mumbled Stubbs, "if we could
+only fall, that's all I ask."
+
+"He must be sick," declared Chester. "Funny it never affected me
+that way."
+
+"No, it's not," declared Stubbs, suddenly taking an interest in things.
+"Nothing would affect you like it does me. Nor any of the rest of you.
+You are hardened to these things. I'm a man of peace, and sympathetic,
+and kind. You are a lot of hard-hearted brutes."
+
+The other three occupants of the machine smiled to themselves. Not for
+the world would they have laughed at the little man, for he was very
+close to them all. And at last Hal said:
+
+"Tell you what, Stubbs. I'll put on a little extra speed, just for your
+benefit. We'll get you back on terra firma just as soon as we can."
+
+Stubbs' only reply was another moan.
+
+"Well, Chester," said Hal, "here we are again, flying over an enemy's
+country. May we be as fortunate as we have been before."
+
+"Which we shall be," was Chester's quiet response. "We have had our share
+of bad luck in the last few days. Fortune must smile on us at last."
+
+And Chester proved himself a true prophet; for, before another sun had
+risen and set, the huge air craft had carried its four occupants safely
+across the Austrian empire and beyond the Montenegrin border. And here,
+among these hardy mountaineers, among the best fighters in the
+world--among the people of this little Balkan kingdom--the smallest to
+declare war against the Teuton oppressor--the lads were to see more of
+the horrors of war--were again to play active parts in the struggle. And
+also they were to see service with the heroic Servian troops, than whom
+there are none braver.
+
+But these adventures must come in their proper place; and so, for the
+time, we must again take leave of these two lads and their brave
+companions and friends, but only to meet them again in a succeeding
+volume, entitled: "The Boy Allies in the Balkan Campaign; or The Struggle
+to Save a Nation."
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 12682 ***
diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6312041
--- /dev/null
+++ b/LICENSE.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements,
+metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be
+in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES.
+
+Procedures for determining public domain status are described in
+the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org.
+
+No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in
+jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize
+this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright
+status under the laws that apply to them.
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e580154
--- /dev/null
+++ b/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,2 @@
+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #12682 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/12682)
diff --git a/old/12682.txt b/old/12682.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a94f2b4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/old/12682.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,8029 @@
+The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Boy Allies in Great Peril, by Clair W.
+Hayes
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: The Boy Allies in Great Peril
+
+Author: Clair W. Hayes
+
+Release Date: June 22, 2004  [eBook #12682]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: US-ASCII
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BOY ALLIES IN GREAT PERIL***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Suzanne Shell, Project Gutenberg Beginners Projects,
+Mary Meehan, and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team
+
+
+
+THE BOY ALLIES IN GREAT PERIL
+
+Or, With the Italian Army in the Alps
+
+By
+
+CLAIR W. HAYES
+
+Author of "The Boy Allies at Liege," "The Boy Allies on the Firing Line."
+"The Boy Allies with the Cossacks," "The Boy Allies in the Trenches."
+
+1916
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+THE BREWING STORM.
+
+
+"Did you ever see such a mob, Hal?"
+
+The speaker was an American lad of some seventeen years of age. He
+stopped in his walk as he spoke and grasped his companion by the arm.
+The latter allowed his gaze to rove over the thousands upon thousands
+of people who thronged the approach to the king's palace at Rome,
+before he replied:
+
+"Some mob, Chester; some mob."
+
+"Looks like a real army could be recruited from this bunch," continued
+the first speaker.
+
+"Rather," agreed the other. "And unless I am mightily mistaken that is
+what will be done. Most of them are soldiers anyhow, you know."
+
+"True. I had forgotten we were in Italy, where military service is
+compulsory. Then you think that Italy has at last decided to enter the
+war?"
+
+"I certainly do. The Chamber of Deputies has done its best to keep Italy
+from becoming involved, but the voice of the people must be heeded sooner
+or later. I believe the time has come."
+
+"I am sure I hope so," said Chester. "Italy's army, entirely ready for
+any eventuality, should turn the balance in favor of the Allies."
+
+"And I believe it will," said Hal.
+
+"Do you believe the announcement of a state of war between Italy and
+Austria will be formally made to-day?"
+
+"I do--and so, apparently, do the others here," and Hal swept his arm
+about him in a comprehensive gesture. "Hear them shout!"
+
+For a mighty cheer had suddenly risen upon the air. Wildly excited
+Italians--men and women from all walks of life--seemed to have gone
+suddenly mad. A deafening roar filled the air. Caps and hats, canes, and
+other articles ascended and descended in a dense cloud.
+
+"Can you doubt, after that, that Italy is for war?" asked Hal, when at
+last he could make himself heard.
+
+"I guess not," replied Chester grimly. "But why should the crowd have
+gathered in front of the palace rather than before the Chamber of
+Deputies?"
+
+"You forget that the premier is closeted with the king," returned Hal.
+"In all probability, the first word of a definite step will emanate from
+the palace, though unofficially, of course."
+
+"I see," said Chester. "Well--look there, Hal!"
+
+"What's the matter?" demanded the latter, eying his companion in
+some surprise.
+
+Chester seized his friend's arm with one hand and with the other pointed
+directly ahead. Hal gazed in the direction indicated. He saw at once what
+had caused Chester's sudden exclamation.
+
+Not five yards away, right in the center of the dense crowd, but still in
+view of the two boys, stood an Italian army officer in full uniform. He
+was gazing straight ahead toward the palace steps, paying no heed to
+those who pushed and jostled him. He stood erect, with arms folded upon
+his breast.
+
+Even as the two boys looked, an arm came from behind him, and reaching
+across his shoulder, a hand crept cautiously into the pocket of the
+officer's military cloak, which he had thrown open because of its warmth.
+
+Hal uttered a low exclamation and was about to step forward when there
+came a sudden shout from the crowd, which surged in about him, cutting
+off his view of the Italian officer. For a single instant Hal turned his
+eyes toward the palace and there took one look at a second uniformed
+figure, who stood upon the top step and waved his arms about violently.
+
+"I guess war has come," the boy muttered to himself, as he took a step
+forward and elbowed his way toward the spot where the other Italian
+officer stood.
+
+Chester came close behind his friend.
+
+By dint of hard pushing and shoving, which drew ugly remarks from some of
+the bystanders upon whose feet they trod, the boys at last came to the
+spot they sought. They had made good time and the invisible owner of the
+hand that had explored the officer's pocket was just withdrawing it. And
+in it Hal saw a white paper flutter.
+
+He uttered a cry and dashed forward in spite of the crowd. At almost the
+same moment the officer came to life. Instinct must have warned him that
+there was something wrong. He clapped his hand to his pocket, and then
+uttered a fierce ejaculation in his native tongue.
+
+He wheeled about with a cry, and his arm shot out. There was a struggle,
+and then the officer fell to the ground. A blow from his adversary's fist
+had laid him low. Hal, who was a few leaps ahead of Chester, reached out
+to seize the man, who, he could see, still held the bit of white paper in
+his hand, but the other was too quick for him.
+
+With a sudden backward leap he was among the crowd, which, apparently,
+had failed to grasp the significance of the trouble. Hal uttered a quick
+cry to Chester and also dashed into the crowd. Chester followed him.
+
+Ahead, but almost hidden by others of the crowd, which pressed forward
+the better to see what was going on upon the palace steps, Hal could see
+his quarry squirming his way through the dense mass of humanity.
+
+"Stop him!" he cried, raising his voice to a shout.
+
+The crowd paid no heed. The people were too wrapped up in what was going
+on before the palace to notice the three who were trying to force their
+way through. Again Hal cried out, but the result was the same.
+
+For a brief instant the fugitive glanced over his shoulder, and he waved
+a hand at Hal. It was the first time the lad had seen his face, and he
+knew that he would recognize it again wherever he saw it.
+
+"I'll get you yet," declared Hal to himself between tightly shut lips.
+"I'll get you if it takes a year."
+
+He pressed on, with Chester close at his heels.
+
+Turning and squirming and twisting their way, the lads managed to plod on
+through the dense crowd at a snail's pace. Ahead of them, however, Hal
+could see that the fugitive was making about the same progress. His hopes
+rose, and he called over his shoulder to Chester;
+
+"Keep coming; we'll get him!"
+
+Chester made no reply, for he knew none was expected. He kept close
+behind his friend.
+
+Now, suddenly, the fugitive reached the edge of the crowd. For a single
+moment he paused, and gazed back at his pursuers. Once more he waved a
+hand at Hal, and then, turning, started off at a run.
+
+Hal, seeing that his quarry was about to make good his escape, suddenly
+grew angry. Bringing some tactics learned on the football field into
+play, he dashed forward, hurling spectators to right and left. In
+another moment he, too, had reached the edge of the crowd and, with a
+cry, dashed ahead.
+
+He did not pause to see whether Chester was behind him. All he thought of
+was to overtake the fugitive.
+
+Chester, in attempting to follow his friend, stumbled over an
+outstretched foot and fell heavily to the ground. He was not badly hurt,
+but he had struck on his face and for a moment he was dazed. He dragged
+himself quickly to his feet and moved forward again. Some distance ahead
+he saw that Hal was gaining upon the fugitive.
+
+Down the wide street ran the fugitive, with Hal close behind and gaining
+at every stride. As the sound of pursuing footsteps became plainer, the
+man looked back over his shoulder. Then he redoubled his efforts; but
+still Hal gained.
+
+Suddenly the man dashed around a corner. Three seconds later Hal did the
+same. As he did so he caught sight of a big man before him. Hal tried to
+check his pace, but it was too late.
+
+Something bright flashed in the sunlight and Hal felt a sickening thud
+upon his head. In vain he tried to keep his feet. He sank slowly to the
+ground and then fell forward on his face. And even as he lost
+consciousness, he thought to himself:
+
+"What a fool I was. I should have suspected a trap. So he hit me with the
+butt of a revolver. I'll get even yet."
+
+Above the fallen lad the man stood with a grim smile of satisfaction. He
+stirred the prostrate form with his foot and then put his revolver back
+in his pocket. He turned to go.
+
+At that moment Chester dashed around the corner. The lad and the fugitive
+took in the situation at the same moment. Chester pulled himself up short
+and reached for his revolver, which he always carried in his coat pocket.
+But the other was too quick for him. He leaped suddenly forward and
+Chester's arm was seized in a vise-like grip.
+
+In vain the lad struggled to free himself. He could not move the powerful
+fingers that gripped him. He kicked out with his right foot and this
+effort was rewarded by a cry of pain from his opponent.
+
+"Kick me on the shins, will you?" cried the latter in German.
+
+His free hand found the revolver in his pocket and it flashed in the
+sunlight once more. He attempted to reverse the weapon and seize it by
+the barrel, and as he did so he unconsciously loosened his grip upon
+Chester's arm.
+
+The latter swung himself about suddenly and with a sweep of his arm sent
+the man's revolver clattering to the ground. The other uttered an
+exclamation of rage, and stepped back.
+
+Chester again reached for his own revolver, but once more the other was
+too quick for him. He came forward with a jump, and his right fist shot
+out. Chester ducked this blow, but he was unprepared for the left-handed
+blow that followed.
+
+As he came up after ducking the first blow, the second caught him
+squarely upon the point of the chin, and he toppled over. It was a
+clean knockout.
+
+"I guess that will settle you," said the victor, as he surveyed the
+prostrate forms of his two enemies. "I guess that will teach you not to
+interfere in other people's business. Hello, one of them is moving."
+
+He gazed curiously at Hal, who at that moment opened his eyes. The man
+stood undecided a moment. Then he took a step toward the boy, but
+stopped again.
+
+"No," he muttered. "What's the use? Let him be."
+
+He swung upon his heel and made his way down the street. A moment later
+he was lost to sight around a corner.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+THE TWO FRIENDS.
+
+
+While Hal and Chester are still upon the ground and consciousness is
+gradually returning, it will be well to introduce a few words concerning
+them, that those who have not made their acquaintance before may learn
+just what sort of boys our heroes are.
+
+Hal Paine and Chester Crawford were typical American boys. With the
+former's mother, they had been in Berlin when the great European
+conflagration broke out and had been stranded there. Mrs. Paine had been
+able to get out of the country, but Hal and Chester were left behind.
+
+In company with Major Raoul Derevaux, a Frenchman, and Captain Harry
+Anderson, an Englishman, they finally made their way into Belgium, where
+they arrived in time to take part in the heroic defense of Liége in the
+early stages of the war. Here they rendered such invaluable service to
+the Belgian commander that they were commissioned lieutenants in the
+little army of King Albert.
+
+Both in fighting and in scouting they had proven their worth. Following
+the first Belgian campaign, the two lads had seen service with the
+British troops on the continent, where they were attached to the staff of
+General Sir John French, in command of the English forces. Also they had
+won the respect and admiration of General Joffre, the French
+commander-in-chief.
+
+As related in the third book of this series, "The Boy Allies with the
+Cossacks," Hal and Chester had seen active service under the Russian Bear
+in the eastern theater of war. They fought in the midst of the Russian
+forces and were among the troop of 60,000 that made the first wild dash
+over the Carpathians to the plains of Hungary.
+
+Returning to the western war area with despatches from the Grand Duke
+Nicholas to the French commander-in-chief, they had again taken up their
+duties with the British army. As related in "The Boy Allies in the
+Trenches," they had been instrumental in defeating more than one German
+coup, and it was through them, also, that a plot to assassinate President
+Poincaré had failed.
+
+Both lads were about the same age. Large and strong, they were proficient
+in the use of their fists and of the art of swordsmanship, and were
+entirely familiar with firearms. Another thing that stood them in good
+stead was the fact that both spoke French and German fluently. Also, each
+had a smattering of Italian.
+
+Following their coup in saving the French president from the hands of
+traitorous Apaches in Paris, Hal and Chester had come to Rome with their
+mothers, whom they had found in Paris, and Chester's uncle. They had not
+come without protest, for both had been eager to get back to the firing
+line, but their mothers' entreaties had finally prevailed. As Chester's
+Uncle John had said, "This is none of our war. Your place, boys, is with
+your mothers."
+
+Chester and Hal had sought consent to rejoin the army in vain. Neither
+Mrs. Paine nor Mrs. Crawford would hear of such a thing. So at last they
+agreed to return home. First, however, at Uncle John's suggestion, the
+party decided to stop in Rome.
+
+"Italy is still a sane and peaceable country," Uncle John had said.
+
+Naturally the lads had been greatly interested in the war demonstrations
+in Rome. Uncle John, who at first had "pooh-poohed" the prospect of
+Italy's entering the war, finally had been convinced that such a course
+was only a matter of time. Mrs. Paine and Mrs. Crawford, realizing how
+greatly interested their sons were becoming, immediately decided to
+return to America. They feared that some harm would come to Hal and
+Chester--feared that the boys might be drawn into trouble again--for they
+both knew their dispositions not to shirk danger.
+
+The war situation at this time was anything but favorable to the
+Allies. Along the great western battle line, stretching out from the
+North Sea far to the south, the mighty armies were gripped in a
+deadlock. Occasional advances would be made by both sides and retreats
+would follow.
+
+Having pushed the invader back from the very walls of Paris soon after
+the outbreak of hostilities, the French had shoved him across the Aisne
+and then across the Marne. But here the allied offensive halted. Grand
+assaults and heroic charges proved ineffectual. The Kaiser's troops were
+strongly intrenched and could not be dislodged. On their side, the
+Allies' positions were equally impregnable and repeated assaults by the
+enemy had failed to shake their lines.
+
+In the eastern theater of war the Russians, at this moment, were meeting
+with some success. Several large Austrian strongholds had been captured
+after the bloodiest fighting of the war, and it was believed that it
+would only be a question of a few weeks until the Russian Grand Duke
+would develop his long-expected invasion of Hungary.
+
+In the north of the eastern war arena, also, the Russians had met with
+some success, Poland had been invaded, and around Warsaw the great German
+drive had been checked. The sea was still free of German ships, with the
+exception of the submarines which still continued to prey upon all
+commerce, neutral as well as Allies'.
+
+The situation in the Balkan states remained unchanged. It was hoped that
+the Balkan countries would rally to the support of the Allies, and thus
+form an iron ring about the Germanic powers, but this matter was no
+nearer a successful issue than it had been months before. However,
+diplomats of both sides were still busy in the Balkans, and each hoped to
+gain their support.
+
+But for the last few weeks all eyes had been turned toward Italy. A
+member of the Austro-German Triple Alliance at the beginning of the war,
+Italy had refused to support a war of aggression by the Kaiser and had
+severed her connection with the Alliance. She had announced that she
+would remain neutral.
+
+At length, however, matters reached such a pass that Italy realized she
+must cast her lot with the Allies. She knew that should the Germans
+emerge from the war victorious she had all to lose and nothing to gain.
+The first act of the successful German army would be to crush her.
+Besides, there had always been antagonism between Austria and Italy,
+and the drawing of Italy into the Triple Alliance in the first place
+was considered an act of trickery. Austria and Italy could have nothing
+in common.
+
+The people of Italy demanded that she throw her military as well as her
+moral support to the Allies. The matter had been threshed out in the
+Chamber of Deputies. Wild anti-German and anti-Austrian demonstrations
+were almost daily occurrences in the streets of Rome and other of the
+larger Italian cities. The people wanted war. Here was the one country of
+all the powers engaged in the mighty conflict that could truthfully say:
+"This is a popular war."
+
+At the instigation of the Kaiser, Austria had agreed to make many
+concessions to Italy in return for her neutrality. She agreed to almost
+anything. But the Italian government was not fooled. Austria would yield
+anything at the present time, and then, with the aid of her powerful
+ally, Germany, at the close of the war, take it away from Italy again.
+
+So the Italian people and the Italian government decided upon war on the
+side of the Allies. Millions of trained fighting men, fresh from the
+rigors of the recent Turkish war, were ready to take the field at almost
+a moment's notice. The reserves had already been ordered to the colors.
+The Italian fleet was ready for action.
+
+There was now no question that Italy would enter the war. The chief topic
+of interest was as to where she would strike first. Would she send an
+army to join the French and British troops recently landed on the
+Gallipoli peninsula and a portion of her fleet to help force the
+Dardanelles, or would she strike first at Austria, and if so, would the
+first blow be delivered by her fleet in the Adriatic, or to the north,
+upon the border, and through the Alps?
+
+The Chamber of Deputies had been in continuous session now for almost two
+days. It was known that upon the result of this conference hinged the
+issue, peace or war. The chamber was still in session, but the Premier
+had left and sought King Victor Emmanuel at the palace for a
+consultation.
+
+News of this kind travels quickly. The great mob which had assembled
+outside the Chamber of Deputies wended its way to the palace, where it
+stood awaiting some word of what action was to be taken. The people knew
+that the answer would not be long coming.
+
+Hal Paine and Chester Crawford were standing in the midst of this crowd
+when this story opens. They had just left their mothers and Uncle John at
+their hotel, announcing that they would get the latest war news. The two
+women had offered no objection, but Uncle John had instructed them:
+
+"Don't be gone long, boys. Remember we leave in the morning, and we
+expect you to do your share of the packing."
+
+So the two lads had strolled out and joined the crowd.
+
+When they had decided to return to America, each lad had carefully
+packed his British uniform, so they were now in civilian clothes. This
+was a matter of some regret to them, for they had been proud of their
+uniforms, and not without cause, and even as they walked along to-day
+Chester had remarked:
+
+"We should have our uniforms on, Hal."
+
+"Why?" demanded the latter.
+
+"Well, just look at all these Italian officers. It makes me feel lonesome
+to be without my uniform."
+
+Hal laughed.
+
+"By Jove! it does at that," he agreed. "I can sympathize with the soldier
+who has such an absolute disgust for a civilian. You know there is no
+love lost between them."
+
+"Right! Well, I wish I had my uniform on."
+
+"It's a good thing you haven't, I guess. That warlike spirit of yours
+might get us in trouble. Every time I look at mine, I want to run back to
+the front instead of going home."
+
+"It is pretty tough," agreed Chester.
+
+"You bet it is. But what else could we do? We must please our mothers,
+you know."
+
+"I suppose you're right. But just the same, several times I have had a
+notion to disappear."
+
+"The same thought struck me, too; but we gave our promise, you know."
+
+Chester shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"It can't be helped now," he said.
+
+"Maybe we'll have a little war of our own some day," said Hal. "Then
+they'll have to let us fight."
+
+"That would be too good to be true," was Chester's reply.
+
+It was just at the end of this conversation that the lads had joined
+the crowd before the palace, and Chester had made the remark that opens
+this story.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+THE MOB.
+
+
+Hal sat up and passed his right hand gently over his head.
+
+"Quite a bump," he muttered to himself. "What a fool I was not to have
+been prepared for that ruse. Well, I'll know better next time."
+
+The lad pulled himself to his feet and gazed in the direction in which
+the other had disappeared. He made as if to move after him, and then
+changed his mind.
+
+"Not much chance of finding him now, I guess," he muttered.
+
+He turned on his heel, and then, for the first time, his eyes fell upon
+Chester's prostrate form.
+
+"So he got you, too, eh?" he said to himself.
+
+He hurried forward and bent over his chum. At the same moment Chester
+opened his eyes and smiled up at him feebly.
+
+"Hello," he said; "where's our friend?"
+
+"Gone," replied Hal briefly, raising Chester's head to his knee. "How do
+you feel?"
+
+"A little rocky, and that's a fact," was the reply.
+
+"What did he bump you over with--gun?"
+
+"No; fist."
+
+"I don't see any marks."
+
+"I feel 'em," said Chester, rubbing his chin ruefully. "He landed an
+uppercut that was a beauty."
+
+"I am glad you are well enough to appreciate it," said Hal, with a slight
+smile. "He was big enough to have put you out for keeps."
+
+"I'm not to be gotten rid of so easily," returned Chester. "Help me up."
+
+Hal lent a supporting hand and Chester struggled to his feet.
+
+"Dizzy?" queried Hal.
+
+"A little," was the reply. "I'll be all right in a minute, though."
+
+He shook his head several times and at last appeared to have gotten rid
+of the effects of the blow. He threw off Hal's hand.
+
+"Well, what now?" he asked.
+
+Hal hesitated.
+
+"I hate to see that fellow get away," he said finally. "He probably has
+stolen important information."
+
+"I guess there is not much doubt of that," replied Chester, "but Rome is
+a pretty sizeable town. A slim chance we have of finding him."
+
+"I'd know him if I see him," said Hal
+
+"So will I. Did you notice the scar across his face?"
+
+"Yes; that's why I say I would know him any place. What do you suppose it
+was he stole?"
+
+"A paper of some kind; I saw that. Probably has to do with troop
+movements or something of the sort. You remember he stole it from an
+army officer."
+
+"Yes; which reminds me that he also disposed of said army officer without
+much trouble. The last I saw of him he was floundering about on the
+ground in the midst of the crowd."
+
+"Let's go back and have a look for him."
+
+"Good; come on."
+
+The boys turned and retraced their steps. Rounding a corner they came
+again within sight of the palace.
+
+"Crowd still there," Hal commented briefly.
+
+It was true. The crowd seemed to have grown rather than to have
+diminished.
+
+"Something must have happened while we were gone," said Chester. "Hear
+them yell."
+
+"I guess it means war," was Hal's quiet response. "Well, I'm glad."
+
+"And so am I. This German business should be settled without much
+trouble now."
+
+"Don't you believe it. The Kaiser is good for a long, hard fight yet."
+
+They pushed their way through the crowd. Suddenly they came to a stop,
+their further progress being barred by a solid mass of humanity directly
+in front of them, Hal took Chester by the arm.
+
+"Let's see what is going on here," he said.
+
+By dint of hard pushing and shoving they worked their way gradually
+through the crowd.
+
+"As I live, it's our friend the army officer," ejaculated Hal.
+
+"So it is," agreed Chester, "and he seems to be rather excited. Look at
+him waving his arms about."
+
+Surrounded by a curious crowd, the officer referred to was declaiming
+eloquently. It was plain from the attitude of the crowd, however, that he
+wasn't making himself plain.
+
+"He's too excited to talk coherently," said Hal. "Maybe we can help him
+out a bit. Let's get through the rest of this gang."
+
+He put his elbows in front of him, and closely followed by Chester, threw
+his weight upon the mass of humanity in front. The crowd parted, and the
+lads pushed their way through, unheeding the protests their rough methods
+called forth. They stopped beside the still excited officer.
+
+"Signor--" began Hal, but the officer paid no attention to him, and
+continued to wave his arms violently about.
+
+"You can't get his attention that way," said Chester. "Let me try."
+
+He grasped the Italian officer roughly by the arm and whirled him about.
+
+Immediately the latter's arms ceased their violent gesticulations and he
+turned an angry face upon Chester.
+
+"How dare you lay your hands upon an officer of the king?" he demanded in
+a harsh voice.
+
+His hand dropped to his holster.
+
+"Here! Here!" exclaimed Hal. "Hold your horses now and don't get excited.
+We've come to tell you something about that paper you lost."
+
+"Ah!" cried the Italian. "So you have it, eh? Give it to me!"
+
+He held out a hand expectantly.
+
+"No, we haven't it," replied Hal, "but--"
+
+"Give me the paper!" cried the officer, his voice becoming shrill
+with anger.
+
+"I tell you we haven't the paper," said Hal.
+
+"That's a lie!" shouted the Italian. "You knocked me down and stole
+the paper."
+
+He clutched Hal by the arm.
+
+"Let go of me," said the lad angrily. "We are trying to help you and--"
+
+The Italian officer now suddenly drew his revolver, and pointed it
+squarely at Hal.
+
+"Give me the paper or I shall shoot," he said more quietly.
+
+He staggered suddenly backward and the revolver dropped to the ground
+with a clatter. The Italian wheeled and confronted the angry face of
+Chester, who had struck up the weapon.
+
+"What's the matter with you? Can't you see we are trying to help you?"
+demanded Chester.
+
+At this point there came a diversion. Members of the crowd who had
+witnessed the dispute between the officer and the two lads suddenly set
+up a cry of "spies."
+
+Others behind them took it up.
+
+"Spies! Spies!" a hundred voices rang out.
+
+The crowd surged in about them.
+
+Hal gave one quick look about, and then said quietly to Chester:
+
+"We are in for it now, old man. We'll have to make a break for it."
+
+"All right," said Chester grimly. "Lead the way."
+
+Once more the Italian officer stretched forth a detaining hand, but this
+time Hal wasted no time in explanation. He struck out straight from the
+shoulder, and the officer toppled to the ground.
+
+"Second fall for him to-day," muttered Hal between his teeth.
+
+He felt Chester's arm press his elbow.
+
+"Come on," he said.
+
+Side by side the lads stepped forward in the very faces of the mob that
+barred their path, and for a moment the crowd gave back. Then one man,
+bolder than the rest, sprang forward and sought to clutch Chester's arm.
+The lad's fist met him half way and he dropped silently to the ground.
+
+An angry roar went up from the crowd.
+
+Chester's hand dropped to his pocket. Hal perceived the motion and
+cried out:
+
+"No guns, Chester!"
+
+Chester realized the soundness of the warning and his revolver remained
+where it was.
+
+Two of the crowd sprang forward together, but Hal and Chester, with their
+greater strength and reach, disposed of them easily. A blow from behind
+landed on Chester's neck and he staggered forward. He recovered himself
+in a moment, however, and shouted.
+
+"Rush 'em, Hal!"
+
+The latter also realized that to stand still and fight gave the crowd
+behind too great an opening and he obeyed Chester's injunction. At the
+same moment both sprang forward, and the crowd opened before them.
+
+Straight ahead they went, striking out right and left, but rushing
+forward as fast as possible all the time. Men fell on both sides of
+them beneath their heavy blows, and so far neither lad had received a
+severe jolt.
+
+At that moment, however, Hal felt a keen pain in his left arm. He glanced
+down curiously and saw a tiny stream of red spout forth. His lips set in
+a thin line.
+
+"Guns, Chester," he said quietly, halting in his tracks. "They are
+using knives."
+
+"Good," said Chester, also halting. "Back to back."
+
+The lads whipped out their automatics simultaneously, and, back to back,
+confronted the crowd. Hal spoke.
+
+"We are not spies," he shouted, "but we are not going to be killed
+without a fight. We are British army officers. Stand back!"
+
+Before the threatening muzzles of the two automatics the crowd hesitated.
+Then, from directly ahead of Chester, a shot rang out. The lad heard
+something whiz past his head, and from beyond came a cry of pain.
+
+"Shot one of his own number," muttered the lad.
+
+His finger tightened on the trigger as he saw a man about to leap forward
+regardless of the automatic.
+
+"I'm going to shoot, Hal," he called.
+
+"I guess it can't be helped," replied the lad quietly. "When I give the
+word turn loose on 'em, and then we'll make another break."
+
+He hesitated a single instant and then called:
+
+"Ready?"
+
+"Ready!" came the reply.
+
+"Then--" began Hal, and suddenly cried, "Wait!"
+
+For at that moment the crowd in front of him suddenly began to scatter,
+and from beyond Hal made out a troop of Italian cavalry bearing down on
+them with drawn sabers. Hal lowered his weapon and called out:
+
+"It's all right, Chester!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+AN OLD FRIEND.
+
+
+"What's the meaning of this?" demanded an officer, pulling in his horse
+beside the two lads, while his troop gave their attention to driving back
+the crowd, which gave ground slowly.
+
+"We were attacked by the crowd, captain," Hal explained.
+
+"Why?" asked the officer.
+
+"We were accused of being spies."
+
+"By whom?"
+
+"By an Italian army officer back there," replied Hal, making a gesture
+with his hand.
+
+"Here he comes now," interrupted Chester.
+
+The man who had caused all the trouble now came pompously forward. At
+sight of him, the mounted officer sprang from the saddle and came to
+attention.
+
+"What is the matter, sir?" he asked.
+
+"Arrest these two," said his superior, pointing to Hal and Chester. "They
+are spies, and they knocked me down."
+
+The Italian captain motioned to half a dozen of his men. He also pointed
+to the two lads.
+
+"Arrest them," he said quietly.
+
+The men surrounded the lads.
+
+"But--" began Chester.
+
+"No words," said the officer. "Take them before General Ferrari," he
+ordered his men.
+
+He motioned to the commander of the troop to accompany them.
+
+"I shall be there to make the charge against them," he said.
+
+The young officer saluted.
+
+"Very well, sir," he replied. He turned to the lads. "March," he ordered.
+
+There was no help for it, as the lads realized in a moment. Accordingly
+they made no further protests and marched off, surrounded on all sides.
+
+As they walked along the street there came a new diversion. A man came
+hurrying toward them. Hal and Chester recognized him in an instant.
+
+"Uncle John!" cried Chester.
+
+He glanced at Hal and smiled sheepishly.
+
+"We seem always to be in trouble when he appears," said Chester with a
+slight smile.
+
+Uncle John addressed the officer in command of the squad.
+
+"What's the meaning of this?" he demanded.
+
+"The meaning of what, sir?" asked the officer respectfully, for he was
+impressed by Uncle John's manner.
+
+"What are you doing with these two lads?"
+
+"They are under arrest, sir."
+
+"What!" ejaculated Uncle John. "Under arrest, and what for?"
+
+"They are spies."
+
+"Spies!" The good man staggered back. He forced a smile. "You are joking
+with me," he said.
+
+The Italian officer drew himself up.
+
+"I never joke of serious matters," he said quietly. "But what interest
+have you in these prisoners?"
+
+"Well, I have considerable interest," was the reply. "One of them happens
+to be my nephew. What have they been doing?"
+
+"I couldn't say as to that. All I know is that they are spies."
+
+"You're crazy," shouted Uncle John, now becoming angry. "They are British
+army officers, and American citizens."
+
+The young officer drew himself up.
+
+"Crazy, am I?" he demanded. "March!" he ordered his men.
+
+"Here, hold on a minute," gasped Uncle John. "I didn't mean to ruffle
+your feelings; but one of those boys is my nephew. I tell you they are
+British officers."
+
+"I trust they will be able to prove it," said the Italian.
+
+"What?" demanded Uncle John. "Why?"
+
+"Because," replied the officer with a pleasant smile, "they probably will
+be shot if they don't."
+
+"Shot!" gasped Uncle John.
+
+"Exactly. That is the usual treatment accorded spies."
+
+"But I tell you--"
+
+"You can tell the rest to General Ferrari," said the Italian officer.
+"Forward, men."
+
+Uncle John was brushed unceremoniously aside in spite of his protests,
+and the lads were led away.
+
+"Don't worry, Uncle John," Chester called back to him. "We'll get out of
+this all right. Tell mother to have no fear."
+
+"I'll see the ambassador!" shouted Uncle John. "I'll get you out of
+this. I'll show these confounded Italians they are not half as big as
+Uncle Sam."
+
+"Poor old Uncle John," said Chester to Hal. "He does get excited so
+easily. I'll bet the ambassador is due for an unpleasant half hour."
+
+"I'd give a whole lot to be there to hear what transpires," agreed Hal.
+
+In front of a large and imposing building the Italian officer called a
+halt; and a few minutes later ordered the prisoners up the steps.
+
+"Where are we going?" demanded Hal.
+
+"You'll find out soon enough," was the reply.
+
+"You're very civil and courteous, to be sure," said Hal.
+
+"I can see no reason for being courteous to a spy," replied the officer.
+
+"Perhaps not," returned the lad; "but when we are out of this I believe I
+shall hunt you up and pull your nose."
+
+"What!" exclaimed the officer, stepping back. "Pull my nose! Such
+American impudence! I have a notion to pull your nose right here."
+
+"I wouldn't if I were you," said Chester, grinning.
+
+"And what have you to say about it?" exclaimed the now angry officer.
+
+"Oh, nothing," replied Chester. "Just a kindly word of warning;
+that's all."
+
+The officer stared at both lads angrily, as they stood at the top of the
+steps, and seemed about to say more, when a second officer appeared in
+the doorway and motioned for all to enter.
+
+"Move on there," said the first officer angrily.
+
+The lads obeyed without replying.
+
+Inside the building they were led through a long corridor, and thence to
+a room which they were motioned to enter. Inside stood a tall, stout man
+attired in full military uniform.
+
+"General Ferrari, I guess," Chester whispered to his friend.
+
+Hal nodded in assent. It was indeed General Ferrari, and he came forward.
+
+"What have we here?" he demanded, addressing the officer.
+
+"Spies, sir," was the reply.
+
+"Where did you find them?"
+
+The officer explained.
+
+"So Colonel Fuesco found them, eh? You say they stole an important
+document from him?"
+
+"Yes, sir, and the colonel will be here directly, sir."
+
+"Good, you may go. Leave a guard outside the door."
+
+The officer saluted and took his departure, casting a sneering glance at
+the two lads.
+
+"Sit down," commanded the general.
+
+The lads obeyed, and the general took a seat at a huge desk at the far
+end of the room and immediately plunged into a mass of correspondence.
+For half an hour he was busy with his letters and paid no attention to
+the boys. The latter also sat silently.
+
+An orderly entered the room and announced:
+
+"Colonel Fuesco, sir."
+
+"Show him in," said the general.
+
+A moment later and the colonel came blustering in. He gazed angrily at
+the two lads and spoke to General Ferrari in a whisper. Then both turned
+upon the lads.
+
+"Have you the paper?" demanded the general.
+
+"No, sir," replied Hal. "We never had it in the first place. Will you
+allow me to explain, sir?"
+
+"Proceed," said the general.
+
+"First," said Hal, "I would inform your excellency that we are officers
+in the British army, having recently come from France."
+
+He then went ahead with the story of how they had seen Colonel Fuesco
+relieved of his papers before the palace a short time ago. At the
+conclusion of the story the colonel sniffed audibly.
+
+"A likely tale," he sneered.
+
+"Silence, colonel," said the general sharply. "I shall go at this matter
+in my own way. Can you prove your identity?" he asked of Hal.
+
+"With time, yes," was the reply.
+
+At this moment the orderly again entered the room.
+
+"The officer you were expecting, sir," he said to General Ferrari.
+
+"Have him enter," said the general, and the orderly saluted and
+disappeared.
+
+"There can be no doubt that these are spies, sir," said Colonel Fuesco.
+
+Chester became suddenly angry.
+
+"That's a lie," he said flatly.
+
+"What!" exclaimed the doughty colonel. "You call me a liar?"
+
+Before General Ferrari or Hal could move to stay him, he stepped close to
+Chester and struck him in the face.
+
+Hal, knowing Chester's quick temper, became alarmed and cried out
+sharply:
+
+"Don't hit him, Chester."
+
+But he spoke too late. The blow aroused Chester's fighting blood and
+he took no thought of consequences. His right fist shot out sharply,
+and struck squarely upon the nose, the colonel reeled back and fell to
+the floor.
+
+He was up in a moment, however, and in spite of his commander's sharp
+order, closed with Chester. The two rocked back and forth, as Hal and
+General Ferrari sought to separate them.
+
+And at this moment a newcomer entered the room. He was a young man, thin
+and tall, and his face showed the marks of hard service. He was attired
+in the uniform of a French major. He, too, took a hand in attempting to
+separate the combatants.
+
+As the five struggled about, Hal caught a glimpse of the newcomer's
+face, and he gave a cry of wonder, uttering a name that caused Chester
+to release his hold upon the Italian officer and step back in surprise
+and pleasure.
+
+"Major Derevaux!" exclaimed Hal.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+A NEW RECRUIT.
+
+
+The French officer also stepped back in surprise, for until that moment
+he had not had time to glance at the two lads. He, too, gave vent to an
+exclamation of pleasure and held out both hands.
+
+"Hal! Chester!" he cried.
+
+Each lad seized upon a hand and wrung it heartily. General Ferrari and
+Colonel Fuesco stood back and eyed them curiously. Finally the general
+spoke to the Frenchman.
+
+"You know these boys?" he asked.
+
+"Know them!" repeated Major Derevaux. "Well, I should say I do. They are
+Lieutenants Paine and Crawford, of His British majesty's service, sir."
+
+"Then they are not German or Austrian spies?"
+
+"What! These lads German spies! If you but knew of what invaluable
+service they have been to the cause of the Allies, you would be proud to
+shake hands with them. Why, let me tell you," and forgetting all other
+matters for the moment, Major Derevaux plunged into an account of the
+boys' triumphs since joining the allied forces.
+
+At the conclusion of this recital, General Ferrari extended a hand to
+each of the boys.
+
+"I am indeed glad to know two such gallant lads," he said. "I felt sure
+when I first saw you that there must be some mistake in your cases."
+
+"But they stole my paper!" cried Colonel Fuesco.
+
+"That is not true," said Major Derevaux. "I can vouch for their loyalty."
+
+"But who can vouch for you?" demanded the colonel. "How is General
+Ferrari to know that you, too, are not a spy, coming to him with false
+credentials?"
+
+"I can answer that question," replied the general. "As it happens, I have
+known Major Derevaux for years. He has often visited at my home, he and
+his parents. You owe these lads an apology, colonel."
+
+"He knocked me down," replied the colonel, pointing to Chester.
+
+"So he did," said the general, "and you deserved it."
+
+Chester now approached the colonel and extended a hand.
+
+"I bear you no ill will," he said.
+
+The officer glanced at him searchingly for a moment, and then took the
+hand.
+
+"I have done you and your friend an injustice," he said. "I am sorry."
+
+"Say no more about it," replied Chester.
+
+Colonel Fuesco also shook hands with Hal.
+
+"But what of my paper?" he demanded of the general.
+
+"I can give you a description of the man who took it," said Hal, and did
+so. When he mentioned that the man had a scar on his face, the two
+Italian officers uttered a cry.
+
+"Hans Robard!" they exclaimed.
+
+"You know him, then?" asked Chester.
+
+"Rather," said the general dryly. "He is an Austrian, and attached to the
+Austrian embassy here. Of course there has as yet been no formal
+declaration of war between Italy and Austria, but it has been known for
+days that war was sure to come. Colonel Fuesco here has been entrusted
+with important documents relating to troop movements, and it is this
+document that Robard has stolen. It must be recovered."
+
+"We are willing to help all we can," said Chester. "With a little
+forethought we should have been able to recover it ourselves. Robard made
+monkeys of us."
+
+"He made a monkey of me, too," said the colonel ruefully.
+
+"The thing to be done," said Chester, "is to get track of him."
+
+"That's easy enough," was the reply. "He can be found at the embassy; but
+he will deny that he has the paper. Also, we cannot arrest him. Being a
+member of a foreign embassy, in times of peace he is immune from arrest."
+
+"And he will take the paper with him when he leaves Italy," said
+Major Derevaux.
+
+"It was stolen once," said Hal thoughtfully. "Why cannot it be
+stolen again?"
+
+"What do you mean?" asked Colonel Fuesco.
+
+"Just what I say. Robard stole the document from you. Some one must
+recover it from Robard without his knowledge."
+
+"An excellent idea!" exclaimed General Ferrari. "But who will do
+this work?"
+
+"We shall be glad to undertake it, your excellency," said Hal.
+
+"You! But you are so young for such a piece of work."
+
+"Don't you believe it, general," Major Derevaux interrupted. "If the
+papers can be recovered, these lads can get them. You could not put the
+mission in better hands."
+
+"But the danger--"
+
+"We have been in danger before, sir," said Chester quietly.
+
+The general considered a moment, and then brought a hand down on his desk
+with tremendous force.
+
+"So be it!" he exclaimed. "And if you are successful, Italy will know how
+to reward you."
+
+"We seek no reward, sir," said Hal quietly. "Then we are at liberty to go
+now, sir?"
+
+"Yes. I shall not hamper you with instructions."
+
+"All we wish to know, sir," said Hal, "is whether Robard still is at the
+Austrian embassy."
+
+"He is," was the reply, "and will be until some time to-morrow, when the
+ambassador will be given his passports."
+
+"Can I be of any assistance?" asked Colonel Fuesco, stepping forward.
+
+"If you can, we shall call on you," replied Hal.
+
+"Good," said the colonel, and, drawing out a card, he scribbled an
+address on it. "You will find me there," he said. "I shall remain at my
+quarters in the hopes that I may be given a hand in the game."
+
+The lads shook hands with the general and walked to the door.
+
+"Wait a moment, boys," said Major Derevaux. "I want a few words with the
+general, and then I shall be at liberty to go with you."
+
+"If it is all the same to you, Major Derevaux," said the general, "I
+would prefer to postpone our conference until this evening. I have
+several matters that require my immediate attention."
+
+Major Derevaux accepted this postponement graciously, and announced that
+he would accompany the boys at once. As they would have passed out, the
+general's orderly once more entered the room.
+
+"The American ambassador is without, sir," he said, "and demands an
+immediate interview with you."
+
+General Ferrari turned to Colonel Fuesco.
+
+"You see what trouble you have brought down on my head," he said, with a
+smile. "I won't bother to see the ambassador now," he said to his
+orderly. "I shall send these lads to greet him."
+
+In response to these words, Hal and Chester, accompanied by Major
+Derevaux and Colonel Fuesco, made their way from the room. In the
+corridor they encountered the American ambassador and Uncle John.
+The latter was walking back and forth nervously and muttering
+angrily to himself.
+
+"Here we are, Uncle John," said Chester.
+
+Uncle John jumped as though he had been shot, for he had not perceived
+their approach.
+
+"You young rascals," he exclaimed, "so you have been released, eh?"
+
+"Yes," said Chester quickly, "we have been released providing we can
+really apprehend the man who is the spy."
+
+"What do you mean?" asked Uncle John anxiously.
+
+Hal followed Chester's lead, for he wished no obstacle to be put in
+their path.
+
+"If we can catch the spy, we shall be permitted to go free," he said,
+
+"I see," said Uncle John. "But I can't see that spy-catching is any of
+your business."
+
+"Well, we have promised to do the best we can," said Chester.
+
+"In that case, I have nothing to say," said Uncle John. "But remember we
+are due to sail for home to-morrow."
+
+"Oh, we can wait over for the next ship," said Chester.
+
+"Perhaps," said Uncle John, with a twinkle in his eye. "We shall see what
+your mothers have to say about that."
+
+Hal now bethought himself to introduce Uncle John to his friends. This
+accomplished, the American ambassador announced that he would be moving,
+and took his departure. The others Uncle John invited to have lunch with
+him in a nearby hotel.
+
+Over the table, Hal asked Major Derevaux what he was doing in Rome.
+
+"I don't know as it is my secret now," replied the major. "I am here with
+a despatch from General Joffre. I cannot say exactly what the despatch
+contains, but at a guess I would say it has to do with the entrance of
+Italy into the war, and plans for a possible simultaneous advance between
+all the troops opposed to the Austro-German army."
+
+"I see," said Hal. "That would be a great thing. I wish we were going
+back to the front with you."
+
+"Well, you're not," said Uncle John briefly.
+
+"We won't argue about it," said Chester, smiling. "But you never can tell
+what will happen."
+
+Uncle John changed the subject abruptly. When the conversation reached
+this stage he always felt uncomfortable.
+
+"When are you going to start spy-hunting?" he asked.
+
+Chester looked at Hal.
+
+"What do you think?" he inquired.
+
+"Well, I should say not until to-night," replied Hal. "I don't believe we
+could do much good in the day time."
+
+"My idea exactly," agreed Chester. "We may have to make a few
+preparations."
+
+"I would like to go with you boys," said Major Derevaux, "but I fear it
+will be impossible. I must return immediately I have had my interview
+with General Ferrari."
+
+Uncle John had been sitting silent during all this conversation, but
+now he straightened in his chair and brought his fist down on the table
+with a bang.
+
+"By Jove!" he exclaimed. "All this talk makes me feel young again. What's
+the matter with my joining this expedition?"
+
+The two lads gazed at him in wonder. Uncle John saw the amazement written
+on their features.
+
+"I mean it," he continued. "I want a hand in this game myself. Here,
+waiter, check!" he called.
+
+He paid the check and rose from the table.
+
+"You wait here for me," he instructed the boys.
+
+"Where are you going?" asked Chester.
+
+"Going to buy a gun," replied Uncle John; "going to outfit myself to join
+the spy-hunters."
+
+He stalked from the room.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+ON THE TRAIL.
+
+
+The stars were shining when Hal and Chester, accompanied by Uncle John,
+made their way from the hotel toward the Austrian legation. Uncle John
+was chuckling to himself as he walked between his two younger companions.
+
+"What is so funny, Uncle John?" asked Chester.
+
+"I was just thinking what your mothers would say if they knew where we
+were going," was the reply; "particularly if they knew where I was going.
+I guess they think I am too old for this foolishness, but I tell you, a
+man likes to be young again."
+
+"What did you tell mother? Where did you say we were going?" asked Hal.
+
+"I told her we were going out--I didn't say where," was the answer. "I'm
+something of a strategist myself, you know."
+
+"I see you are," replied Chester.
+
+"Now I want you boys to understand that I am under your orders," said
+Uncle John. "You are older heads at this game than I am. I am willing to
+obey orders."
+
+"Which is the first essential of every good soldier," said Chester
+quietly.
+
+"By the way," said Uncle John, patting his pocket, "this is the first
+time I have had a gun in my hands for a good many years. However, I used
+to be able to hit the side of a barn. I guess I haven't forgotten. Do you
+think we shall have to do any shooting?"
+
+"I hope not," said Hal, "but you never can tell."
+
+Uncle John lapsed into silence and the three made their way along slowly.
+The hour was early, and, as Hal had said, there was no rush.
+
+"Have you formed any definite plan?" asked Chester of Hal, as they
+walked along.
+
+"Well, no," was the reply. "We shall have to let events shape
+themselves."
+
+"Which is the best plan, after all," said Chester.
+
+An hour's walk brought them to the embassy building.
+
+"The first thing," said Hal, "is to find out if Robard is in."
+
+"And how are you going to do that?" asked Uncle John.
+
+"Simple," replied Hal. "I'll go up and ask."
+
+He approached the door and rang the bell. A servant opened the door.
+
+"Is Herr Robard in?" asked Hal in perfect German.
+
+The man shook his head.
+
+"I have an important message for him," said Hal. "When shall I
+find him in?"
+
+The servant glanced at him sharply, then leaned close.
+
+"Are you the messenger Herr Robard expects?" he asked, in a low voice.
+
+Hal glanced sharply about him, more for effect than anything else, and
+replied, speaking softly:
+
+"From the Wilhelmstrasse."
+
+"Good," said the man, nodding his pleasure. "I am instructed to tell you
+to come back at a little before ten o'clock."
+
+"Will Herr Robard be here then?"
+
+"Possibly not, but you can wait."
+
+"I shall be here," said Hal, and walked down the steps.
+
+He rejoined Chester and Uncle John, who had waited around the corner.
+
+"I was beginning to fear something had happened to you," said Uncle John.
+
+"What luck?" demanded Chester.
+
+"Better than could be expected," said Hal, and repeated the conversation
+with the servant.
+
+"And who do you suppose this messenger is?" asked Chester.
+
+"A German secret agent," replied Hal decidedly.
+
+"That was the first thought that flashed through my head when he asked me
+who I was, which is the reason I took a long chance and mentioned the
+Wilhelmstrasse."
+
+"You seem to have hit the nail on the head," said Chester.
+
+"Which was luck," said Hal.
+
+"Or quick wit," interposed Uncle John.
+
+"Well," said Chester, "what next? And what are we to do while you are in
+the house? Surely you are not expecting that we shall all be admitted?"
+
+"No," replied Hal, "and my plan is this: I shall reach the house somewhat
+earlier than the time set, moving up my watch to avoid suspicion should
+anything be said. Thus I shall make sure that Robard has not returned. I
+shall wait.
+
+"Now, when the servant leaves the room, I shall, in some manner, raise
+the window facing the spot where you stood while I went up to the door a
+moment ago. Then you and Uncle John can come in. Of course, I may not be
+left in that particular room to wait, but I shall manage some way. I'll
+cover your entrance with my gun."
+
+"Good," said Chester, "but then what? Will you try to take the papers
+forcibly or by stealth?"
+
+"Whichever way seems the most likely to succeed," said Hal briefly.
+"Something must be left to chance."
+
+"Well," said Chester, "we may as well return to the hotel for a couple of
+hours. It's early yet."
+
+"Not much," said Uncle John. "I don't want to have to answer any
+questions. Not me. Let's go some place else."
+
+"We'll walk about, then," Hal decided.
+
+This was done.
+
+At fifteen minutes to ten o'clock Hal once more mounted the steps to the
+Austrian embassy. Chester and Uncle John took their places at the spot
+agreed upon, and waited.
+
+The same servant opened the door for Hal.
+
+"You are early," he said, somewhat suspiciously it seemed to Hal.
+
+"Why, no," replied the lad, manifesting surprise. "I am on the dot, as I
+always am. Ten o'clock."
+
+"But it is not ten yet," said the man.
+
+Hal drew out his watch and looked at it.
+
+"Ten to the minute," he said, and held it up so the man could see.
+
+"Your watch is wrong," was the reply. "However, I suppose it makes no
+difference. Come in."
+
+He held the door open while Hal entered, then closed it.
+
+"This way," he said, and led the way down the hall. Fortunately, he
+turned into a room facing upon the street where Chester and Uncle John
+waited without, though it was the room beyond the one beneath the
+window of which they stood. But, Hal noticed, there was a door between
+the two rooms.
+
+"Ought to be easy enough," he told himself.
+
+"You can wait here for Herr Robard," said the servant, and moved
+to withdraw.
+
+"This is the Herr Robard's private office, I take it," said Hal.
+
+"You are wrong," was the reply. "His office is just across the hall. But
+no one is allowed to enter there unless the Herr is with him, and the
+door is always locked."
+
+"I see," said Hal, mentally thanking the man for the information, which
+had come a great deal easier than he had expected. "The Herr is a careful
+man. It is as it should be."
+
+"You can make yourself at home here until he comes," said the servant.
+"There are magazines and books. I have other matters to attend to."
+
+"All right," said Hal, for he now wished to get rid of the man without
+more loss of time; he had gained all the information he could hope for
+without laying himself open to suspicion.
+
+The man withdrew. Hal glanced at his watch.
+
+"Ten-five," he muttered. "That means ten minutes to ten. Robard may come
+sooner than expected. I must hurry."
+
+Quietly he arose and silently crossed the room. He tried the knob to the
+door of the next room. The door was locked. He glanced down. There was a
+key in the lock, and it turned easily. Hal unlocked the door and passed
+into the room beyond.
+
+Quickly he crossed to the window, and then paused a moment, listening
+attentively. There was no sound. Unfastening the catch, the lad raised
+the window gently. It went up without so much as a sound. Hal poked his
+head out, and called in a low voice:
+
+"All right."
+
+He stepped back and drew his revolver and took his place in the shadow,
+commanding a view of both doors to the room.
+
+He heard faint sounds without, and concluded rightly that Chester was
+giving Uncle John a hand up. A moment later Uncle John's head appeared at
+the window, and he clambered into the room. He was unable to see Hal in
+the darkness and called:
+
+"Where are you, Hal?"
+
+"Sh--h--h!" whispered Hal. "Come over here."
+
+Uncle John obeyed silently.
+
+There came a whistle from without. Hal recognized it as that of Chester.
+He hurried to the window and peered out.
+
+"What's the matter?" he called.
+
+"The window is too high, I can't reach the sill," was the reply. "Give
+me a hand."
+
+Hal started to lay down his gun and lend a hand, but thought better of
+it. He called to Uncle John.
+
+"Help Chester up," he whispered, and again took his position guarding the
+doors, with drawn revolver.
+
+Uncle John approached the window and leaned out. He seized Chester's
+uplifted hand, and pulled. A moment later Chester came scrambling through
+the window.
+
+"A pretty good climb, if you ask me," he said.
+
+At that moment the door from the hall was thrown open, and a man appeared
+in the doorway. In his hand he held a revolver, which he pointed straight
+at Uncle John and Chester, who stood in plain sight before the window.
+
+"Hands up!" he called.
+
+There was nothing for it but to obey. Uncle John's and Chester's hands
+went high in the air.
+
+Hal, well back from the light which streamed through the open door and
+the window, slunk further back in the darkness. He was unnoticed, and he
+knew that he held the whip hand.
+
+"So," said the man in the doorway, "burglars, eh? Well, I shall attend to
+your cases."
+
+With revolver levelled in a steady hand he advanced further into the
+room.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+UNCLE JOHN IN TROUBLE.
+
+
+A few paces in front of Chester and Uncle John the newcomer paused.
+
+"Armed?" he asked.
+
+Chester made no reply. Uncle John remained silent.
+
+"We'll see," said the newcomer briefly.
+
+Still covering them with his weapon, he put his free hand in Chester's
+pocket and relieved the lad of his revolver. A similar operation and
+Uncle John's gun came forth. Uncle John could keep quiet no longer.
+
+"There goes my gun," he said sorrowfully.
+
+In spite of the seriousness of the situation Chester was forced to laugh.
+
+"Don't worry; you'll get it back," he replied.
+
+"You think so, eh?" sneered the newcomer. "Tell me," addressing Chester,
+"what are you doing here?"
+
+"That's for you to find out," replied the lad.
+
+"Well, I'll find out," exclaimed the man. "Do you know who I am?"
+
+"Why, yes; your name is Robard, isn't it?"
+
+The other stepped back in surprise.
+
+"So you know me, eh!" he exclaimed. "Then you are not burglars."
+
+"Hardly," replied Chester.
+
+"Then what are you doing here?"
+
+"I can't see that it will do any harm to tell you," was Chester's answer.
+"We are after the paper you stole from Colonel Fuesco to-day."
+
+"Oho! And by any chance are you the same youngster I encountered in
+the street?"
+
+"The same," replied Chester briefly.
+
+"And where is the other? Surely," peering closely at Uncle John, "you are
+not he. He was younger."
+
+"Right you are," replied Uncle John. "But I guess he'll turn up when he
+is most needed."
+
+"You think so? Then he had better turn up quickly." He turned again to
+Chester. "So you came after the paper," he said. "I am very sorry to say
+that you will not get it."
+
+"Then you have sent it to Vienna," said Chester, somewhat crestfallen.
+
+"Oh, no, I still have it right here," and Robard tapped the breast pocket
+of his coat.
+
+"Thanks," said Chester. "I just wanted to know where you kept it."
+
+"I suppose you think you are very smart," said the Austrian, somewhat
+angry at having betrayed himself.
+
+"Smart enough, I guess," returned Chester.
+
+"Come, I have had enough of this," exclaimed the Austrian. "Hold your
+hands up now, and march out of this room ahead of me."
+
+He waved his revolver from one to the other, and stepped aside that the
+two might pass ahead of him. Uncle John and Chester obeyed his injunction
+and moved toward the door. The Austrian took a step after them.
+
+It was at this moment that Hal came into action.
+
+With a sudden spring he leaped upon the Austrian from behind. With one
+hand he seized the wrist that held the revolver, and turned it upward.
+With the other he clutched the man by the throat, shutting off his wind
+and preventing him from crying out. Hal called to Chester:
+
+"Grab him!"
+
+Chester and Uncle John wheeled about and lent a hand in subduing the
+Austrian. Three against one, it was easy work, and after a short
+struggle Robard lay panting on the floor. Hal drew his own revolver and
+covered him.
+
+"One move and you are a dead man," he said quietly.
+
+Robard glared up at him angrily. Chester smiled at him pleasantly.
+
+"You see I am smarter than you gave me credit for," he said.
+
+The Austrian made no response.
+
+"He keeps the paper in his pocket, Hal," said Chester.
+
+"So I heard him say," replied Hal.
+
+He bent over the Austrian and thrust a hand into his pocket. He pulled
+forth a batch of papers, and walking over to the window, ran through them
+hurriedly.
+
+"Find it?" asked Chester, walking over to him.
+
+Hal extended a paper.
+
+"I guess this is it, all right," he said, and thrust the document into
+his pocket.
+
+At that moment there came a startled cry from Uncle John, followed by
+a heavy thud. Hal and Chester wheeled quickly, just in time to see
+Robard disappearing through the door, which closed after him with a
+bang. A key turned in the lock. The thud they had heard was Uncle John
+toppling to the floor as the result of a blow delivered by the
+Austrian, who, catching Uncle John off his guard, had sprung to his
+feet and attacked him.
+
+Hal jumped to the door, while Chester bent over Uncle John and assisted
+him to his feet.
+
+"The scoundrel!" exclaimed Uncle John. "He took me by surprise. He gave
+me no warning."
+
+"Surely you didn't expect him to," said Chester, somewhat angry.
+
+Hal sprang to Chester's side.
+
+"Quick!" he exclaimed. "We must get out of here. Robard will have
+assistance in a moment."
+
+"Which way? Out the window?" asked Chester.
+
+"I guess that will be the best way," said Hal. "You first, Uncle John."
+
+The three hurried to the window, and Uncle John put a leg over the sill.
+As he did so a sharp shot rang out and Uncle John withdrew his leg
+hurriedly. He tumbled over to the floor, and seizing his foot in his
+hand, rocked himself back and forward.
+
+"Hit?" asked Chester anxiously.
+
+"I'm afraid so," replied Uncle John, apparently very much frightened.
+
+Chester bent over him.
+
+He looked at the heel of Uncle John's shoe, and then exclaimed.
+
+"Get up. You are all right. The bullet just carried your heel away."
+
+Uncle John rose to his feet.
+
+"Felt like I had been plugged through the leg," he said. "Just the shock,
+I guess. Well, what now, boys? We can't get out that way."
+
+"We'll have to go through the door, then," said Chester.
+
+He approached and tried the knob.
+
+"It's locked," said Hal. "I tried it a moment ago. However, that's the
+way we shall have to go out. Stand back a little."
+
+He drew his revolver, put the muzzle to the lock and fired. There was a
+loud explosion and the room filled with smoke. Hal seized the knob and
+threw the door open.
+
+"Where are your guns?" he asked Chester hurriedly.
+
+"Robard took them," replied Chester.
+
+"Then they must be in the room. Find them quickly."
+
+Chester looked hurriedly about. At last his eyes lighted upon them,
+on a little table at the far end of the room, where the Austrian had
+laid them.
+
+"All right," said Chester, picking them up and passing one to Uncle John.
+"The sooner we make a start the better."
+
+"Let's go then," said Hal.
+
+He poked his head cautiously out the door and looked down the hall. There
+was no one in sight.
+
+"Coast clear," he called over his shoulder. "Follow me!"
+
+He sprang into the hall and started for the front door on a dead run.
+Chester was right behind him, and Uncle John followed close upon
+Chester's heels.
+
+Hal was just about to seize the knob in his free hand, when it was turned
+from the outside.
+
+"Back, quick," called the lad. "Some one coming."
+
+He wheeled about as he spoke and the other two did likewise. They
+had barely regained their retreat when heavy footsteps were heard
+in the hall.
+
+"This way," called a voice in German.
+
+The footsteps came toward them, stopped before the door a moment, and
+then passed on.
+
+"Now for another trial," whispered Hal.
+
+Again he poked his head out and saw that the coast was apparently clear.
+
+"Come on!" he cried, and made a second dash for the front door. Chester
+followed him, as did Uncle John.
+
+This time Hal reached the door without trouble and threw it open. Without
+pausing, he dashed through it and down the steps. Chester was right
+behind him. But as Uncle John also would have passed out, there came a
+shot from behind and he toppled to the floor.
+
+In the excitement neither Chester nor Hal noticed this and they had gone
+half a block before they discovered that Uncle John was not with them.
+
+"Great Scott! What can have happened to him?" exclaimed Chester.
+
+"Probably got caught," replied Hal.
+
+"Then we must go back after him. Come on."
+
+"Wait a minute," said Hal. "Don't forget this paper we recovered. It must
+be returned to General Ferrari, Uncle John or no Uncle John."
+
+"But we can't let them kill him!" cried Chester.
+
+"They won't kill him," said Hal positively. "They would be afraid to do
+that. First I must deliver this paper, and then we shall try to rescue
+Uncle John. But the paper is first. You know that."
+
+"You are right, of course," Chester agreed. "Besides Uncle John knew what
+he was up against before he came with us. He'll have to wait until we can
+help him."
+
+"All right, then. Now my idea is for you to wait here while I return this
+paper to General Ferrari. Then I shall come back and we will see what can
+be done. If they should take Uncle John from the house you follow them."
+
+"Suits me," said Chester. "Get back as soon as you can."
+
+Hal waved a hand and hurried away in the darkness.
+
+"Guess I'll see if I can learn anything," said Chester to himself, after
+Hal had disappeared.
+
+He approached the embassy cautiously. He could see lights within, but the
+shades were drawn and he could distinguish nothing. Once he thought he
+heard sounds of a struggle in the house, but he could not be sure.
+
+He was on the point of entering, but it occurred to him that if he should
+fall into the enemy's hands he could do Uncle John little good.
+
+"I'll wait until Hal comes back, anyhow," he decided at last.
+
+He walked some distance from the embassy, still remaining close enough to
+see any one who should leave by the front door, and sat down on the steps
+before a large stone house.
+
+"Hope Hal gets a move on," he muttered to himself, as he settled himself
+as comfortably as possible.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+UNCLE JOHN SHOWS HIS METTLE.
+
+
+When Uncle John fell to the floor, his first feeling was one of anger. He
+scarcely felt the sharp pain in his leg, where a bullet had grazed the
+skin. He saw Chester disappearing ahead of him, and his first thought was
+to get up and hurry after him.
+
+He pulled himself to his feet and again moved toward the door. As he did
+so he felt a pair of arms thrown about him from behind. Uncle John turned
+to give battle to this assailant.
+
+Now Uncle John was a big man and in his youth had been noted for his
+strength. Time had sapped his prowess, however, and he knew that he was
+no match for his adversary. Nevertheless, he determined to fight it out.
+
+With an effort he shook off the encircling arms and faced his opponent,
+who proved to be none other than Robard himself. Bethinking himself of
+the days of his youth, when he had been considered something of a boxer,
+Uncle John decided to keep the other at arm's length, if possible.
+Therefore he squared off in most approved fashion.
+
+It was plain that the Austrian was not an exponent of the art of
+self-defense and Uncle John sent three hard blows to the man's face,
+before the latter stepped back and sought to bring his revolver to bear.
+But Uncle John had no mind to be shot down and he sprang forward and
+seized the other in a fierce embrace. This style of fighting was more to
+the Austrian's liking.
+
+A big man himself, he was nothing loath to test Uncle John's wrestling
+ability. He threw his arms about him, and the two struggled up and down
+the long hall, panting and gasping.
+
+But the Austrian was a younger man and he soon realized that Uncle John
+was beginning to tire. The latter realized it also and knew that if he
+would be successful, it must be immediately. He put a foot in back of the
+Austrian and pushed hard. Robard lost his balance and fell, but he kept
+his grip, and Uncle John was pulled to the floor with him.
+
+Uncle John freed an arm and planted his fist squarely in the Austrian's
+face. The latter gave a cry of rage and shouted for help. Uncle John
+smiled grimly.
+
+"You'll need it," he said.
+
+Again he raised a fist and brought it down with all his force. The
+Austrian's arms relaxed their grip. He quivered a bit, and then sank back
+unconscious. Uncle John got to his feet.
+
+"I'm not so bad at that," he told himself modestly. "I wish the boys
+could have been here to see that. Now to get out of here."
+
+He moved toward the door, but even as he would have opened it, it moved
+back and three men stepped inside. They saw Uncle John and the
+unconscious form of Robard at first glance, and sprang upon Uncle John
+with a shout.
+
+Uncle John drew a long breath and waded into the midst of them.
+
+The newcomers also proved to be novices in the fistic art, and as long as
+Uncle John was able to keep them at long range he gave a good account of
+himself. But, realizing that they were getting the worst of this kind of
+fighting, one of the men gave a command to close in. In vain Uncle John
+strove to keep them off. One threw himself to the floor, and avoiding a
+heavy kick, grasped Uncle John by the leg, pulling him down. The others
+piled on top of him.
+
+Two minutes later Uncle John had ceased to struggle, and lay powerless in
+the hands of his captors.
+
+"Well, you've got me," he said. "Now what?"
+
+Still keeping a tight grip upon him, the men assisted Uncle John to his
+feet. One drew a revolver and covered him. The other two went to the
+assistance of Robard, who was just getting to his feet. The latter came
+forward with an angry gleam in his eye.
+
+"So I've got you at last," he said. "Well, I'll see that you don't get
+away this time."
+
+"You weren't big enough to get me alone," said Uncle John, panting from
+his exertions.
+
+"I wasn't, eh!" shouted Robard, now furiously angry. "I've got you now,
+and you shall pay. Take that!"
+
+He dealt Uncle John a heavy blow with the back of his hand.
+
+In his early days Uncle John had been noted for his fiery temper. It
+was said of him that when his temper was aroused, he became a maniac.
+So it was now.
+
+Taking no thought of the man who held the revolver almost in his face,
+Uncle John, his cheek red from the imprint of the Austrian's hand,
+uttered a cry of rage, and leaped forward. His move was so unexpected
+that the man with the revolver did not fire, and when at last he had
+again brought his revolver to bear, he feared to press the trigger lest
+he might hit his friend as well as foe.
+
+Uncle John, in a moment, was the center of a struggling, shouting mass.
+His fists flew about like flails and he kicked out with his feet
+whenever occasion presented itself. One, two, three heavy blows he
+landed upon Robard's face, and the Austrian suddenly collapsed in a
+heap. Still fighting mad, Uncle John whirled upon the other three, who
+now closed with him.
+
+A right-handed jolt caught one of them flush on the jaw and he toppled
+over backwards without so much as a groan. The other brought a fist
+heavily to Uncle John's nose, bringing blood, but before he could repeat
+the blow, Uncle John had placed him hors de combat with a terrific
+left-handed punch to the abdomen.
+
+Then the third man drew back and presented his revolver, but Uncle John
+sprang forward with a cry and before the man's finger could press the
+trigger, Uncle John had seized him about the middle. Raising him high in
+the air, he swung him to one side, and the man's head struck the wall
+with a crunch even as the revolver exploded.
+
+Uncle John dropped the limp body and surveyed the field. His anger had
+departed and he was again a cool and self-possessed American gentleman of
+middle age.
+
+"There's that temper of mine again," he said reprovingly to himself.
+"Why, I might have killed somebody. After all these years I should
+have it under control. I guess I'll be moving before some one makes me
+real mad."
+
+He stooped and picked up his hat, which had fallen on the floor, took one
+last look at his fallen foes, and opened the door and passed out.
+
+Down the street he saw a solitary figure sitting upon the steps in front
+of a large stone house, and he walked in the other direction.
+
+"I've had trouble enough for one night," he told himself. "Guess I will
+give that fellow a wide berth."
+
+And had he gone toward the seated figure he would have avoided more
+trouble for all concerned, and Hal and Chester would probably never have
+seen active service with the Italian army. For the figure that caused
+Uncle John to turn his footsteps in the opposite direction was Chester,
+awaiting the return of Hal.
+
+"Wonder why those young scalawags didn't come back to help me?" mused
+Uncle John, as he walked along toward the hotel. "I'll tell them what I
+think of them for running away and leaving me to do all the fighting."
+
+Uncle John glanced at his watch.
+
+"Great Scott!" he exclaimed. "Twelve o'clock! Why, it doesn't seem
+fifteen minutes since we went in that house. Guess Hal and Chester have
+returned to the hotel by this time. What shall I tell the women folks?
+They'll wonder what a man of my age is prowling about the streets of Rome
+for at this hour of the night."
+
+He entered his hotel and made his way toward the elevator. It descended,
+and as he would have entered, he bumped squarely into Mrs. Paine and
+Mrs. Crawford.
+
+"John," cried the latter, "where is Chester?"
+
+"Where is Hal?" demanded Mrs. Paine anxiously.
+
+"Why, they--aren't they--they'll be here in a few minutes," stuttered
+Uncle John.
+
+"Where are they?" demanded the two anxious mothers in a single voice.
+
+"Now hold on here," said Uncle John, regaining his composure with an
+effort. "I'll explain. Hal and Chester are all right. They'll be here in
+a few minutes."
+
+"And what on earth is the matter with you, John?" asked Mrs. Crawford
+in surprise.
+
+"What's the matter with me?"
+
+"Yes. Your collar is half off, your clothes are dirty and there is blood
+on your shoe. What is the matter?"
+
+"Well, nothing much," replied Uncle John in great confusion, "you see, I
+had--I had a--"
+
+"And were Hal and Chester with you?" asked Mrs. Paine.
+
+"Yes, that is no. I mean--" stuttered Uncle John.
+
+"Come now, John, no fibbing," said Mrs. Crawford. "You were in trouble,
+and Hal and Chester were with you. Where are they now?"
+
+"Well, to tell the truth, I don't know where they are," said Uncle John.
+"I supposed they would be here by this time."
+
+In a few words he explained what had transpired.
+
+"They left the house without being hurt?" asked Mrs. Paine.
+
+"Yes, ma'am."
+
+"Then where can they be now?" demanded Mrs. Crawford.
+
+"I'm sure I don't know, unless they have stopped for a talk with the
+general, and that's about the size of it."
+
+"I guess you are right," replied Mrs. Paine with relief. "But why didn't
+you tell us all this before you went out to-night?"
+
+"Yes, why didn't you?" demanded Mrs. Crawford.
+
+"Well," said Uncle John slowly, "we didn't want to worry you."
+
+"You are getting too old for such foolishness," declared Mrs. Crawford.
+
+"I thought so myself," replied Uncle John, "but I know better now. If you
+had seen the licking I handed those four Austrians you would think I was
+a boy again."
+
+"I'll think you have reached your second childhood if you ever let me
+hear of anything like it again," declared his sister.
+
+Uncle John was growing tired of this conversation. He wanted to be
+let alone.
+
+"I'll go out and see if I can find the boys," he said.
+
+"Please do," said Mrs. Paine.
+
+"And see that you keep out of mischief yourself," adjured Mrs. Crawford.
+
+Uncle John shook his head as he walked away.
+
+"These women are funny things," he said. "I wonder what can have happened
+to those boys? They've probably gone back to look for me. Guess I had
+better head that way myself. I may come in handy, you never can tell."
+
+He patted the revolver, which still rested securely in his pocket.
+
+"I may have use for this next time," he muttered, as he quickened his
+steps toward the Austrian legation.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+CAPTURED.
+
+
+Chester rose to his feet, as he saw a figure hurrying toward him.
+
+"Must be Hal," he said.
+
+He was right. A moment later Hal came up to him.
+
+"Did you give the general the paper?" asked Chester.
+
+"Yes. Any one come out of the house?"
+
+"I haven't seen any one, and I have been right here all the time you
+were gone."
+
+"Hear any sounds from within?"
+
+"Thought I did several times, but I couldn't be sure. Thought I heard a
+shot once."
+
+"Well, we had better go and have a look. I don't believe they will harm
+Uncle John, but he probably is beginning to be worried by this time."
+
+He led the way and Chester followed him. Hal mounted the steps without
+hesitancy and turned the knob of the door. The door opened and the lad
+stepped inside, where he halted with a cry of surprise. Chester peered
+over his shoulder.
+
+"Looks like a cyclone had struck this place," Hal ejaculated.
+
+It did indeed. Robard was lying upon the floor, with a man on either side
+of him, and a fourth lay some distance away, his skull crushed in.
+
+"Uncle John probably was the cyclone," said Chester briefly. "I have
+heard that he used to be considerable of a fighter in his younger days."
+
+"And still he could hardly have done all this," said Hal.
+
+"Remember Alexis," said Chester sententiously.
+
+"That's different," replied Hal.
+
+"Well, maybe so, but--"
+
+Chester broke off and grabbed Hal by the arm.
+
+"Sh-h-h," he whispered.
+
+Hal listened attentively for a few seconds. The faint sound of footsteps
+could be heard approaching from further back in the house. At the same
+moment Robard groaned, moved about and sat up. The hands of the two lads
+dropped to their pockets.
+
+But before they could draw their weapons, they were startled by a voice
+behind them.
+
+"Hands up!" it said.
+
+There was no mistaking the menace in the quiet tones and Hal and Chester
+realized that the owner of the voice meant business.
+
+"Good work, Fritz," came the voice of Robard, and he pulled himself to
+his feet with some difficulty and advanced toward the boys. "I'll thank
+you for your guns," he said. "No, I'll get them myself," he added as both
+boys moved their hands toward the weapons.
+
+He suited the action to the word and relieved the lads of their
+automatics.
+
+"Now stand back there against the wall," he commanded.
+
+The boys obeyed.
+
+Robard now gave his attention to the injured men on the floor. Two of
+them showed signs of returning consciousness and soon were able to get to
+their feet. The other could not be revived, and at a command from Robard,
+he was carried to another room.
+
+"Well, I've got you this time," said Robard to Hal and Chester, "and this
+time I'll guarantee you don't get away."
+
+"I wouldn't be too sure of that," said Hal with a smile. "We are pretty
+hard to hold on to."
+
+"I'll hold on to you, never fear," was the response. "I'd like to get my
+hands on the other."
+
+"Then he has gotten away?" queried Chester.
+
+"Oh, yes, he got away all right," said Robard with a frown. "He's as
+strong as an ox, and a real fighter."
+
+"Then he was responsible for all this human wreckage we found when we
+came in?" demanded Hal.
+
+"He was," was the grim reply, "but the next time I get my hands on him
+there will be a different story to tell. Why, he's a madman when he
+gets started."
+
+"Then I would advise you to keep away from him," said Hal.
+
+The sound of footsteps outside the door prevented Robard from replying.
+Levelling a revolver at the lads, he motioned them to be silent, and took
+up a position at the side of the hall, where he would be concealed by the
+door when it swung inward.
+
+A hand turned the knob and the door swung back. Uncle John's face
+appeared in the doorway. He saw Hal and Chester immediately and advanced
+with a smile.
+
+"So here you are," he said. "Your mothers--"
+
+The sentence died on his lips as Robard, who had stepped quietly from
+behind the door, brought the butt of his heavy revolver down upon his
+head. Uncle John dropped to the floor like a log.
+
+The action had been so sudden that neither Hal nor Chester had time to
+give a cry of warning, though both would have done so, in spite of
+Robard's command for them to remain quiet. As Uncle John fell, Chester
+stepped forward, but he was confronted by the barrel of Robard's gun.
+
+"Stand back," said the Austrian.
+
+Chester obeyed. There was nothing else he could do in the face of certain
+death should he refuse.
+
+Now Robard called two of his men, and Uncle John was carried into an
+adjoining room. Robard motioned Hal and Chester in also.
+
+Uncle John was laid upon the bed, and at a command from Robard, was
+tightly bound. Hal and Chester were also tied to chairs, after which
+Robard took his leave, saying:
+
+"I'll see you the first thing in the morning."
+
+"What are you going to do with us?" demanded Chester.
+
+"I haven't decided yet," was the reply. "But wait. If you will return me
+the paper you took from me I shall let you all go now."
+
+"It's too late," said Hal quietly. "I gave the paper to General Ferrari."
+
+"I had surmised as much," said Robard. "Well, good-night."
+
+He waved a hand airily and stepped from the room. Then he turned and
+poked his head back through the door.
+
+"A word more," he said. "In case you should unloose your bonds, I would
+advise you not to try to escape. There will be a man on guard here in the
+hall all night, and another outside, so you cannot leave by the window."
+
+"Thanks," said Hal dryly.
+
+Robard withdrew his head and a key grated in the lock.
+
+"Well, now what are we going to do?" asked Hal.
+
+"You've got me," replied Chester. "Say, do you know this reminds me of
+old times--of the days in France, Belgium and Russia."
+
+"You bet," agreed Hal, "and those were the good old days."
+
+At this juncture Uncle John moaned feebly and his eyelids fluttered. A
+moment later the lids opened and he gazed at Hal and Chester curiously.
+Then the light of comprehension dawned upon his face and he spoke:
+
+"So they have got us all, eh?"
+
+"Yes, they've got us," replied Chester.
+
+"The trouble will be to keep us," said Hal. "How do you feel, sir?"
+
+"Not much," replied Uncle John. "What did he hit me with, a crowbar?"
+
+"No, just a revolver butt," replied Chester, grinning.
+
+"How did they happen to capture you boys?"
+
+"We came back here looking for you, as soon as Hal had delivered the
+paper to General Ferrari," Chester explained.
+
+"Your mothers are worried almost to death," said Uncle John.
+
+"I'm afraid they will worry a whole lot more before we get out of here,"
+said Chester. "I don't know what Robard will do with us."
+
+"Perhaps we may see the Austrian ambassador," said Hal hopefully.
+"Certainly he would stand for no such work as this."
+
+"I don't know about that," said Chester. "They are likely to all
+be alike."
+
+"Well, we shall just have to make the best of it," said Hal.
+
+"By the way, Uncle John," said Chester, "you must be considerable of a
+fighter. You laid these fellows out in great shape a while ago."
+
+"I did do a pretty fair job," admitted his uncle, "but they made me mad."
+
+"I vote that we try to get a little sleep," said Hal. "It won't be very
+comfortable here in these chairs, but we shall have to make the best of
+it. Perhaps with the coming of daylight something will turn up."
+
+Chester tugged at his bonds in vain.
+
+"Can't budge 'em," he said.
+
+Hal closed his eyes.
+
+"I'm going to try to get forty winks," he said. "Good night."
+
+Chester followed his friend's example, and Uncle John also composed
+himself to sleep. And in spite of their uncomfortable positions,
+presently all slumbered.
+
+Hal was the first to awaken. The key turning in the lock of the door
+aroused him. Sunlight streamed in through the closed window. The face of
+Robard appeared in the door, and he entered the room.
+
+"Good morning," he said.
+
+At the sound of his voice, Chester and Uncle John opened their eyes.
+
+"Good morning," replied Hal. "I trust you have come to liberate us."
+
+"Of your bonds, yes," was the reply; "but I regret to say that I cannot
+set you free."
+
+"What are you going to do with us?"
+
+"Take you to Austria."
+
+"To Austria! Great Scott! What for?"
+
+"For no particular reason," said Robard, and his face suddenly took on
+a savage look, "except that you have thwarted me, and for that you
+shall pay. I shall probably lose my rank for my failure to obtain the
+papers, and if I do I want some one to take my spite out on. Do I make
+myself clear?"
+
+"Perfectly," replied Hal quietly. "It is very like a coward."
+
+Robard took a threatening step forward.
+
+"A coward, am I?" he cried in a loud voice.
+
+He made as though to strike the lad, then suddenly changed his mind.
+
+"I'll wait," he said. "I promise you shall regret those words before I am
+through with you."
+
+"And when do we start?" asked Chester.
+
+"To-night; after dark. A special train will be ready for the Austrian
+ambassador and his suite. You shall go with us. Of course the ambassador
+shall know nothing of your presence, for he would not permit me to work
+out a personal grudge in this way. I shall keep you out of his sight."
+
+"The ambassador has been given his passports then?" asked Chester.
+
+"He has, to Italy's sorrow. We shall wipe her off the map."
+
+"Don't forget you have a pretty sizable job on your hands
+already," said Hal.
+
+Robard made no reply, but turning on his heel, strode from the room.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+VENICE.
+
+
+As the boys had feared, they were given no opportunity to make a personal
+appeal to the Austrian ambassador. All day long they were kept in their
+improvised prison. They slept a little and talked a little, but try as
+they would they were unable to so much as loosen their bonds. But they
+all agreed on one thing, as expressed by Chester:
+
+"We'll make a break for freedom at the first opportunity, no matter what
+the odds against us."
+
+One of Robard's hirelings brought them a bite to eat about noon and again
+shortly after 6 o'clock. Darkness fell and still Robard himself had
+failed to appear.
+
+"Maybe the time for departure has been postponed," said Chester.
+
+"Hardly," replied Uncle John. "If the ambassador has been given his
+passports and has made arrangements to leave Italy he'll probably go at
+the appointed time."
+
+It was at this juncture that footsteps were heard without. The key turned
+in the lock and a moment later Robard stood before them.
+
+"Well," he said cheerfully, "all ready for your little trip?"
+
+"We're not what you would call ready," replied Hal, with an attempt
+at levity, "but if you say it's time to move, we may as well agree
+with you."
+
+"Your reasoning is to be commended," said Robard. He stepped to the door
+and raised his voice in a shout. A moment later a second man stood beside
+him. "Untie these fellows while I keep them covered," he ordered, at the
+same time producing a brace of automatics.
+
+The man stepped forward and with a few quick movements relieved the
+prisoners of their bonds. He stepped back.
+
+"Stand up!" commanded Robard, levelling his revolvers, "and mind,
+no tricks."
+
+Hal, Chester and Uncle John obeyed. It was a wonderful relief to be on
+their feet again and be able to stretch their cramped muscles.
+
+"By George! this feels better," said Chester.
+
+"Rather," agreed Hal dryly.
+
+Robard moved to one side of the room.
+
+"Out you go," he said, motioning toward the door with his revolver, but
+still keeping the three covered.
+
+"Which way?" asked Hal, playing for time.
+
+"Out the door is all you need to know," was the reply. "You'll find
+pleasant company there."
+
+One of the revolvers covered Hal threateningly.
+
+Hal walked toward the door, followed by Chester and then Uncle John.
+Robard followed close behind, with his man at his heels.
+
+Outside the door Hal led the way down the hall toward the front door,
+where he saw perhaps half a dozen other figures standing about. These
+proved to be more Austrians. Near the door Hal halted at a word of
+command from Robard and the three prisoners soon were surrounded.
+Their captors were all dressed in civilian attire, but from their
+military bearings, Hal and Chester concluded that they were Austrian
+army officers.
+
+Robard turned to one who stood somewhat apart from the others.
+
+"Everything ready?" he asked.
+
+"All ready," was the reply. "The baggage has been sent on ahead of us and
+the train to Venice will leave within the hour."
+
+"Good! And the ambassador?"
+
+"Will be here within half an hour," was the answer.
+
+Hal's heart leaped. Here, he thought, would be a chance to demand his
+freedom, and that of his companions. He was loath to believe that a man
+in the capacity of an ambassador would countenance such proceedings. But
+his hopes were doomed to disappointment.
+
+Within the half hour mentioned, the door was flung suddenly open
+and a small man hurried in. He gazed quickly about him and then
+spoke to Robard.
+
+"Everything ready?" he asked.
+
+"Yes, sir," was Robard's answer.
+
+The ambassador--for such the newcomer was--gazed rapidly about him. His
+eyes rested on Hal, Chester and Uncle John.
+
+"Who are these?" he demanded with a wave of his hand in their direction.
+
+"These," said Robard, taking a step forward, and throwing a warning look
+at the three prisoners, "are a trio who have too much knowledge of some
+of our plans. I thought it best to take them along, sir."
+
+Hal took a quick step forward, but even as he opened his mouth to speak,
+he felt something cold pressed against the back of his neck by a hand
+from behind. He closed his lips and fell back.
+
+The ambassador was silent a moment before replying. Then he said:
+
+"You are sure you are not taking too much upon yourself? You are certain
+you are right in your surmise?"
+
+"It is not a surmise, sir; it is a fact," returned Robard.
+
+For another moment the ambassador hesitated. Then he said with a shrug of
+his shoulders:
+
+"Very well then. Come; let us go."
+
+He led the way out the door, the others following. Hal, Chester and Uncle
+John were kept closely in the center of the little knot of men as all
+made their way down the steps to where three large automobiles stood
+waiting at the curb. The ambassador and Robard climbed into the first,
+and Hal found himself separated from his friends as he was pushed into
+the second machine; Chester and Uncle John were in the third.
+
+Twenty minutes later the three prisoners found themselves in a first
+class section on the special express for Venice, vigilantly guarded by
+two Austrians, who had been placed in charge of them after they had been
+securely tied up at Robard's command. Robard himself had entered another
+compartment with the ambassador.
+
+"You'll be safer this way," the Austrian had said with a smile, after
+testing their bonds to make sure they were secure.
+
+"Looks like we were pretty safe any way you might put us," replied
+Hal grimly.
+
+"You Americans are pretty slippery customers; I won't take any chances
+with you," was the rejoinder, and Robard took his leave.
+
+A few moments later a slight motion told the prisoners that the train
+had started.
+
+"Well, here we go," said Chester with a laugh. "We've been started for
+the enemy's country in this manner before."
+
+"Only on previous occasions our destination was Berlin instead of
+Venice," replied Hal.
+
+"Which is not our destination after all," said Uncle John. "Our true
+destination is back to the hotel where we left your mothers."
+
+"And I am sure we shall reach it eventually," said Hal hopefully.
+
+"How long does it take to get to Venice?" asked Chester.
+
+"I don't know exactly," replied Uncle John. "But we shall be there by
+daylight surely."
+
+"Perhaps we may get a chance to make a break for liberty," said Chester.
+
+"Don't bank on that, Chester," replied Hal. "It looks as though these
+fellows do things a little more thoroughly than their German cousins.
+Still there is always a chance."
+
+"While there's life there's hope, eh?" said Uncle John. "We'll see."
+
+"In the meantime," said Hal, "we may as well try to get a little sleep."
+
+"A good idea," agreed Chester. "Here goes."
+
+He closed his eyes and was soon in the land of dreams. Hal and Uncle John
+followed suit.
+
+How long they slept they did not know, but they were awakened by rough
+hands shaking them and the sound of gruff voices. Hal opened his eyes.
+Daylight streamed in through the windows of the compartment.
+
+"Get up!" commanded a harsh voice.
+
+Hal rubbed his eyes and called to Chester and Uncle John.
+
+"What's the matter?" asked the latter sleepily.
+
+"Venice, I guess," was the reply.
+
+Again their bonds were removed, and under cover of the revolvers of their
+captors, which the latter kept concealed in their coats but which the
+three prisoners knew were ever ready, Hal, Chester and Uncle John stepped
+from the car.
+
+The Austrian ambassador and Robard had alighted before them, and Hal
+could see them talking and gesticulating excitedly.
+
+"Wonder what's up?" he muttered.
+
+"Which way from here, do you suppose?" asked Chester.
+
+"Trieste, I should say," replied Uncle John. "They will want to get over
+the border as soon as possible, and I guess they will head in that
+direction."
+
+"My idea, too," agreed Hal.
+
+What was their surprise, then, when, instead of boarding another train,
+as Hal had confidently believed would be done, the ambassador led the way
+into the station and then to the street beyond. Here Robard disappeared
+for a brief moment, and returning, motioned the ambassador and others to
+follow him.
+
+Again the prisoners found themselves shoved into a large touring car,
+which started immediately in the wake of the one which bore Robard and
+the ambassador.
+
+"Some funny business here, as sure as you're born," said Chester
+excitedly.
+
+"Must be," declared Hal grimly. "Robard and the ambassador have something
+up their sleeves. Wonder if the Italian authorities are not on their
+guard. There is no telling what these fellows may do."
+
+"I don't imagine the Italian authorities are watching them any too
+closely," remarked Uncle John. "You know men in such positions are
+supposed to be men of honor."
+
+"Which the ambassador undoubtedly is," said Chester. "If there is
+anything wrong, you can take my word that Robard is the gentleman who is
+responsible for it."
+
+"You have hit the nail on the head there, old fellow," agreed Hal.
+
+After a ten-minute drive the machine came to an abrupt stop.
+
+"Out you go," said a gruff voice in very poor English.
+
+It was the voice of one of their captors and the prisoners obeyed.
+
+Ahead, the ambassador and Robard were walking down the steps to the
+canal, and a few moments later a large closed gondola came toward them.
+
+The ambassador entered, followed by Robard, and the prisoners found
+themselves aboard also a moment later. The gondola moved off.
+
+"Well, what next?" demanded Chester.
+
+"It's too deep for me," was the reply. "But we are going to learn
+something; that's sure. Perhaps it's a good thing we were captured and
+brought along. Who knows? we may be able to avert some mischief."
+
+"Let us sincerely hope so," said Uncle John earnestly. "I know that you
+boys are experienced in this line of work, but you can count on me to the
+last ditch."
+
+"You didn't need to tell us that, Uncle John," said Chester. "We knew
+it."
+
+The gondola stopped.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+A PLOT IS FOILED.
+
+
+"Out with you," commanded one of their captors, when he saw that the
+ambassador and Robard had made their way up the short flight of steps.
+
+No urging was necessary. The prisoners, closely followed by their guards,
+made their way in the same direction. A hundred yards ahead, they were
+suddenly turned to the left, where they caught sight of a small house.
+Into this they were marched and then on into a room at the far end of the
+short hall.
+
+"Guess you'll be safe enough in there. No need to tie you up," said the
+voice of Robard, who came up at this moment.
+
+The door slammed, a key grated harshly and the prisoners were left alone.
+
+"Now what in the name of all that's wonderful do you suppose this means?"
+asked Chester. "Think they are going to leave us here to starve or perish
+of thirst?"
+
+"No, I guess not," was the reply. "My opinion is that Robard is up to
+something funny, and that he has enticed the ambassador here on some
+pretext or another."
+
+"What do you think he is up to?" demanded Chester.
+
+"If I knew I'd have told you a long while ago," said Hal. "Now, if we--"
+
+He paused as Chester held up a warning hand. The latter moved toward the
+wall at the far end of the room as Hal eyed him curiously. The lad placed
+his ear against the wall, and listened intently for a moment; then he
+motioned Hal and Uncle John to approach.
+
+"The ambassador and Robard are in the next room," he whispered. "I can
+hear them talking. Listen."
+
+Hal and Uncle John also laid their ears to the wall.
+
+"But," and the ambassador's voice came faintly to them, "such a thing as
+you suggest is dishonorable."
+
+"What has that to do with it, sir?" came Robard's reply. "Our enemies
+would do the same thing had they the opportunity. All's fair in war, you
+know, sir."
+
+"Not that," said the ambassador. "You must remember that until I have
+crossed the frontier I am still the ambassador to Italy. I am upon my
+honor to leave the country peaceably."
+
+"But no one would know you had a hand in the matter, sir."
+
+"That is not the point," was the reply.
+
+"But I have made all arrangements," protested Robard. "Everything is
+ready. The chief of the Italian general staff is in Venice at this
+moment, and at noon will inspect the large stores of ammunition at the
+northern outskirts of the city. A word from you and ammunition, chief of
+staff and all will be destroyed."
+
+"I will give no such word," was the angry response. "Besides," and the
+ambassador considered a moment, "why do you wish a word from me in this
+matter? It could have been done without my consent."
+
+"Well, sir, I--we--I," stammered Robard, evidently at a loss for a
+convincing reply.
+
+There came the sound of a blow, as though a hand had struck a table and
+the ambassador's voice rose angrily.
+
+"Robard," he said sternly, "I can see through your plot. You would have
+me stand sponsor for this crime, that you might disqualify me upon my
+return to Vienna."
+
+"I assure you, sir--" began Robard.
+
+"Enough," replied the ambassador. "I have not forgotten that you were
+ever my enemy--at least until this war brought us closer together and put
+an end to all our disputes--at least, so I believed. Now I know better."
+
+"Sir--" Robard began again.
+
+"I have told you I would have no hand in it," declared the ambassador.
+"What is more, I forbid it! Do you understand, I forbid it!"
+
+Now Robard's voice rose angrily.
+
+"You forbid it!" he exclaimed. "You forbid it! Well, little good will
+that do. I will see that the work is carried out if I have to do it
+myself. And what is more, I will see that the blame falls on you. You are
+right. I have plotted to discredit you, and I shall do it, or my name is
+not Robard."
+
+"I shall see that your actions are brought to the attention of the
+emperor," declared the ambassador. "And more than that, I shall
+immediately notify the Italian authorities of your plans, that they may
+be on their guard."
+
+"You will never do that," replied Robard, and his voice was so low that
+the listeners could scarcely catch the words.
+
+"Robard," said the ambassador sternly, "you may consider yourself
+under arrest."
+
+There was the sound of a scraping chair and heavy footsteps moving in the
+room beyond.
+
+"Another move and I shall fire," came Robard's voice.
+
+"Man, you don't know what you are doing," came the surprised voice of the
+ambassador.
+
+"Don't?" said Robard, with a sneer in his voice. "I'll show you."
+
+Again there came to the listeners' ears the sounds of heavy footsteps,
+followed by the noise of a struggle.
+
+"Great Scott! They are fighting!" exclaimed Hal. "What can we do? He
+might kill the Ambassador."
+
+"There is nothing we can do, old man," replied Chester quietly. "We'll
+have to let them fight it out."
+
+They listened intently.
+
+The struggle continued, and occasionally the listeners could catch the
+sound of fierce ejaculations. Then, suddenly, there came the sound of a
+shot. Then silence, followed a moment later by a voice:
+
+"There! I guess now you will know better than to interfere with me."
+
+"Robard," said the voice of the ambassador, very weak now, "you shall pay
+for this."
+
+"I don't know whether I have done for you or not," came Robard's voice
+after a pause, "and I don't care. In fact, I hope I have. Now, just to
+blacken your reputation a bit, if I have killed you, I shall go through
+with my plan."
+
+The boys could hear him stalk heavily across the room. A moment later a
+door slammed.
+
+Hal rose to his feet and passed a hand across a moist brow.
+
+"And to think that we were unable to lend a hand," he muttered.
+
+"He's a black villain," declared Uncle John.
+
+"And now," said Chester, "he is on his errand of mischief. Can we do
+nothing to thwart him?"
+
+"I can't see how," declared Uncle John.
+
+"Nor I," said Hal.
+
+"Wait a moment, though," said Chester.
+
+"Well?" queried Hal anxiously.
+
+"I think it can be done," replied Chester quietly. "At least there is
+a chance."
+
+"Let's have it," demanded Hal eagerly.
+
+"Well, here is the idea. We'll stir up a racket in here. Naturally some
+of our captors will come to see what it is all about. We won't quiet down
+until he opens the door. Now you will notice that the door swings inward.
+That will help. Also that from outside it is impossible to see this side
+of the room. I'll stand behind the door. You and Uncle John remain on
+this side and stay here until the man comes into the room. Then I'll jump
+him, or them, as the case may be."
+
+"But they'll get you, Chester," said Uncle John.
+
+"Perhaps," was the reply. "That's the chance I must take. But we can't
+let a little thing like that stand in the way. As soon as I tackle them,
+or him, you two can rush out and lend a hand. There'll be a hard fight,
+of course, and the first fellow that gets a chance to make a break
+through the door will do so. Do I make myself clear?"
+
+"Perfectly," said Hal. "And the plan is not so bad. There is a certain
+chance of success."
+
+"Well, it doesn't look good to me," replied Uncle John. "One of you boys
+is almost sure to get killed."
+
+"You are taking the same chance, sir," replied Chester.
+
+"Oh, I'm not worrying about myself," returned Uncle John. "But you must
+remember that I am to some extent responsible for you and I shall have to
+answer to your mothers for your safety."
+
+"If you wish," said Chester dryly, "we'll each write you a little note
+exonerating you of all blame should either of us be hurt."
+
+Uncle John was forced to smile.
+
+"Oh, never mind," he said. "Well, boys, if you have decided upon your
+plan, I guess I shall have to agree to it."
+
+"I believe it will succeed," said Chester. "But at all events, we can't
+remain here inactive while that villain Robard is about his work."
+
+"You're right there, Chester," said Hal. "Something must be done, and as
+there is no one else aware of this plot, I guess it is up to us."
+
+"As I said before, you can count on me to the limit," said Uncle John.
+
+"I'm counting on you, Uncle John," replied Chester. "I know you will do
+your part."
+
+"Thanks," was the quiet response.
+
+"Any more suggestions?" asked Chester.
+
+There were none.
+
+"What time is it?" asked Hal.
+
+Chester glanced quickly at his watch.
+
+"Great Scott!" he ejaculated. "Ten o'clock! I had no idea it was so
+late."
+
+"Nor I," declared Uncle John.
+
+"Time to get busy, then," said Hal.
+
+"Right," Chester agreed. "We haven't a whole lot of time."
+
+He gazed quickly about the room and then took his position at one side of
+the door, where he would not be seen by one entering the room. Hal and
+Uncle John also took their places.
+
+"Everything ship-shape?" asked Chester.
+
+"Guess so," replied Uncle John, somewhat nervously--he was not used to
+this kind of work, although each lad knew there was no question of his
+nerve and courage.
+
+"All set," replied Hal quietly.
+
+"Good!" said Chester. "Now for the disturbance. You fellows will have to
+help me out a little."
+
+He raised his voice in a loud shout.
+
+Hal and Uncle John followed suit.
+
+"A terrible racket," said Chester, drawing a long breath a moment later.
+"It should raise the dead."
+
+"It should," agreed Hal.
+
+"But it didn't," said Chester. "Again. All together now, and keep it up."
+
+Again the room rang with a horrible noise. Came footsteps running
+without.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+A FIGHT.
+
+
+"All ready now," called Chester in a hoarse whisper. "Here comes
+some one."
+
+The others made no reply, but stood silently waiting.
+
+The footsteps paused just outside the door.
+
+"What's the matter in there?" asked a voice.
+
+Chester made no reply; instead, he raised his voice in another
+blood-curdling shout.
+
+The man outside wasted no more time in parley. Evidently he believed
+there was something serious the matter within. A key grated in the lock
+and the door swung inward.
+
+Chester held himself tense--ready to spring upon the man the moment he
+should come within reach. Just inside the door the man paused and again
+sought to determine the cause of the commotion.
+
+"What on earth is the matter in here?" he demanded loudly.
+
+Seeking to help matters along, Hal gave vent to a sepulchral groan.
+
+"Somebody must be sick," muttered the man to himself, and advanced into
+the room, casting discretion to the winds. One, two, three forward steps
+he took, and then whirled suddenly as Chester's hands closed about his
+throat from behind.
+
+Now the Austrian was a big man, and in spite of Chester's strength, the
+lad realized in a moment that he was no match for his opponent.
+
+"Quick, Hal, while I am able to hold him," he panted.
+
+Hal wasted no time in words, for he realized it was time for action. He
+sprang from his place of concealment and darted toward the door, calling
+over his shoulder to Uncle John:
+
+"Lend Chester a hand!"
+
+But even as Hal would have darted through the door, the Austrian
+succeeded in freeing himself of Chester's hold, and hurling the lad from
+him with a swift backward kick, he turned just in time to encounter Hal.
+
+Hal's right fist shot out sharply, and the Austrian staggered back as the
+blow caught him upon the point of the chin. But the blow had been
+delivered too quickly to have the desired effect, and the Austrian
+recovered himself in a moment, and, crouching low, advanced upon Hal. At
+the same time he raised his voice in a call for help.
+
+"We'll have to dispose of this fellow pretty quick or it's all off," said
+Hal to the others. "Jump him from behind, Chester, while I keep him
+occupied here."
+
+Chester needed no urging. He stepped aside quickly, and then jumped
+behind the Austrian, before the latter had time to back into a corner,
+had such been his intention. Uncle John circled about a bit and moved on
+him from the other side.
+
+The Austrian took a quick look at his foes, threatening him from three
+sides. He realized he was no match for all, and his thoughts turned to
+escape. There was just one way by which he could get away--through the
+door by which he had entered the room--and this would give the prisoners
+a chance to make a break for liberty.
+
+Hal struck out savagely with his right fist, and the Austrian hesitated
+no longer. With a quick backward leap, he passed from the room, making no
+effort to close the door behind him.
+
+"After him!" cried Hal, also jumping forward.
+
+The Austrian turned and took to his heels, and Hal, Chester and Uncle
+John gave chase. Down the hall ran the man, with Hal but a few paces
+behind him.
+
+And then, suddenly, the Austrian turned in his tracks. Hal was quite
+unprepared for this maneuver, and before he could check himself, he had
+bumped squarely into his opponent, who seized him in close embrace. The
+man's hands closed about the boy's throat, and Hal gasped for breath.
+
+Chester and Uncle John, seeing Hal's predicament, charged forward with a
+shout; and then the reason that the Austrian had turned to give battle
+became apparent.
+
+A second and a third figure stepped around the two who were struggling in
+the center of the hall, and faced Uncle John and Chester. One held a
+drawn revolver and the other was in the act of drawing a weapon.
+
+It was no time to hesitate, and Chester realized it.
+
+"Come on!" he cried, and leaped forward.
+
+There came a flash and a loud report; but Chester was unwounded. He had
+stooped at the moment the man's hand pressed the trigger, and now came up
+beneath the other's guard. Before the latter could fire again, Chester
+drove him back with a hard right-handed blow to the jaw. The man uttered
+a low imprecation and at that instant Chester's left fist reached his
+opponent's stomach. The latter doubled up like a knife, and his revolver
+fell to the floor with a clatter.
+
+Chester stooped quickly and his hand found the weapon. As he straightened
+up again, his eyes unconsciously took in the scene about him. He saw Hal
+make a last futile effort to free himself from the grasp of the first
+Austrian, and then fall to the floor with the man on top of him; and he
+saw Uncle John crumple up as a flash of flame came from the revolver of
+the third Austrian.
+
+Chester gave a cry, and turning his newly acquired weapon in the
+direction of the man who had just fired at Uncle John, he pulled the
+trigger almost without taking aim. There came a cry, and the latter threw
+up his arms and fell to the floor. At the same moment the first Austrian
+rose from above Hal's prostrate form, and his revolver and Chester's
+spoke simultaneously. Chester felt a sharp tinge in his left arm and
+realized that he was not seriously hurt. He dropped quickly to the floor,
+even as the Austrian's revolver spoke again.
+
+A bullet whizzed over his head. Chester now took deliberate aim and
+fired. The Austrian's weapon fell to the floor with a clatter, the man
+himself staggered and tried to retain his feet. He reeled forward toward
+Chester and then, just as the boy would have pressed the trigger again,
+collapsed almost at the lad's feet.
+
+"I guess that settles the whole lot of you," Chester muttered to himself.
+
+He ran quickly to where Hal lay and raised his chum's head to his knee.
+Hal made no move. Chester laid his hand over Hal's heart, and drew a
+breath of relief as he felt a faint beating. He stroked his friend's
+head, and rubbed his hands, and presently was rewarded by a sigh of
+returning consciousness.
+
+Then Hal opened his eyes.
+
+"Wow! A terrible dream I just had, Chester," he said.
+
+Chester smiled in spite of himself.
+
+"It came almost being your last dream," he replied quietly.
+
+Without waiting for a reply, he laid Hal gently down again and hurried to
+Uncle John. The latter raised himself on one elbow even as Chester bent
+down beside him.
+
+"Careless of me to get in the way of a bullet like that," he said with a
+faint smile. "I'll know better next time."
+
+"Where are you hit, sir?" asked Chester anxiously.
+
+"Caught me in the left side, some place," replied Uncle John, and with
+Chester's aid, got to his feet.
+
+Chester made a quick examination.
+
+"Lucky, sir. Just a flesh wound," he said. "I'll have it fixed up
+in a jiffy."
+
+Making a bandage of his handkerchief, he soon had the wound tied up as
+well as could be done under the circumstances. Then the lad lent Hal a
+hand as the latter staggered to his feet.
+
+"How do you feel?" asked Chester.
+
+"Well, I don't feel very chipper, and that's a fact," replied Hal with a
+grimace. "That fellow had powerfully strong fingers."
+
+"I guess we are lucky at that," remarked Chester.
+
+"Lucky?" exclaimed Uncle John. "I'd like to know how you make that out,
+and me with a bullet hole in my side."
+
+"Why," Chester explained, "the best we figured on was for one of us to
+get away, and now we are all at liberty."
+
+"Perhaps we are," said Uncle John dryly. "I'll feel a whole lot safer
+when I once get outside of this house."
+
+"Then we had better be moving," said Hal. "Come on."
+
+He led the way to the end of the hall and into the room beyond.
+
+"I guess we can get out this way," he said.
+
+He examined a window at the far end of the room.
+
+"Quite a drop down there," he said, "but I guess it can be done."
+
+Chester and Uncle John also surveyed the distance to the ground.
+
+"It's got to be done," said Uncle John. "I'll go first, if you
+don't mind."
+
+"Go ahead, sir," said Hal.
+
+Uncle John climbed to the sill, and then lowered himself until he hung by
+his hands.
+
+"Here I go," he said.
+
+He dropped.
+
+"He's safe enough," said Chester, peering down, as Uncle John got to his
+feet and brushed himself off. "You next, Hal."
+
+Hal climbed into the sill, lowered himself and dropped.
+
+"All right," he called up to Chester.
+
+Chester climbed to the sill.
+
+"Here I come," he called; and just as he was about to lower himself a
+figure dashed suddenly into the room and seized him by the leg.
+
+Chester gave vent to a cry of vexation.
+
+"Hey," he called to Hal and Uncle John, "one of the big Austrians has
+grabbed me by the leg."
+
+"Kick him in the face," cried Hal, dancing excitedly about, and making
+vain attempts to jump up so he could reach the sill.
+
+Chester attempted to follow Hal's advice, but it was no use. Slowly he
+was dragged back through the window, and landed on the floor with a thud.
+When he was able to get to his feet, he faced a revolver held in a steady
+hand. He was caught and he knew it.
+
+"He's got me, Hal," he shouted. "Hurry! Never mind me! Give the warning!"
+
+For a single moment Hal hesitated after hearing Chester's voice. Then he
+took Uncle John by the arm.
+
+"Chester is right," he muttered hoarsely. "Come on, sir, or we shall be
+captured, too."
+
+Uncle John seemed about to protest, but Hal led him down the street at a
+rapid gait.
+
+"What is one to many?" he asked.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+CHESTER MISSES A CHANCE.
+
+
+Chester surveyed his captor with a slight smile on his face, although the
+bitterness of disappointment had touched his heart.
+
+"Well, you've got me," he said quietly. "Now what are you going to
+do with me?"
+
+The Austrian returned his look with a sour scowl.
+
+"That is not for me to decide," he said. "Come with me."
+
+He waved his revolver in the general direction of the door, and Chester
+walked out of the room. The Austrian followed closely, keeping his
+revolver close to the back of the lad's head. Evidently he had decided to
+take no further chances with him.
+
+Chester smiled faintly to himself.
+
+"Guess he'll hang on to me pretty tight this time," he muttered.
+
+A moment later he found himself back in the same room the three had been
+locked in when first brought to the house. The lad threw himself down
+dejectedly when the captor left the room and locked the door behind him.
+
+"Well, I'm in for it now," he told himself. "Hal and Uncle John will warn
+the Italian general in time, and when Robard fails in his plot he'll come
+back to deal with me. I hope I am able to give a good account of myself.
+However, a fellow can never tell what is going to happen, so in order to
+be prepared, I'll try and get a little sleep."
+
+He lay down and closed his eyes; and in spite of the seriousness of his
+situation, and the hard floor upon which he lay, he was soon asleep.
+
+Meanwhile, Hal and Uncle John made all haste toward the headquarters
+of the Italian general staff, which at the moment were in Venice. It
+took Hal some moments to convince several subordinate officers that it
+was essential he see the commander himself, but after some
+explanations the lad, accompanied by Uncle John, was ushered into the
+presence of the general.
+
+Hal laid bare the details of the plot in a few words, and the Italian
+commander eyed him incredulously.
+
+"How am I to know you are telling the truth?" he demanded.
+
+"For one reason, because I don't lie," replied Hal. "Besides, if you
+doubt me, sir, it would be well to be on the safe side, anyhow. It can do
+no harm to take the necessary precautions."
+
+"What you say is true," replied the general.
+
+"A wire to General Ferrari might tell you we are to be relied upon,"
+continued Hal. "We were so fortunate as to be of some slight service to
+him recently."
+
+The Italian commander glanced at his watch.
+
+"It is best to be on the safe side," he said. "I shall take the necessary
+precautions, meanwhile wiring to General Ferrari, as you suggest. In the
+meantime, I fear I shall have to detain you, at least, until I receive a
+reply to my wire."
+
+"But, sir," Hal protested, "I would like to go back and find my friend."
+
+"I cannot permit that," was the reply. "How do I know that you are not
+spies yourselves and have concocted this story for some reason of your
+own--a reason that precautions I might take against the plot you have
+outlined might throw my troops into more serious difficulties? No, I
+shall keep you under guard. That is final."
+
+Hal realized the futility of further protest and subsided. Not so
+Uncle John.
+
+"This is an outrage, sir," he exploded. "I repeat, this is an outrage.
+Here we are, three of us, who have gone out of our way, to do the Italian
+army a service, and the best we get is trouble, fights and insults. I--"
+
+The Italian commander raised a hand.
+
+"I trust that you are telling the truth," he said turning to Hal, and
+ignoring Uncle John. "But I must make sure. You say you are a soldier.
+You can appreciate my position."
+
+Hal nodded affirmatively. But Uncle John refused to be appeased.
+
+"I think you are a lot of savages," he declared. "I wish the Austrians
+would blow up your whole army and drop bombs on every spot in the
+country. I'd help 'em do it if I had a good chance. I wouldn't turn my
+hand over to help you again."
+
+The commander began to grow angry, and Hal realized it.
+
+"That's enough, Uncle John," he remonstrated. "You'll get us in worse
+trouble than ever if you are not careful."
+
+"Worse?" exclaimed Uncle John. "What can be worse than being in the same
+room with a bunch like this? I--"
+
+Again the Italian commander raised a hand.
+
+"Enough!" he said sharply. "I am convinced you have come here for no
+good. I shall send the wire I promised, but I am confident of the reply I
+shall receive. Orderly!"
+
+An orderly approached.
+
+"Keep these fellows safe," said the general.
+
+"At least, sir, you will still take the precautions," said Hal.
+
+The general hesitated a moment.
+
+"Yes," he said finally, "you may at least have the satisfaction of
+knowing you have caused me to change my plans. All precautions shall
+be taken."
+
+Hal and Uncle John were led away.
+
+"I wonder what they have done with Chester?" said Uncle John.
+
+"Whatever they have done will not be a circumstance to what they will do
+when Robard's plot fails," replied Hal. "That's why I was anxious not to
+antagonize the general. If the wire goes through we will possibly be in
+time to save him, if not--"
+
+He broke off with a shrug.
+
+"You mean--" began Uncle John.
+
+"I don't know just what I mean," replied Hal. "I'm afraid. That's all."
+
+Both lapsed into silence.
+
+When Chester opened his eyes in his improvised prison the evil
+face of Robard bent over him. Chester sat up, stretched and then
+rose to his feet.
+
+"Hello," he said. "Back again, I see."
+
+Robard scowled fiercely, but made no reply.
+
+"Well, did you blow up the whole Italian army?" asked Chester with a
+pleasant smile.
+
+Robard stretched out a hand suddenly and seized Chester by the wrist and
+with his other hand struck the lad heavily in the face. Chester reeled
+back, but, recovering, promptly sent his right first into Robard's face.
+
+The lad thought for a moment of following up his advantage and attempting
+to escape, but before he could act, Robard whipped out a revolver and
+covered him.
+
+"Stand back!" he ordered.
+
+Chester stood still.
+
+"I've a notion to kill you right here," cried the Austrian furiously.
+"What do you mean by hitting me?"
+
+"What do you mean by hitting me?" demanded Chester.
+
+"You young American upstart!" shouted the enraged Austrian. "I'll--"
+
+"I wouldn't if I were you," said Chester calmly, as Robard raised a heavy
+fist. "You may be able to fight with a gun or a knife, but don't come at
+me with your fists or I'll spank you."
+
+If Chester's object had been to enrage the Austrian he had succeeded.
+Robard cast discretion to the winds, and, lowering his revolver, struck
+at the lad.
+
+It was the chance for which Chester had been waiting and hoping.
+
+He ducked under the heavy blow, and instead of returning it, he kicked
+out with his left foot. His aim was true and Robard's revolver fell to
+the floor with a clatter. Chester pounced on it, beating the Austrian by
+the fraction of a second. A moment later the Austrian struck him a heavy
+blow on the side of the face.
+
+Chester became suddenly very angry--not furiously and excitedly so, but
+his temper blazed up and his anger was quiet and deadly. Calmly he
+blocked a second blow from his opponent and took the time to put the
+revolver hastily in his pocket.
+
+"Now," he said, "I am going to give you a first class licking. I didn't
+take boxing lessons for nothing, and if you have anything to say when I
+get through I'll be willing to listen."
+
+At that moment the Austrian rushed. Chester side-stepped neatly, and his
+left fist crashed to the side of the Austrian's jaw as the latter brushed
+past. Before Robard could turn, Chester planted his right fist upon the
+back of the other's neck, sending him staggering.
+
+Then he waited for Robard to come at him again.
+
+Turning, Robard advanced more cautiously this time. Chester feinted with
+his right, and sent his left to Robard's nose. Blood flowed. Chester
+danced about the big Austrian, raining blows upon him almost at will.
+
+"Take that, and that, and that," he said gleefully, skipping first this
+way and then that, skillfully evading the heavy blows launched wildly
+by Robard.
+
+This continued for perhaps five minutes, and then Chester grew tired.
+
+"Well, we'll end it now," he told the Austrian with a smile. "Watch, here
+comes the finish."
+
+He stiffened a bit, took a backward step, then danced suddenly forward.
+He feinted with dazzling rapidity once, twice, three times, and then, his
+opponent completely bewildered, planted his right fist squarely upon the
+point of Robard's chin. Robard staggered back, but a second terrific
+blow, delivered to the stomach, brought him forward again, and Chester
+straightened him up with another terrific drive to the point of the chin.
+
+The lad stepped back and dropped his hands, watching the big Austrian
+with a smile on his face.
+
+Clear across the room the man staggered and then crumpled up in a heap.
+
+"That settles him," said Chester. "Now to get out of here."
+
+He turned toward the door, and stopped, a cry of dismay on his lips.
+
+In the doorway stood three figures. As Chester turned, one of them
+advanced toward him.
+
+"You did a pretty job," he said, eyeing the lad appreciatively, "and we
+are glad to have seen it. But, we cannot let you escape."
+
+Chester groaned and sat down.
+
+"There're too many of them," he said to himself. "So near and yet so far.
+If I hadn't let my temper get the best of me I would have been safely out
+of here. I'll never waste another second on an Austrian. This is what I
+get for not shooting him like a dog, and using my fists on him, like I
+would on a gentleman. Never again."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+THE AMBASSADOR AGAIN.
+
+
+While Hal, Chester and Uncle John were having their troubles with members
+of the Austrian diplomatic corps on Italian soil, the Italian army itself
+already had taken the field against the enemy. War having been declared,
+the Italian general staff had wasted no time.
+
+Along the Austrian frontier, at the head of the Adriatic, clear north to
+the Swiss border, the troops of King Emmanuel had intrenched themselves
+against a possible attack of the foe; big guns even now were roaring and
+raining the messengers of death upon the fortified positions of the
+Austrians in their front.
+
+Skirmishes between isolated forces of the two armies, some of which
+reached the proportions of real battles, had taken place, and upon the
+southern border some slight success already had crowned the efforts of
+the Italian troops.
+
+The Italian fleet had been set in motion; giant battleships and other
+vessels of war had joined other craft of the quadruple entente in an
+effective blockade of Austrian ports in the Adriatic; and the Austrians
+were keeping well behind the shelter of their own mines.
+
+In one or two cases they had ventured forth to give battle, but each
+expedition of this nature had resulted disastrously--at the bottom of the
+sea. Apparently, now, they had given up attempts to run the blockade and
+were content to lie snug in their well-fortified harbors, even as their
+German allies were doing in their ports.
+
+Several Austrian aircraft had left their bases and flown over Genoa,
+dropping bombs, killing and wounding a score of non-combatants, but
+doing little damage to fortified positions or to munition plants and
+provision camps, which were presumed to be their goal. Also several had
+been brought to earth by the accurate fire from the anti-air craft guns
+of the Italians.
+
+Unlike England, France, Russia and Belgium, Italy entered the war
+prepared. She was not taken by surprise, as had been her allies. She went
+into the war with her eyes open and a full realization of her
+responsibilities. Also mobilization had been completed before she had
+finally decided to take the plunge into the maelstrom. Again, she was
+better prepared than her allies for the reason that she had recently
+emerged from a successful struggle against the Turks in Tripoli and her
+army was an army of veterans.
+
+There was no doubt that Italy would be the first to take the offensive.
+The question was, where would she strike? It was an established fact that
+she would not await the attacks of the Austrians, but where would she
+deliver her first blow? Would it be by sea, hurling her fleet upon the
+enemy's base across the Adriatic? Would it be across the southern
+boundary of Austria, or would it be farther north--through the Alps?
+
+There was little to choose between the latter methods; but the first was
+given little thought. It was well known that the Austrians had mined the
+Adriatic thoroughly near their ports, and to attempt an expedition there
+threatened destruction for the attackers.
+
+An advance through the Alps also presented its difficulties. In spite of
+the fact that the weather was still warm, it was anything but warm in the
+mountain fastnesses. True, a passage of the Alps had been forced before
+now--one by the Carthaginian General Hannibal in the middle ages, and
+again by Napoleon. But it was still a desperate undertaking.
+
+The world waited to see.
+
+Chester Crawford, still in the hands of his captors, took no thought of
+these things now. His one absorbing thought at the moment was of hitting
+upon some plan whereby he could elude his guards and make his escape. At
+the same time, he realized that he had a hard problem before him; for now
+that he had almost made his get-away twice, he knew he would be guarded
+with more vigilance than before. Still, he determined to bide his time
+and take advantage of the first opportunity that presented itself.
+
+The two Austrians who had arrived in time to prevent his escape after his
+tussle with Robard now stood guard over the lad, waiting for Robard to
+return to consciousness. Presently the fallen man stirred, rolled over,
+gasped a bit, and sat up. He gazed about and took in his surroundings. An
+ugly look passed over his face as his eyes fell upon Chester.
+
+"I'll get even with you for this," he said harshly, as he scrambled
+to his feet.
+
+"Oh, I don't know," returned Chester with a smile. "I might only increase
+my indebtedness the next time we meet."
+
+The Austrian took a threatening step forward. Chester did not flinch and
+the man paused and dropped the arm he had raised.
+
+"I'll wait till we get to Vienna, and then I'll guarantee to make you
+whine for mercy," growled Robard.
+
+"We shall see," said Chester.
+
+Robard turned to his men.
+
+"We'll go at once," he said.
+
+"By the way," interrupted Chester, "what has happened to the ambassador?"
+
+Robard gave a start, and looked quickly at his two men, who had turned at
+Chester's words.
+
+"You'll find him in the next room, I think," said Chester, pointing.
+
+"Shut up!" commanded Robard, again taking a step forward.
+
+Chester smiled and stepped back a bit.
+
+"Where you shot him," he continued pleasantly.
+
+With a cry Robard leaped upon him. Chester struck out quickly with both
+fists, one after the other, and the Austrian staggered back. Chester
+turned to the others.
+
+"What I say is true," he said quietly, as he noted the look of
+uncertainty on their faces. "You can easily tell by investigating."
+
+"It's a lie!" shouted Robard.
+
+The men hesitated.
+
+"Look and see," said Chester.
+
+"The boy is right," said one of them. "I'll look."
+
+He stepped toward the door.
+
+"Stand where you are!" cried Robard.
+
+He moved upon the other and clenched his fists. The man gazed at him a
+moment without a word; then, suddenly, he seized his superior by the arms
+and held him as though he had been in a vise.
+
+"You have a look, Fritz," he said to his companion. "I'll hold him
+safe enough."
+
+The latter wasted no time. He hurried from the room.
+
+"You'll pay for this!" screamed Robard.
+
+"Perhaps," said his subordinate, "but I believe the boy has told the
+truth. I never did trust you, with your shifty eyes."
+
+At that moment the third man came back into the room, dragging a heavy
+body after him.
+
+"The ambassador!" cried the other.
+
+"You see, I was right," said Chester.
+
+The ambassador was unconscious still, although it was hours after he had
+been wounded.
+
+"He's alive," said one of the Austrians, after an examination.
+
+"Get some water," commanded the other.
+
+At this moment Robard took a step forward, and seemed about to wrench
+himself free from his captor's arms.
+
+"If you gentlemen will allow me," said Chester, "I shall make a
+suggestion that may save us all time and bother."
+
+"Well?" demanded one of the men.
+
+"If you'll give me the gun you deprived me of," said the boy, "I'll give
+my word to hold our friend here safe until the ambassador is brought back
+to consciousness. Also, I give my word not to attempt to escape."
+
+The others eyed him closely for a brief moment.
+
+"All right," said the man who had gone after the ambassador. "Here." He
+passed over his automatic.
+
+Chester took it and covered Robard.
+
+"You can release him now," he said to the big Austrian's captor. "He'll
+make no break while I have him covered. He knows me too well by this
+time, don't you, Robard?"
+
+The latter's reply was a low growl.
+
+The other Austrian released his hold, and stood back. For an instant it
+seemed that Robard would spring forward and give battle to all three,
+but as Chester's revolver covered him steadily, he changed his mind and
+stood still.
+
+Immediately the others began the work of reviving the ambassador, and
+five minutes later their efforts were rewarded. The ambassador moaned
+feebly, and a few seconds later sat up. His eyes fell on Robard, and he
+jumped quickly to his feet.
+
+"So!" he exclaimed. "Guard him carefully, boy. He's a dangerous man."
+
+"I'll guard him," replied Chester briefly.
+
+Suddenly the Austrian smote himself on the breast.
+
+"The plot!" he cried. "Robard's plot!"
+
+"Has failed," interrupted Chester. Then noticing the look of surprise on
+the ambassador's face, he explained.
+
+"We overheard the conversation in the room where we were locked, sir. My
+friends managed to escape and give the warning. The plot has failed.
+Robard told me as much."
+
+"I'm glad," said the ambassador simply. "And now, what am I to do
+with you?"
+
+"Let me go, sir," was the lad's reply.
+
+The ambassador considered the matter.
+
+"I'll tell you," he said at length, "I would like for you to go to Vienna
+with me and substantiate my story to the emperor. You will say that my
+story should need no proof, as I am the ambassador, but Robard has
+influential friends there. He would easily discredit the stories of these
+two men here. With you it would be different. Will you go?"
+
+"I would rather not, sir," replied Chester quietly.
+
+"I must insist," urged the ambassador.
+
+For some reason that Chester was never afterwards able to explain to
+himself, he suddenly grew terribly angry.
+
+"No, I won't go!" he shouted, and waved a fist in the very face of the
+ambassador.
+
+The latter looked at him in amazement; then took his decision.
+
+"You shall go anyhow," he said softly. "Seize him, men!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+INTO AUSTRIA.
+
+
+"Any time," said the ambassador gently, "that you are ready to give me
+your parole, I shall have your bonds removed."
+
+"I wouldn't give my parole to you or any other of your kind," declared
+Chester grimly.
+
+"I'm sorry you feel that way about it," declared the ambassador, with a
+deprecating gesture. "I assure you, I shall see that you are given safe
+conduct back to Italy. But in the meantime, I can take no chances upon
+your escaping."
+
+"Do as you please," said Chester.
+
+Again a captive, Chester left Venice.
+
+In a first class compartment of the special train that was bearing the
+Austrian ambassador and his staff rapidly toward Trieste was also
+Chester, nursing a sore head, the result of trying to vanquish the
+ambassador and the two other Austrians when the diplomat had ordered him
+seized. The lad put up such a battle that one of his opponents had found
+it necessary to tap him gently on top of the head with the butt of his
+revolver. That had settled the argument, and when Chester returned to
+consciousness he was aboard the special train, bound, and seated across
+from the ambassador.
+
+"Sorry we had to give you that crack on the head," the ambassador
+continued, "but you wouldn't behave without it. Does it pain you much?"
+
+"Not so much as the fact that you are a race lacking in all sense of
+gratitude," replied Chester. "I wish now I had let you lie where you
+were. The next time I shall keep my mouth shut, you can bet on that."
+
+"Well, anyhow, here you are," said the ambassador, "and I promise that
+you shall remain with me until I see the emperor in Vienna, if I have to
+drug you. After that, I promise you safe conduct to the Italian border.
+Come, why not be sensible?"
+
+But Chester was in no mood to be sensible, and there is little wonder.
+Twice he had almost regained his liberty, and a third time, after he had
+come to the assistance of the ambassador, he felt certain he would be set
+free. He was far from cheerful now.
+
+"We are now in Austria," said the ambassador, an hour later.
+
+"It won't be so long before it will be Italy, I guess," said Chester,
+with something like a sneer in his voice.
+
+"Come, come, my friend," said the ambassador. "Don't let your feelings
+run away with you. You are simply talking to hear yourself talk."
+
+"Don't you believe it," declared Chester. "I know what I am talking
+about. Say! You fellows don't think you can whip the world, do you?"
+
+"Well, we seem to have been whipping a pretty good part of it," replied
+the ambassador sententiously.
+
+"That's it! That's it!" cried Chester. "That's your Teutonic air of
+conquerors. Don't forget that some of these days, however, you will be
+sorry for all this trouble and bloodshed you have caused."
+
+"We have caused?" echoed the ambassador. "You mean that England
+has caused."
+
+"No, I don't mean England," replied Chester.
+
+"Why," exclaimed the ambassador, "if it had not been for England, this
+war would never have happened."
+
+Chester looked at the ambassador sharply for a moment.
+
+"Good night," he said at last, and fell back in his seat.
+
+It was dusk when the train pulled into Trieste, and the party alighted.
+
+"We shall spend the night here," the ambassador decided. "I have some
+work to do."
+
+"One place suits me as well as another, if I have to stay in this kind of
+a country," said Chester.
+
+At a hotel where they were driven in a taxi, Chester was locked in a room
+on the fifth floor. It was a handsomely appointed room, and Chester would
+have been content to spend the night there had he been in other
+circumstances. But right now he wasn't content to spend the night in
+Austria, no matter how well he was treated.
+
+"I want to get out of this country," he told himself repeatedly. "I guess
+it's a good enough country, so far as it goes, but I can plainly see it's
+no place for me."
+
+Left alone, Chester made a tour of inspection. The door was heavily
+barred. He looked out the window.
+
+"A long way to the ground," he muttered.
+
+There was no other means of egress.
+
+"Looks like I was safe enough," he muttered.
+
+Again he examined the window carefully. A slight whistle escaped him.
+
+"A little risky," he told himself, "but I believe it can be done."
+
+He walked to the door, laid his ear against it and listened intently. No
+sound came from without.
+
+"Well," he said, straightening up, "if I am going to do it, the sooner I
+get busy the better."
+
+Quickly he stripped the covering from the bed, and with his knife
+slit it lengthwise. Each strip he tied to another, until he had a
+strong improvised rope. He stretched it out on the floor, and
+measured it carefully with his eye. Then he again walked to the
+window and peered out.
+
+"Pretty close," he muttered, "but I believe it will reach. The trouble is
+some one in one of the rooms below is liable to see me."
+
+Now he pushed the bed close to the window, and securely knotted one end
+of his improvised rope to the heavy iron bars. Then he walked across the
+room to the door again and listened.
+
+It was now dark outside and Chester realized that he could not have a
+better moment for his desperate attempt. Quickly he recrossed the room,
+and dropped the other end of the rope out the window. He glanced down.
+
+"O.K.," he said. "Here goes."
+
+He leaped quickly to the sill, and a moment later was lowering himself
+hand over hand. And at length he came to the end of the rope.
+
+The ground was still far below him, but Chester had not figured the rope
+would reach to the ground. Clinging tightly to the rope, he gazed
+quickly about.
+
+He was now even with the window on the third floor, and he succeeded by
+clever work in getting a foothold on the sill; and, still clinging to the
+rope, he stood erect. Inside, Chester saw the figure of a man.
+Inadvertently, the lad's foot crashed against the window pane, shattering
+the glass. There was a crash, followed by a guttural exclamation from
+inside the room.
+
+"I've got to move now!" exclaimed the lad.
+
+Taking a firm hold on the rope, he swung himself outward, giving his
+flight through space an added impetus by pushing with his right foot. He
+went sailing through the air, even as a pistol shot rang out behind him.
+
+Chester had calculated truly. Headfirst he crashed among the branches of
+a tree, at the far side of the walk. Instantly he released his hold upon
+the rope and was safe in the tree.
+
+"I thought I could do it," he muttered. "Now to get down before some of
+these fellows get after me."
+
+Rapidly he made his descent, and a few moments later stood upon the
+sidewalk, unhurt. For a moment he paused to gain a much-needed breath,
+and then, turning, he stalked quickly away. And as he did so there came
+cries from within the hotel, and men rushed out and after him.
+
+Chester took to his heels.
+
+"I don't know whether they saw me on the street or not," he told himself,
+"but the safest place for me is a long way from that hotel."
+
+He doubled around several corners, and at last, as he turned into a more
+traveled street, he slowed down to a walk. He drew a long breath.
+
+"Guess I have shaken them," he said. "Now, if I only knew where I was,
+I might manage to get out of here. Guess I had better pick one
+direction and keep going that way. I'll trust to luck that it is either
+north or west."
+
+He turned down the next street and set out resolutely, having determined
+in his mind to stick to the direction he had selected. Fortunately,
+although the lad could not be sure of it, he was heading northward,
+where, eventually, he would reach the Italian frontier, although it was
+much further away than was the western border.
+
+Chester walked along for an hour without even being challenged.
+
+"Funny, too," he muttered. "It's a wonder every street corner doesn't
+spout soldiers and police at me. I must be getting to be rather a lucky
+young man."
+
+He had now reached a less thickly populated district. There were few
+pedestrians upon the streets, houses became farther and farther apart. An
+occasional automobile passed him, but no attention was paid to the
+hurrying figure.
+
+Chester slowed down a trifle as he made out a form approaching. As
+it drew closer Chester noticed it was a uniformed figure. He drew a
+deep breath.
+
+"Looks like there was liable to be something doing here," he muttered.
+
+He continued his way. The officer, for such Chester perceived the man to
+be, drew closer. As Chester would have passed him, he suddenly stopped in
+his tracks, and commanded:
+
+"Halt!"
+
+Chester did so.
+
+"Who are you?" demanded the man, "and where are you going?"
+
+To Chester's great relief, he spoke in German, and the lad replied in the
+same language, which he spoke without an accent.
+
+"I am on an errand for the ambassador, sir. A prisoner has
+recently escaped, and I am bearing word to the outposts to be on
+the watch for him."
+
+"Hm-m-m," muttered the officer. "Why didn't the ambassador make use of
+the wireless 'phone?"
+
+"I don't know, sir," replied Chester.
+
+The officer laid a heavy hand on the lad's arm, and peered into his face
+in the dim light. Then the hand tightened.
+
+"You are no German!" was his quiet comment. "You are probably a spy. You
+are my prisoner!"
+
+Chester's heart sank.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+A FRIEND IN NEED.
+
+
+Many thoughts ran through Chester's head as he stood there for a brief
+moment with the hand of the man who had accosted him on his shoulder. He
+thought of flight and he thought of fight, but most of all he thought of
+the ill fortune he had encountered in the past few days.
+
+"This is the limit," he told himself ruefully. Aloud he said: "You are
+mistaken, sir."
+
+"No, I'm not mistaken," returned the officer, "and I suppose most would
+take you at your word. You speak German without an accent, but your face
+betrays you. At a guess, I would say you are English."
+
+"You are wrong," declared Chester.
+
+"Nevertheless, I shall have to ask you to accompany me," said the
+officer.
+
+For a moment Chester hesitated; he was tempted to leap upon his captor
+and make a fight for it, but he had hesitated too long now. The officer
+produced a revolver, which he held carelessly in his right hand.
+
+"I have a little persuader here, in case you should think of disobeying
+my order," he said quietly.
+
+"Oh, all right," said Chester. "I'll go along."
+
+"I thought you would," replied his captor, with a smile.
+
+He motioned for Chester to walk on ahead of him, which the boy did, the
+while grumbling to himself.
+
+"I should have run when I saw him coming," he muttered.
+
+There was little doubt in Chester's mind now that he was due for his trip
+to Vienna with the ambassador. After that, in view of his attempt to
+escape, he wasn't sure what might happen, for he believed the ambassador
+would recall his offer of a safe conduct after this.
+
+"Yes, it looks like Vienna to me," he told himself.
+
+And so it probably would have been but for one thing--or rather, for one
+person; and Chester had no more idea of seeing him than he had of
+encountering Hal at the next cross street.
+
+As the two walked along, Chester slightly in front, his captor following
+him closely with drawn revolver, a figure left the shadow of a nearby
+building, and with a whistle of amazement, crept silently in their wake.
+
+"Well! Well!" muttered this figure to himself. "What do you think of
+that? I can't stand for this. I'm liable to get killed or hurt, but I've
+just got to take a hand."
+
+As Chester and his captor turned into another street and disappeared
+from sight, the man broke into a run, stepping lightly on his toes. When
+he rounded the corner he was only a few feet behind the other two.
+Silently as a cat, he closed up the distance, drawing a weapon from his
+pocket as he ran.
+
+He took the revolver by the barrel, and with a sudden leap, sprang
+upon the officer who had captured Chester. A quick blow and the
+officer staggered. He seemed about to cry out, but even as he opened
+his mouth, the newcomer repeated the blow and the man fell to the
+sidewalk without a word.
+
+"It's all right, Chester," said the newcomer.
+
+Chester, who had stood as if petrified during the struggle--he was so
+surprised at this sudden and unexpected aid--uttered an exclamation
+of surprise.
+
+"Who are you?" he asked, in vain trying to pierce the darkness
+with his eyes.
+
+The stranger chuckled.
+
+"You don't know, eh?" he asked.
+
+Again Chester peered at him intently. It was so dark he could not make
+out the man's features, but there was something very familiar about the
+short, rotund figure that stood before him.
+
+"By Jove!" cried the lad at last. "It is--it can't be--yes, it must be--"
+
+"Anthony Stubbs, war correspondent of the New York _Gazette_, sir, and
+very much at your service," came the now well-known voice.
+
+Chester sprang forward and seized the extended hand.
+
+"And what in the name of all that's wonderful are you doing here?" he
+asked in amazement.
+
+"Getting some red-hot news for the New York _Gazette_," was Stubbs'
+laconic response. "You are liable to find me most any place. As I told
+you before, there is no place a newspaper man cannot go. Now, what's all
+this mess I find you in?"
+
+Chester explained and Stubbs listened attentively.
+
+"Hm-m-m," he said, when the lad had concluded, "I guess the best thing
+for you to do is to hop back into Italy as fast as the law allows."
+
+"My idea," said Chester dryly. "The trouble is it's a pretty long hop,
+and in the next place the Austrian law doesn't allow it."
+
+"That's so," agreed Stubbs. "However, you just leave these little things
+to Anthony. He'll get you through or the New York _Gazette_ will lose its
+best man."
+
+"Well, I hope the _Gazette_ doesn't lose him," said Chester; "but I would
+like to get back into civilization."
+
+"Civilization?" echoed the little man. "And what do you call this? Let
+one of these uniformed gentleman on this side of the border hear you say
+that and you won't ever get any place except under the sod. This, take
+the Austrian word for it, is the last word in civilization. Therefore,
+what you mean is that you want to get out of civilization."
+
+"Whichever way suits you," agreed Chester.
+
+"All right. Then you come with me. It's time to be moving, anyhow. This
+fellow is getting about ready to get up and there is no use of our being
+here to greet him when he opens his eyes. Let's go."
+
+He led the way back toward the heart of the city and Chester followed,
+though not without a protest.
+
+"What's the use of going back there?" he wanted to know. "That's the
+place I have been trying to get away from."
+
+"Now listen here, young man," said Stubbs, "you didn't have much luck
+getting away by yourself, did you?"
+
+"No," replied Chester, "but--"
+
+"And you won't have any better now, if you don't do as I say," declared
+Stubbs. "But I'll tell you. I am leaving here myself in the morning. I am
+going to Italy. I've dug up all the stuff I can get around here and now
+I'm going to have a look at the Italian army in action. If you wish, you
+can come along."
+
+"Of course I'll come," said Chester. "That is, if they will let me."
+
+"Oh, they'll let you, all right," replied Stubbs. "Say, I guess you
+don't know who I am! I'll tell you: I'm the war correspondent of the New
+York _Gazette_, and these fellows over here are glad to show me what
+favors they can. It doesn't do them any harm, and it might do them some
+good. See?"
+
+"I see," agreed Chester briefly.
+
+"All right, then. I'll take you to my lodgings and you can spend the
+night there with me. We'll leave early in the morning."
+
+Chester followed the little man, though not without some misgivings.
+
+Apparently Stubbs had not spoken without reason. Along the way they
+passed several officers, each of whom, after recognizing the war
+correspondent, gave him a formal military salute.
+
+"You see," said Stubbs, "I am some pumpkins around these parts."
+
+"So I see," replied Chester.
+
+"Here is where we put up," said Stubbs presently, turning into a large
+and well-lighted hotel. "Put your best foot foremost now, and walk in
+like you owned the place. Can you swagger a bit?"
+
+"Well, some," said Chester hesitatingly.
+
+"So can I," said Stubbs, "which is the reason I get along so well.
+Follow me."
+
+His usual manner--the one to which Chester had become accustomed when he
+had been with the little man in the French theater of war, left him as he
+entered the door, and he swaggered in like a true bravo. Chester threw
+out his shoulders and did likewise.
+
+Straight up to the desk walked Stubbs, where a clerk came courteously
+forward to see what was desired.
+
+"My friend here," said Stubbs, with a wave of his hand, "will share my
+room to-night. Have us called at six o'clock and send a man to help me
+with my things at that hour. Understand?"
+
+"Yes, Herr Stubbs," replied the clerk, rubbing his hands together, though
+why Chester did not know. "It shall be done."
+
+"All right," said Stubbs. "My key!"
+
+The clerk hastened to get it.
+
+"Now that's the way to get by in this benighted land," said Stubbs to
+Chester as they made their way to the little man's room. "Make 'em think
+you own the place. It never hurts anything."
+
+"So I see," said Chester dryly. "Now, about the morning. How do we get
+out of this country?"
+
+"Simple," said Stubbs. "We take an automobile from here to a little
+town called Gorz, to the north. And then we circle around the little
+neck of Italy to Trent, again in Austria. Of course there are quicker
+ways out, but I have made these arrangements already and it would look
+suspicious to change now. Until we get to Trent there will be no
+trouble. There we shall have to do a little figuring, but the best way
+is this: I have a safe conduct, given me by the Austrian commander
+here. It will pass me into Italy. What I shall do is give it to you and
+you can cross the border."
+
+"But you--" began Chester.
+
+"I'm coming to that. They will stop me, of course. Then I'll raise a
+holler. I'll demand that they wire the commander here and give a
+description of me, saying I have lost my papers. They will identify me,
+all right, because there are no more like me. A second safe conduct will
+come along and I'll move into Italy. Simple little thing, isn't it?"
+
+"Quite simple--if it works," said Chester.
+
+"Oh, it'll work all right!"
+
+"I hope so," declared Chester.
+
+"It's got to work," replied Stubbs. "I can't afford to have it fail. My
+paper will be expecting something out of Italy from me within a few days
+and I've got to be there to give it to them. Otherwise, I'm liable to be
+dismissed."
+
+"I guess that won't happen," said Chester, with a smile.
+
+"Not if I can help it," agreed Stubbs. "Now let's climb between
+the sheets."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+BACK INTO ITALY.
+
+
+"Now here," said Stubbs, "are my papers. You just take them, and for the
+moment you will be Anthony Stubbs, war correspondent of the New York
+_Gazette_. You are a little young looking, so put on all the airs you
+can, for they'll think you must be awful good to have such a job."
+
+Chester and the little war correspondent had left Trieste without trouble
+and had arrived in Trent without adventure of any kind. True to his word,
+Stubbs had arranged for Chester's departure with him and now the time for
+parting had come.
+
+Chester took the papers Stubbs held out to him and thrust them into
+his pocket.
+
+"And when will you be across?" he asked.
+
+"Oh, I'll be there before the day is over," was the reply. "When you once
+get within the Italian lines, you demand to be taken to the nearest
+general commanding a division and explain matters to him. Then wait for
+me, if it is until to-morrow. I'll be there."
+
+"All right," agreed Chester.
+
+"I'll walk as far as the outposts with you," said Stubbs. "No, I won't
+either," on second thought. "I'll be wanting to get out myself directly
+and it wouldn't do for us to be seen together."
+
+He held out his hand.
+
+"Good-bye, and good luck," he said. "You just do as I tell you and you'll
+have no trouble. Remember, you are just as big as any of these fellows,
+and a whole lot bigger, if it comes to that."
+
+Chester gripped the hand hard.
+
+"Good-bye," he said, "and thanks."
+
+The little man gazed after the boy as the latter strode away with
+shoulders squared and head held high.
+
+"He'll do," he muttered to himself.
+
+Chester disappeared, and Stubbs turned and strode in the opposite
+direction.
+
+"Now for my holler--and my new papers," he told himself.
+
+Chester was halted at the extreme Austrian front. He produced Stubbs'
+papers, which he gave the man without a word. Luckily, as Stubbs had
+explained, the safe conduct was simply made out to "Anthony Stubbs, war
+correspondent," without description.
+
+The officer scanned the papers closely, looked Chester over from head to
+foot and seemed about to speak. Chester gazed at him sternly and the
+Austrian closed his lips without uttering a word. He shrugged his
+shoulders, summoned an orderly and commanded:
+
+"Take a flag of truce and conduct this gentleman to the Italian lines."
+
+Two hours later Chester was safe.
+
+To the Italian officer who approached him, he demanded to be taken to the
+general commanding the division, and this was done without protest.
+Chester explained the circumstances to the general, and the latter
+believed him. He turned him over to an orderly, with instructions that he
+be taken care of; and in a tent of his own, Chester sat down to await the
+arrival of Stubbs.
+
+Stubbs, after Chester had left him, immediately betook himself to the
+commander of the Austrian forces at this point. The latter received him,
+although he didn't know Stubbs from any one else.
+
+"General," said Stubbs, "somebody stole my papers, among them a safe
+conduct to the Italian lines. I want to get there."
+
+"No papers, no safe conduct," replied the general briefly.
+
+This was what Stubbs had expected.
+
+"Look here now, general," he said familiarly, "that's no way for you to
+talk. I want to get into Italy, and I had safe conduct from General
+Oberlatz at Trieste."
+
+The Austrian commander got to his feet.
+
+"I have told you, sir," he said, "that without papers you cannot leave
+our lines."
+
+"I heard you," replied Stubbs, "but you don't seem to understand the
+answer to my being here. I've got to get into the Italian lines. You
+can't blame me. The fellow you want is the one who stole my papers; he's
+probably a spy."
+
+"And you may be one, too," said the officer.
+
+"Sure, I may be," said Stubbs; "only I'm not. Now, I'll tell you, you
+just push through a little wire to General Oberlatz and he'll straighten
+this thing out."
+
+"Can't be done," replied the general.
+
+"But it's got to be done," declared Stubbs. "I can't stay around here
+when I have orders to go elsewhere. I don't want to have to take this
+matter up with my friend, the archduke."
+
+The Austrian commander looked up in surprise at this last remark.
+
+"You know the archduke?" he questioned.
+
+"Well, rather," said Stubbs. "He and I are pretty good friends."
+
+"Then," said the general, "it would do no harm for you to appeal to him
+in person."
+
+"You're right, there, general," declared Stubbs. "My friend, the
+archduke, would fix this thing up in a minute. The only trouble on that
+score is the matter of time. Time is precious, you know, general, and
+time presses."
+
+"Fortunately for you," said the officer, "the archduke happens to be in
+the next room at this moment. If you will be seated, I shall call him."
+
+Stubbs sat down abruptly. A slight whistle escaped him, though it did not
+carry to the general's ears.
+
+"Good night!" muttered the little man to himself. "I've sure enough gone
+and done it this time."
+
+But Stubbs didn't betray himself. To the general he said:
+
+"The archduke here? By Jove! This is what I call luck. Have him come out
+and talk to me."
+
+With a bow, the Austrian commander turned and passed from the room. The
+moment he crossed the threshold, Stubbs sprang to his feet and dashed to
+the door through which he had entered a few moments before.
+
+"This," he said, as he came again into the open, "is no place for
+Anthony Stubbs."
+
+He disappeared from within view of the general's quarters with
+amazing rapidity.
+
+"Wasn't much use of me patting the archduke on the back," he told
+himself. "Never having seen me before, I guess he wouldn't have
+remembered me. I don't want to be shot."
+
+Half a mile from the scene of his trouble, he entered a little
+restaurant and sat down to have something to eat and to figure out what
+he should do.
+
+"This place is going to be too small to hold me," he said to himself over
+a second cup of coffee. "They'll have all the natives on my trail. I've
+got to get over the frontier some way. The question before me is how?"
+
+He meditated for some moments, then rose, paid his check and left the
+restaurant. In front of the door he stopped and looked toward the south,
+where, in the distance, he knew heavy Austrian patrols faced the Italian
+pickets only a few miles beyond.
+
+"That's the way I want to go," he told himself. "So I may as well be
+starting in that direction."
+
+He moved off.
+
+Possibly half a mile from the utmost Austrian line he stopped and sat
+down. So far he had been unchallenged and now, as he sat there, a plan
+came to him. He took his revolver from his pocket and examined it.
+
+"I'll try it," he said briefly to himself. "If Chester knew what I was
+about to do, he would be greatly surprised. But the thing is I am more
+afraid to stay here than I am to take this chance."
+
+He arose and moved on. As he expected, probably five minutes later, a
+mounted officer came toward him. There was no one else near. He halted
+the correspondent.
+
+"Where are you going?" he asked sharply.
+
+"I'll tell you," was the reply. "I am a war correspondent and I am just
+looking about a bit. Am I going too far? If so, I shall turn back."
+
+"Well, I can permit you to go no farther," said the Austrian, with a
+smile.
+
+"Oh, all right," said Stubbs.
+
+He drew a cigar from his pocket, bit off the end, struck a match and
+lighted it. Then, with a start, he produced a second cigar.
+
+"Beg pardon," he said. "Have a smoke?"
+
+The Austrian signified that he would. Stubbs gave him the cigar and
+struck a second match. The Austrian leaned from his horse and put the
+cigar to the flame. At that moment Stubbs drew his revolver with his free
+hand and, dropping the match, seized the Austrian by the leg with the
+other. The latter came tumbling from his horse, and when he looked up, he
+gazed squarely into the mouth of Stubbs' revolver.
+
+"Quiet," said the little man briefly. "I want you to change
+clothes with me."
+
+The Austrian appeared about to protest, but changed his mind and
+signified his willingness to comply with the command.
+
+"Stand off there and remove your clothes," ordered Stubbs, pointing.
+
+The man obeyed, Stubbs the while keeping him covered with his revolver.
+The man's clothes removed, Stubbs approached him.
+
+"I'll have to tie you up minus your outer garments," he told him. "I
+can't take any chances on you while I am donning your robes."
+
+He tied him up in most approved fashion and then gagged him with his
+handkerchief.
+
+"Just to keep you from giving an alarm," he said.
+
+Rapidly he donned the Austrian's clothes and then walked over to his
+horse. This he mounted and turned the animal's head southward. He waved a
+hand at the Austrian.
+
+"_Auf Wiedersehen_," he said, and rode away.
+
+He kept as far as possible from the Austrian troops that patrolled the
+outposts and half an hour later was beyond the Austrian lines. Out of
+sight he halted and discarded the Austrian uniform he had drawn on over
+his civilian attire and then rode on more confidently.
+
+And the little man welcomed a command that broke upon his ears a short
+time later:
+
+"Halt!"
+
+He drew rein. A soldier in Italian uniform advanced toward him.
+
+"Thank the Lord," said the little man.
+
+He drew a hand across a moist brow and gave a whistle of pure relief.
+
+"No one will ever know how scared I was," he muttered. "Now to
+find Chester."
+
+He turned to the soldier who had accosted him.
+
+"Take me immediately to your commanding officer," he ordered.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+HAL AND UNCLE JOHN.
+
+
+While Chester and his old friend, Anthony Stubbs, war correspondent, are
+resting at ease for the moment with the Italian troops at the extreme
+northern front, it behooves us to go back and see what has happened to
+Hal and Uncle John.
+
+When the two were led away from the headquarters of the Italian
+commander, under guard, Uncle John's rage had by no means subsided; but
+he cooled down somewhat after Hal had, to the best of his ability,
+attempted to show him the viewpoint of the general.
+
+"It's a contemptible trick," Uncle John protested.
+
+"Well, let it go at that, then," said Hal helplessly.
+
+And Uncle John did.
+
+Now the thoughts of the two turned to Chester, for both were greatly
+worried about him, and their anxiety increased as the long hours passed.
+
+So darkness came, and they lay down to sleep. They were awake with the
+morning light and the first thought of each was whether any word had been
+received from the Italian commander in Rome.
+
+And two hours after daylight they knew. An orderly entered and informed
+them that the commander desired their presence immediately. They
+followed him.
+
+"Everything all right, general?" Hal greeted him, with a smile.
+
+The Italian commander frowned.
+
+"The answer to my wire will hardly gain you your freedom," he replied.
+
+"What, sir?" demanded Hal, in great surprise.
+
+"Exactly," replied the commander, this time smiling a little himself.
+
+"What did General Ferrari say?" inquired Hal anxiously.
+
+"Well, he didn't say anything," replied the Italian. "He is no longer in
+Rome, but has gone to the front. My wire did not reach him. Consequently,
+I shall have to turn you over to the civil authorities here for
+safe-keeping. I cannot be bothered with you."
+
+Hal gazed at Uncle John in dismay.
+
+"What did I tell you?" the latter broke out. "And you sided with him,
+too. Tried to show me where he was right, didn't you? Well, what do you
+think of him now?"
+
+In spite of the seriousness of their situation, Hal was forced to smile
+at Uncle John's righteous wrath.
+
+"It will turn out all right," he said quietly.
+
+"I'm glad somebody thinks so," declared Uncle John. "I don't."
+
+Hal addressed the commander:
+
+"General, I can assure you that all we have said has been the truth. You
+will learn so in time. I, sir, have seen active service. I have fought
+with the Belgians, the British in France and the Russians in the eastern
+war zone."
+
+"From your own accounts you must have had quite a time," said the Italian
+commander dryly. "Now, I may as well tell you that I do not believe a
+single word of your story and protests will avail you nothing. Were I to
+follow my own inclinations, I would order you both shot as spies within
+the hour. However, there is always a chance that my convictions may be
+wrong, which is the only thing that is saving you now. I shall wait until
+I have word from General Ferrari. Orderly!"
+
+A subordinate entered.
+
+"Turn these prisoners over to Colonel Brunoli. Colonel Brunoli," he
+continued, addressing Hal, "is the chief of police. I can guarantee that
+you will be safe in his keeping."
+
+Hal would have protested, but the orderly signalled him to march out
+ahead, of him. Hal took Uncle John by the arm, and they left, but not
+before Uncle John had hurled a final remark over his shoulder to the
+Italian commander.
+
+"You will hear of me again, sir," he thundered. "I'm an American citizen
+and we have an ambassador over in this benighted country. He'll warm
+things up for you when he learns of this outrage."
+
+"March!" commanded the orderly and Uncle John heeded the order.
+
+Before an imposing building a short distance away, the orderly called a
+halt and then motioned them up the short flight of steps. Through a long
+hall they were marched and into a room at the far end. Here a man in
+uniform with much lace and gold facings sat at a large desk. Hal didn't
+need to be told that he was the chief of police.
+
+"What have we here?" he demanded, swinging about in his chair and eyeing
+the two severely.
+
+"Prisoners, sir, whom I am instructed to turn over to you," was the
+orderly's reply. "You are to hold them until you receive further
+instructions, sir."
+
+"Very good," said the chief. "You may go."
+
+The orderly saluted, turned on his heel and departed.
+
+"You may sit there until I have completed this piece of work," said the
+chief, motioning the prisoners to chairs behind him.
+
+Hal and Uncle John sat down and the chief turned again to his desk and
+was soon busy writing.
+
+Hal's eyes roved about the room. An idea struck him like a flash. They
+sat between the chief of police and the door by which they had entered.
+What would be more easy than to tip-toe to the door, which stood slightly
+ajar, and disappear unbeknown to the chief?
+
+With Hal to think was to act. Fearing to lift his voice in a whisper, he
+at last managed to catch Uncle John's eye. Then he laid a warning finger
+to his lips and beckoned Uncle John to follow him. Uncle John manifested
+some surprise, but he signified that he understood.
+
+Carefully Hal got to his feet and Uncle John followed suit. Then Hal,
+stepping very softly, moved toward the door. Now it was five, now four,
+now three paces away--and then the boy laid his hand on the knob. Uncle
+John was right behind him.
+
+The door swung open without so much as a creak, and Hal stepped out.
+Uncle John followed him. Hal motioned Uncle John to lead the way down the
+hall, while he remained behind to close the door. The order was obeyed.
+
+Hal took the precaution to close the door tightly and then hurried after
+Uncle John. "Well--" began Uncle John, just as they stepped from the
+building, "I guess we--"
+
+Came a sudden roar from behind them--the roar of a human voice.
+
+"The chief!" exclaimed Hal. "Run!"
+
+Uncle John needed no urging and the two went down the steps four and five
+at a time. Hal led the way and Uncle John followed close at his heels.
+
+Around the corner they darted even as the chief of police appeared in the
+doorway--too late to see in which direction his erstwhile prisoners had
+flown. But the two fugitives could hear his voice raised in another roar,
+as he thundered out a call for his men to give chase.
+
+"Come on, Uncle John!" shouted Hal, and the latter, although he had long
+since come to believe that his bones had stiffened with age, surprised
+himself by the manner in which he flew over the ground.
+
+Fortunately, the street at the moment was deserted. Around one, two, then
+three corners Hal doubled, and then slowed down.
+
+"Guess we are all right for a few minutes," he gasped.
+
+Uncle John stopped and gasped for breath.
+
+"I'm not as young as I used to be, Hal," he said. "Don't forget that. I
+can't go a hundred yards in eleven seconds any more."
+
+"Well, you didn't miss it much," said Hal, with a chuckle. "But come on,
+we must get away from here. If we are caught now, the chances are they
+will stand us up against a wall and have a shot at us."
+
+"In which event," said Uncle John dryly, "I can still do a hundred yards
+in ten flat."
+
+Side by side the two walked on.
+
+"The question that now arises," said Uncle John, "is how we are going to
+get away from here?"
+
+"First," said Hal, "we must go back and see if Chester is still where we
+left him."
+
+"Like looking for a needle in a haystack," said Uncle John. "This is a
+pretty good-sized town."
+
+"Not at all," replied Hal. "I have a pretty keen sense of direction;
+besides, I always make it a point to look at the names of the streets. I
+can find it in half an hour. Come on."
+
+The lad had not boasted and less than an hour later they stood again in
+the house where so lately they had been prisoners.
+
+"Well, he's gone," said Hal quietly. "We cannot help him here. The best
+thing for us to do is to return to Rome and lay the case before the
+ambassador, who can take the matter up with Ambassador Penfield at
+Vienna, or through Washington."
+
+"The thing to do, then, is to hunt the railroad station," declared Uncle
+John. "Do you think you can find it?"
+
+"If I can't, I can ask," replied Hal.
+
+Thirty minutes later saw Hal at the ticket window asking what time the
+next train left for Rome.
+
+"In an hour," was the reply.
+
+Hal purchased two tickets. Then with Uncle John he strolled about
+the station.
+
+Suddenly the boy halted in his tracks and grabbed Uncle John by the arm,
+pulling him into a corner. And it was well that he did so, for a moment
+later there brushed by the spot where they had stood none other than the
+chief of police and several other men in uniform.
+
+"He may not be looking for us, but the chances are he is," said Hal.
+
+The chief went straight to the ticket office, where he engaged the agent
+in conversation.
+
+"No Rome for us now," declared Hal. "Come on."
+
+He led the way out of the station and directly stood in the train
+shed. The boy heard a cry of "All aboard" and saw that a train was
+about to pull out.
+
+"Don't know where it is going, but we'll get it!" he cried, and Uncle
+John followed him in his mad dash. By a hard run they succeeded in
+climbing into an unoccupied compartment even as the guard would have
+closed the door.
+
+"Where do you suppose we are bound?" asked Uncle John, as he sat
+down, panting.
+
+"Don't know," was Hal's reply. "We'll find out directly."
+
+A few minutes later the conductor enlightened them.
+
+"Milan," he said.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+WITH THE ARMY.
+
+
+"Milan!" echoed Hal. "Good night!"
+
+"Oh, well," said Uncle John, with rare optimism for him, "I guess we can
+double back from there, can't we?"
+
+"I suppose it can be done," agreed Hal. "But we haven't any business
+wandering all over this country. We want to get to Rome."
+
+"We'll get there, all right," said Uncle John.
+
+"Yes; but if they happen to nab us we are likely not to get there whole,"
+declared Hal.
+
+When the train arrived in Milan, Hal and Uncle John were among the first
+to alight.
+
+"Well, here we are; now what?" demanded Uncle John.
+
+"You've got me," declared Hal.
+
+They made their way to the street and there they halted suddenly, for a
+wonderful sight had met their gaze.
+
+Passing along the street were thousands and thousands of soldiers,
+mounted and afoot, fully equipped for the field. They passed by in a
+steady stream. For an hour Hal and Uncle John watched the imposing sight
+and still the long line wended its way along. Hal's heart beat faster as
+his eyes rested upon this imposing array of fighting strength.
+
+"By Jove! I'd like to go along," he muttered to himself.
+
+And it was to be so, even sooner that he could possibly have hoped. But
+the suggestion came from an altogether unexpected source.
+
+"Tell you what, Hal," said Uncle John suddenly. "As long as we are here
+we might as well see a little something. What do you think?"
+
+"Just what do you mean?" asked Hal.
+
+"Well, let's go along to the front with these fellows; that is, if we
+can make it. We may see something that we will never have another
+chance to see."
+
+"Suits me," declared Hal. "Let's see if we can get a couple of
+horses--it's pretty tough walking and we don't know how far we may
+have to go."
+
+This was easier than could have been expected; and an hour later found
+them riding slowly along in the direction taken by the Italian troops.
+
+"Don't suppose the authorities here have been apprised of our escape from
+Milan," said Hal. "I guess we are safe enough."
+
+Hour after hour they rode along, passing regiment after regiment of
+infantry as it moved toward the front. Uncle John was greatly impressed
+by the military carriage and bearing of the troops, but in spite of their
+impressiveness Hal could not help thinking that they did not have the
+businesslike appearance of the British troops.
+
+Now, in the distance, they made out what they could see was a great camp,
+stretching out as far as the eye could see on both sides.
+
+"This," said Hal, pointing, "will be the end of our tour of inspection.
+Beyond those lines they will not let us go."
+
+"We'll go as far as we can," declared Uncle John.
+
+Suddenly from directly ahead came the heavy thunder of a single gun,
+followed almost immediately by another giant voice. Other big guns began
+to speak, and soon the roaring of thousands filled the air.
+
+"A battle!" exclaimed Hal.
+
+Other voices now, more faint but sharper of note, took up the
+fighting--rapid firers and the rifles of the infantry coming into play.
+From their present position Hal and Uncle John could not tell just where
+the fighting was in progress, the numbers engaged, or whether the
+Italians had taken the offensive, or the Austrians, or how the battle was
+progressing. All they could hear was the terrible din and roar. They
+could see nothing. They were at present far from the battle line.
+
+Still they advanced.
+
+Now they were suddenly in the center of the Italian troops, still
+stationary, awaiting the word to move forward in support of the second
+line or the first line as the case might be.
+
+An officer rode up to them.
+
+"What are you doing here?" he demanded.
+
+"Nothing particularly," replied Hal. "I am a British officer and, being
+in this neighborhood, thought I would look around a bit."
+
+"Your papers?" was the next command.
+
+"Unfortunately, I have none with me," returned the lad.
+
+The officer hesitated.
+
+"I'll tell you," he said finally, "there is a British officer commanding
+a regiment here. Perhaps he will know you. I shall conduct you to him. He
+has arrived from France only recently."
+
+"I don't know all the British officers in France," said Hal, "but there
+is always the possibility I may know this one."
+
+"Follow me," commanded the Italian.
+
+The two did so. To the far left wing their guide led the way, and finally
+stopped before a tent somewhat larger than the rest.
+
+An orderly came forth.
+
+"Tell the colonel I have a man here who claims to be a British officer,"
+said the Italian.
+
+A moment later there stepped from the tent a long, tall Englishman,
+attired in British uniform, youngish of face, and at sight of him Hal
+started forward with a glad cry.
+
+"Major Anderson!" he exclaimed.
+
+The officer gazed at him in surprise, then came forward with
+extended hand.
+
+"Bless my soul," he exclaimed. "What in the name of all that's wonderful
+are you doing here? I thought you were dead. And where is Chester?"
+
+"I don't know," answered Hal, answering the last question first.
+
+Upon Colonel Anderson's--he was no longer major--request, Hal plunged
+into an account of what had transpired since they had last seen the
+gallant Englishman. Now the Italian officer stepped forward.
+
+"Then they are all right?" he questioned, indicating Hal and Uncle John.
+
+"This one is," replied Anderson, laying a hand on Hal's shoulder. "I
+don't know the other."
+
+He hastened to introduce the two men.
+
+Anderson turned to the Italian.
+
+"It's all right," he said.
+
+The latter saluted and moved away.
+
+"While you are here," said Anderson, "you will make yourselves at home in
+my quarters. I am now called to the front."
+
+"Can't we go with you?" asked Hal anxiously.
+
+The colonel hesitated.
+
+"Well, I guess it can be done," he said at length. "You have your horses;
+wait until I get mine."
+
+A command to his orderly and the horse was soon waiting. The three rode
+forward and as they went the colonel explained something of the situation
+and his reason for being with the Italian army.
+
+"I was sent here immediately Italy declared war," he said, "at the
+request of the Italian government. Of course, they didn't ask for me
+personally, but they did ask for a British officer who had seen active
+service. General French selected me, with the rank of colonel. That's why
+I'm here."
+
+"And this fighting now?" questioned Hal. "Who is on the offensive?"
+
+"The Austrians, at the moment," was the reply. "They have massed
+thousands of men to the north, and at the far side of the Alps. We have
+let it be known that we were in insufficient strength here and the
+Austrians evidently hope, by a quick drive, to gain a foothold on Italian
+soil. Fortunately, however, our lines were strengthened no later than
+yesterday and reinforcements still are arriving. The Austrians have
+delayed too long.
+
+"Now our troops are falling back slowly and in good order. The Austrians,
+feeling sure of a quick victory, will follow them too far. Then for our
+coup. First the artillery, then the infantry and cavalry, and let me tell
+you something, this Italian artillery fire is going to be one of the
+wonders of the war. Its effect will be terrific. Watch and see."
+
+In the distance now the three made out a squad of a dozen men advancing
+toward them, with what appeared to be two prisoners in their midst.
+
+"We'll have a look and see what's up," declared Colonel Anderson.
+
+They rode forward.
+
+As at last they were able to make out the faces of the two apparent
+prisoners, Hal uttered a loud shout and spurred his horse forward. Uncle
+John took a second look and did likewise. Colonel Anderson rode rapidly
+after them.
+
+At the side of the squad, Hal leaped quickly from his horse, and plunging
+directly into the squad, threw his arms about one of the prisoners.
+
+"Chester!" he cried.
+
+And Chester it was.
+
+The latter returned his friend's embrace with gusto, and then freeing
+himself, fell into the bear hug of Uncle John.
+
+The latter was sniffling with joy; but at last released, Chester caught
+sight of Colonel Anderson.
+
+Again there was an affectionate greeting and then Hal heard a voice
+in his ear.
+
+"And haven't you anything to say to me, young man?"
+
+Hal whirled about and caught sight of the smiling face of Anthony Stubbs,
+war correspondent of the New York _Gazette_.
+
+"Stubbs!" he cried, and his delight was so evident that the little man
+flushed with pleasure.
+
+Introductions followed all around now and then Colonel Anderson addressed
+the officer in charge of the squad.
+
+"Are these men prisoners?" he asked.
+
+"No, sir," was the reply, "but General Ferrari instructed me to have them
+taken to a place of safety."
+
+"Then you can turn them over to me without question?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Good! Then I shall relieve you of further responsibility."
+
+The Italian saluted, ordered his men to "'Bout face" and marched off
+toward the front.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+THE ADVANCE.
+
+
+The shrill, clear voice of a single bugle broke the stillness of the
+early morning. There was a second of intense silence, and the call came
+again. A second took it up, and a third, and many more, each less
+distinct than the first, for they were farther away.
+
+Hal, Chester, Uncle John and Anthony Stubbs, three of them accustomed as
+they were to the life of the military camps, were upon their feet almost
+before the sound of the first bugle had died away, and strained their
+ears to catch a repetition.
+
+They had spent the night in a large tent assigned them by Colonel
+Anderson, not far from his own quarters, and had retired completely
+exhausted as the result of the strenuous time they had gone through. But
+they were all perfectly wide awake now and rushed from their tent with
+the sound of the second call.
+
+"A call to arms!" exclaimed Hal.
+
+"Probably means an advance," said Chester quietly.
+
+"I guess you are right," returned his chum. "And here we are, nothing but
+spectators at the best."
+
+"And that's where you are lucky," chimed in Stubbs. "Now take me, I've
+got to get out among all this fighting and maybe I'll be killed. But I've
+got to do it. You fellows can stay here where it is perfectly safe."
+
+"Well, I'd much rather be in your place, then," said Chester.
+
+"Same here," declared Hal.
+
+The Italian camp had sprung to life as if by magic. Half-clothed sleepers
+poured from the tents and formed into ranks in the darkness. Officers ran
+hither and thither shouting hoarse orders. For a moment confusion
+reigned, but this gave place almost immediately to perfect order. The
+discipline of the Italian troops was remarkable. In almost less time than
+it takes to tell it, the whole Italian army of the North, stretching out
+as it did for mile after mile and mile after mile, was under arms,
+eagerly awaiting the word that would send it against the strongly
+entrenched Austrian columns ahead.
+
+Less than a hundred rods away Hal made out the form of Colonel Anderson,
+as he now stood at the head of his men; gazing steadily ahead except when
+he turned to give an order to one of his subordinates. Far back, just
+distinguishable in the now half light, could be seen the dense masses of
+cavalry, unmounted as yet, but ready to leap to the saddle and dash
+forward at command.
+
+A gun boomed, shattering the almost oppressive stillness. Another
+followed suit. More took up the work and the air was filled with their
+thundering. It became apparent to Hal and Chester, to whom this was
+nothing new, that the infantry would make the first advance, under the
+support of the artillery.
+
+"A good-sized job, if you ask me," declared the latter.
+
+"Rather," replied Hal dryly. "Hey," breaking off suddenly, "where are
+you going?"
+
+"To the front," replied Stubbs, to whom the lad had addressed his remark,
+pausing for a moment and glancing back over his shoulder. "Got to get a
+little news, you know."
+
+"You'd better look out or you are likely to get a little bullet,"
+remarked Uncle John.
+
+"Well, I'll have to take a chance," replied the little man.
+
+With a wave of his hand he disappeared in the darkness.
+
+"Forward!" came a clear voice from their rear.
+
+Came the heavy tramp, tramp of marching feet, as the First Infantry
+moved forward. Steadily they marched ahead, silently and with an air of
+determination. They made an imposing appearance in the dim light of
+early morning.
+
+"A gallant body of men," muttered Hal. "They'll give a good account of
+themselves."
+
+Came a word of command from Colonel Anderson--the boys recognized his
+voice--and more troops moved forward. As far as the eye could see dense
+masses of men were marching rapidly toward the front. It became apparent
+that this was to be no mere skirmish--no mere feeling-out process. It was
+to be a battle, and as both lads realized, it might well last for days.
+
+"We may as well go forward a bit," said Hal.
+
+Accordingly the three started out. Half an hour later they were suddenly
+surrounded by a body of infantry, and, in some unaccountable manner, were
+separated from Uncle John. In vain they looked, called and whistled for
+him. He had disappeared.
+
+"Well, I guess he will be able to find the way back," said Chester. "We'd
+better see if we can find him."
+
+They retraced their steps. For an hour and more they waited, but Uncle
+John failed to put in an appearance. And all the time, from ahead, came
+the dull roar of battle.
+
+"Well, what shall we do?" asked Chester at length.
+
+Hal shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"Guess your peaceful Uncle John has gone on to the front," he said. "We
+may as well do the same. He'll turn up sooner or later."
+
+Chester was struck with a sudden idea.
+
+"By Jove!" he exclaimed.
+
+"What's the matter now?" demanded Hal, eyeing his chum in some surprise.
+
+"I was just thinking," said Chester. "Say, let's see if we can't find a
+couple of spare uniforms around here."
+
+"H-m-m," muttered Hal, who knew what Chester meant. "Maybe we shouldn't
+do anything like that."
+
+"Maybe we shouldn't," agreed Chester, "but there is no one here to tell
+us not to. Come on."
+
+Hal followed him.
+
+They looked into several tents, but their search met with no success, but
+in the sixth tent they were more fortunate. Chester, rummaging around in
+a corner, produced a lieutenant's uniform.
+
+"Looks like it might fit," he said. "I'll try it on."
+
+He did.
+
+"Fits well enough," he said.
+
+"All right," said Hal. "But where is mine?"
+
+"Oh, we'll find you one, all right," said Chester.
+
+And, after half an hour's further search, they did--a second lieutenant's
+uniform. Hal donned it hurriedly.
+
+"Might as well hunt up our horses," he said.
+
+"Ours?" queried Chester.
+
+"Well, mine and Uncle John's, or anybody else's, for that matter. It's a
+long walk to the front."
+
+They were fortunate enough to find two mounts without much trouble, and,
+leaping to the saddles, they rode forward.
+
+"Got a gun?" asked Chester.
+
+"No," replied Hal. "Have you?"
+
+"No such luck. Maybe we can find one further on."
+
+This hope was realized.
+
+As they rode forward the sights of battle became evident. Here and there
+were fallen men, some dead and some dying, struck down by the long-range
+artillery of the Austrians. Red Cross nurses and physicians were busy
+attending to the wounded.
+
+Hal leaped to the ground, and from the fingers of a dead officer took a
+revolver. A second he removed from his holster. Then he unstrapped the
+officer's sword belt and put it on himself.
+
+"Well, I'm fixed," he said, leaning down and producing the unfortunate
+officer's supply of ammunition.
+
+"My turn next," said Chester.
+
+Half a mile further along he relieved a second fallen officer of his
+sword, revolvers and ammunition.
+
+"Now," said he, "we are ready to go into battle?"
+
+"We're ready," agreed Hal, "but we have no business there."
+
+"Well, we won't do any fighting unless we have to," said Chester, "but
+we'll go as far to the front as we can."
+
+They rode forward more rapidly.
+
+Meanwhile, the Italians pressed forward to the attack. With the first
+shell hurled within their lines by the enemy's artillery, the Austrians
+came to life. Weak spots in the long battle line were strengthened,
+reinforcements were hurried forward all along the entire front. The
+Austrian artillery opened fire and for an hour the long-range artillery
+duel continued.
+
+But now the Austrian officers grew greatly excited. From the shelter of
+the distant Italian trenches rose a long line of men. Coolly they formed
+under the Austrian fire, and stood awaiting the signal to advance. And a
+moment later it came.
+
+On came the Italians in spite of the withering fire of the Austrian
+infantry and the still more deadly execution of the great guns, which
+mowed them down by the hundreds.
+
+But as fast as these gaps appeared, they were filled by others, and the
+Italians continued to forge ahead.
+
+An Austrian bugle spoke sharply, and there sallied forth from the
+Austrian entrenchments masses of infantry at the double, closely followed
+by cavalry.
+
+Evidently the Austrian commander had determined not to put his entire
+dependence upon his artillery.
+
+The Italians sprang forward to meet the foe. They rushed as though hurled
+from a catapult.
+
+The solid lines of infantry met with a shock. Rifles flashed and
+revolvers spoke sharply. Steel flashed in the air and hand grenades added
+their deadly execution to the terrible work.
+
+And now the Italian infantry parted suddenly in the center and from
+behind at a furious pace came squadron upon squadron of cavalry,
+possibly, all told, five thousand men.
+
+With impetuous bravery they dashed forward, throwing themselves upon the
+bayonets of the Austrian infantry, which had braced to receive the shock.
+But the enemy could not withstand this desperate charge. They faltered,
+hesitated, broke and fled. In vain their officers sought to bring order
+out of chaos. It was beyond their effort.
+
+Straight in among the broken infantry plunged the Italian cavalry. Sabers
+whirled in the air and descended with terrible effect. Horses trampled
+fallen men, and bit at those who stood in their way, stamping and
+striking at others with their feet.
+
+Realizing that his infantry was completely demoralized, the Austrian
+commander gave the word to send his own cavalry into the fray.
+
+With a shout the horsemen charged. The Italians drew up their horses
+sharply and braced themselves to meet this new attack.
+
+Chester and Hal, who came within view of this deadly work at this moment,
+stood spellbound.
+
+Then Chester spoke.
+
+"Now," he said, "you will see what I call real fighting. Look!"
+
+The two bodies of horsemen met with a crash.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+THE BOYS GO INTO BATTLE.
+
+
+Sitting their horses quietly, their lives endangered every moment by shot
+and shell that dropped around them and whistled by their heads, Hal and
+Chester watched keenly the hand-to-hand struggle that ensued.
+
+The two bodies of horsemen met with a crash less than a quarter of a
+mile from where the two lads had taken their places. With swords and
+sabers flashing aloft, the Austrians had charged with a wild yell. The
+Italian cavalry, stationary and braced for the shock, received their
+foes silently.
+
+Hal and Chester could see that the opposing bodies of horse were about
+evenly matched; and they realized that skill, horsemanship and fighting
+prowess would play important parts in the encounter.
+
+The very fierceness of the Austrian charge swept away the front rank of
+the Italian cavalry; and, over the fallen bodies of men and horses the
+foe pressed on, taking no count of their own dead and injured that reeled
+and fell from the saddles. The horses themselves became imbued with the
+spirit of battle, and bit and struck at each other as their riders fought
+with sword, saber and pistol.
+
+It was a terrible sight, and the lads shuddered unconsciously. It was
+more frightful to the spectator than it was to the struggling men
+themselves, who, in the heat of battle, took no thought of the dead and
+the dying and pressed forward bent only upon protecting themselves while
+they sought the lives of their foes.
+
+For an hour the fierce hand-to-hand struggle raged, with advantage
+apparently first to one side and then to the other. In other sections of
+the field, at least where Hal and Chester could see, operations had
+ceased for the moment, each commander evidently loath to hurl forward
+additional troops until the cavalry action had been decided. However, the
+troops were engaged in other quarters of the field. Upon the right the
+Italians had made no impression on the Austrian, but the Italian left
+wing had had better success. The first line of trenches of the enemy had
+fallen to the attacking forces after a fierce bayonet charge by the
+infantry, and the left wing had now taken shelter in the trenches and was
+preparing to beat off a counter attack which the Austrian commander even
+now was about to make.
+
+And in the center the cavalry still fought sullenly and fiercely.
+
+Suddenly Hal uttered an exclamation of dismay.
+
+From a quarter of a mile to the left of the struggling cavalry, a second
+body of Austrian horsemen appeared. These men had been ordered to make a
+detour and fall upon the Italian horse from the left. They now charged
+with a shout.
+
+Apparently this had taken the Italian commander by surprise, for no
+additional Italian troops were for the moment hurled forward to the
+support of the cavalry. Beset by this new foe, the Italians were forced
+back slowly, fighting every minute, however, and contesting every foot of
+ground as they retreated.
+
+Hal and Chester now realized for the first time that they were directly
+in the line of retreat.
+
+"We'd better move, Hal," said Chester, "or we shall have to fight whether
+we want to or not."
+
+Hal signified his assent with a nod of his head, and they turned their
+horses' heads to ride out of harm's way.
+
+But they had delayed too long.
+
+From behind them came a loud, terrible, blood-curdling shout, and gazing
+quickly about, the lads saw that they were directly in the road of large
+cavalry reinforcements that were being rushed forward to the support of
+the hard-pressed men in front.
+
+"Quick, Chester!" cried Hal, and put spurs to his horse.
+
+But it was too late.
+
+The Italian cavalry was upon them, and rather than be thrown down and
+trampled, the lads were forced to turn their horses in with the troop;
+and thus they were carried along like a whirlwind in the very front rank
+of the charge, and Hal, glancing to his left, felt a sudden sense of
+satisfaction as he saw that the man who led this desperate charge was
+none other than Colonel Harry Anderson, his old companion in arms, the
+man by whose side both he and Chester had faced death more than once.
+
+Hal's hand dropped to his belt, and his revolver came forth in his left
+hand. The reins he allowed to fall loose upon his horse's neck, while
+with his right hand he drew his sword. Chester, with the light of battle
+in his eyes, was already prepared.
+
+The horses of the two boys darted forward with the rest of the troop,
+their ears standing straight up, their manes bristling, their
+nostrils extended.
+
+Now the troop came close upon the cavalry already engaged; and these men,
+despite their seeming confusion, parted as though by a prearranged plan,
+and the reinforcements passed through, and fell upon the enemy with an
+impact that was not to be denied. Behind, the first troop reformed and
+now came forward in support.
+
+And once more Hal and Chester found themselves in the midst of battle.
+
+Just before the impact, and as Colonel Anderson brandished his sword
+aloft and urged his men on with a shouted command, Hal discharged his
+revolver at a tall Austrian who had taken deliberate aim at Colonel
+Anderson. The man threw up his hands and with a wild yell toppled beneath
+the feet of the plunging horses, there to be trampled to death if Hal's
+bullet had not been enough.
+
+One volley was poured into the Austrians at a command from Colonel
+Anderson, and then the Italians were upon the foe with drawn sabers. A
+single volley from the Austrians proved ineffective; Hal and Chester and
+the commander of the troop were unscathed and the Austrians had no time
+for another.
+
+Chester parried a blow aimed at him by an Austrian cavalryman, and
+raising his pistol quickly, toppled him from his horse with a bullet. A
+second ploughed its way through the chest of another trooper and with his
+sword the lad caught a blow that at that moment would have descended upon
+Hal's head.
+
+And so the fighting went, cut, thrust, parry and strike, with an
+occasional revolver shot in between; and Hal, Chester, and Colonel
+Anderson, in some miraculous manner, escaping injury.
+
+The Austrians fought bravely, giving blow for blow, and in the center
+succeeded in breaking through. It was but a mere handful of men who
+succeeded in this venture, however, and they were immediately cut off
+from their friends. A demand to surrender went unheeded; and a moment
+later they had gone down.
+
+A bugle sounded in the Austrian rear. The enemy drew off. It was first
+blood to the Italians and the troops raised a loud cheer as they dashed
+forward in pursuit of the foe, who now turned their horses about
+sharply and fled.
+
+For a hundred yards the Italians pursued, doing great execution with
+their heavy cavalry swords; and then Colonel Anderson called a halt, for
+he feared he might be rushing into a trap.
+
+When two hundred yards separated the opposing forces, the Austrian
+artillery suddenly broke loose again. A shell struck squarely in the
+center of the Italian horsemen, doing frightful execution. Colonel
+Anderson hurriedly gave the order to fall back.
+
+The colonel turned to Hal and Chester.
+
+"What are you two doing here?" he demanded. "I thought you told me your
+fighting days were over?"
+
+"We thought so, too," replied Hal, with a smile, "but you fellows
+swooped down on us so suddenly that we didn't have a chance to get out
+of the way."
+
+"And it seemed pretty good," said Chester, "just like old times."
+
+"You both gave good accounts of yourselves," declared the colonel. "I'll
+have a word to say about you in my report."
+
+"No use of--" began Chester and broke off with an ejaculation: "Hello!"
+
+"What's up?" demanded Anderson.
+
+For answer, Chester pointed to the left and slightly ahead. There,
+overlooked in some way, a small body of Italian troops was engaged
+silently with a larger number of Austrians and the Italians were getting
+the worst of the encounter.
+
+Colonel Anderson made his decision in a moment, and in spite of the
+Austrian artillery shells that were flying overhead and dropping on all
+sides, the cavalry rushed to the aid of their countrymen.
+
+But the Austrians didn't wait to receive this new attack. They turned and
+took to their heels; and as they hastened away, Hal caught the sound of a
+voice coming from their midst:
+
+"Hal! Chester!" it came. "Help!"
+
+"By George! it's Uncle John!" exclaimed Chester, and urged his horse
+forward faster than before.
+
+"Uncle John--and a prisoner," ejaculated Hal, and also spurred forward.
+
+But a heavy hand was laid on the bridle of each.
+
+"Here! what's the matter with you fellows?" demanded Colonel Anderson's
+gruff voice. "Want to get yourselves killed?"
+
+"But we've got to get Uncle John out of this mess," declared Chester.
+
+"You won't get him out by getting yourselves killed," was the reply.
+"He's safe enough now. He's a prisoner and they won't hurt him."
+
+"But they'll keep him prisoner," was Chester's exclamation.
+
+"Well, what of it?" demanded the colonel.
+
+"Well, I don't know," said Chester slowly.
+
+"I'll speak to the general," said Colonel Anderson. "Perhaps he will see
+his way clear to making representations for his release."
+
+"Do you think he will?" asked Hal eagerly.
+
+"To tell you the truth, I don't, but I'll speak to him, anyhow."
+
+With this the lads were forced to be content, for they realized that
+Colonel Anderson would not permit them to go forward by themselves;
+besides, they recognized the folly of such an act.
+
+The battle was over for the moment. The Italian left wing retained the
+ground won despite several counter assaults and the right wing had also
+been pushed forward after vigorous fighting. The Italians held their
+dearly gained victory in the center.
+
+"Come with me," said Colonel Anderson to Hal and Chester. "We'll have a
+talk with the general."
+
+The two lads followed him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+OFF ON A MISSION.
+
+
+"I regret to say that what you ask is impossible."
+
+The speaker was General Ferrari, commander of the Italian army of the
+North--the army that later was to attempt an invasion of Austrian
+territory by way of the Alps.
+
+Colonel Anderson had just put before the general the question of trying
+to gain the freedom of Uncle John. The general turned to Hal and Chester.
+
+"I am not unmindful of the great help you rendered Italy in Rome," he
+said; "but, at the same time, I cannot grant your present request. I
+am sorry."
+
+"Why, that's all right, sir," said Chester quietly. "The idea was Colonel
+Anderson's, and if it cannot be done, that settles it, of course. Uncle
+John will have to take his chances, the same as the rest of us."
+
+"I am glad you are so sensible about it," replied the general. "Now,"
+turning to Colonel Anderson, "I have a matter to discuss with you."
+
+Hal and Chester took their departure, telling Colonel Anderson they would
+await him without. Half an hour later the colonel joined them.
+
+"It's too bad you fellows are not in the fighting business any
+more," he said.
+
+"Why?" demanded both lads in one voice.
+
+"Because I am now confronted with a piece of work in which I should be
+glad to have your aid."
+
+"What kind of work?" asked Chester.
+
+"Oh, just a little mission that would take us into the Austrian lines.
+General Ferrari wants a little information, and he has selected me to go
+after it. I've got to have a couple of companions."
+
+"By Jove, Chester! Here's a chance for us," declared Hal. "We'll go
+along, and who knows, perhaps we may have a chance to help Uncle
+John, too."
+
+"Good!" agreed Chester. "What do you say, colonel?"
+
+"I am afraid the general would not hear of it," replied the colonel, with
+a slight smile. "For my part, if you are willing I should be glad to have
+you with me. I know you are to be depended upon and I have great
+confidence in your resourcefulness."
+
+"Let's go and see the general," said Chester.
+
+Colonel Anderson offered no protest to this and a few moments later
+Chester put his request to General Ferrari.
+
+"H-m-m," said the general, musing for a while. Then he gave his decision.
+"All right," he said; "but first, I want to impress one thing upon you.
+Your work of trying to release your Uncle John, as you call him, must be
+a secondary matter. The mission you are undertaking will permit of no
+delay. Do you agree to that?"
+
+"Yes, sir," replied both lads, without an instant's hesitation.
+
+"You say you hold commissions in the Belgian army?" asked the general.
+
+"Yes, and I can vouch for the fact that they were both attached to the
+staff of General Sir John French," put in Colonel Anderson.
+
+"Very well, then," returned the general. "You may go, and my only
+instructions are that the work be done with the greatest possible haste."
+
+"It shall be done, sir," declared the colonel. "Come, boys."
+
+The three saluted and made their way from the general's quarters.
+
+In Colonel Anderson's tent they talked over their plans.
+
+"Just what is it we are supposed to find out?" asked Hal.
+
+"First, the enemy's strength at this point," replied the colonel. "The
+lay of the land, the strength of the enemy's position, how his army is
+laid out, and, lastly, the feasibility of a quick dash over the Alps."
+
+"Not such a little job, after all," commented Hal dryly.
+
+"And," said Chester, "just how do you figure we are going to get within
+the Austrian lines?"
+
+"That's the problem," said the colonel. "We'll have to figure that out.
+One thing, we've got to get there, and at least one of us has got to get
+back again. Luckily, I speak German fluently. I don't believe Austrian
+will be necessary."
+
+"Not much difference, is there?" asked Hal.
+
+"Some. But German will do us."
+
+"Well," said Chester, "one thing is certain; we shall have to discard our
+uniforms."
+
+"In which event," said Hal, "we shall be shot if captured."
+
+"That can't be helped," said the colonel. "We'll have to don
+civilian garb."
+
+"But how to get across?"
+
+"Say, look here, I've got a plan," said Chester.
+
+"Let's have it," said Hal.
+
+"Listen, then. We'll put on civilian clothes. We'll tell the Italian
+officer in command of the farthest outpost what we are about to do. We'll
+get horses and we'll have a squadron of Italian cavalry chase us,
+shooting--but over our heads. That will attract the enemy, and they'll
+come forward to help us. Then we'll get there."
+
+"But what reason will we give for wanting to get into the Austrian
+lines?" asked Hal.
+
+"I'm coming to that. Before we start, we'll draw up a couple of maps of
+supposed Italian positions--which, of course, will be directly the
+opposite of how things are here; we'll take down false figures of the
+Italian strength and other such things. We'll tell the Austrian
+commander, when we are taken before him, that we are German secret
+agents, and we'll get away with it. Fortunately, I think we know the
+phrase that will get us by."
+
+"What do you mean?" asked Hal.
+
+"Why, the one you used on Robard in Rome," said Chester. "'From the
+Wilhelmstrasse.'"
+
+"By Jove! I believe you are right," declared Hal.
+
+"I am certain of it," replied Chester. "So, you see, we will overcome
+suspicion, and will have freedom of the Austrian camp--practically. Now,
+what do you think of the plan?"
+
+"Well, it has its advantages," replied Colonel Anderson, "and if we are
+careful and cautious, it may work. In lieu of a better, I guess we may as
+well act upon it. Now, who is going to draw these maps? A map I would
+draw wouldn't look like much."
+
+"I guess that is up to me," said Chester. "I am rather handy with
+a pencil."
+
+He set to work and an hour later produced the result of his labors.
+
+"Fine," said the colonel, after gazing at the maps. "And you have laid
+them out, names and all. If the Austrians were to advance with the belief
+that these were authentic, we'd eat 'em alive."
+
+"I hope they do it," said Chester. "Now it's up to you to get the
+other figures."
+
+"We've prepared those," said the colonel, and produced the result of an
+hour's work.
+
+"Now we'll have to hide them, so it will look right," said Chester.
+
+"Right; but first crumple them up and rub a little dirt on 'em," said
+Hal.
+
+This was done.
+
+Then the three went in search of the necessary clothing. This they
+obtained without much difficulty.
+
+"Now, about the starting time?" said Chester.
+
+"My idea," said Hal, "is that we go to the front at once, but that we do
+not start toward the enemy's lines until just after the break of day."
+
+"Why?" asked Colonel Anderson.
+
+"For several reasons, but one will suffice. If we go at night the whole
+thing is likely to go wrong, and they'll shoot us without taking any
+chances. They won't see our apparently serious predicament in the
+darkness."
+
+"You are right, as usual," replied the colonel.
+
+"Now about weapons," said Chester. "We ought to carry a couple of
+guns apiece."
+
+"And a good supply of ammunition," agreed Hal.
+
+"We've got the guns, but not the ammunition," said Chester.
+
+"I'll rustle that up for you in a few minutes," said the colonel.
+
+He was as good as his word.
+
+An hour later they set out for the front, still in uniform, for they did
+not wish to don their civilian attire until it became necessary, for fear
+they would arouse suspicion in the breast of the Italian officer in
+command and necessitate a loss of time.
+
+The Italian colonel in command of the outpost at the extreme northern
+front listened to their plan and pronounced it a good one.
+
+"I'll have you chased good and properly," he said, with a grin.
+
+"Guess we had better turn in," said Colonel Anderson. "We'll leave it
+to you to have us called half an hour before daybreak," he said to
+the officer.
+
+"I'll have you up if I have to pull you out by the heels myself," was
+the reply.
+
+The three friends turned in in the officer's own tent and soon were fast
+asleep, their desperate mission of the morrow weighing not at all upon
+their minds. They were too seasoned veterans for that.
+
+Half an hour before daybreak they were aroused. All were perfectly
+wide awake in a moment and donned their civilian clothes. Then they
+left the tent and joined the Italian officer, where he awaited their
+coming and explained to the officer of a squadron of cavalry what was
+expected of him.
+
+The latter nodded his understanding of the order and repeated it
+to his men.
+
+It was cool in the early morning air, close to the mountains as they
+were, and the boys shivered a bit. Both were anxious for the time
+for action.
+
+A faint tinge of gray streaked the eastern sky; and gradually it
+grew brighter.
+
+"Well, guess we may as well be on our way," said the colonel. "Have you
+got our horses?"
+
+The animals were led up at a command from the Italian officer. The three
+swung themselves to the saddles.
+
+"Ready?" queried the colonel, gazing carefully around.
+
+"All ready," came the reply.
+
+"Good! Here we go then," and the colonel set off at a gallop, his
+revolver in his hand. Hal and Chester spurred after him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+WITHIN THE ENEMY'S LINES.
+
+
+Revolvers clasped tightly in both hands, the reins hanging loose on their
+horses' necks, while they guided the animals by the pressure of the
+knees, the friends dashed forward toward the Austrian lines, probably
+three miles ahead.
+
+When they had gone some two hundred yards, there came behind them, with
+loud shouts, a squadron of Italian cavalry, firing as they urged their
+mounts on.
+
+A hundred yards farther on the three saw signs of excitement in the
+Austrian ranks, now visible in the distance. A moment and a troop sallied
+forth to protect the flight of the apparent fugitives, and to drive back
+the Italians.
+
+Hal, thinking to help the illusion along, pulled his horse up sharply,
+and as the animal staggered and lost his stride, the lad tumbled off.
+He was up in a moment, however, and raising his revolver, emptied it
+at the Italian horsemen bearing down on him. He was careful to aim
+high, however.
+
+Chester and Colonel Anderson checked their mounts and the former leaped
+to the ground and helped Hal back to his saddle. Then, with a last volley
+in the direction of the Italians, they urged their horses on again.
+
+Meanwhile they could hear the whine of the Italian bullets above their
+head, some so close that Chester feared for a moment the Italian
+cavalrymen had misunderstood their orders. But none touched them.
+
+Straight toward the onrushing Austrians they spurred their horses; and
+the Austrians parted to let them through. At this juncture the Italians
+gave up the chase and retired; and the Austrians did not pursue them.
+
+"Pretty narrow escape you fellows had," said the Austrian officer,
+speaking in German.
+
+"Rather," replied Hal dryly. "When my horse stumbled back there, I was
+afraid it was all over."
+
+"I thought so myself," returned the Austrian. "But what is the matter?
+Who are you?"
+
+Hal gazed about sharply, and then leaning close to the Austrian,
+whispered:
+
+"From the Wilhelmstrasse."
+
+The Austrian never moved a muscle, but whispered back again:
+
+"Good! Then you desire to see General Brentz?"
+
+"At once, if you please," replied Hal.
+
+The Austrian nodded.
+
+Back within his own lines the officer volunteered to conduct the three to
+the general himself.
+
+"It will avoid delay," he explained.
+
+The three friends followed him.
+
+Before the quarters of the Austrian commander, the officer whispered to
+the orderly stationed at the entrance. The latter saluted and
+disappeared. He came out a moment later and motioned for all to enter.
+
+A large man, both tall and stout, was General Brentz, and he eyed the
+three with a close gaze. All gave the stiff German military salute.
+
+"You come from--" said the general, and paused.
+
+"The Wilhelmstrasse," said Colonel Anderson, leaning slightly forward.
+
+"And how did you get here?"
+
+"Well, not without some trouble," replied the colonel. "And we almost
+failed. But, fortunately, we remembered that the Wilhelmstrasse never
+fails, and with the aid of your cavalry, sir, we escaped. This officer,"
+pointing to the man who had conducted them there, "can perhaps tell you
+better than I. I was too busy with my horse."
+
+The officer, at the general's command, gave an account of the chase.
+
+"Very well," said the general, when he had concluded. He turned again to
+Colonel Anderson. "I take it you have valuable information for me, then?"
+
+"Yes, sir, but for you only," replied the colonel, nodding toward the
+other officer.
+
+General Brentz took the hint. He motioned the subordinate to withdraw.
+
+Colonel Anderson leaned down and unloosened his boot. He took it off, and
+drawing a knife from his pocket, slit the sole. Then he withdrew several
+sheets of dirty, crumpled paper, which he extended to General Brentz. The
+latter took them eagerly, and turned quickly to his desk.
+
+For almost an hour he poured over the papers and at last a slow smile
+spread itself over his face. He turned to the others.
+
+"This," he said, "will prove the very link for which I have been wishing.
+I may need more information from you, sirs."
+
+The three friends were afraid to look at each other for fear they would
+betray themselves, so all stood silent.
+
+"I take it you know something of my position here," said General Brentz
+to Colonel Anderson.
+
+"Very little, sir," was the reply.
+
+"I'll show you," said the general. "Draw up chairs, gentlemen; you may be
+able to help me."
+
+The three did as requested and then the Austrian commander spread a big
+map on the desk.
+
+"Here," he said, "are the positions of my troops. Now, having in mind the
+lay of the enemy forces, can you not see that a feint on the enemy left
+wing, followed by an attack in force on the center, is the key to the
+whole situation?"
+
+Colonel Anderson nodded his head slowly. In the meantime he was looking
+carefully at the map before him, impressing it upon his memory, as were
+Hal and Chester also.
+
+The colonel put a finger on the map.
+
+"Then the bulk of your men are massed here?" he asked, indicating
+the center.
+
+"No, that's the beauty of it," was the reply. "My strength is on my left
+wing. But an attack in force in the center, after a feint with my right,
+will call such Italian troops to the center that a second assault in
+force on our left will be almost certain of success."
+
+"I see," said the colonel slowly. "You are right, sir. And what is the
+strength, approximately, of your left wing?"
+
+"One hundred and fifty thousand men. Fifty to seventy-five thousand in
+the center and somewhat under fifty thousand in the right wing."
+
+"Enough to make a show of force at any given point," commented the
+colonel.
+
+"Exactly; and with these maps and plans you have brought me, there can be
+no reason for failure."
+
+"Have you ever considered, general," said Hal, "that a raid by the enemy
+in force of say fifty thousand men, through your right wing, would give
+them a commanding position in the mountains, a position from which they
+could not be dislodged without a deal of trouble?"
+
+"It has been one of my worries," was the quiet reply. "But, because of
+the strategic position of the ground, I cannot afford to weaken my left
+wing or my center to strengthen it. But if this new plan of mine goes
+through, it will obviate all danger of such an attack."
+
+"And how long would it take you to prepare for such an attack?"
+asked Chester.
+
+"I would not attempt it under three days," was the reply. "Besides,
+feeling sure of success as I do, I will wait for another reason. The
+Emperor of Germany will be here within the next day or two and I would
+have him see my troops in action. I trust you will stay here until he
+arrives. I shall take pleasure in commending you to his Majesty."
+
+"We shall be glad to accept your hospitality until that time," said the
+colonel, "if you can provide us with suitable quarters."
+
+"It shall be done," said the general and clapped his hands.
+
+An orderly entered and to him the general gave the necessary
+instructions. As the three would have followed the orderly out, the
+general stayed them.
+
+"One moment," he said. "I had forgotten you are not in uniform and would
+be annoyed without a paper giving you the freedom of our lines."
+
+He turned and scribbled for a few moments, and gave each a paper.
+
+"Make yourselves entirely at home," he said. "I shall always be ready to
+give you an interview providing the press of other work does not
+interfere."
+
+Again the three gave the stiff German military salute and the general
+rose to his feet as he returned it.
+
+Then the three friends followed the orderly from the tent.
+
+An hour later found them established in large and pretentious quarters--a
+handsomely appointed tent not far from the first-line troops, but still
+far enough back to be safe from the Italian artillery shells that ever
+and anon came hurtling across the open.
+
+"Well," said Chester, in a low voice, "we were fortunate."
+
+"We were, indeed," returned the colonel. "I can't imagine yet what
+possessed the general to let us have a look at that map."
+
+"Nor I," said Hal.
+
+"Well, I've got a picture of it in my mind that will keep for a week,"
+said Chester. "I don't need to draw it."
+
+"And it would be well not to," declared the colonel. "For if anything
+should happen and you had such a map, you would be shot without a
+moment's notice."
+
+"There is one thing sure," said Hal. "We'll have to get out of here
+before the Kaiser arrives. He'll naturally want to have a look at his
+secret agents and then it would be good night."
+
+"Rather," replied Chester dryly. "Besides, it seems to me that we know
+enough right now."
+
+"Well, we'll look about another day, anyhow," said the colonel. "We may
+be able to gather a few more details."
+
+"It won't hurt anything," said Hal. "That's sure."
+
+"Then we'll make our dash for the Italian lines to-morrow night,"
+said Chester.
+
+"Agreed," said Colonel Anderson and Hal.
+
+There was a call from without and a moment later a pleasant, dapper
+little officer stuck his head in the tent.
+
+"General Brentz has told me to put myself at your service," he said.
+"Perhaps you would like me to conduct you through the camp?"
+
+The three friends were glad of this chance and followed him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+UNCLE JOHN "BUTTS IN."
+
+
+"Well," said Chester to the young Austrian officer, as they were
+returning to their quarters an hour later, "you hold a remarkably strong
+position here. And still, if you are forced to fall back, then what?"
+
+The Austrian smiled.
+
+"We have considered all possibilities," he replied. "Back there,"
+sweeping his arm about in a comprehensive gesture, "lies Gorizia, the key
+to Trieste, which naturally is the Italian goal in this section. Gorizia
+is exceptionally well fortified, as you well know. We could defend
+ourselves there indefinitely in the face of overwhelming numbers."
+
+"But," interrupted Hal, "it is not necessary to capture Gorizia to
+take Trieste?"
+
+"No," said the Austrian with a smile, "but it is necessary to take
+Gorizia to hold Trieste. The mountains that overhang the city are
+fortified with our great guns, which could rain shells upon the city
+without danger of a successful reply. The Italians know this, which is
+the reason they have not struck at Trieste before. The same goes for
+Trent, the other point coveted by the enemy."
+
+The party had stopped during this discussion, but now moved on again. In
+this part of the camp the tents were laid out in little streets and
+avenues, and down these they walked slowly.
+
+And suddenly the three friends were treated to a disagreeable shock.
+
+Closely followed by a guard, Uncle John suddenly stepped from a tent and
+stood directly in their path. He seemed stricken dumb with amazement for
+a moment and then hurried up to them with a glad cry.
+
+"Chester! Hal!" he exclaimed in English.
+
+For a moment the two lads were dumbfounded. Then, realizing their
+perilous situation, Hal pushed Uncle John away and frowned at him. He
+whirled upon the Austrian officer.
+
+"What is the meaning of this?" he demanded sternly. "I did not know you
+had lunatics here."
+
+Now Uncle John knew something of German himself, and he caught this
+remark. He glared angrily at Hal and then spoke to Chester.
+
+"What's the meaning of this, Chester?" he asked.
+
+Chester did not reply, pretending that he did not understand English.
+Uncle John grew more angry.
+
+"You young scalawags," he shouted, "what are you trying to do? Have some
+fun with me? I want to tell you this is no place nor time for fun. I want
+to get out of here."
+
+Hal and Chester each was afraid to give Uncle John a signal for fear it
+might be seen and Colonel Anderson made no move to interfere. The
+Austrian officer turned a suspicious gaze upon the three friends.
+
+"Do you know this man?" he asked.
+
+Hal shook his head.
+
+"He evidently has mistaken us for some one else," he said. "Do you
+understand what he says? It sounds like it was English he spoke."
+
+"So it is," replied the Austrian. "He called you Hal and Chester and also
+scalawags, whatever that means."
+
+Chester shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"I don't know him," he said.
+
+"Nor I," said Hal.
+
+"I've never seen him before, to my knowledge," declared Colonel Anderson.
+
+The Austrian officer glared down at Uncle John.
+
+"What's the meaning of this?" he demanded in broken English. "Why do you
+accost these gentlemen?"
+
+"Why?" exclaimed Uncle John, dancing up and down in his rage, "why?
+Because one of them is my nephew. What does he want to deny he
+knows me for?"
+
+"He says one of you is his nephew," said the Austrian turning to
+the others.
+
+"Well, he's wrong," declared Chester. "I'm sure none of us ever saw him
+before. Let us go."
+
+The Austrian signified his readiness and they moved off; and as they went
+along Uncle John, glaring after them, shook a finger violently, and
+shouted time after time:
+
+"You young rascals. You'll be sorry for this."
+
+He was still raging when the others disappeared from sight among
+the tents.
+
+"I wonder why?" he asked himself repeatedly, when he was back in his
+prison tent. And then suddenly it dawned upon him. "What a fool I
+was," he muttered. "Of course they are here to get me out of this and
+I came almost spoiling the whole thing, if I have not done so. I ought
+to be licked."
+
+Meanwhile, the three friends followed the Austrian officer back to their
+quarters, where he left them.
+
+"By Jove! that was a pretty close shave," remarked Hal, after the officer
+had taken his leave.
+
+"Rather," replied Chester dryly. "You would think a man of Uncle John's
+age would have more sense. I'll tell him about it good and strong when I
+see him again."
+
+"But great Scott! wasn't he mad," said Hal with a laugh. "Did you see how
+he glared at us? Wonder what he thinks of us, anyhow?"
+
+"Maybe he thinks he has made a mistake," put in the colonel.
+
+"No, he doesn't," declared Chester. "He knows us when he sees us, all
+right, and I'll bet he is doing some tall thinking about now."
+
+"Well," said the colonel, "we have done about enough for to-day. I vote
+we accept the officer's invitation to have dinner with him."
+
+"Same here," agreed the others.
+
+The evening and night passed quickly, as did another day, and with the
+coming of darkness on the second day, the friends began to think of a
+method of making their way back to their own lines.
+
+"We'll have to make an effort to take Uncle John with us," said Chester.
+
+"Sure," agreed Hal and the colonel, and the latter added: "I guess we
+will manage it some way. Now, as to the matter of getting by the
+outposts."
+
+"I can't see as there will be any difficulty about that," said Chester.
+"Fortunately we are known to most of the officers around here by sight.
+They will think nothing strange of the fact that we are making a tour of
+the outposts. Then, if we can manage to catch a sentinel off guard, we
+can nab him and run."
+
+"Sounds all right," remarked Hal. "We'll try it. But first we must get
+Uncle John."
+
+"Of course," said the colonel. "We'll get him, all right. In an hour,
+then, we shall move."
+
+The hour passed slowly, and it seemed to all that the time for action
+would never come. But at last Colonel Anderson, after a glance at his
+watch, rose to his feet.
+
+"Let's go," he said briefly.
+
+The others followed him from the tent and he led the way quickly to where
+Uncle John was confined. In the distance they saw that a sentinel stood
+on guard and that to enter by that way would arouse suspicion.
+
+"You fellows engage the guard in conversation," said Chester, "and keep
+talking to him until I rejoin you."
+
+The others asked no questions, but signified that they understood.
+Chester let them walk on ahead of him, and then made his way to the rear
+of the row of tents.
+
+He produced a knife when he stood behind Uncle John's tent and slit the
+canvas silently. Inside Uncle John was reading by candle light. Chester
+whistled softly, the old whistle of his boyhood days at home, which he
+felt sure Uncle John would recognize.
+
+Nor was he wrong. Uncle John looked around quickly and beheld Chester's
+face peering into the tent. Chester laid a finger to his lips and Uncle
+John nodded. Then Chester beckoned Uncle John to come toward him and the
+latter did so. Chester enlarged the opening in the tent with his knife
+and Uncle John stepped into the open.
+
+"Follow me," whispered the lad.
+
+Uncle John asked no questions, but obeyed. Two hundred yards from the
+tent, Chester halted.
+
+"Now you stay right here till I come back," he said.
+
+He hastened away to join his friends, who were still talking to Uncle
+John's guard.
+
+He joined in the conversation for a moment and then announced that they
+might as well turn in. They told the guard good night and walked back to
+where Chester had left Uncle John. The latter greeted them with silent
+joy; he realized that to make a sound might betray them, and he was tired
+of standing there by himself.
+
+Colonel Anderson motioned to the others to follow and led the way
+forward.
+
+Swiftly and silently the four shadowy forms made their way along in the
+shelter of the innumerable tents; and finally they passed beyond the
+farthest row and into the open. Rapidly they covered the ground toward
+the outposts, and nearing them, slowed down.
+
+Then they walked forward, talking quietly among themselves, as though
+they were just out for an evening stroll. And then--
+
+"Halt!" came a hoarse command.
+
+The four obeyed. A soldier confronted them with levelled rifle.
+
+"Who goes there?" he continued.
+
+"Friends," was the reply.
+
+The man peered at them closely, and still keeping them covered, raised
+his voice for his superior. The latter came on a dead run.
+
+He eyed the four in the darkness and then motioned the soldier to
+stand back.
+
+"It's all right," he told him.
+
+The soldier saluted and walked away. The officer spoke to Hal.
+
+"You are out rather late," he said.
+
+"Right," returned the lad, "but we thought we would take a short stroll
+before turning in. We had no idea we had wandered so far from camp."
+
+"Oh, it's all right," was the reply. "Who is that with you?" peering at
+Uncle John in the darkness.
+
+"Just a friend we have made," said Chester, a slight tremor in his voice,
+for he had hoped that Uncle John's presence would be overlooked.
+
+"I don't seem to know him," said the officer, still peering intently at
+Uncle John. And then suddenly he exclaimed: "The prisoner!"
+
+He raised his voice in a cry for help; and at the same moment Hal's
+revolver butt crashed down upon his head!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+A WILD DASH.
+
+
+But the damage had been done; and in response to the single wild cry,
+footsteps came hurrying toward them. Every sleepy outpost within hearing
+was wide awake now; and the alarm was carried both ways down the long
+battle line.
+
+"Run!" cried Hal.
+
+The four took to their heels and dashed ahead--in the direction that
+eventually would carry them into the heart of the Italian lines, were
+they fortunate enough to escape the bullets that in a moment would be
+sent whizzing after them.
+
+"If we only had horses," thought Chester as he dashed over the ground.
+
+The same thought struck the others, but they did not pause to give
+voice to it.
+
+Fifty yards, a hundred yards they covered in the darkness before the
+first shot came whining after them; but this was wide, thanks to the
+blackness of the night. But now came a volley, from the Austrian troops
+behind. They could not see the running figures, but the volley was
+scattered and the four heard the sound of the singing bullets as they
+passed over their heads.
+
+"Down!" cried Colonel Anderson, even as a second volley rang out, and
+they dropped just in time; for this second volley was aimed low, and
+would have riddled the four fugitives. A third volley passed over their
+prostrate forms, and then, as another did not come immediately, Colonel
+Anderson gave the command: "Up and on again."
+
+This command was obeyed to the letter and again the four fugitives dashed
+over the ground without a word. Two, three, four hundred yards they
+dashed at top speed and then paused for a much needed breath and to take
+stock of the situation.
+
+"Anybody hit?" asked Hal anxiously.
+
+"No," came the reply from the other three.
+
+"Good. Now the question is what is best to do. Undoubtedly the Austrians
+will send a force of cavalry out looking for our bodies, and when they
+fail to find them, they will spread out and give chase. That way they are
+bound to overtake us sooner or later. Shall we bear off to the left, with
+a hope of losing them, or shall we go straight ahead as fast as we can
+and trust to luck?"
+
+"I think I can answer that," said Hal, suddenly. "As we came out I
+remember passing an old shack of some kind, a short distance off our
+left. I vote we make for that, and if we can reach it, we will attempt to
+hold it until daylight, when we can expect some assistance from the
+Italians. They will come to our aid when they see us besieged by the
+Austrians."
+
+"A good plan," declared Colonel Anderson. "Do you think you can lead the
+way to the shack you speak of?"
+
+"I can come pretty close to it," declared Hal. "My sense of direction is
+still with me, I believe. Come on."
+
+Bearing slightly off to the right, he broke into a run and the others
+followed close behind him. For perhaps another five hundred yards, he ran
+forward at fair speed and then paused.
+
+"It should be about here some place," he said. "Spread out and we'll have
+a look for it."
+
+This plan was followed and a hunt for the shack began in the darkness.
+After perhaps five minutes, Chester's voice rang out.
+
+"I've found it. This way."
+
+The others made their way in the direction of his voice and a few moments
+later all stood before the shack.
+
+"Is it open?" asked Chester.
+
+Hal tried the doorknob. It was locked. Also it was barred on the outside.
+He put the muzzle of his revolver to the lock and would have fired had
+not Colonel Anderson stayed his hand.
+
+"Hold on there," he commanded. "We don't want to open it that way if we
+can help it. Look around. Maybe there is a window."
+
+At the back of the shack they found one, but it was well out of reach.
+
+"Give me a hand up, Hal," said Chester.
+
+Hal obeyed and Chester climbed to his shoulders. His head came level with
+the window. Chester pushed against it and it swung inward.
+
+"All right," he called back. "I'm going in."
+
+He pulled himself up and then dropped down inside. Those on the outside
+heard a terrible rattle and clatter and stood suddenly silent, for they
+did not know what had happened. Then Chester called out:
+
+"It's all right. I jumped in the dishpan; that's all. Come on."
+
+Hal and Colonel Anderson boosted Uncle John to the window sill, and then
+Hal gave Colonel Anderson a hand up. The latter, perched in the window,
+leaned down and pulled Hal up beside him. They dropped down inside.
+
+At that moment a sudden beam of light flashed into the room.
+
+The moon had come out, lighting up the outside and accentuating the
+darkness in the old shack.
+
+"Well, here we are," said Chester. "Now we'll keep quiet, so as not to
+tell the enemy where we are."
+
+For perhaps an hour they sat in silence; and then Hal's quick ears
+detected the sound of approaching horses.
+
+"Listen!" he whispered.
+
+The others strained their ears to catch some sound; and directly it
+came--the sound of many horses approaching.
+
+"Better see to our guns," said Colonel Anderson quietly.
+
+He examined his own brace of revolvers carefully, and Hal and Chester did
+the same. Uncle John was unarmed.
+
+"Too bad we didn't stop and get the guns of the officer I knocked down
+back there," said Hal. "However, it's too late now. We'll have to get
+along with these."
+
+"Perhaps they won't find this place in the darkness," said Uncle John
+hopefully.
+
+"Don't fool yourself there," said Chester. "They'll find it all right.
+That is their business, right now. Besides, it's not so dark as it was
+when we arrived."
+
+"Maybe they won't take the trouble to look in," persisted Uncle John.
+
+"They'll look in, all right," replied Hal dryly.
+
+"Whoa!" came a voice in Austrian from outside.
+
+Other voices became audible.
+
+"Maybe they are in this old shack," said one.
+
+"Hardly possible they found it in the darkness," replied another.
+
+"We'll have a look, anyhow," declared a third.
+
+Footsteps advanced toward the front door and a hand tried the knob.
+
+"Locked," said a voice, "and, as you see, barred from the outside. I
+guess they are not in there."
+
+"Any windows?" asked another voice.
+
+The pursuers moved around the house.
+
+"Here's one," exclaimed a voice, stopping before the window by which the
+fugitives had entered the shack.
+
+"Climb in and have a look around," came a command.
+
+"And get shot in the darkness?" questioned the other. "What's the matter
+with your doing that?"
+
+"Afraid, eh," said the other. "Here, give me a hand up."
+
+A moment later, in the moonlight that streamed through the window, the
+four inside saw the face of the first of their pursuers; but in the
+darkness within, the occupants of the shack were not visible.
+
+"I can see no one," said the Austrian.
+
+"Get down and have a look," said the other.
+
+The man in the window drew himself up to the sill and then turned and
+dropped down inside; and even as he struck the floor Colonel Anderson
+dealt him a terrific blow over the head with the butt of a revolver.
+
+The man fell forward on his face without so much as a groan.
+
+Then there was silence for some minutes.
+
+"Well," came a voice from outside, "what's the matter with you in there?
+Find anything?"
+
+Hal stepped close to the window, and mimicking the first Austrian's
+voice, replied:
+
+"Don't see a thing. Nobody here."
+
+"All right then; come on out."
+
+"I'll have a better look first," replied Hal.
+
+"Now what good is all that going to do?" demanded Chester of Hal. "They
+won't go away and leave him here; and they'll discover his absence
+before long."
+
+"Just a little play for time," replied Hal. "Every minute helps, you
+know. If we can hold out till daylight we will be all right."
+
+"Right you are," whispered Colonel Anderson. "Minutes are precious things
+right now."
+
+There was silence for a few minutes; then the voice of the man without
+came again:
+
+"Say; what are you doing in there, anyhow? Are you coming out or not?"
+
+"In a minute," mimicked Hal again.
+
+"Find anything yet?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Then come on out of there, and let's go."
+
+"All right, I'll be right out now."
+
+Again there was silence.
+
+A revolver butt tapped the side of the house.
+
+"Come on out of there," said the Austrian outside.
+
+"Coming," replied Hal.
+
+Again silence; but this time broken from an unexpected source.
+
+There came a sudden cry from the man on the floor--the man whom Colonel
+Anderson had struck down as he jumped into the room:
+
+"Help!"
+
+Just that one word; that was all. Again a revolver butt crashed upon the
+Austrian's head and he subsided without a murmur.
+
+But the one word had given the warning.
+
+The Austrian who had remained on the outside of the shack awaiting the
+return of his friend, also raised his voice.
+
+"The fugitives are in here!" he shouted. "This way, men!"
+
+Came the sound of many running footsteps.
+
+"We're in for it now," said Colonel Anderson quietly. "All ready?"
+
+"All ready," replied Hal and Chester quietly.
+
+"Good! Take your places in the corners of the room--as much out of the
+line of fire as possible."
+
+This was done.
+
+"Surrender!" came a voice from without.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+FOUR AGAINST MANY.
+
+
+Chester could not resist the temptation to answer this demand.
+
+"Come and get us!" he called back defiantly.
+
+Uncle John created a slight diversion at this moment. He had been
+stooping over the form of the unconscious German in the shack, and now
+straightened up with an exclamation of satisfaction.
+
+"Well, I've got these, anyway," he said.
+
+He displayed a brace of revolvers and a cartridge belt which he had taken
+from the fallen man.
+
+"Good," said Colonel Anderson. "Now, Hal, you and I will guard the door,
+and Chester and Uncle John will take care of the window. The chances are
+they will attack from both directions at once. Stand as far back as
+possible and out of the line of fire."
+
+At that moment there came a crash against the door, as if several
+men were pounding upon it with their rifle butts. And this, indeed,
+was the case.
+
+"Quick!" commanded Colonel Anderson. "Shove this table and these chairs
+against the door. Brace it with anything you can find. We should have
+done it sooner."
+
+Chester and Uncle John gave up their posts guarding the window for a
+minute and helped in the work of barricading the entrance. And all the
+time the pounding continued.
+
+As Chester stepped back after putting the last chair into place, there
+came a report from behind him. There was a flash that lighted up the
+shack like day, and the lad felt a bullet whiz past his ear.
+
+He whirled quickly, and fired in the direction of the window, where he
+saw a head bobbing down. The Austrian had dodged quickly after his shot,
+but Chester had been quicker still; and the Austrian toppled down outside
+at the feet of his companions. The fall was plainly audible.
+
+"I got one of 'em!" shouted Chester gleefully.
+
+"Good for you," replied Hal. "We'll get the rest of them as fast as
+they come."
+
+The pounding upon the door continued and the occupants of the shack kept
+their eyes upon it anxiously.
+
+"It gave a little that time," declared Hal, after an extraordinarily
+furious blow. "It won't last much longer. Then we'll have to do some real
+fighting."
+
+"They will hardly rush us," said the colonel. "We should be able to pick
+them off as fast as they come through. They won't try that long."
+
+At this juncture Chester grew tired of waiting. He motioned Uncle John to
+give him a hand up and from the latter's shoulder raised his head
+cautiously to the edge of the window. For the moment he was not seen. A
+body of Austrians stood beneath the window, engaged in deep conversation.
+
+Quickly Chester levelled his automatic and pressed the trigger. Ten shots
+struck squarely in the little knot of the enemy, and several men fell.
+
+A cry of anger rose on the night air, as Chester leaped down within the
+little cabin.
+
+"Think I got some more of 'em that time," he said with a grin. "They'll
+find out we can take the initiative ourselves once in a while."
+
+"Let them alone, unless they bother us," ordered Colonel Anderson. "The
+longer they keep quiet and do nothing, the better for us. Time is the one
+factor that will work to our advantage."
+
+"I forgot about that," returned Chester a little sheepishly.
+
+There came a terrible thundering upon the door now; and it was evident
+that many men without had been called to force an entrance.
+
+"It can't hold much longer," declared Hal quietly.
+
+"About two more like that and it will give," agreed Colonel Anderson.
+
+Another rain of blows was followed by a crash, as the bottom of the door
+gave way. A moment later it tumbled inward against the table and chairs
+stacked up to brace it.
+
+And even as it did so, Colonel Anderson and Hal pressed the triggers of
+their revolvers. Once, twice, each spoke, and the voices of the
+automatics were rewarded by cries of pain from the outside.
+
+"We must have done some damage," said Hal quietly.
+
+Colonel Anderson did not reply; but stepping forward behind the
+improvised barricade, again levelled his revolver and fired twice.
+
+"Think I got a couple that trip," he remarked.
+
+He glanced around the room quickly.
+
+"Back in the corners," he instructed. "They'll probably try to rush us
+this time."
+
+He had predicted correctly.
+
+For a moment there was silence without; but suddenly there came a wild
+yell and a score of Austrians dashed forward to force an entrance to
+the shack.
+
+"Make every shot count!" cried Hal.
+
+The occupants of the cabin waited until the foe was in plain sight and
+then four revolvers spoke once. As many men dropped in their tracks--for
+at that distance a miss was practically impossible; but the other
+Austrians came on.
+
+Again four revolvers spoke; and this time only three men dropped. A third
+volley from the occupants of the cabin accounted for two. The Austrians
+hesitated.
+
+"We're wasting bullets," declared Hal. "One is enough for each man. Uncle
+John, you take the man on the far left, Chester, you the one next to him,
+Colonel Anderson, the third is for you. I'll take the man on this side."
+
+"A good idea," replied the colonel. "One bullet for one Austrian. That's
+all each is worth."
+
+As the Austrians, after a moment of hesitation, pressed forward once
+more, the weapons of the four friends spoke twice in rapid succession
+with greater effect.
+
+This was enough for the enemy--for the time being, at least. They drew
+off and the occupants of the shack had time for a breathing spell and an
+opportunity to reload their weapons.
+
+"They'll be back in a few minutes," declared Colonel Anderson. "Their
+officers will not let them give up as long as we are here."
+
+"Well, we'll be ready for them," said Chester grimly.
+
+"So we will, Chester," declared Hal. He turned to Uncle John. "Well, what
+do you think of this kind of a life, sir?" he asked.
+
+Uncle John smiled faintly.
+
+"It's not so bad," he replied. "It's a little strange to me, but
+you notice I have been able to fire a gun. I guess I'll get used to
+it in time."
+
+"You are a brave and cool-headed man, sir," declared Colonel Anderson. "I
+do not believe I was half so cool my first time under fire."
+
+"If you really knew how scared I was, you wouldn't say that," was Uncle
+John's reply.
+
+A hail from outside interrupted further talk.
+
+"What do you suppose they want now?" asked Hal.
+
+"Don't know," replied the colonel briefly. "We'll see." He raised his
+voice in a shout.
+
+"What do you want?" he demanded in German.
+
+"Want to have a talk with you," was the reply.
+
+"Talk away," replied the colonel.
+
+"We would give you a chance of life and to avoid further bloodshed,"
+replied the Austrian.
+
+"There has been no bloodshed in here," returned Colonel Anderson, "except
+among your men. We are perfectly whole and ready to fight some more."
+
+"Then you refuse to surrender?"
+
+"We do; most decidedly."
+
+There was no more talk from the Austrians; neither was there another
+immediate attack. The quiet without became so pronounced that Hal
+became uneasy.
+
+"What do you suppose they are doing?" he asked.
+
+"Haven't any idea," replied Colonel Anderson.
+
+"Well, you can take my word for it they are up to some mischief,"
+declared Chester. "This silence bodes no good for us, I'll bet."
+
+"Well, as long as they let us alone, it's a point in our favor," declared
+Colonel Anderson. "It is less than an hour until daylight now. Then we
+shall have help."
+
+"The Austrians will have a whack at us before that," said Hal positively.
+"But I would like to know what's up."
+
+"So would I," declared Chester. "And I am positive that there's
+something."
+
+"I guess we'll know soon enough," said Uncle John.
+
+And they did learn--not fifteen minutes later.
+
+"What's that funny noise out there?" asked Chester suddenly.
+
+The others strained their ears.
+
+"I don't hear anything," said Hal. "You must--Wait, though. What is
+that noise?"
+
+Again all listened intently. There was a faint "crack, crack," as though
+some one were walking upon fallen twigs.
+
+At that moment Chester detected another cause for alarm.
+
+"I smell smoke," he said suddenly.
+
+"By George! that's what's the matter," shouted Hal. "They are going to
+smoke us out and shoot us down, or burn us here like rats in a trap. What
+are we going to do?" he demanded anxiously.
+
+"Don't get excited, in the first place," replied Colonel Anderson coolly,
+"We are in a ticklish situation, and that's a fact, but there must be
+some way out of it. Now let's see. We can't get out the front door
+without being shot down. The same goes for the window as the house
+undoubtedly is surrounded. Then what are we to do?"
+
+"There is only one thing I can think of," declared Hal.
+
+"And that?"
+
+"As long as we are playing for time, stay here until we can stand it no
+longer because of the heat. Then make a break for it. Perhaps we can take
+them by surprise, grab four horses and get a good start."
+
+"There is little chance of that," replied Colonel Anderson. "But it seems
+to be the only way. We'll do it."
+
+Their plans thus made, they waited patiently, conversing in low tones,
+the while keeping their eyes open. The flames were crackling merrily now,
+and the heat was becoming intense, while occasional clouds of smoke
+rolled into the single room. It was too hot to remain still. Colonel
+Anderson spoke. "We've stood it long enough," he said. "Guns ready, and
+let's go!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+A SACRIFICE.
+
+
+"Hold on there a minute," said Chester. "We are forgetting one thing."
+
+"What's that?" demanded Colonel Anderson.
+
+"Why," returned Chester, "that at least one of us must get back to
+General Ferrari and give him the information we were sent after."
+
+"But how can we?"
+
+"Well, not by jumping out there and fighting and getting killed, all of
+us. I've a plan."
+
+"You'll have to hurry," said Hal. "It's getting too hot in here."
+
+"Listen then," said Chester, speaking rapidly. "I'll climb up to this
+window and drop out. They won't shoot at me at first, because they
+naturally will think I am about to surrender. When I get to the bottom,
+I'll wait for either you or Colonel Anderson, as you may decide. When one
+of you reach my side, we'll both run. The Austrians will give chase. When
+I yell, the two who remain here will make a break out the door, try to
+find a couple of horses and head for the Italian lines. Come, now, let's
+get busy."
+
+Without awaiting a reply, he crossed to the window.
+
+"A hand up, Uncle John," he said quietly.
+
+The latter hurried to his side, and making a step of his uncle's hand,
+Chester pulled himself up. A moment later he disappeared.
+
+"I'll be the other," declared Colonel Anderson and started toward the
+window. Hal stretched out a hand and detained him.
+
+"No, I'll go," he said.
+
+"You forget," said Colonel Anderson, "that I am in command of this
+expedition, sir. I command you to obey my orders."
+
+Hal stepped back.
+
+"Very well," he said slowly.
+
+Uncle John gave the colonel a hand up, and then hurried to Hal's side,
+and the two stood awaiting the word that would send them from their fiery
+retreat in a wild dash through the Austrian troops without.
+
+Suddenly the sound came. Hal heard it plainly--Chester's voice, raised in
+a shout in English.
+
+"All right! Go!"
+
+With a low cry to Uncle John to follow him, Hal leaped through the
+scattered heap of chairs, over the table and dead bodies that almost
+blocked his progress, and into the open. Uncle John was right behind him.
+
+The way seemed clear and Hal's heart beat with hope as he made out
+directly ahead of him the shadowy form of what he knew to be a body of
+horses. He dashed toward them silently.
+
+He seized a bridle of the first horse and tossed it to Uncle John, who
+leaped quickly to the saddle, and waited a moment for Hal. The lad was
+astride a second horse a moment later and whirling the animals quickly,
+they urged them forward in the darkness at top speed.
+
+At that moment a form blocked their way.
+
+With a quick movement Hal whipped out his automatic, and without pausing
+to take aim, fired. The bullet went true, and the man toppled to one side
+even as Hal's horse would have trampled him under foot.
+
+There came a loud cry from behind and Hal realized that their ruse had
+been discovered.
+
+"Hurry," he called to Uncle John.
+
+A volley of bullets was sent after the flying horsemen by the
+Austrians, who realized for the first time that two of their quarry
+were about to escape.
+
+"Mount and after them," came a hoarse Austrian command.
+
+Half a dozen troopers made a rush for their horses, while as many more
+dropped to their knees, levelled their rifles and fired into the darkness
+where the fugitives had been a moment before.
+
+But the darkness was a blessing to the two fugitives. The Austrians were
+aiming by mere guess and neither rider was touched.
+
+Hal began to breathe easier. He checked the pace a trifle, as he realized
+that Uncle John was lagging a little behind, his horse, apparently, not
+being as fresh or as swift as the one the lad bestrode.
+
+And now the boy caught the sound of hoofbeats hurrying after them.
+
+"Hurry, Uncle John!" he called anxiously. "They are after us."
+
+Uncle John urged his horse to greater effort and the animal responded
+nobly. For a moment he kept pace with Hal's swifter mount.
+
+Hal dropped the reins to his horse's neck, and drew his second revolver.
+Then he slackened the pace of his horse even more.
+
+"Go ahead!" he cried as Uncle John flashed by. "I'll hold 'em back a
+minute or two."
+
+The pursuers gained upon him. Hal stopped his horse.
+
+A moment later the Austrians became visible in the now semi-darkness--for
+dawn was breaking. Hal raised both weapons and fired three times in rapid
+succession.
+
+His effort was rewarded by several cries of pain from the pursuers, and
+the others checked their horses abruptly. Again Hal fired twice; and
+then, turning his horse quickly, rode swiftly after Uncle John.
+
+The Austrians hesitated a moment before again taking up the chase, and
+this brief moment was the time the fugitives needed.
+
+As they galloped along, Hal still somewhat in the rear, it grew light and
+less than a half a mile ahead the riders made out the first Italian
+outpost. They headed toward it with loud cries, the Austrians now again
+in pursuit.
+
+Their cries were heard in the Italian lines, and quicker than it takes to
+tell it, Hal's heart was made glad by the sight of a mounted squadron of
+Italian troops dashing toward them.
+
+He slowed his horse down to a walk, and turning in the saddle, took a
+parting shot at the Austrians, who now had turned to flee. One threw up
+his arms, and dropped to the ground, and the horse went on riderless.
+
+The Italian horsemen pulled up when they reached Hal's side, and the lad
+explained the situation in a few words.
+
+"If you are quick," he told the officer, "you may take them unaware and
+rescue my two companions."
+
+The officer wasted no time in words; a quick command to his men, and the
+troop went on in pursuit of the foe.
+
+Hal turned to Uncle John.
+
+"There is nothing we can do for them," he said. "We shall go to General
+Ferrari and make our report."
+
+He led the way, more slowly now.
+
+The Italian commander received them immediately and Hal gave him the
+information they had gained in as few words as possible. After receiving
+the thanks of the general, the boy, followed by Uncle John, again made
+his way to the front; and at the extreme outpost, saw the Italians who
+had pursued the Austrians returning--empty-handed.
+
+The officer greeted him with a gesture of sorrow.
+
+"It was no use," he said. "They had started when we reached there. We
+pursued them as far as advisable, and fell back only when a strong force
+of the enemy came out to meet us."
+
+Hal thanked him and with Uncle John returned to his quarters, seeking to
+think of some way by which he could be of service to his chum and to
+Colonel Anderson.
+
+Meanwhile, what of the other two?
+
+When Chester leaped from the burning shack, he awaited the arrival of the
+next, who proved to be Colonel Anderson, even as he had planned. As
+Chester had figured, the Austrians did not attack him when he reached the
+ground, evidently believing he was about to surrender.
+
+A moment later Colonel Anderson stood beside him, and as the latter
+raised himself to his feet, Chester shouted the words that had set Hal
+and Uncle John on their dash for life:
+
+"All right! Go!"
+
+At these words, he and Colonel Anderson also dashed ahead. Taken by the
+surprise, the Austrians hesitated a moment and then dashed after them
+with cries. The men who had been guarding the door by which Hal and Uncle
+John later escaped, also joined in the chase.
+
+For a couple of seconds the Austrians did not fire at the fugitives,
+evidently believing they could catch them. But as the two gradually drew
+away from them an officer gave the command:
+
+"Fire!"
+
+A score of rifles cracked, but fortunately for Chester and Colonel
+Anderson, none of the soldiers had taken time to aim carefully. But one
+bullet whistled close to Chester's head.
+
+"I can't see any use getting killed," he muttered to himself.
+
+Colonel Anderson also came to a stop, and both raised their hands in
+token of surrender.
+
+An Austrian officer advanced toward them--and he proved to be the same
+man with whom they had talked just before making their dash from the
+Austrian lines--the man whom they had knocked unconscious as he gave
+the alarm.
+
+"So we have you at last, eh?" he said harshly.
+
+"Yes, we're here," agreed Chester with a smile.
+
+"And this time you will not get away," was the response. "Spies, eh?"
+
+"Well, what of it?" demanded Chester.
+
+"Nothing," replied the officer, "except that you will be shot some
+time to-day."
+
+"Oh, well, that's the chance we all take," replied Chester calmly.
+
+At this moment a subordinate approached the officer.
+
+"The other two fugitives, sir, have taken two horses and fled," he said.
+
+"What?" shouted the Austrian.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+The officer whirled upon Chester and Colonel Anderson.
+
+"So," he exclaimed. "This is some more of your work. You shall pay for
+it."
+
+"Perhaps," said Chester.
+
+The officer made no reply to this. Instead he motioned them to move ahead
+of him, which they did. A moment later they found themselves in the
+saddle and headed back toward the Austrian lines, closely surrounded by
+their guards.
+
+"And now," said Chester, "for another call on our friend, the general."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII.
+
+MR. STUBBS ONCE MORE.
+
+
+A hearty hand slapped Hal on the back, and he looked up from a moody
+reverie into the face of Anthony Stubbs.
+
+"Well, well, what's the matter now?" demanded the little war
+correspondent.
+
+"Matter enough," replied Hal. "The Austrians have nabbed Chester."
+
+"You don't say!" exclaimed Stubbs. "I thought you fellows had finished
+your fighting days."
+
+"So we had," returned the lad; "but we took one little fling, and this is
+the result."
+
+"And what are you going to do about it?"
+
+"That's what I have been trying to figure out."
+
+"Well, I guess they won't hurt Chester any," said Stubbs.
+
+"That's where you are wrong," declared Hal, getting to his feet. "They'll
+just about stand him up and shoot him as a spy."
+
+Stubbs became more serious at once; for before he had not realized that
+Chester was in any immediate danger.
+
+"As serious as all that?" he questioned. "Tell me about it. What have you
+fellows been up to?"
+
+Rapidly Hal laid the facts before him.
+
+"H-m-m," muttered Stubbs, when the lad concluded. "Chester certainly has
+got himself into a mess. And Anderson is with him, eh? Well, we will have
+to do something--and that at once."
+
+"Yes; but what?" demanded Hal anxiously.
+
+"Well, now, that's the question, but you'll have to give me time. I'll
+find a way. A newspaper man always finds a way."
+
+Hal felt a little relieved. He couldn't see that there was the slightest
+chance to be of assistance to his chum, but the little war
+correspondent's words cheered him.
+
+"Yep, you'll have to give me a little time," said Stubbs. "Now you wait
+here until I come back, and if I don't come back with a first class plan
+I hope to never write another story for the _Gazette_."
+
+He walked rapidly away, leaving Hal alone with his thoughts. Fifteen
+minutes later the little man returned.
+
+"All right," he said. "Let's go."
+
+"Go?" exclaimed Hal. "Go where?"
+
+"Why, go and get Chester and Anderson out of the hole. Are you ready?"
+
+"Oh, I'm ready enough," replied Hal, as he fell in step and hurried along
+beside Stubbs, "but tell me--"
+
+"Now hold on there," interrupted Stubbs. "I'll tell you, but I am a-going
+to do it in my own way. Don't hurry me."
+
+Hal made no reply, and after a few moments the war correspondent
+continued:
+
+"Yep, we'll get 'em all right--that is, if the Austrians don't beat us to
+it. Sure we'll get 'em."
+
+He grew silent again, and although Hal could hardly restrain his
+impatience, he pressed his lips close together and said nothing. Stubbs
+gazed at him and smiled.
+
+"You'll do," he said. "Now that you have managed to get a tight rein on
+your impatience I'll tell you. In the first place, we'll have to hurry;
+but first we'll turn in here a minute."
+
+He turned abruptly to the right, and a moment later led the way into his
+own temporary quarters.
+
+"My diggings, as the British say," he declared with a wave of his hands.
+"I'll have you fixed up in a minute."
+
+"Fixed up?" questioned Hal.
+
+"Sure. You didn't expect to go back to the Austrian side looking like
+that, did you? They'd nab you in a minute."
+
+He rummaged among some things in a corner, and directly produced an extra
+suit of clothes.
+
+"Climb into these," he ordered.
+
+Hal did as commanded and awaited further instructions.
+
+Stubbs opened a little box, which gave forth a peculiar smell and had a
+queer blackish appearance. Stubbs dipped his fingers in the box, and then
+passed them over Hal's face.
+
+"Lucky I had a little experience in the art of stagecraft," he remarked
+as he continued the operation.
+
+He stepped back and surveyed Hal critically.
+
+"There," he exclaimed. "Your own mother wouldn't know you. You look all
+of ten years older. Got your guns?"
+
+Hal picked them up from where he had thrown them when he had
+changed clothes.
+
+"All ready," he said quietly.
+
+"Wait till I fix myself up a little," said Stubbs. "You must remember I
+was within the Austrian lines not so long ago myself. They may be looking
+for me, too."
+
+He again delved into the little box, and Hal, as he watched, was
+surprised at the change in the appearance of the man. He, too, seemed to
+have aged greatly, and he bore slight resemblance to the old Stubbs.
+
+"All ready to move now," he said at last.
+
+He led the way from his quarters, and perhaps a hundred yards away,
+indicated a pair of horses.
+
+"Ours--for the journey," he said.
+
+A moment later both were in the saddle and were riding toward the front.
+
+"Now," said Stubbs, "I'll resume my little talk."
+
+"One minute," broke in Hal. "How do you figure we are going to be
+allowed the freedom of the Austrian camp? What'll they do with us when
+we get there?"
+
+"True," said Stubbs. He reached in his pocket and produced two papers,
+one of which he passed to Hal. "This may help a little," he explained.
+
+Hal looked at the paper. He found it was made out in the name of John
+Lawrence and that it purported to be an identification of John Lawrence
+as an accredited correspondent of the New York _Gazette_.
+
+"I've got two or three more back there," said Stubbs, waving an arm in
+the general direction of his quarters. "They have often come in handy."
+
+"I see," said Hal. "Then these papers are what you are figuring on to
+gain us the freedom of the Austrian lines."
+
+"Freedom to a certain extent, yes," replied Stubbs. "Now for the other
+part of my plan. To be perfectly frank, you know just as much about it as
+I do. I have no plan beside getting in the Austrian lines. Events must
+shape themselves after that."
+
+"But do you suppose these papers will satisfy the Austrian commander?"
+
+"They will after I have talked to him for five minutes."
+
+"I hope so," said Hal.
+
+They had now passed the Italian outposts, unmolested, and rode across the
+open toward the Austrian lines. Some time later they were halted by an
+Austrian sentinel.
+
+"Take us to the general," commanded Stubbs.
+
+The sentinel eyed the little man aggressively, but, evidently being
+impressed with his manner, called a superior. To him Stubbs gave the same
+command, and he gave it in such a way that the officer, after a slight
+hesitation, turned on his heel and motioned Hal and Stubbs to follow him.
+
+Five minutes later they stood again in the presence of General Brentz.
+Stubbs produced his paper and Hal did likewise. The general scanned
+them closely.
+
+"How do I know you are what you represent yourselves to be?" he
+demanded gruffly.
+
+"For one reason, general," said Stubbs, "because we wouldn't be here
+otherwise. Of course we don't expect the freedom of your lines, but we
+would like to know a little about the Austrian troops--whether they can
+fight, how they stand up under fire--what kind of men they are. The
+people of America want to know, and that's what we are here for."
+
+The general hesitated.
+
+"I've had some trouble with spies here lately," he said at length, "and I
+have become wary." He scrutinized them closely. "But you look honest.
+I'll take a chance on you. Besides, it would be well for the people of
+America to know something of the Austrians besides what they read from an
+enemy source."
+
+"Thank you, general," said Stubbs, "and you will provide us with papers
+so that we will not be molested?"
+
+"Yes, I'll do that."
+
+The general scribbled a few lines on two sheets of paper, which he passed
+to Stubbs. The latter gave one to Hal, and turned to go, Hal following
+him. At the entrance Stubbs turned quickly.
+
+"Oh, by the way, general, about these spies--are they Italians?"
+
+"No, they are British," was the reply.
+
+"And there is no doubt they are spies?"
+
+"None; they aided a prisoner to escape and were only captured after great
+trouble. There were two more whom we did not get."
+
+"Oh! In that case, I suppose you will have to shoot them," Stubbs stated
+as a matter of fact.
+
+"Exactly. They will be executed at sunrise to-morrow."
+
+"In the meantime they are likely to escape again," said Stubbs.
+
+"Not much," declared the general. He walked to the window, and pointed to
+a large tent a short distance away.
+
+"See that tent?" he questioned.
+
+Hal and Stubbs indicated that they did.
+
+"They are confined in there," said the general, "and they are heavily
+guarded. I have stationed a guard of five armed men, with instructions
+never to leave them alone. I shall take no chances; and in the morning
+they shall be shot. This is no place for spies."
+
+"I can see that, general," replied Stubbs. "Well, we are obliged to you
+for your courtesy, and we shall make it clear to the American people that
+the Austrians are not as black as they have been painted."
+
+The general bowed courteously, and Hal and Stubbs left his quarters.
+
+"You see," said Stubbs when they were outside, "it wasn't such a hard
+matter after all."
+
+"And to think," said Hal, "that, in view of his recent experiences, he
+was so unwary as to betray where Chester and Colonel Anderson are
+confined."
+
+"Which was lucky for us," declared Stubbs. "It will save us a lot of
+worry and search."
+
+"Now what?" demanded Hal.
+
+"Well," was the reply, "I should say that there is nothing that can be
+done before dark. However, we might as well take a look at the prison
+tent from the outside. It is always well to know the lay of the land."
+
+Accordingly they turned their footsteps in that direction, and walked by
+the tent slowly. And from the inside they heard the sound of Chester's
+laugh, as he talked to Colonel Anderson.
+
+"He's not worrying any, that boy," said Stubbs with a smile. "We'll get
+them out safely."
+
+All the afternoon the two prowled about the camp; and at last darkness
+fell. It was time to get busy, for whatever was done must be accomplished
+before the break of day, when a firing squad would snuff out the lives of
+the two prisoners.
+
+"Well, here we go," said Stubbs.
+
+He led the way slowly toward the prison tent.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX.
+
+SENTENCED TO DIE.
+
+
+Chester's and Lieutenant Anderson's interview with General Brentz was far
+from being the pleasant few minutes that Hal and Stubbs had experienced.
+Hal now considered the general a pleasant middle-aged man and a courteous
+gentleman; Chester looked upon him almost as a barbarian.
+
+General Brentz was striding wrathfully up and down his quarters when
+Chester and Colonel Anderson were taken before him. He greeted their
+arrival with a fierce scowl and motioned the guards outside the door with
+an angry gesture.
+
+"So!" he exclaimed. "You are British spies instead of German secret
+agents, eh? Well, we know how to treat all such here. What have you to
+say for yourselves?"
+
+"Nothing," said Colonel Anderson, replying for both.
+
+"'Twould do you no good," responded the officer. "But there is one thing
+I would know. How does it come that you are familiar with the password of
+the Wilhelmstrasse?"
+
+"I can't see where it would do any good to tell you, general,"
+replied Chester.
+
+"But I demand to know."
+
+"You'll never learn from me," declared the lad.
+
+Colonel Anderson smiled.
+
+"That goes for me, too," he said quietly.
+
+The general glared wrathfully at first one and then the other.
+
+"Very well," he said, controlling his anger. "You shall both be shot
+at sunrise."
+
+He gazed at the two closely to see what effect his words had; but if he
+expected to find an expression of fear upon either face, he was
+disappointed. Colonel Anderson and Chester eyed him steadily, though
+neither spoke.
+
+It was what they had expected.
+
+After a few moments the general spoke again, this time more kindly, with
+his eyes full upon Chester.
+
+"You," he said, "appear to be too young for this sort of business. How do
+you happen to be mixed up in such desperate work?"
+
+"It's too long a story to go into, general," replied Chester quietly.
+"Besides, as we have not much longer to live, Colonel Anderson and I
+would rather be left to ourselves."
+
+The general seemed about to make an angry reply; then changed his mind,
+and asked:
+
+"Are you English?"
+
+"No, I am not," replied Chester. "I am an American."
+
+"I thought so," declared the general. "Well, it's too bad, but if you
+will mix up in business that does not concern you, you must pay the
+penalty. Orderly!"
+
+His orderly entered and came to attention.
+
+"Have these prisoners closely confined," was the command. "Station a
+detail of five men and see that they are not unguarded a single moment.
+Then present my compliments to Colonel Frestung and tell him to have a
+firing squad ready at sunrise. These men are spies and must die."
+
+Again the orderly saluted and motioned the prisoners to precede him from
+the general's quarters.
+
+With heads erect and shoulders squared, Chester and Colonel Anderson
+marched out ahead of him. Each realized the futility of a break for
+liberty and each was determined to live his last moments and die the
+death of a soldier.
+
+Outside a squad of soldiers surrounded them and they were led to a large
+tent, which was to be their last prison. Inside they found comfortable
+chairs, a table and several books.
+
+"They seem to take pains to make it pleasant for a man about to die,"
+remarked Colonel Anderson. "We should be able to spend a profitable day."
+
+"So we should," was the reply. "I wonder if Hal and Uncle John got
+through safely?" he remarked somewhat irrelevantly.
+
+"I guess we can bank on that," said the colonel. "They got through if
+there was a possible chance."
+
+"I hope that Hal does not venture into the Austrian lines in an attempt
+to rescue us," declared Chester. "It would be sticking his head into the
+lion's mouth."
+
+"Nevertheless, that is what he is likely to do," asserted Colonel
+Anderson. "It is not like him to keep quiet when some one is in danger."
+
+"That's what worries me," confessed Chester. "There is no use of his
+being killed, too."
+
+"Oh, well," said the colonel, "whatever happens is beyond our power to
+remedy. Let's talk about something pleasant."
+
+And so they did, whiling away the rapidly flying hours with stories and
+reminiscences; and the shadows deepened as darkness approached.
+
+"It seems to me that we could get out of this place some way," declared
+Chester suddenly.
+
+"It seems to me that you are wrong," said, the colonel grimly. "There are
+five guards outside, each armed to the teeth. What chance would we have?"
+
+"Well, I don't know," confessed Chester. "I was just thinking."
+
+"Think while you have a chance," said the colonel with a slight grin.
+"Looks like our thinking days were about over."
+
+Chester's eyes roamed about the tent. His eyes sparkled.
+
+"We might as well have a little fun, anyhow," he remarked. "How hard do
+you think you could hit a man with that chair you are sitting on?"
+
+Colonel Anderson felt the chair carefully with his fingers.
+
+"Well, pretty hard, I guess," was his reply. "What's the idea?"
+
+"Think you could hit him so hard he wouldn't have time to cry out?"
+
+"Yes; if I was particular how I handled it."
+
+"Well, we'll have a try at it then," declared Chester.
+
+"Try at what? What do you mean?"
+
+"I'll tell you. I'll step out of the tent. The first guard in sight will
+order me to get back inside. I'll protest. Then he'll put me in. When he
+lets loose of me, you whack him over the head with that chair, and be
+careful how you do it."
+
+"Yes, but the other guards?"
+
+"I guess we can work that all right. I have noticed that no two of the
+guards are in front of the tent at the same time--they are walking around
+all the time. When you have disposed of the first man, we'll work the
+same trick on the other."
+
+"And then what?"
+
+"Why then," said Chester simply, "we'll put on their uniforms and walk
+out of here."
+
+"By Jove!" ejaculated the colonel. "Now I wonder--"
+
+He broke off and for some moments was lost in thought. Then he got
+quietly to his feet, determination written upon his strong features.
+
+"It may work," he said. "We'll try it. But we'll have to move quickly and
+silently; and we shall have to don the uniforms almost in a single jump."
+
+"All right," said Chester. "Ready?"
+
+"All ready," replied the colonel with a nod.
+
+He picked up the heavy chair and swung it once about his head. Then
+he took up a position at the side of the tent, just out of view from
+the entrance.
+
+Chester walked boldly from the tent.
+
+"Get back in there," came a harsh command in Austrian.
+
+Chester paid no heed and continued to gaze straight ahead into the
+rapidly descending darkness.
+
+"Get back in there," came the command, and still Chester made no move.
+
+The Austrian soldier came up to the lad, and taking him by the shoulders,
+thrust him within the tent. Chester threw out an arm and succeeded in
+drawing the man in after him. Then he released his own hold, and with an
+effort shook off the grip of his captor. At the same moment he jumped
+lightly aside and called in a hoarse whisper:
+
+"Now!"
+
+There was a rush of air as the heavy chair descended, followed by a dull
+thud, and a second impact as the soldier fell to the ground with a
+crushed skull. Colonel Anderson was over the unconscious form in a
+moment, ready to choke an outcry should his blow not have been true. But
+there was no need for this. His aim had been true, and the man was
+unconscious before he fell.
+
+"All right," whispered the colonel hoarsely. "Rip off your clothes while
+I get him out of this uniform."
+
+Chester flung off his clothes hurriedly, and stepped quickly into the
+uniform Colonel Anderson gave him. Then he deprived the man of his gun
+and revolvers.
+
+"All ready for the next one," he said. He moved toward the door.
+
+"Hold on there," called the colonel. "You can't go in that uniform."
+
+"By George! you're right," declared Chester. "What now?"
+
+"You'll have to wield the chair," was the reply. "There is no time to
+change again."
+
+He walked out of the tent and Chester picked up the chair and stepped
+into position.
+
+This time, therefore, it was Colonel Anderson who engaged in a heated
+altercation with a second Austrian soldier. The plan worked as well as
+before and the man pushed the colonel back into the tent. The latter
+dragged the man in after him and stepped hurriedly aside, just as Chester
+brought the chair down upon the Austrian's defenseless head with all his
+power. The man dropped like a log.
+
+Hurriedly Colonel Anderson stripped off his outer garments and climbed
+into the Austrian's uniform. Then he seized the man's gun and revolvers
+and led the way from the tent.
+
+"If you see another of them, keep your back toward him if possible,"
+whispered the colonel.
+
+And just as Chester emerged from the tent a third guard stepped around
+the side. Chester turned his back, as did Colonel Anderson, and the man
+paid no heed to them. The fugitives walked away quickly.
+
+Out of sight of the tent they slowed down and breathed with relief.
+
+"Which way now?" asked Chester.
+
+"As straight toward the front as we can go," was the reply. "We'll have
+to trust to luck to get through."
+
+They made off with all speed.
+
+And suddenly, from the direction in which they had come, there came a
+loud cry, followed by several pistol shots and the sound of footsteps
+running after them.
+
+"They have discovered our escape!" shouted Colonel Anderson. "Run."
+
+He suited the action to the word and Chester ran after him.
+
+"We'd better double back and try to throw them off our track," called the
+colonel over his shoulder.
+
+He swerved to the right, ran a few rods, and turned to the right again.
+
+And then, abruptly, he came to a pause. Chester, a step behind, crashed
+into him. He stumbled, and uttered an exclamation of dismay, as he heard
+Colonel Anderson say:
+
+"We surrender!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX.
+
+SAFE.
+
+
+As Hal and Anthony Stubbs approached the tent in which Chester and
+Colonel Anderson had been so recently confined, they discussed their plan
+of action; and after several plans had been advanced and rejected, Hal
+decided that caution must be thrown to the winds.
+
+"A quick dash--and a fight if necessary," he declared.
+
+And Stubbs had agreed, peaceful man though he was; and although Hal did
+not know it, the little man was literally shaking in his boots. However,
+like many men of his kind, he had a certain manner of concealing his
+nervousness, and he now followed Hal coolly enough.
+
+Fifty yards from the tent Hal paused, as he saw two figures emerge from
+the prison and walk quickly away.
+
+"Strange. Wonder what that means?" he said to himself. He turned to
+Stubbs. "All right now," he said quietly. "Follow me and be quick."
+
+He ran lightly forward and dashed into the tent. And in the darkness he
+stumbled over a prostrate form. Quickly he drew a match from his pocket
+and struck, it. The face of the man on the floor was not that of Chester
+nor Colonel Anderson. The flare of the match showed him a second
+prostrate form, and he saw that this, too, was a stranger to him. Then he
+saw the discarded clothing and realized what had transpired.
+
+"Quick, Stubbs! They have escaped!" he shouted, and darted from the tent.
+
+And in the entrance he met an Austrian guard, whose attention had been
+attracted by the sound of Hal stumbling within. The man uttered a low
+exclamation and sought to bring his gun to bear.
+
+But Hal was too quick for him. In spite of the fact that he keenly
+realized the need of caution, he also realized the value of time. His
+hand slipped quickly to his revolver, and without raising it he fired
+from his hip. The Austrian staggered back and tumbled over.
+
+"We're in for it!" cried Hal. "Follow me and hurry!"
+
+He dashed forward in the direction recently taken by the two figures he
+had seen leave the tent, for he felt sure the forms were those of Chester
+and Colonel Anderson.
+
+Stubbs was right behind him. Fear lent wings to the little man's legs,
+and Hal, despite his longer strides, did not forge ahead of him. Both ran
+at full speed.
+
+And suddenly Hal made out figures in front, and before he could swerve
+aside, he heard Colonel Anderson's well-known voice exclaim:
+
+"We surrender!"
+
+With a stifled shout, Hal put forth an extra burst of speed, as he
+realized that the men who held the drop on Chester and Colonel Anderson
+numbered but three, although from beyond he could see others rushing
+toward them.
+
+Again his revolver spoke and a bullet whizzed close to Colonel Anderson's
+head; but an Austrian soldier dropped. The others were taken by surprise,
+and relaxed their vigilance for a moment. And then Colonel Anderson and
+Chester, who had now recovered his balance, fired.
+
+Chester started as he recognized Hal's voice, which now called out:
+
+"Quick, Chester! To the right."
+
+Colonel Anderson was no less surprised, but he did not hesitate; and
+closely bunched the four turned to the right and ran for their lives.
+
+Men sprang up on all sides now; and it seemed impossible that the four
+could escape. But fortune favored them.
+
+Swerving suddenly again, Hal, who was in the lead, stopped short, and
+uttered a cry of pure dismay. The way ahead was blocked. There seemed no
+way out; and then Chester cried:
+
+"An aeroplane hangar!"
+
+It was true. Fortune had guided their footsteps to possibly the only
+place in the whole Austrian camp where there was a chance of escape.
+
+Hal wasted no time. Rapidly he mounted the hangar, the others following
+him closely. The lad uttered a short prayer as he climbed and then gave a
+great sigh of relief. He had feared there would be no air craft there,
+but, and Hal cried his relief aloud, there was.
+
+He glanced at the machine quickly and uttered another cry of joy as he
+made out that the craft was exceptionally large, capable of seating at
+least ten men, and the additional fact that it was a self starter.
+
+"Climb in quick!" he shouted, leaping into the pilot's seat and taking
+the wheel.
+
+The others followed this command with all despatch, and Chester took his
+place at the motor.
+
+"Let 'er go, Chester!" shouted Hal.
+
+There came a faint buzz at first, followed by a louder noise as the motor
+began to whir; there was the sound of the whizzing propellers, and the
+machine shot from the hangar with a lurch.
+
+And at the same moment there came from all sides volleys of rifle and
+pistol shots. Chester felt a sharp tinge in his left arm, and Hal felt
+the breeze of a bullet as it flew by his ear. Colonel Anderson was
+untouched, but Stubbs sent up a howl of anguish.
+
+"I'm shot!" he cried and started to his feet.
+
+The machine rocked crazily as he attempted to rise and Colonel Anderson
+reached quickly up and seized him by the arm.
+
+"Sit down, you fool!" he commanded. "Do you want to spill us all out?"
+
+Hal threw over the elevating lever and the huge air craft soared into the
+sky. And not until they had reached an altitude of a thousand feet did
+Hal straighten the machine out for a level flight.
+
+Then he slowed down a moment to take stock of injuries.
+
+"Hit, Colonel Anderson?" he asked.
+
+"No," was the reply.
+
+"You, Chester?"
+
+"Scratch, I guess," answered Chester. "Bullet touched me on the arm.
+Doesn't amount to much."
+
+"Stubbs?" queried Hal.
+
+"I'm killed!" exclaimed the little man, and there was the trace of a
+quaver in his voice. "Shot through the heart."
+
+"Nonsense!" exclaimed Hal. "If you had been shot through the heart you
+wouldn't be talking about it now."
+
+"But I was," protested Stubbs.
+
+"Look him over, Colonel Anderson," instructed Hal. "If it's as bad as all
+that, throw him out. We can't be bothered with excess now."
+
+"No! No! I'm all right!" declared Stubbs, drawing away as Colonel
+Anderson extended an exploring hand. "I don't think the bullet
+touched me."
+
+"All right then," declared Hal, smiling to himself, for his ruse had
+worked. "We'll go ahead then."
+
+"Which way?" demanded Chester.
+
+"Back to the Italian lines; and it behooves us to hurry. There will be a
+squadron of the enemy after us in a minute."
+
+"Right," declared Chester briefly.
+
+But, much as they would have liked it, they were not to get back within
+the heart of the Italian army for many a long day; and strenuous times
+were to befall them before they again saw their mothers, and Uncle John,
+who was to put in many weary days searching for them.
+
+As Hal headed the huge machine southward, a blinding glare caught his
+eyes. It cut off his view entirely, and only for the lad's quick wit,
+might have ended the lives of all.
+
+But the moment the light blinded him Hal acted. He knew in an instant
+from whence it came, and he swerved to the right so quickly as almost to
+upset the plane; but it was in time to avoid the forward sweep of an
+enemy plane.
+
+"Wow!" cried Stubbs. "Don't throw me out!"
+
+"Keep quiet," ordered Hal, when he had slowed down a bit, so as to ease
+his dazzled eyes and gain his bearings.
+
+"What was the matter?" demanded Chester.
+
+"Matter?" echoed Hal. "You mean to tell me you didn't see that other
+airship flash by?"
+
+"I didn't," replied Chester.
+
+"Well, I did," declared Hal. "We'll have to get away from here pretty
+quick. There'll be more of them along in a minute."
+
+He threw over the elevating lever and the craft soared higher into the
+heavens. And again Hal turned south.
+
+Once more he caught the flash of a hostile craft in time to avoid being
+run down. Again and again it happened. And at last Hal said:
+
+"Evidently there is no use trying to get back that way. They must be on
+the lookout for us. What shall we do?"
+
+"Whatever you say," replied Chester.
+
+"We'll take a vote on it," Hal decided. "I'll make my suggestion first."
+
+"All right," was the reply.
+
+"Then I'll suggest that we head in some other direction and keep going
+until we have passed out of the enemy's territory."
+
+"Which way?" asked Colonel Anderson.
+
+Hal considered a few minutes before replying.
+
+"Well," he said finally, "I should say east."
+
+"What!" exclaimed Chester. "Right into the heart of Austria?"
+
+"And why not?" Hal wanted to know. "We'll be safer there than any place
+else. Besides, if we go far enough we'll eventually land in Greece or
+perhaps Servia or Montenegro. They won't be expecting a foe that far from
+Italian soil. What do you say, Colonel Anderson?"
+
+"I'm with you," was the quiet response. "I believe that is good
+reasoning."
+
+"My only objection," said Chester, "is that we must get back to Uncle
+John, and then to Rome, where mother is."
+
+"True," replied Hal. "But mother would a great deal rather have us safe
+in Greece or Servia, than dead in Italy."
+
+"Which is more good reasoning," declared Colonel Anderson.
+
+"I guess you are right," replied Chester. "I'm with you then."
+
+"And you, Stubbs?" questioned Hal. "You have a vote on this."
+
+"Oh my, I don't care where you go," was the answer in a weak voice, "just
+so you let me put my feet on the ground once more. I'm so sick."
+
+"Poor fellow," said Chester, in a low voice, "he's frightened."
+
+"What's that?" demanded Stubbs in a shrill voice.
+
+"Frightened? Me frightened? I'll leave it to Hal there if I am
+frightened. Who was it found the way to get here and help you fellows,
+anyhow? Who was it, I ask you? I'll tell you who it was. It was me,
+Anthony Stubbs, war correspondent of the New York _Gazette_. Yes, sir, it
+was--Oh, let's go down. I'm so sick."
+
+"Stubbs, you are all right," declared Hal, and added to the others: "What
+he says is perfectly true. Had it not been for him, we would not be here
+now. He conceived the plan that admitted us to the Austrian lines, and if
+it were light enough you would see that it was a good plan. I'll venture
+to say you would know neither one of us but for our voices," and he
+explained in detail.
+
+"By George, Mr. Stubbs, I didn't think you had it in you!" exclaimed
+Chester. He stretched forth a hand. "Shake!" he said.
+
+"Oh, please let me alone," moaned Stubbs. "I'm terribly sick. How long
+before we can go down?"
+
+"Not for some hours, I'm afraid," replied Hal. "If we were to descend now
+we would fall into the hands of the Austrians."
+
+"I don't care whose hands we fall into," mumbled Stubbs, "if we could
+only fall, that's all I ask."
+
+"He must be sick," declared Chester. "Funny it never affected me
+that way."
+
+"No, it's not," declared Stubbs, suddenly taking an interest in things.
+"Nothing would affect you like it does me. Nor any of the rest of you.
+You are hardened to these things. I'm a man of peace, and sympathetic,
+and kind. You are a lot of hard-hearted brutes."
+
+The other three occupants of the machine smiled to themselves. Not for
+the world would they have laughed at the little man, for he was very
+close to them all. And at last Hal said:
+
+"Tell you what, Stubbs. I'll put on a little extra speed, just for your
+benefit. We'll get you back on terra firma just as soon as we can."
+
+Stubbs' only reply was another moan.
+
+"Well, Chester," said Hal, "here we are again, flying over an enemy's
+country. May we be as fortunate as we have been before."
+
+"Which we shall be," was Chester's quiet response. "We have had our share
+of bad luck in the last few days. Fortune must smile on us at last."
+
+And Chester proved himself a true prophet; for, before another sun had
+risen and set, the huge air craft had carried its four occupants safely
+across the Austrian empire and beyond the Montenegrin border. And here,
+among these hardy mountaineers, among the best fighters in the
+world--among the people of this little Balkan kingdom--the smallest to
+declare war against the Teuton oppressor--the lads were to see more of
+the horrors of war--were again to play active parts in the struggle. And
+also they were to see service with the heroic Servian troops, than whom
+there are none braver.
+
+But these adventures must come in their proper place; and so, for the
+time, we must again take leave of these two lads and their brave
+companions and friends, but only to meet them again in a succeeding
+volume, entitled: "The Boy Allies in the Balkan Campaign; or The Struggle
+to Save a Nation."
+
+
+
+***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BOY ALLIES IN GREAT PERIL***
+
+
+******* This file should be named 12682.txt or 12682.zip *******
+
+
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+https://www.gutenberg.org/1/2/6/8/12682
+
+
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+https://gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at https://www.pglaf.org.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+https://pglaf.org/fundraising.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at https://pglaf.org
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit https://pglaf.org
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including including checks, online payments and credit card
+donations.  To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     https://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
+
diff --git a/old/12682.zip b/old/12682.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f18b446
--- /dev/null
+++ b/old/12682.zip