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| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 04:40:53 -0700 |
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| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 04:40:53 -0700 |
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diff --git a/12870-h/12870-h.htm b/12870-h/12870-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..be9293a --- /dev/null +++ b/12870-h/12870-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,7243 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" /> + <title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Boy Allies on the Firing Line, by Clair W. Hayes. + </title> + <style type="text/css"> + + p { margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + h1,h2,h3 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; + } + td {vertical-align: top;} + + hr.large {width: 65%; margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 2em;} + hr.small {width: 25%; margin-top: 0.25em; margin-bottom: 0.25em;} + + div.centered {text-align:center;} /*work around for IE centering with CSS problem part 1 */ + div.centered table {margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; text-align:left;} /* work around for IE problem part 2 */ + + body{margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + font-size: 108%} + + .pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ + /* visibility: hidden; */ + position: absolute; + left: 92%; + font-size: smaller; + text-align: right; + } /* page numbers */ + + .blockquot{margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 10%;} + .bbox2 {border: none;} + .bbox {border: double;} + .centerbox {width: 400px; /* heading box */ + margin: 0 auto; + text-align: center;} + + .center {text-align: center;} + .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + + .figcenter {margin: auto; text-align: center;} + + </style> + </head> +<body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 12870 ***</div> + +<div class="centerbox bbox"> +<h1>The Boy Allies<br /> +On The Firing Line</h1> + +<h3>OR</h3> + +<h3>Twelve Days Battle Along the Marne</h3> + +<h2>By CLAIR W. HAYES</h2> + +<p class="center">AUTHOR OF<br /> +<a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/etext/12656">“The Boy Allies at Liège”</a><br /> +<a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/etext/30951">“The Boy Allies With the Cossacks”</a><br /> +<a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/etext/12571">“The Boy Allies In the Trenches”</a></p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 355px;"> +<img src="images/ititle.jpg" width="355" height="254" alt="" title="A. L. BURT COMPANY" /> +</div></div> + +<hr class="large" /> + +<p class="center"> +Copyright, 1915<br /> +<span class="smcap">By A. L. Burt Company</span></p> + +<hr class="small" /> + +<p class="center">THE BOY ALLIES ON THE FIRING LINE</p> + +<hr class="large" /> +<h2>Contents</h2> + +<div class="centered"> +<table border="0" width="70%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" summary="CONTENTS"> + +<tr> +<td align="right">I.</td> +<td align="left"><span class="smcap">Terrible Odds</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_3">3</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="right">II.</td> +<td align="left"><span class="smcap">Two Young Lieutenants</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_II">10</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="right">III.</td> +<td align="left"><span class="smcap">With The Army Again</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_III">16</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="right">IV.</td> +<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The German Retreat Begun</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">23</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="right">V.</td> +<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Charge</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_V">29</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="right">VI.</td> +<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Bridge Is Held</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">35</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="right">VII.</td> +<td align="left"><span class="smcap">Hal Makes An Enemy</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">43</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="right">VIII.</td> +<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Duel</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">51</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="right">IX.</td> +<td align="left"><span class="smcap">To The Rescue</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">57</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="right">X.</td> +<td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Wild Ride</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_X">64</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="right">XI.</td> +<td align="left"><span class="smcap">Captured</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">71</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="right">XII.</td> +<td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Traitor Appears</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">79</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="right">XIII.</td> +<td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Fight In The Dark</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">88</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="right">XIV.</td> +<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Death Of A Traitor</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">96</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="right">XV.</td> +<td align="left"><span class="smcap">Attacked By The Enemy</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XV">103</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="right">XVI.</td> +<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Struggle In The Cave</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">110</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="right">XVII.</td> +<td align="left"><span class="smcap">Safe</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">117</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="right">XVIII.</td> +<td align="left"><span class="smcap">On A New Mission</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">124</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="right">XIX.</td> +<td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Bit Of Unwritten History</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">132</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="right">XX.</td> +<td align="left"><span class="smcap">Off On A Raid</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XX">140</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="right">XXI.</td> +<td align="left"><span class="smcap">Across The Marne</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXI">148</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="right">XXII.</td> +<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Kaiser</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXII">157</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="right">XXIII.</td> +<td align="left"><span class="smcap">Within The Enemy’s Lines</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIII">164</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="right">XXIV.</td> +<td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Cold Swim</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIV">171</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="right">XXV.</td> +<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The German Coup Fails</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXV">179</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="right">XXVI.</td> +<td align="left"><span class="smcap">Trapped</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVI">186</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="right">XXVII.</td> +<td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Deed Of Daring</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVII">194</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="right">XXVIII.</td> +<td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Dash For Liberty</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVIII">201</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="right">XXIX.</td> +<td align="left"><span class="smcap">German Hospitality</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIX">208</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="right">XXX.</td> +<td align="left"><span class="smcap">A New Friend</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXX">215</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="right">XXXI.</td> +<td align="left"><span class="smcap">Berlin Once More</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXI">222</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="right">XXXII.</td> +<td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Piece Of Paper</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXII">230</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="right">XXXIII.</td> +<td align="left"><span class="smcap">Taking A Chance</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIII">237</a></td></tr> + +<tr> +<td align="right">XXXIV.</td> +<td align="left"><span class="smcap">Safe Again</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIV">244</a></td></tr> +</table></div> + +<hr class="large" /> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</a></span></p><h1>THE BOY ALLIES ON THE<br /> +FIRING LINE.</h1> + +<hr class="small" /> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I.</h2> + +<h3>TERRIBLE ODDS.</h3> + +<p>“Feels pretty good to be back in harness, doesn’t it, Hal?” asked +Chester, as, accompanied by a small body of men, they rode slowly +along.</p> + +<p>“Great!” replied his friend enthusiastically. “And it looks as if we +were to see action soon.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, it does look that way.”</p> + +<p>The little body of British troopers, only forty-eight of them all +told, with Hal Paine and Chester Crawford as their guides, were +reconnoitering ten miles in advance of the main army along the river +Marne in the great war between Germany and the allied armies. For +several hours they had been riding slowly without encountering the +enemy, when, suddenly, as the little squad topped a small hill and the +two boys gained an unobstructed view of the little plain below, Hal +pulled up his horse with an exclamation.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</a></span></p><p>Quickly he threw up his right hand and the little troop came to an +abrupt halt.</p> + +<p>“Germans!” he said laconically.</p> + +<p>“And thousands of ’em,” said Chester. “They haven’t seen us yet. What +is best to be done?”</p> + +<p>The answer to this question came from the enemy. Several flashes of +fire broke out along the German front, and the boys involuntarily +ducked their heads as bullets sped whizzing past them.</p> + +<p>“Well, they have seen us now,” said Hal; then turning to the men: “To +the woods,” pointing with his sword to a dense forest on his right.</p> + +<p>Rapidly the little body of men disappeared among the trees.</p> + +<p>“Up in the trees,” ordered Hal, “and pick them off as they come!”</p> + +<p>Swiftly the troopers leaped from their horses and climbed up among the +branches. Here all could easily command a view of the oncoming German +horde.</p> + +<p>Rapidly the enemy advanced, firing volley after volley as they +approached; then, at a word from Hal, the British poured forth their +answer. And such an answer! Before the aim of these few British +troopers, accounted among the best marksmen in the world, the Teuton +cavalry went down in heaps.</p> + +<p>There was a perceptible slackening in the speed of the approaching +horsemen. Then, as the English <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span>continued their work, firing with +machine-like precision and deadly accuracy, the Germans came to a +halt.</p> + +<p>“What are they stopping for?” cried Chester. “There are enough of them +to overwhelm us!”</p> + +<p>“I believe they fear a trap,” replied Hal. “They are afraid we are +trying to ambush them with a larger force. We must keep up the +delusion if we expect to get away.”</p> + +<p>So saying, he ordered the men to the ground, and the little force +advanced to the extreme edge of the woods. So far not a man had been +even wounded, for the Germans, unable to see that their foe had +climbed into the trees, had aimed too low.</p> + +<p>From the edge of the woods the British poured several volleys, and +then, as the enemy finally began an advance, they retreated slowly, +firing as they flitted from tree to tree.</p> + +<p>Apparently, Hal had rightly guessed the cause of the enemy’s +indecision. They advanced slowly and warily; and when they finally +gained the edge of the woods there was not a Briton in sight; but from +further in among the trees the leaden messengers of death still struck +the Germans, and man after man fell in his tracks.</p> + +<p>Now the man nearest Chester threw up his arms and with a cry fell to +the ground. The lad made as if to go to his assistance, but Hal stayed +him <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span>with a word, and the little body of English continued their +retreat, firing as they went.</p> + +<p>Suddenly the pursued emerged from the woods into the open. A distance +of half a mile lay between them and the next clump of trees. In this +half a mile there was nothing that would afford shelter; and the +Germans were approaching nearer every second.</p> + +<p>Hal did not hesitate.</p> + +<p>“We shall have to make a dash for it!” he cried. “One more volley, +men, and then run!”</p> + +<p>One more death-dealing volley was delivered at close range, and then +the little troop of English turned and fled. But they had traversed +scarcely half the distance when the Germans reached the edge of the +woods, and poured a volley into them.</p> + +<p>Hal groaned as men fell on all sides of him. But still those who were +left ran on. At length they reached the friendly shelter of the trees, +but half their number lay behind, either dead or dying.</p> + +<p>Once more, screened from the enemy, Hal halted the men.</p> + +<p>“We may as well fight it out here,” he told them. “We will hold them +off if we can, and if not we must retreat slowly, keeping behind +whatever cover offers.”</p> + +<p>A faint cheer went up from the handful who were left, and they turned +determinedly to face their foes. They did not waste their fire. As the +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span>Germans came again into view, the British rifles cracked. Their +marksmanship was superb, and rather than face this deadly fire the +enemy halted.</p> + +<p>Then began a game of hide and seek, with death the penalty for all who +were seen. The firing was only at intervals now. Wherever a German arm +or leg showed itself, a British rifle sounded and a German was +accounted for.</p> + +<p>For almost half an hour the game continued; and it was kept up until +darkness fell. Fearing that it was the intent of the British to lure +them into the hands of a strong force, the Germans did not attempt a +charge, but contented themselves with trying to pick off their foes as +they flitted from one tree to another.</p> + +<p>But if the Germans had suffered, so had the English. Of the little +troop of fifty, there now remained, besides Hal and Chester, but ten +men. The two boys seemed to bear charmed lives, for neither had been +struck once. They had exposed themselves to all dangers as well as had +the troopers, but fortunately no German bullets had reached them.</p> + +<p>And still the few English fought on. Now that darkness had fallen and +two more men had dropped, Hal ordered those who were left to make a +last dash for life. He sprang from behind the tree which had sheltered +him, and Chester and the few remaining troopers joined him. Then they +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span>turned and sped as rapidly as the darkness would permit in the +direction of their own lines.</p> + +<p>Now that the fire of the English had ceased entirely, the Germans +halted, puzzled. It was impossible for their officers to tell whether +the enemy had all been killed, or whether the silence heralded the +approach of a larger force. Their indecision undoubtedly saved the +lives of Hal and Chester and the eight troopers, for had the Germans +advanced they would have experienced little difficulty in killing or +capturing them.</p> + +<p>Silently but swiftly the ten forms dashed through the woods, and when +at length they once more emerged into the open country they were +completely exhausted.</p> + +<p>“Well, I guess we are safe, what is left of us, at any rate,” said +Chester as they halted to take a much needed rest. “It’s terrible to +think of those poor fellows we left behind.”</p> + +<p>“It is, indeed,” replied Hal; “but I don’t think they would complain. +The British soldier is not that kind.”</p> + +<p>“You are right,” agreed Chester. “And each accounted for more than one +of his country’s foes before he went down. Were you hit, Hal?”</p> + +<p>“No. Were you?”</p> + +<p>“No. But come, we had better be pushing on again.”</p> + +<p>With the loss of their comrades still preying <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span>upon their minds, the +little troop continued on its way; and while they are hurrying onward +we shall take time to introduce Hal and Chester more fully to those +who have not met them before, and to relate how it came about that +they were serving in such an important capacity with the British army +in France.</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II.</h2> + +<h3>TWO YOUNG LIEUTENANTS.</h3> + +<p>Sturdy American lads, young though they were, Hal Paine and Chester +Crawford had, when this story opens, already seen considerable +military service. Each had received his baptism of fire during the +heroic defense of the Belgian city of Liège, which had held out for +days against the overwhelming horde of Teutons.</p> + +<p>In Berlin with Hal’s mother when the war broke out, they had been +separated from her and left behind. With Captain Raoul Derevaux, a +gallant French officer, and Lieutenant Harry Anderson of the British +army, they finally succeeded in making their way, after many desperate +experiences and daring adventures, over the Belgian frontier, as told +in the first book of this series, entitled <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/etext/12656">“The Boy Allies at Liège.”</a> +They had reached Liège in time to take an active part in the defense +of that city.</p> + +<p>In escaping from Germany, each had done his full share of fighting and +each had been wounded. They had finally reached Brussels, where they +remained some time, while Hal’s wound healed sufficiently <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span>to continue +his homeward journey. As the result of their heroic actions, the +Belgian commander at Liège had mentioned them so favorably in his +report to King Albert, that he had bestowed upon them commissions as +lieutenants in the Belgian army as a mark of distinction for their +bravery.</p> + +<p>It was while waiting in Brussels that they again encountered +Lieutenant Anderson, from whom they had been separated, and it was +through his inducement that they now found themselves attached to the +staff of Field Marshal Sir John French, commander of the British +forces on the continent, engaged in scout duty.</p> + +<p>At the time when this story opens they had been sent in advance of the +main army on a reconnaissance.</p> + +<p>The German advance through Belgium into France, up to this time, had +been steady, although the Allies had contested every foot of the +ground. Day after day and night after night the hard pressed British +troops, to which Hal and Chester were attached, had borne the brunt of +the fighting. But for the heroism of these comparatively few English, +slightly more than one hundred thousand men, the Germans probably +would have marched to the very gates of Paris.</p> + +<p>But the arrival of the British troops had been timely, and under the +gallant command of Sir John <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span>French, they had checked the overwhelming +numbers of Germans time after time. The bravery of these English +troops under a galling fire and against fearful odds is one of the +greatest military achievements of the world’s history.</p> + +<p>Slowly, but standing up to the enemy like the true sons of Great +Britain always have done, they were forced back. They stood for hours, +without sight of the enemy, men dropping on all sides under the +fearful fire of the great German guns miles away. While the French, +farther south, gave way more rapidly, these few English stood their +ground.</p> + +<p>Time after time they came to hand grips with the enemy, and at the +point of the bayonet drove them back with terrible losses. These +bayonet charges were things of wonder to Hal and Chester, in spite of +the fact that they had been in the midst of similar actions before +Liège.</p> + +<p>As the French and Belgians advanced in a wild whirlwind of fury, the +English went about the business of a charge more deliberately, though +with the same savage determination. They charged swiftly, but more +coolly; gallantly, but more seriously, and the effect of their charges +was terrible. The Germans who came on in the face of the fierce rifle +and artillery fire, could not face the British bayonets, and time +after time were driven back in disorder.</p> + +<p>And as the British charged, always the words <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span>of their battle-song, +fated for some unfathomed reason to become historic, rose above the +sounds of battle:</p> + +<div class="bbox2 centerbox"><p>“It’s a long way to Tipperary.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">It’s a long way to go;</span><br /> +It’s a long way to Tipperary,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">To the sweetest girl I know.</span><br /> +Good-by, Piccadilly,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Farewell, Leicester square.</span><br /> +It’s a long, long way to Tipperary,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">But my heart’s right there!”</span></p></div> + +<p>Liège had fallen before the invading German hosts, though several of +the forts still held out; Louvain had been captured and its beautiful +buildings burned to the ground. Brussels had been invested by the +Teutons. In Alsace-Lorraine the French had been forced to relinquish +the spoils won in the first days of the war. General Pau, after a +stubborn resistance, had fallen back, and General Joffre, +commander-in-chief of the French army, also had been forced to retire.</p> + +<p>So close to Paris were the Germans now that the seat of government, +the day before this story opens, had been removed to Bordeaux. Homes +and other buildings in the French capital were being razed, so that +the great French guns in the city could sweep the approach to the town +unobstructed. Paris, the most strongly fortified city in <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span>the world, +was being prepared to withstand a siege.</p> + +<p>And still the Germans came on. Several of the enemy’s war aviators +flew over Paris and dropped bombs in the streets. This occurred upon +several days, and then the French airmen put an end to these daring +sky fighters. After this, no more bombs were dropped on Paris.</p> + +<p>But as the Allies fell back, it was always the few British troops that +time and again checked the Germans. The morale of the English was +excellent.</p> + +<p>In a final desperate charge, a small body of British cavalry had +succeeded in driving back the German vanguard, while the main body of +English retired still further. Then this little body of men returned, +their number much smaller than when they had charged.</p> + +<p>For some time now there had been no sign of the enemy, and Hal and +Chester, with a small squad, had been sent toward the enemy’s line to +reconnoiter. It was while on this reconnaissance that they had been +attacked by the Germans in force.</p> + +<p>Slowly the two lads and the eight men, all that was left of the fifty +who had gone forth, continued their retreat. They had gone forth on +horses; they were returning afoot. Their mounts were in the hands of +the enemy. From the rear, in the darkness, still came the sounds of +firing.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span></p><p>“Evidently they have not given up the pursuit,” said Hal.</p> + +<p>“No; and they are probably mounted. Let’s turn off into this little +woods,” replied Chester.</p> + +<p>They did so, and followed by the remaining eight troopers continued on +their way.</p> + +<p>As they came to the edge of the woods, Hal, who was slightly in +advance, stopped suddenly, and raised a warning hand. The little party +halted.</p> + +<p>“What’s the matter?” asked Chester in a whisper.</p> + +<p>“Germans!” replied Hal briefly.</p> + +<p>Chester approached closer and peered over his friend’s shoulder. Less +than three hundred yards ahead he could dimly make out moving forms.</p> + +<p>“Perhaps they are not Germans,” said Chester hopefully. “How did they +manage to get behind us?”</p> + +<p>“I don’t know,” replied Hal. “But I am sure they are Germans. Some +way, I can feel it.”</p> + +<p>“Well, what are we going to do?”</p> + +<p>“We shall have to try and go round them without letting them hear us. +Otherwise we are likely to be killed or captured.”</p> + +<p>Making a wide detour, the little party continued on their way. For an +hour they walked along unmolested, and then, suddenly, from almost +directly before them, came a cry, in German:</p> + +<p>“Halt!”</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III.</h2> + +<h3>WITH THE ARMY AGAIN.</h3> + +<p>In the dimness of the little woods in which they stood, the boys, at +first, could not see the man who had accosted them.</p> + +<p>At a word from Hal the little party came to a halt.</p> + +<p>“Who goes there?” came the question from the darkness.</p> + +<p>“Friends!” replied Hal in German, which he spoke like a native.</p> + +<p>“Advance!” came the reply, and the shadow of a German soldier, with +his rifle raised, ready to fire, suddenly appeared before them.</p> + +<p>It was too dark for the German soldier to make out their uniforms +until the English were upon him. Then he started back with a cry.</p> + +<p>“English!” he exclaimed in surprise.</p> + +<p>His amazement, slight though it was, proved his undoing. For as he +staggered back Hal sprang forward, and the butt of his upraised rifle +fell with stunning force upon the German’s head. The soldier dropped +to the ground with a slight moan.</p> + +<p>“We’ll have to get away from here quick!” <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span>exclaimed Chester. “Come +on, men, follow us!”</p> + +<p>Silently the little party, bearing off slightly to the right, went +forward. Suddenly Chester stopped and clutched Hal by the arm.</p> + +<p>“Great Scott!” he whispered. “Look! We are right in the middle of +them!”</p> + +<p>It was true. Ahead of them, in a long line running in each direction, +the boys could see figures sprawled on the ground. It was a German +force sleeping. There was not the sign of a light, a tent, or a hut. +Here and there the boys could make out the dim form of a sentry +flitting about.</p> + +<p>“We have certainly got into a mess,” whispered Hal.</p> + +<p>“We have that,” replied Chester. “Shall we make another detour?”</p> + +<p>Hal thought for a few moments.</p> + +<p>“I believe the best way is to try and go right through them without +being seen,” he replied at length. “There is no telling how far this +line stretches out, and if we didn’t get around them by daylight it +would be all off with us.”</p> + +<p>“But the sentries?” asked Chester.</p> + +<p>“Well, we shall have to dispose of anyone who sees us without being +heard. That’s all there is about it.”</p> + +<p>“All right, then,” said Chester. “We might as well move at once.”</p> + +<p>The plan was outlined to the men and they went <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span>forward. A moment and +they were in the midst of the sleeping Germans. It was plain now that +the line of sleepers stretched out for some distance, but that it was +not very deep. Three minutes undiscovered and they would be through +safely.</p> + +<p>Silently they crept between the sleeping soldiers. There was a certain +amount of safety in the very boldness of the plan, for it was +unlikely, should a sentry see them moving about, he would take them +for English; and even if he did now, they would be able to make a dash +with some hope of success. The German soldiers, tired and completely +exhausted, slept heavily, and not one so much as moved in his sleep.</p> + +<p>The little party was now at the last line of sleepers, and just as +Hal, believing they had accomplished their difficult task, drew a +breath of relief, a form suddenly appeared from the darkness before +them. It was a German sentry.</p> + +<p>Before he could make an outcry Chester and Hal both leaped forward. +The former’s hands grasped the German by the throat, stifling the +sound of his voice, and Hal quickly delivered two hard blows to the +man’s face. The German fell limply into Chester’s arms, and the boy +laid him quietly on the ground.</p> + +<p>Then they moved forward again. The sounds of the scuffle had aroused +no one. But suddenly <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span>there was the sound of a fall behind. Turning +his head quickly, Hal perceived the cause of this commotion which +caused such a racket in the stillness of the night.</p> + +<p>One of the English soldiers had tripped over the body of a sleeping +German and had fallen across him. He was up in a moment, but so was +the German, sleepily hurling imprecations at the disturber of his +slumber.</p> + +<p>Before the German soldier was able to arouse himself, the Englishman +dealt him a heavy blow over the head with his rifle butt. But the +noise had brought another to the scene. There was the sharp crack of a +rifle, and the English soldier who had caused all the trouble pitched +to the ground. To the right Hal and Chester saw another sentry, a +smoking rifle in his hands.</p> + +<p>At the sound of the shot the whole German camp sprang to life as if by +magic; and at the same instant Hal shouted:</p> + +<p>“Run!”</p> + +<p>At full speed the little party, only nine now, dashed forward. The +other man lay dead in the German camp. There was a hoarse German cry +of command, and a hail of bullets followed the fugitives into the +woods. No man fell, though two groaned, and one dropped his rifle. The +darkness made accurate shooting by the Germans impossible.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span></p><p>Not pausing to return the fire of the enemy, the fugitives stumbled on +through the woods. Another and another volley came from the pursuing +Germans, but they were firing at random now, and the fact that Hal and +Chester had led the way well to the right augured well for their +chance of safety.</p> + +<p>But as the darkness made accurate shooting by the Germans impossible, +so it made speed by the fugitives impossible also. They stumbled along +as well as they could, now and then tripping over a fallen limb or +tumbling into a hole. Tired and almost exhausted, they at length +emerged into the open, and broke into a weary run.</p> + +<p>“We have got to get under cover of some kind before they reach the +edge of the woods, or we are gone goslings,” panted Hal.</p> + +<p>Suddenly, in the darkness, they came upon another clump of trees, and +as they stumbled into their shelter another volley rang out. One man +groaned and stumbled. A comrade lent a supporting hand and dragged him +into the woods.</p> + +<p>“We’ll stop here a moment and pick off a few of ’em,” said Hal grimly.</p> + +<p>The Germans were now advancing across the open space. Lying upon the +ground, the nine opened fire. They aimed carefully and not a shot was +wasted, and so rapid was their fire that the Germans halted.</p> + +<p>“They don’t know how many of us there are,” <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span>said Hal, “and they are +afraid to take a chance. One more volley, men, and then up and run for +it again.”</p> + +<p>A final volley was delivered with telling effect, and the English +sprang to their feet and darted through the woods. The Germans gave +them a parting shot, but there was no pursuit.</p> + +<p>“That was pretty close,” said Chester.</p> + +<p>“It was, indeed,” replied Hal, “and there is one more of our men gone. +Was anyone wounded?” he asked, turning to the others.</p> + +<p>“Shot in the shoulder, sir,” replied a man named Brown.</p> + +<p>“They got me in the arm,” said another.</p> + +<p>“Anyone else?” questioned Hal.</p> + +<p>There was no reply, and Hal asked:</p> + +<p>“Are you two men able to go on without assistance?”</p> + +<p>“Yes,” was the reply.</p> + +<p>“Good! Then come on.”</p> + +<p>All night long the little party continued on their march, and it was +not until the first gray streak of dawn showed them, in the distance, +the first British line that the boys felt entirely safe.</p> + +<p>Their report made, they were returning, later in the day, to their +quarters to seek a much needed rest, when a well known voice +exclaimed:</p> + +<p>“Well, boys, how are you?”</p> + +<p>The lads turned quickly about; then each gave <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span>a cry of delight and +grabbed the man who had accosted them by the hand.</p> + +<p>“Captain Derevaux!” they exclaimed in a single voice.</p> + +<p>“No,” replied the gallant Frenchman, with a smile. “Major Derevaux, if +you please!”</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV.</h2> + +<h3>THE GERMAN RETREAT BEGUN.</h3> + +<p>Hal and Chester stood for some minutes grasping their friend by the +hand.</p> + +<p>“Major, eh,” ejaculated Hal. “I’m glad to hear that!”</p> + +<p>“So am I,” declared Chester. “I am sure no one deserved promotion more +than you.”</p> + +<p>“Thanks,” laughed the major.</p> + +<p>“Tell us,” said Hal, “what are you doing here? I thought you were with +the Southern army.”</p> + +<p>“I am; but I carried dispatches to General French, and if I mistake +not, they are important ones. I believe that plans have been brought +to a head and that we shall take the offensive soon.”</p> + +<p>“Good!” cried Chester. “We have been retreating long enough.”</p> + +<p>“But,” Hal protested, “we can hardly advance in the face of such odds; +we must have reinforcements.”</p> + +<p>“Well,” said Major Derevaux, “strong reinforcements already are +arriving, and I believe that the advance will be general along our +whole line.”</p> + +<p>“That will mean severe fighting,” said Chester.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span></p><p>“Indeed it will,” replied the major. “It will mean fighting such as +the world has never heard of before. It will mean death for thousands +upon thousands. But the Germans must be pushed back.”</p> + +<p>“And the Kaiser will find that he is not to have things all his own +way,” said Hal.</p> + +<p>“Exactly,” returned the major. “But I must leave you now, boys. I must +return to my own regiment at once. Good luck to you!”</p> + +<p>“Good luck!” exclaimed the boys as the major turned on his heel and +strode rapidly away.</p> + +<p>The two lads returned to their own quarters and gave themselves up to +rest. So completely were they worn out that it was dark when they +again opened their eyes; and they probably would not have done so then +had not the clear notes of a bugle awakened them.</p> + +<p>Rushing into the open, the lads saw that on all sides the troops were +ready to move—whether forward or backward they could not tell as yet. +It was evident, however, that something was afoot.</p> + +<p>Hal and Chester made their way to the side of General French and +joined the members of his staff. The gallant British commander was +sitting his horse quietly, his staff grouped about him. Occasionally +one went dashing away with some order, as the general gave a laconic +command.</p> + +<p>The boys had hardly taken their places when General French said +quietly:</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span></p><p>“Order a general advance!”</p> + +<p>A moment later and the small though mighty host of Britain was in +motion, and a loud cheer rang out on the still night air as the troops +perceived that they were going forward—that the retreat had ended.</p> + +<p>Swiftly and silently the army advanced. Ahead could be heard the +crack, crack of rifle fire, indicating that the outposts were engaged +with the enemy. Also, from the distance, could be heard the booming of +the great German guns, and as the English advanced still further men +began to fall before the deadly German artillery fire.</p> + +<p>But the British did not falter; they plodded on as steadily as before. +Then, after two hours of rapid marching, came the sudden command to +halt. A moment later and a squadron of British cavalry came into view, +retreating before a large force of Germans.</p> + +<p>Just in front of the infantry the cavalry halted, and turned their +faces toward the enemy. The advance of the British so far had not been +discovered; but as the pursuing Germans came into view, the command to +fire rang out.</p> + +<p>There was a deafening crash as the British infantry hurled their +messengers of death into the compact ranks of the foe; and under this +deadly fire the British cavalry dashed forward. Before the Germans +could recover from their surprise the English <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span>horsemen were upon +them, striking, cutting, slashing.</p> + +<p>It was deadly and terrible work and the English did not go unscathed. +But struggling thus, hand to hand, the Germans were no match for the +English. Now there came from behind the Germans a large force of +infantry on the run, and before these reinforcements the British +cavalry was forced to retire.</p> + +<p>All this was happening right before the eyes of Hal and Chester, in +the very center of the British line. On the right and left the +engagement was of the same fierce kind, and the deafening crashes of +rifles and artillery on either side gave conclusive evidence that the +British were engaged with the enemy all along their entire front.</p> + +<p>Still the German cavalry pursued the British cavalry in the center. +Then General French turned suddenly to Hal:</p> + +<p>“Tell General Mayo to advance in force!” he commanded.</p> + +<p>The general turned to Chester:</p> + +<p>“Ask General Samson to bring his artillery into instant action!”</p> + +<p>The two lads dashed away on their respective missions; and almost +immediately the results of these two commands were apparent.</p> + +<p>As the German infantry advanced in the wake of their cavalry, the +British came to sudden life. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span>Flame burst out from all along the +center and the Germans recoiled. Volley after volley was poured into +the wavering ranks of the enemy, and they turned to flee.</p> + +<p>A supporting column was rushed hurriedly to their assistance, and as +they advanced the British artillery opened fire. Great holes were cut +in the advancing German line, but their advance was unchecked. From +their rear reinforcements were coming continually.</p> + +<p>The fire of the British artillery and infantry was deadly. Men fell by +the hundreds, were mowed down like chaff before the wind by the +accuracy of the British fire. In the English ranks men also were +dropping on all sides, but the gaps were filled up immediately and the +British, singing and cheering, continued their advance.</p> + +<p>The roar of battle could be heard for miles around, but the men +engaged in the conflict were unconscious of it. They had but one sense +left—that of sight—and their rifles continued to deal out death.</p> + +<p>At length the German advance was checked, and then they began to fall +back.</p> + +<p>There was a rousing cheer from the English, and the advance was more +rapid than before. The retreating Germans halted, turned to face the +English, made a last desperate stand, then fled in disorder.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span></p><p>But as the English broke into a run to pursue their advantage still +closer, they were met with a hail of bullets from a large force of the +enemy’s infantry which at that moment advanced, in support of their +comrades, close enough to come into action.</p> + +<p>The English reeled for a moment under this terrible fire, but they did +not waver. Support was hurried to them. It was time for prompt action.</p> + +<p>General French took in the situation at a glance and gave a quick +command. A moment later the voices of the different officers rang out +along the British line:</p> + +<p>“With the bayonet! Charge!”</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V.</h2> + +<h3>THE CHARGE.</h3> + +<p>For the smallest fraction of a second there was an awesome silence, +and then the British swept forward with a rush. Neither the bullets +from the thousands of rifles nor the steady fire from the great guns +of the German field batteries checked them.</p> + +<p>The infantry covered the open space at a quick trot, and in almost +less time than it takes to tell, it was at hand grips with the enemy, +who stood braced to receive the shock of the charge.</p> + +<p>The impact was terrific. The Germans stood gallantly to their work, +encouraged by the shouts of their officers, but they were no match for +the British troops in hand-to-hand fighting.</p> + +<p>As the British closed upon them, the Germans poured in one fierce +volley; but they had no time for more. Down went Teutons and English +in struggling heaps, but the British poured over them and continued +their deadly work.</p> + +<p>All along the line the Germans gave ground slowly, their enemies +pursuing them relentlessly and cutting them down as they retreated. +The engagement became a slaughter.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span></p><p>Now Hal and Chester found themselves in the midst of the battle, in +the fiercest of the fighting. Sent forward with orders, they found +themselves in the center of the sudden charge. Neither was minded to +turn back, but they managed to single each other out and soon were +fighting side by side. Blood streamed from a wound in Hal’s cheek, +where a German bayonet had pricked him slightly. Chester was +unwounded.</p> + +<p>Suddenly Hal found himself engaged with a German officer. With a swift +move he swept aside his opponent’s blade and felled him to the earth. +At the same moment a tall German soldier, thinking to deprive the lad +of his weapon, brought his rifle down upon Hal’s sword.</p> + +<p>But the boy’s grip was firm and the sword snapped off near the hilt. +Quickly Hal sprang forward, and before the German soldier could +recover himself, the lad cut him down with his broken sword. Then, +stooping, he picked up the sword which had fallen from the hands of +the German officer, and sprang to the aid of Chester, who was fiercely +engaged with two of the enemy, one an officer, the other a trooper.</p> + +<p>One swift stroke of the boy’s sword and the soldier was laid low. At +the same instant Chester’s sword slipped through his opponent’s guard +and the latter went to the ground, a deep wound in his side.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span></p><p>“Good work!” Chester found time to pant to Hal, and a second later +both lads were once more too busy for speech.</p> + +<p>Now Chester found himself engaged with a foeman worthy of his steel. +The latter, a German lieutenant, was pressing the lad severely. At +sword play the lad was clearly no match for him. Nevertheless Chester +was giving a good account of himself.</p> + +<p>Suddenly his sword was sent spinning from his hand, and as the weapon +came down the point struck a German soldier squarely in the face. +Chester’s opponent sprang forward, his blade raised for a death +thrust. But even as he thrust Chester dodged and the sword passed +harmlessly over his head.</p> + +<p>From his stooping position Chester seized the German officer by the +knees before he could recover his balance and aim another thrust at +him, and, with a quick heave, sent the officer spinning over his head. +The German hit the ground with a thud, and as he was about to pick +himself up an English trooper ended his fighting days with a thrust of +his bayonet.</p> + +<p>Chester seized the officer’s sword and sprang forward into the thick +of the conflict again. Side by side, Hal and Chester advanced with the +victorious British troops, striking, cutting and slashing <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span>their way +through the dense bodies of the enemy.</p> + +<p>Suddenly Chester fell to the ground beneath the feet of the struggling +men. A descending rifle butt had struck him a glancing blow on the +head. Hal, engaged at that moment with another German officer, saw his +friend’s plight, and jumped back.</p> + +<p>With his sword he swept aside a German bayonet which at that instant +would have been buried in Chester’s prostrate form, but as he did so a +heavy blow fell upon the lad’s head and he was sent to his knees. +Above him, with poised bayonet, stood a German soldier.</p> + +<p>Death stared him in the face and the boy realized it. It was +impossible for him to regain his feet in time to ward off the thrust. +Quickly he threw himself to one side, and as he did so the German +toppled on top of him, lifeless.</p> + +<p>Hal scrambled to his feet and saw that the man who had thus saved his +life was none other than Lieutenant Harry Anderson.</p> + +<p>“Just in time,” said Hal briefly, and turned to where Chester was now +struggling to his feet; and as the battle raged fiercely about them, +unmindful of his own danger, he gave his entire attention to his +friend.</p> + +<p>Chester, shaking his head several times, announced that he was not +seriously hurt, and with <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span>Lieutenant Anderson by their side they again +plunged into the conflict.</p> + +<p>But now the German retreat became more rapid. The enemy was unable to +stand under the fierce charge of the British and they were giving way +on all sides. The British pursued the foe rapidly and hundreds upon +hundreds of the enemy were cut down in their flight.</p> + +<p>Unable to keep back the English and retreat orderly, the Germans broke +and fled. The retreat had become a rout. For some distance the British +pursued them, and then a halt was called.</p> + +<p>The losses of the British troops had been extremely heavy, but not so +great as that of the enemy, who had suffered tremendously.</p> + +<p>Now a thunderous roar broke out. The British artillery, unable to be +used while the hand to hand fighting was in progress, was in action +again, shelling the fleeing Germans.</p> + +<p>The dead strewed the battlefield, and as Hal, Chester and Lieutenant +Anderson made their way toward the rear, they were forced to climb +over the dead and wounded, many with shattered limbs and maimed for +life. But the Red Cross was at work, and the wounded were being cared +for with the greatest possible haste and gentleness.</p> + +<p>“That was some fight, if you ask me,” said Hal to Chester, as they +continued their way to the part of the field where they could see +General <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span>French and his staff, Lieutenant Anderson having left them to +rejoin his own men, from whom he had become separated.</p> + +<p>“It was all of that,” replied Chester, “and I can’t imagine how we +escaped with our lives.”</p> + +<p>“Nor I. It doesn’t seem possible that anyone in the midst of such +terrible carnage could live, to say nothing of being only slightly +wounded. By the way, are you hurt much, Hal?”</p> + +<p>“No; just a scratch on the face and a bump on the head. And you?”</p> + +<p>“I was luckier than that, although a German did crack me with his +rifle butt.”</p> + +<p>“Look at the dead and wounded lying about,” said Hal. “It is a +terrible thing—this modern warfare.”</p> + +<p>“It is, indeed,” returned Chester, and the two continued on their way +in silence.</p> + +<p>General French noticed their approach. The British commander was +standing as he had stood through the last part of the battle, exposed +to the fire of the enemy, calmly smoking a cigarette!</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI.</h2> + +<h3>THE BRIDGE IS HELD.</h3> + +<p>At a sign from General French Hal and Chester approached and saluted.</p> + +<p>“Where have you been, sirs?” demanded the British commander.</p> + +<p>Hal stepped forward and explained their absence.</p> + +<p>“And you were in the midst of the charge?” questioned General French, +when the lad concluded.</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir!”</p> + +<p>“And are not even badly wounded?”</p> + +<p>“No, sir!”</p> + +<p>“Wonderful!” exclaimed the general. Then, after a few moments’ +silence: “You seem to bear charmed lives. I believe you are the two +for my mission.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir!” exclaimed Hal eagerly.</p> + +<p>“Both of you report to me in an hour,” ordered General French.</p> + +<p>The two lads saluted again and moved away.</p> + +<p>“Wonder what he wants?” said Chester.</p> + +<p>“Too deep for me,” was Hal’s reply.</p> + +<p>“He said something about a mission. I guess that means more excitement +for us.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span></p><p>“I guess you are right. However, I am sure we can go through with it, +no matter what it may be.”</p> + +<p>“We can try, anyhow. That’s the best anyone can do.”</p> + +<p>At the appointed time the two boys made their way to General French’s +headquarters.</p> + +<p>“I have an important piece of work that must be done, and which will +be attended with grave danger; are you willing to undertake it?” asked +the British commander, coming to the point without preliminaries.</p> + +<p>“We shall do our best, sir,” replied Hal.</p> + +<p>“Good! The enemy has retreated beyond Meaux. To-morrow I shall try and +drive him farther. It is absolutely necessary that our movements be +not anticipated. As you see we have lost many officers. I want you to +lead one hundred men to a position just this side of the bridge. The +enemy must not be allowed to cross. One hundred men can hold the +bridge as well as ten thousand. The men to go with you have been +selected. They have volunteered for this duty. Captain Lee will show +you where to find them. Hold the bridge! That is all!”</p> + +<p>The two lads saluted and took their departure. They found Captain Lee, +and with him were soon at the head of the little band of men who had +volunteered to hold the bridge at Meaux against the whole German army, +if necessary.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span></p><p>It was still dark, and it was a quiet little band that advanced +through the British lines to take up their positions at the extreme +front. A long range artillery duel was still in progress in spite of +the darkness, but little damage was being done by either side.</p> + +<p>Having retreated beyond Meaux, the Germans had unlimbered their +artillery again and the British were replying. The little band of +English, with Hal and Chester in lead, advanced to the edge of the +bridge described by General French, and there took up their positions.</p> + +<p>The bridge was very narrow, hardly wide enough for five men to walk +abreast. On the British end the approach curved, making it impossible +for one coming from the other direction to see what was at the other +end. It was indeed a strategic point for defense. The river was high +and thus precluded any attempt to ford it.</p> + +<p>All night long the little band of men lay at the bridge, ready for +battle on a moment’s notice. All night long the shells of both the +Germans and British flew screaming overhead; but none dropped near +them.</p> + +<p>With the first faint glow of the approaching day the little band of +British were awake. At Hal’s suggestion they cut down trees, and +dragged them to the end of the bridge, forming a barricade. Behind +this they lay down.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span></p><p>It was almost noon before the man stationed to watch the approach to +the bridge dropped quickly over the barricade and reported:</p> + +<p>“They are coming!”</p> + +<p>“All right,” replied Hal. “We’re ready for ’em!”</p> + +<p>Under Hal’s direction, a single line of rifles, twenty-five in all, +appeared through the cracks of the barricade. The others had been +divided into three bodies—each containing twenty-five men—each body +directly behind the others. These were instructed to fill up the gaps +made by the German fire. Thus, as each man in the front rank fell, his +place would immediately be filled by another, the second by the third, +the third by the fourth, so providing twenty-five men fell the front +line would be still intact, although the fourth line would have +disappeared.</p> + +<p>Hal and Chester took their places just in the rear of the first line, +where they could see what was going on and direct the fighting.</p> + +<p>“Do not fire until they come into sight around the turn,” Capt. Lee +instructed his men. “Then mow them down, and make every shot count!”</p> + +<p>Joking and humming to themselves, the men prepared for action. The +first line poked their rifles through the barricade and lay down +behind them. All was in readiness to repulse the attack.</p> + +<p>Suddenly the first Germans appeared around the turn in the bridge, +marching five abreast.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span></p><p>“Fire!” cried the captain, and the British rifles broke into flame.</p> + +<p>Five Germans tumbled to the bridge.</p> + +<p>A sudden idea struck Hal.</p> + +<p>“There’s no use wasting five bullets on each German,” he told his men. +“Let the five men on the left each pick out a man. The rest reserve +your fire unless one of our men go down, then the one nearest him take +his man, and so on!”</p> + +<p>The second five Germans were too close behind their comrades, who had +just fallen, to arrest their steps in time to avoid the British fire.</p> + +<p>Five shots rang out as they came into view, and again five Germans +fell. So far not a shot had been fired by the Germans. But now five +more came around the turn with a rush, followed by five more, and +still another five.</p> + +<p>The first five dropped in a heap, but from the second five came a +burst of flame and the crack of rifles. Two men behind the barricade +dropped, one of whom was Capt. Lee. But the Germans paid dearly for +their rash attack.</p> + +<p>In less time than it takes to tell it, ten more Germans had bitten the +dust. Then they drew off.</p> + +<p>“Good work, men!” cried Chester. “We can hold them off indefinitely,” +he added to Hal.</p> + +<p>“Looks like it,” was Hal’s reply. “But if they make a concerted rush +we shall have our hands full. How is Capt. Lee?”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span></p><p>“Very bad,” answered one of the men. “I am afraid he’s done for.”</p> + +<p>And now the Germans came on again. The first five met the same fate +that had overtaken their comrades, but behind them came more, and +still more.</p> + +<p>As each German rounded the turn in the bridge his rifle cracked, and +continued to crack until he fell. Men inside the barricade also were +beginning to fall fast now, and the reserve lines were being drawn +upon more rapidly each minute.</p> + +<p>Hal and Chester, crouching down, directed the defense. In spite of the +fearful havoc wrought by the British fire, the Germans came on. The +bridge was piled high with dead and wounded, but the enemy did not +hesitate.</p> + +<p>Their officers urged them on without regard for life, and bravely went +to death with them. Rifles cracked in a steady roar and men on both +sides fell rapidly. But each Englishman, sheltered as he was behind +the barricade, accounted for at least several of the enemy before he +himself went to his death.</p> + +<p>Now the defenders had dwindled to fifty, and still there was no +cessation of the German assault. The heaped up bodies of dead now +formed a barricade for the Germans, and they advanced and fell behind +them, using their dead companions as shields. Ten or fifteen rows deep +they stood behind <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span>their dead, and poured volley after volley into the +defenders.</p> + +<p>The British reserved their fire as much as possible, but whenever a +German head showed above the barricade of bodies a rifle cracked and +almost every time a German fell.</p> + +<p>All afternoon the fighting continued, the Germans, because of the +fierce fire of the remaining English and hampered by their own dead, +being unable to rush the defenders.</p> + +<p>There were less than twenty-five of the British unwounded. Hal and +Chester had both been struck, Hal on the arm and Chester on the +shoulder. But neither was badly hurt.</p> + +<p>“Hadn’t we better retreat, sir?” asked one soldier of Hal, when there +was a let up in the firing.</p> + +<p>“What chance would we have?” demanded Hal. “The minute we broke and +ran we would be shot down like dogs.”</p> + +<p>“Then we might surrender.”</p> + +<p>“Surrender! Never! We were ordered to hold the bridge and we will hold +it as long as we can.”</p> + +<p>The man subsided, and Hal turned his face toward the foe again. There +was a sudden silence. The Germans drew off.</p> + +<p>“Wonder what that means?” demanded Hal of Chester. “They certainly are +not going to give up. I wonder what they are up to now?”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span></p><p>“I can’t imagine,” replied Chester. “But they have something up their +sleeves.”</p> + +<p>“Well, we’ll soon see,” said Hal.</p> + +<p>But he was mistaken; for just as the first German again appeared +around the turn, to be struck down by a British bullet, there was a +sudden deafening roar from the rear, and turning suddenly Hal and +Chester and the few brave soldiers who were left raised a feeble +cheer.</p> + +<p>Coming forward at a rapid trot were several squadrons of British +cavalry, and far behind could be seen columns upon columns of +infantry, advancing swiftly.</p> + +<p>“Hurrah!” shouted Hal. “Saved! Hurrah!”</p> + +<p>“Hurrah!” repeated Chester, and completely worn out, he tumbled over +in a heap.</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII.</h2> + +<h3>HAL MAKES AN ENEMY.</h3> + +<p>Hal bent over his friend and shook him gently.</p> + +<p>“Chester! Chester!” he exclaimed anxiously. “Are you wounded?”</p> + +<p>There was no reply from the unconscious boy, and Hal became greatly +alarmed. He turned to the few troopers who remained.</p> + +<p>“Here, lend a hand some of you,” he commanded. “One of you fetch some +water!”</p> + +<p>Two of the men bent over the unconscious lad and one raised his head +gently to his knee. A third dashed for the river, and a moment later +returned with his cap filled with water.</p> + +<p>Hal sprinkled a few drops of water on his friend’s face, and soon +noticed signs of returning consciousness. Finally Chester opened his +eyes and smiled feebly.</p> + +<p>“Are you much hurt, old fellow?” asked Hal anxiously.</p> + +<p>“No,” came the feeble response. “I don’t think so. A bullet just +grazed my side. I don’t know how I came to topple over like that.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span></p><p>Quickly Hal unloosened his friend’s coat, tore open his shirt and +examined his wound.</p> + +<p>“It’s only a scratch,” he said, straightening up at last. “Here,” +pulling out his handkerchief, “I’ll fix it up until we can have a +surgeon look at it. You will be able to walk in a few minutes.”</p> + +<p>“I’m able right now,” said Chester, struggling to his feet.</p> + +<p>Leaning heavily on Hal’s arm, Chester turned his eyes toward the river +bank, which now was lined with British troops, who were firing +steadily at forms disappearing on the opposite side of the stream. The +approach of the English in force had caused the Germans to beat a +rapid retreat. From the opposite shore, however, still came puffs of +smoke, and bullets continued to fall among the English troops, and +here and there men fell to the ground.</p> + +<p>“They arrived just in time, didn’t they, Hal?” said Chester.</p> + +<p>“You bet they did,” was the reply. “But come, we will try to make our +way back to our station.”</p> + +<p>With Chester still leaning on his shoulder, Hal led the way, going +very slowly because of his burden. Making his friend comfortable under +an army wagon, Hal went at once to Gen. French to make his report.</p> + +<p>“You have done well,” was the general’s only comment when Hal had +concluded his recital.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span></p><p>Hal saluted and left.</p> + +<p>“Guess I’ll go back and keep Chester company,” he said to himself.</p> + +<p>He was walking slowly along with bowed head, musing, when he came +suddenly into contact with another figure. The man with whom he had +collided mumbled an imprecation and violently pushed the lad away, at +the same time exclaiming:</p> + +<p>“What do you mean by bumping into me like that? Can’t you see where +you are going? I have a notion to teach you better manners.”</p> + +<p>Hal’s face flushed, and he turned a steady gaze on the other, who +proved to be a French lieutenant.</p> + +<p>“I wouldn’t try it if I were you,” the lad advised him.</p> + +<p>“What!” exclaimed the Frenchman. “You dare to talk to me like that?”</p> + +<p>“Of course I dare,” was the lad’s heated response.</p> + +<p>The Frenchman took a quick step forward and slapped Hal smartly across +the face.</p> + +<p>Hal promptly sent his right fist crashing into the other’s face and +knocked him down.</p> + +<p>The Frenchman rose slowly to his feet, and with blood streaming from +his nose, approached Hal.</p> + +<p>“I am Lieutenant Dupree,” he said. “My friend shall call on you this +evening.”</p> + +<p>“I am Hal Paine, attached to the staff of General <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span>French,” Hal said +calmly, “and your friend may call any time he so desires.”</p> + +<p>The Frenchman bowed stiffly, and continued on his way. Hal returned to +Chester.</p> + +<p>“Back so soon?” said Chester.</p> + +<p>“Yes,” was Hal’s reply; “and back with more trouble.”</p> + +<p>“What’s the matter?” demanded Chester in some consternation.</p> + +<p>“Well, I am afraid I have a duel on my hands.”</p> + +<p>“A duel?”</p> + +<p>“Yes; on my way here I accidentally bumped into some fiery French +lieutenant. He slapped me across the face and I knocked him down. He +then informed me his friend would call on me this evening. That sounds +like a duel to me.”</p> + +<p>“Yes,” said Chester, “unless it can be patched up.”</p> + +<p>“I am afraid it can’t. You know these Frenchmen. As far as I am +concerned, there is nothing to fight about, but I am afraid the +Frenchman feels he has a grievance. He’ll probably demand a fight or +an apology.”</p> + +<p>“Well?”</p> + +<p>“I have nothing to apologize for; therefore I am afraid it means a +duel.”</p> + +<p>“Not if I can prevent it,” exclaimed Chester, jumping to his feet.</p> + +<p>“But you can’t,” replied Hal grimly. “And you <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span>had better lie down +again. You are liable to strain your wound.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, I am not worrying about the wound,” exclaimed Chester. “The +doctor said there was no danger. It’s you I am worrying about. Why, +you are likely to be killed.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, I guess I can give a good account of myself,” returned Hal. “I’ve +been pretty fortunate thus far. I don’t figure I am going to fall +before any Frenchman’s sword or pistol. I’ll probably be saved for a +German bullet some of these days.”</p> + +<p>Chester became silent. He knew that an argument was useless. Besides, +he knew that in Hal’s position his own actions would be the same.</p> + +<p>It was shortly after 6 o’clock that evening when two French officers +made their way to the quarters to which the boys had been assigned.</p> + +<p>“Choose swords,” said Hal laconically, as Chester rose to greet the +callers.</p> + +<p>“Mr. Paine,” queried one of the Frenchmen politely.</p> + +<p>“No,” replied Chester; “but I shall act for him.”</p> + +<p>“Good,” returned the Frenchman. “I am Lieutenant Mercer, and this,” +indicating his companion, “is Lieutenant Lamont.”</p> + +<p>“I am Chester Crawford,” said the lad briefly.</p> + +<p>“Then, to get down to business,” said Lieutenant Mercer. “Mr. Paine +has insulted my friend, Lieutenant Dupree. My friend demands an +apology.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span></p><p>“There’ll be no apology,” said Chester shortly.</p> + +<p>“Ah! In that case my friend, Lieutenant Dupree, demands satisfaction +from Mr. Paine.”</p> + +<p>“It seems to me he has had satisfaction,” said Chester.</p> + +<p>“Ah!” replied the Frenchman cheerfully. “You no doubt refer to the +blow passed by Mr. Paine? It is for that my friend demands +satisfaction.”</p> + +<p>“He had that coming to him,” declared Chester.</p> + +<p>“So you may believe. Lieutenant Dupree thinks otherwise. Now, as to +the arrangements——”</p> + +<p>“Look here,” said Chester, interrupting. “With the whole German army +lined up in front of us, it seems to me that our friend should be able +to find all the fighting he wants. This fighting among ourselves is +all nonsense.”</p> + +<p>“But my friend’s honor——” began the Frenchman.</p> + +<p>“Bosh!” declared Chester. “It wasn’t your friend’s honor that was +hurt. It was his face.”</p> + +<p>“Then am I to understand that your friend refuses to fight?”</p> + +<p>“No!” shouted Chester. “He doesn’t refuse to fight. He just doesn’t +see the necessity of fighting. That’s all. But if you insist, he will +give your friend all the satisfaction he wants.”</p> + +<p>“I must insist,” replied Lieutenant Mercer.</p> + +<p>“All right, then,” said Chester. “I am not familiar with dueling +etiquette, but as the challenged <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span>party I believe the choice of +weapons lies with us.”</p> + +<p>The Frenchman bowed in assent.</p> + +<p>“Then let it be swords!”</p> + +<p>“Good! And the time and place?”</p> + +<p>“I’ll leave that to you.”</p> + +<p>“In the morning at half-past five—provided we are all alive—in the +little woods half a mile in the rear. Are these convenient for you?”</p> + +<p>“Perfectly. We shall be there on time. Will you please bring weapons?”</p> + +<p>“I shall be delighted,” replied the Frenchman. “Until the morning, +then,” and the two French officers bowed themselves out.</p> + +<p>“Well, you are into it now,” said Chester to Hal, after their visitors +had gone. “Looks to me as though you had a fair chance of seeing the +Happy Hunting Grounds before six o’clock to-morrow.”</p> + +<p>Before Hal could reply another visitor poked his head through the door +of the tent.</p> + +<p>“Am I intruding?” he asked.</p> + +<p>“Lieutenant Anderson!” exclaimed Chester. “Just the man I wanted to +see.”</p> + +<p>“What’s the matter now?” demanded the lieutenant.</p> + +<p>“Matter is that Hal’s mixed up in a duel, to be pulled off in the +morning.”</p> + +<p>“What!” exclaimed Lieutenant Anderson in surprise.</p> + +<p>“Fact,” said Hal. “I bumped into some little <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span>whipper-snapper of a +French lieutenant a couple of hours ago. He slapped me and I knocked +him down. Now he demands satisfaction, and I am going to give it to +him in the morning, at half-past five.”</p> + +<p>The lieutenant sat down heavily.</p> + +<p>“Well, you are the limit,” he said. “You are always in a scrape of +some kind. I suppose it’s up to me to prevent the duel.”</p> + +<p>“No chance,” said Hal briefly.</p> + +<p>“No,” agreed Chester, “and it’s up to you to make the third party on +our side. I suppose the other crowd will bring a surgeon.”</p> + +<p>“Do you know what will happen if you are found out?” demanded the +lieutenant.</p> + +<p>“No,” said Hal.</p> + +<p>“Well, it probably will mean strict confinement, at least. The +regulations in regard to dueling are very stringent.”</p> + +<p>“I can’t help that,” said Hal. “I can’t back out now.”</p> + +<p>“Well, if that’s the way you feel about it,” replied the lieutenant, +“I’ll help you as best I can. I’ll stay here to-night and go along to +see that you get fair play.”</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII.</h2> + +<h3>THE DUEL.</h3> + +<p>It was hardly light when Chester, who had been unable to close his +eyes, aroused Lieutenant Anderson. The two finished dressing before +rousing Hal, thinking to give him all the rest possible before waking +him up. Finally Chester shook him by the shoulder.</p> + +<p>“What’s the matter,” muttered Hal drowsily. “Time to get up already? I +just went to sleep. What’s up? Oh, yes, I remember now. I’m to fight a +duel this morning. All right, I’ll be ready in a jiffy.”</p> + +<p>“How did you sleep?” demanded Chester, as Hal was dressing.</p> + +<p>“Fine. Never slept better in my life.”</p> + +<p>Lieutenant Anderson approached and laid his finger on Hal’s pulse.</p> + +<p>“You’ll do,” he said quietly.</p> + +<p>“I haven’t any nerves, if that is what you mean,” said Hal with a +smile.</p> + +<p>Lieutenant Anderson smiled back at him.</p> + +<p>“I believe it,” he replied. “But come, we had better be on our way.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span></p><p>Quietly the three left the tent. There was a penetrating chill in the +early morning air. It was light now, but the sun had not yet appeared +above the horizon. Dense clouds obscured the sky.</p> + +<p>“Not a very cheerful morning to die,” commented Hal lightly, as they +made their way quietly along.</p> + +<p>“You are not afraid, are you?” asked Chester anxiously.</p> + +<p>“What, after yesterday? Not a little bit.”</p> + +<p>“I don’t believe you know what fear is,” declared Lieutenant Anderson.</p> + +<p>Lieutenant Dupree, his two friends and a surgeon were already on the +ground when Hal, Chester and Lieutenant Anderson arrived. All raised +their caps as they came together. The seconds drew apart to discuss +the details of the duel, Hal and Lieutenant Dupree in the meantime +discarding their coats and rolling up their sleeves.</p> + +<p>The details completed, Hal and the French lieutenant were at last face +to face.</p> + +<p>“On guard!” came the command, given by Lieutenant Anderson.</p> + +<p>The swords flashed aloft.</p> + +<p>A moment later and they were at it. For a few moments both combatants +were wary, each feeling the other out. A few passes and Hal realized +that he was no match for the more experienced Frenchman.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span></p><p>“I must be very careful,” he told himself. “Perhaps I can wear him +down a bit, and slip over a light thrust. I certainly don’t want to +kill him. And I don’t want to be killed myself.”</p> + +<p>The French lieutenant was pressing him sorely now. His sword darted in +and out with dazzling rapidity, and Hal thanked his stars that he had +been fortunate enough to have had some schooling in the use of the +foil.</p> + +<p>Hal contented himself with remaining on the defensive, and not an +attempt did he make to touch the Frenchman, although the latter left +several openings, only, Hal knew, to draw him on. The lieutenant at +last began to grow impatient, and with impatience came carelessness.</p> + +<p>He had realized, as had Hal, with the first few passes, that the lad +was not an accomplished swordsman. And the fact now that he could not +penetrate the other’s guard angered him.</p> + +<p>Suddenly he aimed a fierce thrust at Hal, and the latter only escaped +being impaled on the other’s sword by a quick leap aside. Before the +Frenchman could recover his balance, Hal stepped nimbly forward again, +his sword darted out, and the lieutenant dropped his weapon with a +muttered imprecation. Hal’s point had pierced his arm just below the +shoulder.</p> + +<p>The Frenchman’s seconds immediately leaped <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span>forward, and Hal stepped +over to Chester and Lieutenant Anderson.</p> + +<p>“I guess that ends it,” he said. “I suppose his honor is appeased +now.”</p> + +<p>“Don’t be too sure,” replied Lieutenant Anderson. “He is likely to be +more furious than ever, and demand that the fight continue until one +of you fall. He must realize that you are no match for him, and he +counts on that to give him victory. However, I must say that you have +handled yourself well, and, if you keep your head, you may succeed in +dropping him.”</p> + +<p>The lieutenant’s predictions proved correct. Lieutenant Dupree had had +his wound bandaged, and now demanded that the fight be resumed. Hal +was not the lad to protest, so the two were soon at swords’ points +again.</p> + +<p>But now both Hal and Lieutenant Dupree fought more warily. Hal could +read in his opponent’s eyes that he had made up his mind to kill him. +Touched once because of his carelessness, Hal knew that the Frenchman +would be more wary.</p> + +<p>In stepping back before a fierce thrust of his opponent’s sword, Hal’s +foot slipped. He threw up his arm, and for a moment was off his guard. +Before he could recover his balance, the Frenchman’s sword flashed up +under his guard and pierced him through the left shoulder.</p> + +<p>The lad staggered back, and the Frenchman, unheeding <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span>the accident and +the calls of Lieutenant Anderson and Chester, pressed his advantage. +With a grim smile he started a thrust that would have ended Hal’s +days; but, with a sudden lurch, Hal staggered forward, threw up his +sword, and, with a terrific stroke, swept the sword from the +Frenchman’s hand. Lieutenant Dupree was at his mercy.</p> + +<p>The Frenchman stepped back and folded his arms, as Hal took a step +forward.</p> + +<p>“Kill me,” he said quietly.</p> + +<p>“Run him through!” shouted Lieutenant Anderson. “He tried to kill you +unfairly.”</p> + +<p>Slowly Hal lowered his sword.</p> + +<p>“No,” he said, “I can’t do it. Neither will I continue the fight.” He +turned to his late opponent. “I hope your honor is satisfied,” he +said.</p> + +<p>The Frenchman turned, and, with bowed head, replaced his coat; then +with his two friends he walked away.</p> + +<p>The surgeon hurried to Hal’s side and peered at his wound.</p> + +<p>“Not serious,” he said, after an examination. “I’ll have it fixed all +right in a moment.”</p> + +<p>The wound dressed, the surgeon offered Hal his hand.</p> + +<p>“You are a gallant youngster,” he said, “and I am proud to know you. +Many a man in your place would have killed his opponent. Your coolness +is a thing to be admired.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span></p><p>Hal shook hands with the surgeon, and the latter then took himself +off.</p> + +<p>Lieutenant Anderson approached Hal and grasped him by both arms.</p> + +<p>“You are all right,” he said, emphasizing each word. “I was afraid it +was all up with you.”</p> + +<p>“And so was I,” said Chester. “But, if you had fallen unfairly, I +would have killed him myself.”</p> + +<p>The three made their way back to the boys’ quarters, where they sat +down and talked the duel over.</p> + +<p>“The best thing you can do now,” said Lieutenant Anderson to Hal +finally, “is to get a little rest. Both of you are wounded, and will +not have to report for duty. I shall tell General French that you will +be all right in a day or two.”</p> + +<p>“Tell him we shall be all right in an hour or two, that will be much +better,” said Hal.</p> + +<p>“Great Scott!” exclaimed the lieutenant. “Can’t you even keep still +for a day?”</p> + +<p>“Well,” said Hal, “there is likely to be some real fighting to-day, +and we don’t want to miss anything, do we Chester?”</p> + +<p>“I should say not,” was Chester’s reply.</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX.</h2> + +<h3>TO THE RESCUE.</h3> + +<p>“It looks rather awesome, doesn’t it?” said Chester.</p> + +<p>“It certainly does,” was Hal’s reply.</p> + +<p>The object of the boys’ conversation was a long armored train, which +stood on a siding. It was late in the afternoon, and the two lads, +after having taken a long rest, and being relieved from active duty by +the express command of General French, had strolled up to the +temporary siding, where the huge engine now stood puffing and +snorting.</p> + +<p>It was the first time either of the two boys had ever seen this +rapidly moving vehicle of warfare. The open flat cars were protected +by thick sheets of steel, behind which were mounted many small guns +and rapid-firers.</p> + +<p>These armored trains already had given good accounts of themselves in +other parts of the long line of battle, particularly in Belgium, in +the earlier days of the struggle, and were things of terror to the +German troops.</p> + +<p>The train beside which the two lads now stood was ready for instant +action. The gunners were at <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span>their posts, ready to go forward at a +moment’s notice. The engineer and firemen stood beside the huge +engine.</p> + +<p>In the distance the sound of firing could be heard, and occasionally a +shell burst close to where the boys were standing. But they had been +through their baptism of fire, and paid little heed to these +messengers of death.</p> + +<p>“They say that these trains have proven immense factors in sudden +raids on the enemy,” said Chester.</p> + +<p>“Yes,” agreed Hal, “and it is easy to see that among light armed +troops they could do great execution. It would even take very heavy +artillery fire to make an impression on those steel sides. +Besides——”</p> + +<p>He broke off with a sudden exclamation.</p> + +<p>“Look out,” he cried, and leaped back, pulling Chester forcibly along.</p> + +<p>A second later and there was a terrific explosion. A German shell had +burst within a few feet of where the two lads had been standing.</p> + +<p>A crowd of troopers, who had been idling about a few yards from the +train, disappeared with the deafening report, and when the smoke had +cleared away they were nowhere to be seen. They had been blown to +atoms.</p> + +<p>The boys rushed forward, but, even as they did so, they halted at the +sound of a sudden cry, and, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span>turning their faces up the track, they +beheld a mounted officer galloping swiftly toward them. An officer +dropped off one of the cars of the train, which, fortunately, had not +been touched by the explosion, and hurried to meet the newcomer.</p> + +<p>“Who is in charge of this train?” demanded the horseman, throwing +himself from his mount without waiting for the animal to come to a +stop.</p> + +<p>“I am,” was the officer’s brief response.</p> + +<p>“You are ordered to proceed forward at once under full speed,” was the +command. “The Tenth Royal Dragoons are hemmed in by at least 10,000 +Germans two miles ahead, and unless you arrive in time they will all +be slaughtered.”</p> + +<p>The officer in command of the train looked hurriedly about.</p> + +<p>“Hicks!” he called loudly. “Hicks!”</p> + +<p>There was no reply, and the officer shouted again. Then Hal stepped +forward.</p> + +<p>“If Hicks was your engineer,” he said, “there is no use calling him. +He is dead.”</p> + +<p>“Dead?” exclaimed the officer.</p> + +<p>“Yes; that shell struck right beside him. The fireman also was +killed.”</p> + +<p>“Great Scott!” exclaimed the officer. “Then what am I to do? Hicks was +the only engineer with us right now. The others have gone to their +quarters, and by the time I could get them here it would be too late.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span></p><p>“Well,” said Hal quietly, “if you want a volunteer, I am willing to +tackle it for you.”</p> + +<p>“You?”</p> + +<p>“Yes; I have made some slight study of a locomotive, and, while I have +never run one any great distance, I have ridden many miles in the cab +of an engine in lumber camps in the United States.”</p> + +<p>“And I can fire the engine,” Chester broke in.</p> + +<p>“Well,” said the officer, “something has to be done at once; and, if +you are willing to take a chance, so am I. Get aboard.”</p> + +<p>He turned and rushed hurriedly back to his car, while Hal and Chester +leaped aboard the locomotive. In response to a signal, Hal released +the brakes, gently opened the throttle, and the great engine began to +forge slowly ahead.</p> + +<p>Gradually the lad opened the throttle wider, and the huge locomotive +commenced to gain momentum, until at last it was rushing along like +some mad thing. Chester, in the meantime, was busy with a shovel.</p> + +<p>A moment, it seemed to the two lads, and the sound of firing rose +above the roar of the locomotive, and the spat spat of bullets against +the armored sides could be heard. But Hal did not falter. Rather, the +engine seemed to leap ahead with even greater speed.</p> + +<p>From the rear came the signal to slow down, and, under Hal’s firm +hand, the terrific speed of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span>the train was checked. Then also from the +rear there came the sound of firing. The rapid-firers on the train had +been unloosed, and their leaden messengers were spelling death in the +ranks of the Germans, of whom the train was now in the middle.</p> + +<p>Chester poked his head out the window of the cab, only to withdraw it +quickly, as a bullet struck a quarter of an inch from his ear. But in +that one brief glance he had taken in the situation.</p> + +<p>A short distance ahead he could make out a small knot of British, +almost surrounded by Germans. The British had taken their stand +directly on the railroad track, the most strategic point for miles. A +clump of small trees screened them from the enemy on one side, but +from the other three directions the Germans were pouring in their +deadly fire.</p> + +<p>The British troops stood gallantly to their work, and returned volley +for volley. They fought on doggedly. Suddenly the armored train shot +up the line which the British were holding, and Hal brought it to an +abrupt stop.</p> + +<p>Right and left the train poured in broadsides of machine-gun fire, +mowing down the Germans at every yard. The Germans fell in heaps, and, +as if by a miracle, both sides of the track were suddenly lined with +high piles of the dead.</p> + +<p>The little troop of British received this unexpected <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span>aid with a great +cheer, broke from cover and dashed in pursuit of the great mass of +Germans, who now were fleeing on all sides.</p> + +<p>But the success of the British was destined to be short-lived. Hal and +Chester, in the cab of the locomotive, had just raised a loud cheer +when there was a terrific explosion, followed by a thundering crash, +and both lads were hurled violently to the floor of the cab.</p> + +<p>Chester, with blood flowing from a gash in his forehead, was the first +to pick himself up. In falling his head had come in contact with a +sharp projection of some kind. He was terribly dizzy, but his head was +still clear.</p> + +<p>He stooped over Hal, and at that moment the latter raised himself on +his elbow and then got to his feet unsteadily.</p> + +<p>“Great Scott! What was that?” he gasped.</p> + +<p>Chester did not reply. Instead he swung out from the cab and glanced +back over the train—or rather where the train had been. And what a +sight met his gaze!</p> + +<p>The train of armored cars was gone. Alongside the track lay pieces of +wreckage, and many bodies and pieces of what had once been machine +guns.</p> + +<p>Hal peered over Chester’s shoulder.</p> + +<p>“Another shell,” he said slowly. “But how does it happen we were not +killed also?”</p> + +<p>“I don’t know,” said Chester, “but I judge the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span>shell must have struck +in the middle of the train. Look, there is nothing left but the +engine.”</p> + +<p>It was true. In some unaccountable manner the engine had escaped scot +free. At that moment Hal, who had glanced out from the other side of +the cab, made a startling discovery.</p> + +<p>“Wow!” he shouted. “Here come the Germans again—thousands of ’em. We +are goners, now, sure.”</p> + +<p>But, before Chester could reply, Hal jumped forward. With one hand he +released the brakes and threw the throttle wide—and the huge +locomotive leaped suddenly forward.</p> + +<p>“It’s our only chance,” Hal shouted to Chester. “The track behind is +covered with wreckage, and it is impossible to go that way.”</p> + +<p>That the Germans understood their ruse was soon apparent. There was a +shout from the oncoming horde, and the sharp crack of rifles and +bullets began to spatter against the side of the engine.</p> + +<p>“Well, we’ll give ’em a chase, anyhow,” said Hal grimly.</p> + +<p>He opened the throttle even wider.</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X.</h2> + +<h3>A WILD RIDE.</h3> + +<p>The engine rocked crazily as it dashed along, and the boys hung on to +whatever offered for dear life. Around curve after curve they shot +with a lurch, the locomotive threatening at every turn to leave the +rails.</p> + +<p>“Where is the end of this road?” asked Chester of Hal, raising his +voice to a shout to make himself heard above the roar of the speeding +locomotive.</p> + +<p>“I don’t know,” Hal shouted back.</p> + +<p>“Then you had better slow down. The tracks in front may be torn up and +we would certainly be killed.”</p> + +<p>“You are right,” shouted Hal.</p> + +<p>Quickly he closed the throttle and applied the brakes. The huge mogul +trembled violently and shook all over, but its speed was soon +slackened.</p> + +<p>Looking behind, the two lads saw that they had left their pursuers far +in the rear, and both breathed more freely.</p> + +<p>“How far are we going on this thing, anyhow?” <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span>Chester demanded. +“Don’t you think we had better get off and walk back?”</p> + +<p>“What! and leave the engine in the hands of the enemy? Not much. +Besides, I am certain the British must control this road at the other +end or it would have been destroyed by this time. We’ll just keep on +going and see what happens.”</p> + +<p>“Well, something will happen, all right,” said Chester. “I can feel it +in my bones. However, you are the doctor. Forward it is, then.”</p> + +<p>The locomotive was going more slowly now, Hal always keeping a keen +eye ahead. For perhaps five minutes they rode along without incident; +then suddenly Hal, without even a word to Chester, “opened her up” +again.</p> + +<p>Once more the huge locomotive jumped forward.</p> + +<p>“What’s the matter now?” cried Chester, springing to Hal’s side.</p> + +<p>“Matter!” shouted Hal. “Look ahead.”</p> + +<p>Chester peered out, and drew his head back with an exclamation.</p> + +<p>“More Germans, eh!” he muttered, and then shouted. “You do the driving +and I’ll keep her hot.”</p> + +<p>“Good!” Hal called back, never taking his eyes from the road ahead.</p> + +<p>Apparently the Germans were unconscious of the approach of the +locomotive, for they did not <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span>even glance in its direction. Troopers +stood beside either side of the track, and several groups were +standing between the rails.</p> + +<p>Closer and closer the engine approached, and still they did not move. +A moment later and the great steel monster was upon them. There was a +sudden shout, but it was too late—for some, at any rate.</p> + +<p>The great locomotive caught them as they attempted to jump from the +track, and hurled them in all directions. Hal and Chester ducked low +inside the cab, and it was well that they did so; for, as the engine +shot past, hundreds of bullets sped through the cab, and hundreds more +flattened themselves against the steel-protected sides. It was close +work, and no mistake.</p> + +<p>“Whew!” breathed Chester, after they had safely run the gauntlet of +the German fire and Hal had once more reduced the speed of the +locomotive. “That was close.”</p> + +<p>“Too close for comfort,” Hal agreed.</p> + +<p>“I wonder how many we killed back there,” said Chester.</p> + +<p>“I don’t know, but I am sure it was enough. It seemed to be their +lives or ours.”</p> + +<p>“It’s only a few more gone to the Happy Hunting Ground in a mistaken +cause,” said Chester slowly. “But, as you say, it was either they or +us. There was nothing else we could do.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span></p><p>“No,” said Hal, “there wasn’t; but, just the same, it gave me a cold +chill as they went flying through the air. It was terrible.”</p> + +<p>Both lads were silent for a time, as the locomotive continued on its +way. It was getting dusk now, and Hal was forced to reduce the speed +of the engine even more. They went slowly along, both lads keeping a +wary eye ahead for Germans.</p> + +<p>Darkness came on, and still they rode along. Their speed was little +better than a walk, and it was well that Hal had decided to +discontinue his reckless driving.</p> + +<p>From ahead, a sudden red glare went up to the sky, followed almost +instantly by a report like that of a thousand cannons. The locomotive +came to a stop with a jolt as Hal applied the brakes.</p> + +<p>“What’s up now?” demanded Chester.</p> + +<p>“I don’t know; but that explosion sounded to me as if there were +something wrong ahead. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Germans had +dynamited the bridge.”</p> + +<p>“By George! I believe you are right,” exclaimed Chester. “I wouldn’t +have thought of it, and if I had been in your place at the throttle +the chances are we would have gone over if such is the case.”</p> + +<p>“Well,” said Hal, “I’ll climb down, take a walk ahead and +investigate.”</p> + +<p>“I’ll go with you,” declared Chester.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span></p><p>“No, you won’t. You stay here and watch the engine.”</p> + +<p>“You are right, as usual,” said Chester. “But don’t be any longer than +you can help.”</p> + +<p>Hal agreed, and a moment later Chester lost sight of him in the +darkness.</p> + +<p>Slowly and cautiously Hal made his way along the track. As he moved +stealthily around a curve in the road the cause of the explosion +became apparent. It was even as he had feared. His quick wit had +detected the meaning of the explosion and none too soon.</p> + +<p>Just ahead, where a short time before had been a bridge spanning a +deep chasm, there was now nothing but space. The bridge had been blown +up. Had Hal applied the brakes to the engine one minute later, in +spite of the fact that it was traveling very slowly, both boys +probably would have been carried over the embankment to certain death; +for it is doubtful that either, in the darkness, would have noticed +the absence of the bridge in time to leap to safety.</p> + +<p>And now Hal could make out a number of rapidly moving figures. To his +dismay, he saw that they were moving in his direction. He turned +quickly and ran back to the locomotive, where Chester was anxiously +awaiting his return.</p> + +<p>“Out here, quick!” he cried, and Chester, in response to his command, +leaped to the ground.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span></p><p>Hal once more jumped aboard the locomotive, unheeding Chester’s cry of +wonder, released the brakes, and threw the throttle wide open. Then he +dropped sprawling to the ground, while the engine dashed madly down +the track.</p> + +<p>Hal was not badly hurt and was quickly on his feet.</p> + +<p>“What’s the matter?” asked Chester in alarm.</p> + +<p>“Matter is that the Germans are coming this way,” answered Hal. “Come, +let’s get away from here while we have a chance. We may be able to +escape in the darkness.”</p> + +<p>“But why did you start that engine down the track like that?”</p> + +<p>“Well, I couldn’t see that it was any use to us any longer, and it may +dispose of a few more Germans. They are walking up the track in +force.”</p> + +<p>This appealed to Chester.</p> + +<p>“Good!” he cried, and both stopped in their tracks to listen.</p> + +<p>A second and there came to their ears a sudden startled shout, +followed by a fearful yell, a moment of silence, and then a crash.</p> + +<p>“Good-by engine,” said Hal. “That’s a good job done. You perished +nobly. Now,” to Chester, “let’s get away from this spot as fast as we +can.”</p> + +<p>They turned their faces in the direction from which they had come, and +set out at a brisk pace. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span>They plodded along for an hour through the +open country, finally coming to a dense woods.</p> + +<p>“Guess we had better try and lose ourselves in here,” said Chester.</p> + +<p>“Right you are,” agreed Hal.</p> + +<p>They entered the friendly shelter of the trees. Here they were forced +to travel more slowly. They made good progress, however, and at the +end of another hour had covered considerable distance.</p> + +<p>“I guess we are safe enough as long as we can stay in the woods,” said +Chester.</p> + +<p>“Don’t be too sure,” declared Hal. “It’s the unexpected that always +happens.”</p> + +<p>The words were hardly out of his mouth when the truth of them was +proved. As they emerged from where the trees were thickest into a +little clearing a sudden, guttural command brought them to an abrupt +stop.</p> + +<p>“Halt!” came a voice. “Halt, or I fire!”</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI.</h2> + +<h3>CAPTURED.</h3> + +<p>Caught thus unexpectedly Hal immediately threw his hands above his +head; Chester followed his example. It was plain to both lads that +there was not a chance in a thousand to escape, for the German soldier +had his rifle pointed squarely at them.</p> + +<p>Of course there was a possibility that by a sudden spring one of the +lads might have succeeded in knocking the man down; but this probably +would have meant the death of the other. Hal and Chester both realized +that it was no time to take such a chance.</p> + +<p>“We surrender,” called Hal in German, and immediately the soldier +lowered his weapon and approached them.</p> + +<p>He passed his hands around their waists and then felt in the pockets +of their coats and relieved them of their weapons. Then he ordered:</p> + +<p>“Right about; forward, march!”</p> + +<p>The lads obeyed this command, and the German stalked after them, +keeping his rifle in readiness for a quick shot should his prisoners +attempt to escape.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span></p><p>But the lads had no thought of taking to their heels, for they were +fully aware that a bullet would stop one of them at least should they +make even one false move.</p> + +<p>They continued their walk, and presently came in view of what appeared +to be a large German camp. Here their captor marched them directly to +the tent of the commanding officer.</p> + +<p>“What are you doing within our lines?” was the latter’s first question +after the soldier had related how he had made his capture.</p> + +<p>“Well,” said Hal, “we were accidentally carried through your lines by +a locomotive which we happened to be running when the rest of the +train was blown up. We couldn’t get back, so we went ahead. We finally +lost the engine, so we were making our way back to our own lines.”</p> + +<p>“Lost the engine? What do you mean?” asked the officer.</p> + +<p>“Why,” Chester broke in, “we sent it over a precipice that it might +not fall into the hands of the Germans.”</p> + +<p>“You did, eh?” said the German officer. “Well, I shall attend to your +case in the morning. Orderly! See that these prisoners are carefully +guarded, and have them brought to me the first thing in the morning. +Perhaps they may be induced to give me the information I require.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span></p><p>“You won’t get any information out of us,” said Chester angrily.</p> + +<p>“Won’t I?” replied the officer, with a sneer. “We shall see. Take them +away.”</p> + +<p>The two lads were led to a small field tent and thrust inside, with a +guard on the outside.</p> + +<p>“Well, here we are again,” said Chester, with a faint smile. “What do +you suppose will be done with us if we refuse to divulge what the +general wants to know?”</p> + +<p>“I’m sure I don’t know,” was Hal’s reply, “but I am afraid we are in +for it this time. I have never taken much stock in the tales I have +heard of the barbarous treatment of the Germans toward their +prisoners, but one look at the general’s face was enough to convince +me that he would stop at nothing to gain his end.”</p> + +<p>“The same thought struck me, too,” agreed Chester. “But, one thing is +certain, he’ll get no information out of me.”</p> + +<p>“Nor out of me, either,” declared Hal.</p> + +<p>Chester rose and started to walk around the tent. In the darkness he +stumbled over something and fell to the ground. Arising he reached in +his pocket and produced a match. A tiny flame lighted up the dark +interior of the tent, and the lad stepped back with an ejaculation.</p> + +<p>“Bicycles,” he muttered.</p> + +<p>“What?” demanded Hal.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span></p><p>“Bicycles. I wonder why they are here?”</p> + +<p>“Probably dumped in here by a couple of men who have returned from a +scouting expedition,” said Hal.</p> + +<p>“By George!” exclaimed Chester suddenly.</p> + +<p>“What is it now?” demanded Hal.</p> + +<p>Chester did not reply immediately. He appeared to be thinking deeply.</p> + +<p>“Have you a knife?” he asked at length.</p> + +<p>Hal produced one, and, taking it from his friend’s hand, Chester +stepped to the back of the tent. Quickly he opened the blade, and made +a neat incision in the canvas, finally cutting out a little square. +Then he put his eye to the hole and peered out.</p> + +<p>There was no one in sight. The guard could be heard pacing to and fro +in front of the tent, but apparently there was no guard at the rear.</p> + +<p>Chester left his peep-hole and returned to Hal’s side.</p> + +<p>“If we can get two of these bicycles out here,” he whispered, “we may +be able to get away by a quick dash. Are you willing to take a +chance?”</p> + +<p>“Sure,” agreed Hal. “Anything is better than sitting here and waiting +for I know not what. But do you think we can make it?”</p> + +<p>“Well, we can at least try. There doesn’t seem to be a guard in the +rear. I am going to cut a big <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span>slit in the back. Then we’ll slip the +bicycles through it, mount and make a dash.”</p> + +<p>“Good!” said Hal.</p> + +<p>Quietly Chester slit the canvas in the rear of the tent, making a hole +large enough for a man to step through. Quietly the boys each selected +a bicycle and pushed it cautiously through the opening.</p> + +<p>Once on the outside they drew a breath of relief.</p> + +<p>“We’ll have to depend on our luck now,” whispered Chester. “Come on!”</p> + +<p>The lads leaped into the saddles, and a moment later were speeding +through the heart of the German camp.</p> + +<p>In the very boldness of their scheme lay a certain degree of safety, +for the sentinels on guard certainly did not look for two youths of +the allied armies to be riding through their midst.</p> + +<p>They were not even challenged as they sped through the camp, turning +this way and that, and they had passed beyond the last row of tents +before a hubbub from the rear told them that their flight had been +discovered.</p> + +<p>“We must be careful,” cried Hal, as he rode his wheel close beside +Chester. “There is still the outpost to pass.”</p> + +<p>But they did not diminish their speed. Rather, if anything, they +pedaled faster; and then the outpost <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span>came into sight—a long line of +men, almost in front of them. Some were pacing to and fro, while +others sat upon the ground.</p> + +<p>The riders were upon them before they knew it, and two flying bicycles +sped between the German troopers. A cry of “halt!” went unheeded, and +the Germans, quickly bringing their rifles to their shoulders, sent a +volley after the lads.</p> + +<p>But neither was hit. In the darkness the Germans were unable to aim +carefully. The boys heard the hum of bullets around them, but they did +not falter. There was no second volley, for the lads had disappeared +in the darkness, and the Germans were not minded to spend their +ammunition foolishly.</p> + +<p>The first streak of dawn appeared in the sky, and still the boys rode +on swiftly. But at length Hal slowed down and Chester followed suit.</p> + +<p>“I’m tired out,” said Hal, as he jumped from his bicycle.</p> + +<p>“And so am I,” replied Chester, as he, too, jumped to the ground to +stretch his legs.</p> + +<p>Suddenly from the distance in which they had come came a faint +“chug-chug.”</p> + +<p>Chester pricked up his ears.</p> + +<p>“What’s that?” he demanded anxiously.</p> + +<p>For a brief moment Hal paused to listen. The sound became louder. Hal +sprang toward his bicycle.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span></p><p>“Come on!” he cried, and leaped into the saddle. “Motorcycles! We are +pursued!”</p> + +<p>Chester was hardly a second behind him, and the two lads were again +riding madly along the road. Fortunately there were many curves in the +highway, and this fact prevented their pursuers from sighting them +from any great distance.</p> + +<p>Hal suddenly brought his bicycle to an abrupt stop and jumped to the +ground. Although not knowing what plan Hal had in his mind, Chester +immediately did likewise.</p> + +<p>The spot where they had alighted was in the midst of a clump of trees, +and quickly the lads drew their bicycles in among them, hiding them +from sight of the road. Then Hal turned, and, with Chester close +behind him, dashed back in the direction from which they had come, +taking care to keep well within the shelter of the trees.</p> + +<p>And now Chester made out the object of his friend’s wild dash. It was +a farmhouse, setting well back from the road. Chester had not detected +it as they sped by, but Hal’s keen eyes had singled it out as a +possible refuge.</p> + +<p>“We’ll have to take a chance of the occupants being friendly,” Hal +told his friend, as they ran toward the house. “If they will allow us +to hide here until night, we may be able to get back to our lines +safely.”</p> + +<p>The boys ran around the house, and Hal rapped <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span>sharply upon the rear +door. A moment later and a kindly-faced woman appeared in the doorway. +She started back at the appearance of the two lads.</p> + +<p>“Are the English coming?” she demanded, after a quick glance at the +lads’ uniforms, and then she clasped her hands and exclaimed: “At +last! At last!”</p> + +<p>“No, madam,” Hal undeceived her, “the English are not coming—yet. We +are trying to make our way back to our lines, but a German motorcycle +squad is after us. We have come here to see if you will hide us until +nightfall.”</p> + +<p>The woman was silent for one moment. Then she stepped aside and +motioned them into the house.</p> + +<p>“Come,” she said quietly. “The Germans will not learn you are here +through me.”</p> + +<p>The lads stepped inside the door, and not a moment too soon. For at +that very instant a band of a dozen Germans flashed by on the road, +their motorcycles kicking up a cloud of dust.</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII.</h2> + +<h3>A TRAITOR APPEARS.</h3> + +<p>Hal turned to Chester.</p> + +<p>“When they fail to find us,” he said, “they’ll come back, inquiring +all along as they return. They are sure to ask for us here.” He turned +to the woman. “Have you a place where we can hide?”</p> + +<p>“Yes,” she replied, “there is a secret trap-door to the attic. You may +go up there and no one will be the wiser.”</p> + +<p>“Then we had better get up there at once,” said Chester, “for there is +no telling how soon they may return.”</p> + +<p>A few moments later and they were safe in a little room at the very +top of the house. After showing them to their retreat, the good woman +departed, saying that she would return in a few minutes with water and +food.</p> + +<p>“You’ll need it,” she said, when Hal protested against putting her to +so much trouble. “And, besides, I should be a poor Frenchwoman could I +not aid the friends of my own country.”</p> + +<p>She was back in a few moments, and the lads <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span>ate hungrily of the food +she brought them, for it had been long hours since food or water had +passed their lips.</p> + +<p>After their benefactress had departed, Hal said to Chester:</p> + +<p>“This is bound to be a tedious day. I guess we had better try and put +it in sleeping. Besides, we’ll need all the rest we can get for our +journey to-night.”</p> + +<p>“Just what I was thinking,” said Chester, “and I’m ready to go to +sleep right this instant.”</p> + +<p>He stretched himself out on the floor and in a few moments was fast +asleep. A short time later and Hal also lay in the arms of Morpheus.</p> + +<p>How long the lads had slept, they did not know, but they were awakened +by the sound of voices directly below them.</p> + +<p>“No, I have seen nothing of them,” came the voice of the woman who had +given them refuge.</p> + +<p>“But we have searched every place else,” came another voice, speaking +in French, but with a heavy German accent. “They must be here. We +found the bicycles a short distance from this house, and have scoured +the woods. They must be here.”</p> + +<p>“I say they are not,” came the woman’s voice, raised in anger.</p> + +<p>“Well, I must search the house, at any rate,” said the German, “and, +if I find that you have <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span>been aiding the enemies of Germany, it will +go hard with you. Stand aside, please.”</p> + +<p>“I tell you there is no one here,” cried the woman.</p> + +<p>“Stand aside!” came the German’s voice again, and there was the sound +of a struggle, followed by the voice of the German: “Search the house, +men.”</p> + +<p>Then came the sounds of heavy feet tramping through the house. Hal and +Chester were both wide awake now and lay silent, listening. For an +hour the heavy footsteps continued to ring through the house, and +there was the sound of slamming doors and moving furniture.</p> + +<p>And finally came the voice of the woman again: “I told you there was +no one here.”</p> + +<p>But apparently the German officer in command was not yet satisfied.</p> + +<p>“Have you searched the attic?” he demanded of his men; “and the +cellar?”</p> + +<p>“There is no one in the cellar,” came a voice in reply, “and there is +no attic.”</p> + +<p>“I’ll have a look for myself,” came the reply, and heavy footsteps +ascended the stairs into the room directly beneath Hal and Chester. +There came to the lads’ ears the sounds of heavy blows against the +floor on which they lay. Evidently the German officer was making sure +that there was not an opening in the ceiling of the room below. But +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span>after a while he desisted. The boys heard him descend the stairs, and +a few moments later the sound of his voice:</p> + +<p>“There is no one up there.”</p> + +<p>Both lads drew a breath of relief. A moment more and a slamming door +gave evidence that the Germans had departed.</p> + +<p>“I was afraid he would locate the trap-door,” said Hal to Chester, +after they had gone.</p> + +<p>“Same here,” replied Chester. “But I wasn’t going to let them take me +without a fight. Only one man could get up here at a time, and we +could certainly dispose of him.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, but they could starve us out, or set fire to the house or +something, which would be worse than being captured. Besides, we +couldn’t let the woman who has aided us come to harm.”</p> + +<p>“No, that’s so, too,” agreed Chester. “I hadn’t thought of that.”</p> + +<p>Further conversation was interrupted by a sound of some one at the +trap-door. Chester and Hal both jumped to their feet, and stood ready +above the opening in the floor to seize the intruder should it prove +to be an enemy.</p> + +<p>But when the trap-door came away the head of their benefactress +appeared through the opening.</p> + +<p>“You can come down now, if you want to,” she <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span>said. “The Germans have +been here and gone. I am sure they will not return.”</p> + +<p>Chester turned to Hal.</p> + +<p>“What do you think?” he asked. “Shall we go down, or had we better +stay up here?”</p> + +<p>Hal considered for a moment.</p> + +<p>“I guess we might as well go down,” he replied at length. “I don’t +believe there is any likelihood of their coming back. Besides, it’s +too cramped and stuffy up here for comfort.”</p> + +<p>Accordingly both boys descended from their refuge, and a few moments +later were sitting in the living room with their hostess.</p> + +<p>“We can never thank you enough for what you have done for us,” Chester +told her, after she had related her experiences with the Germans.</p> + +<p>“No, indeed; we can never thank you enough,” agreed Hal. “Had it not +been for your kindness we should have been in the hands of the Germans +right now, and there is no telling what they might have done to us.”</p> + +<p>The good woman waved aside their thanks.</p> + +<p>“Pooh! pooh!” she said. “And why shouldn’t I help you? Surely no +thanks are necessary because I did my duty.”</p> + +<p>“But women——” Hal began, when she interrupted him.</p> + +<p>“I have a son of my own in the war,” she said, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span>her voice growing very +low and tears dimming her eyes.</p> + +<p>“And I hope,” said Hal gently, “should he ever be in a situation +similar to ours, that another good woman may be the means of saving +his life, and that some day he may return to you.”</p> + +<p>“Just so he does his duty I shall be satisfied,” said the woman, who +now introduced herself as Mrs. Madeline Dersi. “He has been a very +wild boy, but I am sure that his heart is true and that he will fight +to the last for his country, as did his father before him.”</p> + +<p>“And I am sure of it, too,” said Chester. “When we return to our lines +we shall make it our business to hunt him up.”</p> + +<p>And at that moment there was a hasty step outside, the door to the +room in which they were sitting was flung open, and a young man, in +civilian garb, burst in.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Dersi was across the room in a moment, her arms wrapped about the +newcomer. Tears streamed down her face, as she repeatedly kissed the +young man, who seemed to take no great interest in the procedure.</p> + +<p>Finally Mrs. Dersi turned to Hal and Chester.</p> + +<p>“My son,” she said proudly, “of whom I was just talking to you.”</p> + +<p>Now the newcomer freed himself from her embrace and stepped forward.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span></p><p>“Who are these?” he demanded, pointing to the two lads.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Dersi explained.</p> + +<p>“And we were just talking of you,” she added; then stopped and +surveyed her son critically. “Why are you not in uniform?” she +demanded.</p> + +<p>“Why, I—I—I——” stuttered young Dersi, “I am on a scout, and it was +thought best for me not to go in uniform.” He turned suddenly to Hal: +“Are you expecting any of your men here?” he demanded.</p> + +<p>“Why, no,” replied Hal. “We are going to try and make our way back to +our lines to-night.”</p> + +<p>Young Dersi appeared to breathe easier, and this fact was not lost +upon either Hal or Chester.</p> + +<p>“Well,” he said, after a pause, “I haven’t time to stay here. I just +dropped in a moment to see you, mother. You say the Germans went +north? How long have they been gone?”</p> + +<p>“About an hour,” said Chester.</p> + +<p>“Good. Then it will be safe for me to continue on my way.”</p> + +<p>He bowed to the two lads, kissed his mother, and a moment later had +left the house, his mother accompanying him to the door.</p> + +<p>“There is something queer about him,” said Chester to Hal, as Mrs. +Dersi and her son left the room. “He’s not telling the truth.”</p> + +<p>“I know it,” said Hal. “I don’t like to say it, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span>but it is my belief +he is fleeing from the French lines to give information to the +Germans.”</p> + +<p>“You mean you think he is a traitor?”</p> + +<p>“I told you I didn’t like to say anything,” replied Hal, “but I am +afraid you have hit the nail on the head.”</p> + +<p>“In that event he is likely to tell of our presence here,” cried +Chester.</p> + +<p>“I’m sure he’ll tell,” said Hal quietly.</p> + +<p>“Then what shall we do?”</p> + +<p>“We shall leave at once—or, as soon as Mrs. Dersi returns. That is +the best return we can make for her kindness to us. It would break her +heart to know that her son is a traitor to his country.”</p> + +<p>“It would, indeed,” was Chester’s reply; but further talk was +prevented by the return of Mrs. Dersi.</p> + +<p>“And is not my son a fine, brave man?” she asked, with justifiable +pride.</p> + +<p>“He is,” said Hal and Chester both, hoping that they were telling the +truth.</p> + +<p>“Mrs. Dersi,” said Hal, “we have decided that it probably will be +better for us if we take our departure at once. I am sure there are no +Germans near right now, and the sooner we get started the sooner we +shall reach our own lines.”</p> + +<p>“But would it not be safer to wait until dark?” questioned the woman +anxiously.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span></p><p>“I am afraid not,” replied Hal, with a meaning glance at Chester. “We +think we had better take our departure at once.”</p> + +<p>Mrs. Dersi offered further objections, but at length, seeing that they +were all in vain, she bade the two lads a sorrowful farewell, +enjoining them to be sure and look her son up and to return to see her +should the opportunity offer. This they gladly promised, and, leaving +the friendly shelter of the good Frenchwoman’s home, continued on +their weary journey toward the British lines.</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII.</h2> + +<h3>A FIGHT IN THE DARK.</h3> + +<p>Each boy put his best foot foremost, and they traveled at top speed. +They wanted to put as much distance as possible between themselves and +the house where they had so lately found shelter, for there was little +doubt in the mind of either that young Dersi was a traitor, and that +he would soon put their erstwhile captors on their track again.</p> + +<p>Nor were they wrong; and, had they but known what they learned later, +they would have sought shelter almost anywhere rather than continue +their journey afoot. Even now the same band of German motorcyclists +who had given chase the night before were again in pursuit. But now, +instead of an even dozen, there were thirteen. For Young Dersi himself +was with them.</p> + +<p>Just out of sight of Dersi’s home the Germans halted, and the young +man himself approached the house. His mother greeted him effusively +and inquired the cause of his sudden return.</p> + +<p>“Well, mother,” he said, “I have accomplished my mission. I have +learned the strength of the German army, and am now returning to my +own regiment. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span>But what of the two lads who were here? Have they gone? +If not, we can all continue our journey together.”</p> + +<p>“They departed several hours ago,” his mother informed him.</p> + +<p>“Then perhaps I can overtake them,” said the young man. “In which +direction did they go?”</p> + +<p>The good woman pointed out the road taken by Hal and Chester, never +thinking for an instant that her son meant to harm them. A moment +later young Dersi left the house; and soon the Germans were once more +upon the trail of the two lads.</p> + +<p>Hal and Chester hurried along as fast as their legs could carry them. +It was now nearing dusk, and with each forward step they knew that +they were that much closer to a place of safety. Darkness fell and +still the two lads plodded onward.</p> + +<p>At length, coming upon a small brook beside the road, they stopped to +quench their thirst. Hal had risen to his feet and was waiting for +Chester when from the rear once more came the faint “chug-chug” of a +motorcycle, or motorcycles, the boys were unable to tell which.</p> + +<p>Chester sprang to his feet.</p> + +<p>“Here they come again,” he cried. “We were right. It is the traitor +Dersi who has put them on our trail. Hustle!”</p> + +<p>Side by side the two lads sprinted for a clump of trees almost +directly ahead. They reached their <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span>friendly shelter just before the +glare of a searchlight down the road gave evidence of the approach of +their pursuers.</p> + +<p>Once among the trees the boys dropped to the ground and became +absolutely silent. A moment later and the band of Germans flashed by +at terrific speed.</p> + +<p>The boys arose to their feet and continued on their way, keeping in +among the trees.</p> + +<p>“We must be very careful,” Hal warned Chester. “When they fail to +overtake us they are sure to return. When we hear them coming we’ll +climb up a tree, or hunt a hole, or something. But we might as well go +ahead as far as we can.”</p> + +<p>“That seems the best way to me,” Chester agreed.</p> + +<p>They continued their journey for perhaps an hour without hearing a +sound of the Germans, and then, suddenly, they were made aware of the +presence of the enemy.</p> + +<p>Chester’s cap seemed suddenly to jump from his head. Both lads heard +the hum of a bullet and the crack of a rifle. Immediately they both +dropped to the ground.</p> + +<p>They had not detected from which direction the bullet had come, and +for that reason were at a great disadvantage. Crouched close to the +ground they waited, ears strained for a sound by which they could +locate the man who had fired.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span></p><p>But a sound came not. Nothing but silence. Crouched close to the +ground as they were, the silence soon became stifling. Hal endured the +suspense as long as he could, and then whispered to Chester:</p> + +<p>“We can’t stay here. I’ll wriggle my way to that tree,” pointing, “and +you creep behind that one,” pointing again, this time to a tree +perhaps a hundred yards distant from the first.</p> + +<p>“All right,” Chester whispered back.</p> + +<p>Hal had hardly taken his position behind the tree he had selected for +his own cover when a second sharp crack of a rifle broke the stillness +of the night, and there was a flash of fire hardly fifty feet from +him.</p> + +<p>In the darkness Hal made out the form of a man, his gun pointed toward +Chester, who at that moment succeeded in wriggling behind a tree.</p> + +<p>“The dog!” said Hal angrily to himself. “I’ll fix him.”</p> + +<p>Both lads were without weapons, their arms having been confiscated +when they were captured by the Germans.</p> + +<p>On hands and knees Hal made a short detour and approached his enemy +from behind. Now he was hardly ten feet from the man, who loomed up +like a giant in the darkness. Hal rose suddenly to his feet, and, as +he did so, he stepped on the fallen limb of a tree.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span></p><p>The deathly silence was shattered by this sound, and Hal’s enemy +turned suddenly to confront this unexpected assailant. But, before he +could bring his rifle to bear, Hal was upon him.</p> + +<p>The man did succeed in raising his rifle above his head, and he now +attempted to bring it down on the lad’s head. But Hal was too quick +for him. Stepping in close, he struck his opponent a stinging blow in +the face, and at the same time seized the rifle barrel with his other +hand.</p> + +<p>As the man staggered back, Hal wrenched fiercely on the rifle, and the +weapon came away in his hand. But the man was not badly hurt by the +force of Hal’s blow, and he suddenly dropped his hand to his belt. A +moment later and the naked blade of a knife gleamed in the night.</p> + +<p>Hal saw his enemy’s move and sprang back. But the man was after him in +an instant, his knife raised to strike. They were too close together +for Hal to bring the rifle to bear upon his enemy, and, realizing that +he probably was no match for his opponent, the lad suddenly turned and +ran.</p> + +<p>But it was not Hal’s intention to run very far from his enemy. He was +not that kind of a boy. His idea was to get far enough ahead of the +man so that he might turn and shoot him. But as he ran he felt a gust +of air pass his ear, and he heard the sound of something whizzing by +him.</p> + +<p>The German, realizing the boy’s purpose, and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span>also that he could not +overtake him, had hurled his knife. Hal also realized this the moment +the knife sped by him, and stopped suddenly in his tracks.</p> + +<p>In spite of the fact that his assailant had attempted to murder him, +Hal could not find it in his heart to kill him in cold blood. +Therefore, even as he turned, he raised the rifle high above his head, +and, holding it tightly by the barrel, rushed upon his enemy.</p> + +<p>In vain the man threw up his hands to ward off the blow. The force +behind it was too great. Hal, wheeling half around as he swung, +brought the heavy butt of the rifle against the side of the German’s +head with a crack. The man dropped limp at the boy’s feet.</p> + +<p>Hal lowered his rifle, and stood for a moment over his fallen enemy, +wiping his brow. Then he stooped over and relieved him of his other +weapons, two automatic Colts. These he slipped in his pocket, and once +more turned his face toward the spot where Chester lay, unaware of the +terrible fight that had just occurred.</p> + +<p>Hal whistled softly—the whistle of the old days in America—and, +listening, heard Chester whistle softly in return.</p> + +<p>Believing now that everything was safe, Hal left his fallen enemy +behind, and started toward the spot where Chester was rising to his +feet.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span></p><p>Hardly had he traversed half the distance, when there was another +shot, and Hal saw Chester, who was advancing to meet him, topple to +the ground.</p> + +<p>Hal turned in the direction of the flash of the rifle, and, scarcely +taking time to aim with his newly-acquired automatic, fired. His +effort was rewarded with a howl of pain, but, as the lad started to +run to where his fallen friend lay, there was another shot, and Hal +felt a bullet whiz by his head.</p> + +<p>Quickly he dropped to the ground, thinking that his unseen antagonist +would believe him dead. He held his revolver ready, prepared to fire +at the first sight of his enemy.</p> + +<p>But the latter was not to be caught thus easily. Evidently he had +heard of such subterfuges before. Hal waited patiently for some +moments, and then, as there was no sign of his unseen enemy, he +crawled slowly toward the spot where Chester had fallen.</p> + +<p>What was his surprise to find that Chester was not there. For a moment +Hal was stupefied, but his amazement was brought to an end by a low +whistle, and, looking to the right, Hal beheld his friend behind a +large tree.</p> + +<p>A moment later Hal was beside his friend.</p> + +<p>“Are you hurt much?” he demanded anxiously.</p> + +<p>“Not even touched,” was the reply. “I dropped <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span>to the ground when the +bullet whizzed by. I was afraid he would hit me next time.”</p> + +<p>Hal seized Chester’s hand and squeezed it warmly.</p> + +<p>“I was afraid it was all up with you,” he said. “I——”</p> + +<p>The sudden flash of a rifle interrupted him, and another bullet flew +past.</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV.</h2> + +<h3>THE DEATH OF A TRAITOR.</h3> + +<p>“Great Scott!” Hal ejaculated. “We’ve got to get out of here some way. +We can’t stand here and be shot down.”</p> + +<p>“Wait,” said Chester, as Hal started to move away, and pulled the +latter to the ground, where he had dropped himself.</p> + +<p>“What is it?” demanded Hal.</p> + +<p>“Let me look at that gun you have a moment.”</p> + +<p>Without a word Hal passed it over. Chester examined it as carefully as +possible in the dark.</p> + +<p>“I don’t believe there is more than one man in these woods,” he +finally said. “Now, you stay here, and I shall try and work round +behind him.”</p> + +<p>Without waiting for a reply Chester started crawling away, not +directly toward the spot where the last flash of fire had come from, +but bearing off well toward the right.</p> + +<p>Hal started to protest, but, before he could utter half a dozen words, +Chester had disappeared in the darkness. Hal lay in silence for some +time. Finally, putting his cap upon a stick, he poked it cautiously +out from behind the tree, where it was <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span>silhouetted against the +opening between the trees.</p> + +<p>A shot followed, and the cap leaped into the air.</p> + +<p>“Good thing it wasn’t my head,” said Hal ruefully. “But if I can keep +that fellow’s attention centered on me, Chester may be able to nab +him.”</p> + +<p>Once more he raised his cap on a stick and moved it about. Again there +was a sound of a shot. But, even as the bullet sped by, there was a +second report, and Hal heard his friend’s voice raised in almost a +shout:</p> + +<p>“I got him.”</p> + +<p>Quickly Hal sprang to his feet and dashed in the direction of his +friend’s voice.</p> + +<p>When Chester had left Hal he crawled slowly, and, making a wide +detour, came upon his unseen enemy from behind. The second time the +man had fired at Hal’s hat, Chester was almost upon him.</p> + +<p>Thinking that the man was shooting at his friend, being unconscious of +the ruse Hal was employing, Chester immediately turned his own weapon +loose upon the man, whom he could now plainly see. But, after firing, +the enemy had shifted his position slightly at the very moment that +Chester fired. Therefore, he escaped what otherwise would assuredly +have been a death wound—for Chester was a crack shot—and received +the ball in his pistol hand.</p> + +<p>His weapon dropped to the ground, and he sent up a loud howl of pain.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span></p><p>Before he could seize the weapon in his other hand, Chester was upon +him, and Hal was hastening to the aid of his friend, for, wounded +though he was, the man put up a hard fight.</p> + +<p>Chester forced him to the ground, but the man heaved him away with a +mighty kick. Chester fell sprawling on the ground, and his opponent +turned to grope for his revolver.</p> + +<p>But, before he could pick it up, Hal was upon the scene. He took in +the situation at a glance, and sprang upon Chester’s assailant.</p> + +<p>Hal’s first leap bore his opponent to the ground, where the boy +twisted one hand around the man’s throat. But, if he thought to +overcome his opponent thus easily, he had reckoned without his host. +Lying almost at full length on the ground as he was, he drove his fist +straight upward into Hal’s face. The lad released his hold upon his +enemy’s throat and fell back.</p> + +<p>It was now beginning to grow light, and, as the man sprang after him, +Hal recognized him. It was young Dersi!</p> + +<p>“Dersi!” gasped Hal, as he once more put himself in an attitude of +defense.</p> + +<p>“Yes,” gritted his opponent, “and I am going to kill you both, right +here and now.”</p> + +<p>With this he sprang upon Hal and bore him to the ground. But the lad +was not to be thus easily conquered, and, with a mighty effort, +wriggled <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span>from beneath his assailant and sprang back to gain a breath.</p> + +<p>This movement almost cost him his life, for, in springing back, he +allowed his opponent time to reach down and pick up his revolver. This +he now pointed full at Hal.</p> + +<p>But aid came from an unexpected source. Chester, who had been lying +unconscious up to this time, now recovered sufficiently to take in the +situation about him. In his hand he still grasped the automatic.</p> + +<p>This he brought to bear, and an instant before Dersi’s finger pressed +the trigger, Chester fired. Dersi fell to the ground with a groan. His +revolver exploded as he fell, and the bullet whistled close to Hal’s +right ear.</p> + +<p>Quickly Hal jumped to Chester’s side and raised his chum in his arms.</p> + +<p>“Chester! Chester!” he said anxiously. “Tell me, are you much hurt?”</p> + +<p>“Not much, I think,” was his friend’s reply. “But he gave me an awful +wallop. I shall be all right presently.”</p> + +<p>Hal did not leave his friend for a moment until Chester announced that +his head had cleared up sufficiently for him to stand. With Hal’s +assistance he struggled to his feet, one hand holding the side of his +head.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span></p><p>“He kicked like a mule,” said Chester. “Great Scott! I never had +anything hurt like that.”</p> + +<p>At that instant there came a groan from the fallen man.</p> + +<p>Hal and Chester bent over him. Dersi’s voice was very indistinct, and +the boys at first were unable to distinguish what he said.</p> + +<p>Hal placed his ear close to the dying man’s lips. The voice came +faintly.</p> + +<p>“Do not tell mother I died like this. It would break her heart. She +thinks I am a soldier of France. And so I was,” and his voice became +stronger, “until I fell in with evil companions. Then I began to +gamble. I lost. I needed money. When the war broke out, I was offered +a chance to cancel all my debts, if I would deliver certain plans to +the Germans. I did. Then I was discovered.”</p> + +<p>“How?” demanded Chester.</p> + +<p>“I was caught in the act of taking papers from my superior’s coat, +which he had laid aside. I was court-martialed and ordered put to +death. Through the connivance of another who was associated with me in +this piece of treachery I managed to escape. He is high in the +confidence of General Joffre.”</p> + +<p>“His name?” demanded Hal quickly.</p> + +<p>The wounded man was silent for some time.</p> + +<p>“I have never betrayed a comrade,” he said at length, “but I am at the +door of death. I must <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span>make what reparation I can. His name is General +Emil Tromp.”</p> + +<p>“What!” exclaimed Hal and Chester in a single breath.</p> + +<p>“It is true,” continued the wounded man. “But listen,” and his voice +grew fainter. The end was not far off now. “Listen! Will you do me one +favor, you whom I have tried to kill?”</p> + +<p>Hal and Chester nodded their heads in assent.</p> + +<p>“Then do not tell my mother of my treachery. Tell her that I died in +battle, fighting for my country, and that I was game to the end, as +you Americans say. Will you do this for me, one who has sought your +death?”</p> + +<p>“We will,” promised Hal and Chester in a single voice.</p> + +<p>“Promise,” said the dying man feebly, as he raised himself on one +elbow.</p> + +<p>“We promise,” said both lads solemnly.</p> + +<p>The man fell back with a groan of thanks, and Hal bent over him, +thinking that he was dead. But the voice came again:</p> + +<p>“I wouldn’t have her know for all the world. I was always wild, but +who would have thought that I would be a traitor to my country? When +you see General Joffre, tell him at once what I have told you +concerning the traitor. Immediately, do you understand?”</p> + +<p>“We understand,” said Hal.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span></p><p>“And my mother, you will do as you have promised?”</p> + +<p>“We have promised,” said Chester simply.</p> + +<p>“Then I may die in peace,” said the wounded traitor.</p> + +<p>He lay back on the ground at full length, shuddered, once, twice, and +lay still.</p> + +<p>Hal rose from his kneeling posture, and lifted his cap from his head.</p> + +<p>“He is dead,” he said quietly. “May he rest in peace.”</p> + +<p>“Amen to that,” said Chester, also standing with bared head. “And his +mother. He is right. It would break her heart. We must see that she +does not know.”</p> + +<p>“And so we shall,” declared Hal. “It will be a lie for which I am sure +we shall be forgiven.”</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV"></a>CHAPTER XV.</h2> + +<h3>ATTACKED BY THE ENEMY.</h3> + +<p>“What shall we do with him?” questioned Chester. “We can’t go away and +leave him here like this.”</p> + +<p>“No,” Hal agreed. “I know we should, for our own safety may depend +upon it, but just the same it goes against the grain.”</p> + +<p>“If we had something to dig with,” said Chester.</p> + +<p>“But we haven’t,” Hal interrupted.</p> + +<p>But the two lads were saved the trouble of finding a grave for the +traitor, for suddenly through the woods came the sound of tramping +feet.</p> + +<p>For a moment the two lads listened intently. Then Chester grabbed Hal +by the arm.</p> + +<p>“Come,” he said in a hoarse whisper, “we must find a place of safety.”</p> + +<p>Hal drew back.</p> + +<p>“Wait until I see if Dersi happened to have another gun,” he said.</p> + +<p>He ran his hand over the dead man and at length rose up with a second +revolver and a belt well filled with cartridges. One of the weapons he +passed to Chester.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span></p><p>“We’ll probably need these,” he said grimly. “Now, let’s see if we +can’t find a place to hide.”</p> + +<p>Cautiously the two lads made their way through the woods. They could +hear the sound of their pursuers, but they had little fear of being +detected in the still uncertain light, as long as they kept the same +distance between themselves and the Germans.</p> + +<p>But suddenly a gleam of light showed in the forest. A German soldier +had flashed a pocket searchlight, and the glare of it fell squarely +upon the crouching lads, before they could step behind a tree or any +other place of refuge.</p> + +<p>“Run!” cried Hal, suiting the action to the word.</p> + +<p>Chester needed no urging, and also took to his heels. But their +presence had been discovered, as was proved by the sharp crack of a +rifle. Neither boy was touched, although the bullet passed +uncomfortably close to Chester’s head.</p> + +<p>Stumbling along as fast as the semi-darkness would permit, the boys +made a brave effort to escape. But they were not to get off in such +easy fashion. For again the searchlight lighted up the woods and +exposed them to their pursuers. Both lads threw themselves to the +ground, and thus avoided the volley of shots that were fired at them.</p> + +<p>As Chester dropped, he heard a startled exclamation from his chum, +and, glancing quickly about, he could see no sign of him. The lad was +non-plussed, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span>but, before he could so much as move, he heard Hal’s +voice, apparently below him:</p> + +<p>“Quick, Chester! Down here, but be careful how you come.”</p> + +<p>Cautiously Chester moved in the direction of his friend’s voice. But +he was not cautious enough, and a moment later, grasping out wildly +for some means to stay his rapid descent, he was sliding down what +seemed to be a steep embankment.</p> + +<p>He brought up abruptly at the bottom, and felt Hal’s hand upon his +arm.</p> + +<p>“Great Scott!” he ejaculated. “Where are we? Down in the bottomless +pit?”</p> + +<p>Hal clapped his hand over Chester’s mouth, for his keen ears had +detected the sounds of footsteps above.</p> + +<p>“Quiet!” he whispered.</p> + +<p>Chester needed no second warning. He did not move a muscle. From above +came the sound of a voice:</p> + +<p>“I wonder where they went?”</p> + +<p>“I don’t know,” answered another voice, “but we had best be careful. +They are probably armed.”</p> + +<p>Now, Hal, moving his position slightly, felt a space behind him, and +crawled slowly backward, where the darkness seemed greater, pulling +Chester along after him. They continued this crawling for some +minutes. Finally, raising his head, Hal <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span>dropped quickly again with a +muttered exclamation.</p> + +<p>In arising his head had come in contact with something above him. +Raising an exploring hand, he investigated. He touched a rock above. +Then he reached out on each side. As he had surmised, only a few feet +each way were solid walls.</p> + +<p>“A cave,” he muttered.</p> + +<p>“What?” asked Chester.</p> + +<p>“We are cooped up in a cave. If the Germans are wise enough, after +they learn where we are, they will just sit down on the outside and +starve us out. But, if they try to come in—well, I don’t think they +will get very far, as long as our cartridges hold out. You wait here +until I see how far back this thing goes.”</p> + +<p>Chester obeyed, and Hal continued his exploration. For two or three +minutes he crawled along, and then, turning a slight bend, gave a +sudden exclamation. He had come upon a possible means of exit, for, +apparently, the cave had two openings.</p> + +<p>Quickly Hal poked his head out and looked around. He could see no one. +Slowly he crawled back to where he had left Chester, and informed him +of what he had learned.</p> + +<p>“Then the best thing we can do is to get out of here quick,” was +Chester’s decision. “Let’s go.”</p> + +<p>Slowly Hal led the way along the low passageway, and, reaching the +opening again, poked his <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span>head out. This time he was doomed to a +disappointment. Hardly had his head emerged from the hole in the +ground when he drew it in quickly again.</p> + +<p>“What’s the matter now?” demanded Chester.</p> + +<p>“Matter is,” said Hal quietly, “that there are six Germans standing +about five yards from the entrance.”</p> + +<p>“What!” cried Chester, in consternation.</p> + +<p>“Exactly,” said Hal; “if you don’t believe it have a look for +yourself.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, I don’t want to look,” said Chester, bitterly disappointed. “I +can take your word for it. What are we going to do now?”</p> + +<p>“Well,” said Hal, “it looks to me like a good time to get out the +other end.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, but there are likely to be a few of them hanging about there, +also,” said Chester.</p> + +<p>“That’s so, too,” agreed Hal. “Well, I’ll tell you what: You sneak +back there and investigate, and I’ll stay here and guard this end, in +case one of them tries to get in.”</p> + +<p>Slowly Chester crawled away. Reaching the opposite end of the cave, he +cautiously poked his head out and looked around. In the dim light he +could see no one. But he was afraid to call out to Hal—his voice +might be overheard—so he took his tedious way back to where he had +left his friend.</p> + +<p>“All O. K.,” he whispered.</p> + +<p>“Good,” said Hal. “Let’s get out of here, then.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span></p><p>They crawled back along the dark passageway as rapidly as the darkness +and the condition of the ground would permit, but before leaving their +place of refuge, Chester thought it advisable to peep out once more.</p> + +<p>And it was well that he did so. For, standing almost at the entrance +of the cave three figures loomed up against the sky. Quickly Chester +drew back in again.</p> + +<p>“Three of ’em out there,” he informed Hal briefly. “What are we going +to do now?”</p> + +<p>“You’ve got me,” replied Hal. “Can’t you pick ’em off with your gun?”</p> + +<p>“Oh, I can pick a couple of ’em off, all right. But what then? We +would probably have a whole brigade upon us in two shakes of a lamb’s +tail.”</p> + +<p>“I guess you are right,” Hal agreed. “But we have got to do +something.”</p> + +<p>“So we have,” replied Chester; “but the question is, what?”</p> + +<p>Hal was silent for several minutes, thinking. Finally he said:</p> + +<p>“Well, I guess the best thing to do is to wait and see what happens. +Perhaps they may leave before broad daylight and not discover this +cave. In that case we shall be safe enough. Now you stay here and +guard this end, and don’t move unless I call. I’ll do the same at the +other end.”</p> + +<p>“All right,” said Chester. “We’ll keep our posts <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span>till daylight, +whether they go away or not. Then, if we have not been discovered, we +can at least see what we are doing.”</p> + +<p>Hal moved slowly along the passageway once more, being very careful +not to make any noise. He crawled on hands and knees, his head thrust +out before him.</p> + +<p>Suddenly, as he moved slowly along, his head came in contact with +another moving object with an audible crack.</p> + +<p>He had bumped into a second crawling figure.</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI"></a>CHAPTER XVI.</h2> + +<h3>THE STRUGGLE IN THE CAVE.</h3> + +<p>In spite of the pain that shot through his head following the contact, +Hal did not lose his coolness or his presence of mind. Although his +head hurt badly, he did not utter a sound.</p> + +<p>His unseen antagonist apparently was too surprised to make an outcry, +or it may have been that he thought he had bumped into a wall. If the +latter were his thought he was quickly undeceived.</p> + +<p>As he sat back on his haunches, to rub his head, Hal moved lightly +forward, and, judging the distance by the sound of his enemy’s +movements, fell on top of him.</p> + +<p>He had gauged the distance to a nicety, and before the German could +cry out, one of the lad’s hands sank deep into his throat. But the +latter was a powerful man and not to be overcome easily. He hurled the +lad from him with a quick shove, at the same time twisting on the +wrist of the hand that gripped his throat.</p> + +<p>The pain was almost unbearable and Hal was forced to loosen his hold. +But again the lad sprang, before the German could take the offensive, +and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span>this time struck out fiercely with his right fist. The German +uttered a cry of pain, and with one hand delivered a smashing blow at +the face so close to his own.</p> + +<p>But Hal had figured on this move and had calculated the time of the +blow perfectly. With a quick movement of his head he avoided the huge +fist, and there came a terrific howl of pain from the German. The blow +had passed over the lad’s head and the German’s fist had crashed into +the solid wall.</p> + +<p>And at the same instant there came the sound of a shot from Chester’s +end of the cave.</p> + +<p>This sound spurred Hal to greater activity, for he realized now that +their presence had been discovered by those on the outside. He felt +certain that the sound of the shot would probably bring new visitors +into the cave from the end he was supposed to guard.</p> + +<p>Quickly, then, while his opponent was still in agony from the +self-inflicted blow, Hal drew his revolver and, reversing it, struck +out in the direction of a muttered curse.</p> + +<p>He was rewarded by another groan of anguish and a moment later by the +sound of a falling body. Quickly the lad leaped forward, his weapon +held ready to strike again. But there was no need of a second blow. +The German was unconscious.</p> + +<p>By great exertion Hal succeeded in turning his <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span>wounded adversary over +and pushed him slowly along the passageway, using him as a shield in +case he encountered another of the enemy.</p> + +<p>At length he came to the end of the passageway, and pushed his +prisoner out. Even as he did so a bullet whistled by his head and he +heard the crack of a German rifle. Hal lost no time in getting back +into his hiding place.</p> + +<p>But now he discovered that even this was not far enough, for a bullet +came whizzing into the cave after him. It hit the side of the wall and +went skimming over his head.</p> + +<p>With all possible haste the lad retreated around the little bend, and +throwing himself upon his face held his revolver ready to fire at the +first sign of an advancing foe.</p> + +<p>He lay perfectly still, not making the slightest noise, and after some +moments heard the sound of voices.</p> + +<p>“I tell you I must have hit him. I never miss at that distance,” said +one. “And, besides, if he were in there we could hear him.”</p> + +<p>“I wouldn’t be too sure,” came a second voice. “He’s liable to be +there waiting for you.”</p> + +<p>“Well, I am going in after him anyhow,” said the first speaker.</p> + +<p>A moment later Hal heard the German approaching. He half arose to his +knee and trained his revolver at the darkness ahead of him.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span></p><p>Then there came the sound of the German rounding the bend, and taking +careful aim at the distance above the ground he believed the man’s +head would be, Hal pressed the trigger.</p> + +<p>There was a terrific roar that echoed and reechoed through the +passageway, a howl of pain and then silence. For a moment Hal waited, +for he did not wish to be caught napping. Then he slowly made his way +forward. Presently he came in contact with a man’s body. It was the +enemy.</p> + +<p>Propping himself up behind the dead man, Hal felt more comfortable.</p> + +<p>“It will be daylight soon,” he said to himself, “and they can’t get in +here without me seeing them And one man here is as good as a hundred.”</p> + +<p>Raising his voice, Hal shouted:</p> + +<p>“Are you all right, Chester?”</p> + +<p>“All right,” came back the answer. “One man tried to get in here, but +I got him,” for all the time that Hal had been engaged Chester had +been having troubles of his own.</p> + +<p>After Hal had left him, Chester, seeking to ascertain the exact +position of the Germans at his end of the cave, and, if possible, +their number, had ventured too close to the opening.</p> + +<p>A German, walking past at that moment, struck a match to light a +cigarette, and Chester’s form was clearly outlined in the glare of it. +With a hoarse guttural exclamation the German dropped <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span>his match and +cigarette and brought his rifle to bear.</p> + +<p>But before he could press the trigger Chester had disappeared in the +darkness of the cave. Evidently believing that the lad would flee from +him, the German, sprawling upon hands and knees, gave chase.</p> + +<p>Chester, well back in the cave, judged his pursuer’s distance by the +sounds of his awkward movements. He waited until the German got well +within the cave, then raised his automatic and quickly fired twice.</p> + +<p>The sound of the explosion was so great that even Chester himself was +frightened. This was the shot that Hal had heard as he grappled with +his opponent.</p> + +<p>Fearing a trap, Chester did not move for several moments, keeping his +revolver aimed steadily. But then, as there was no sound from the +German, Chester slowly moved forward.</p> + +<p>His outstretched hand touched a soft object, and his exploring fingers +sought out the German’s face.</p> + +<p>“He’ll do no more fighting,” was Chester’s only comment.</p> + +<p>Relieving the German of his arms and ammunition, Chester sat down to +await the approach of the others, who he was certain must have heard +the sound of the shot.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span></p><p>And they were not slow in coming. Suddenly the flame of a match +appeared in the opening, and taking quick aim Chester let fly with his +automatic.</p> + +<p>There came a groan of pain from the opening to the cave, but the exact +result of his shot Chester could not determine. The light had +disappeared and the cave was again in darkness. Hal, at his end of the +cave, having serious business of his own to attend to, had not heard +this last shot.</p> + +<p>And now Chester stretched himself out on the ground to ward off any +further attack. He was brought suddenly to a sitting posture again by +the sound of a shot from Hal’s end of the cave.</p> + +<p>Several times he called out but received no answer. He was just on the +point of leaving his post and following after his friend when Hal’s +voice came to him.</p> + +<p>“Thank God,” he exclaimed softly, “Hal is still alive.”</p> + +<p>He resumed his former position and lay calmly awaiting the next move +of the enemy, with a human shield in front of him, even as Hal had at +his end of the cave.</p> + +<p>For hours, it seemed to both boys, they lay there silently, save for +an occasional shout to the other, when the darkness of the cave began +to give way to a faint glow of light. The sun had arisen, and each +boy, at his own end of the cave, breathed more freely.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span></p><p>“It’s getting light here, Hal,” called Chester.</p> + +<p>“And here, too,” Hal shouted back.</p> + +<p>And both lads were struck with the same thought.</p> + +<p>“At least, we can see what we are doing now.”</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII"></a>CHAPTER XVII.</h2> + +<h3>SAFE.</h3> + +<p>Gradually it became more light and at length a beam of sunlight shot +into Hal’s end of the cave. But still the lads kept silent vigil, +being afraid to leave their places of concealment, and believing that +the Germans on the outside were still on the watch for them.</p> + +<p>Nor were they wrong, for at both entrances to the cave, or at least +standing nearby, were two groups of German soldiers, patiently waiting +for the boys to emerge from their retreat. The Germans rightly +surmised that they would not remain idle long after daylight.</p> + +<p>At length Hal could endure the suspense no longer. Silently he quitted +his end of the cave and made his way cautiously back toward his +friend.</p> + +<p>“What’s up?” was Chester’s greeting.</p> + +<p>“I don’t know,” replied Hal. “The Germans may have gone away, but I +believe they are still loitering on the outside. However, this +inaction is getting monotonous. We’ve got to do something, and we’ve +got to do it right away.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span></p><p>“My sentiments exactly,” Chester agreed. “But what?”</p> + +<p>“Well, I don’t know exactly. We shall have to figure out something.”</p> + +<p>There was a long silence, which was finally broken by Chester.</p> + +<p>“There is but one way I can think of,” he said.</p> + +<p>“What is that?” demanded Hal.</p> + +<p>“Well, suppose we make a dash out of this end, shooting as we go. +Those guarding the other end will naturally think we are trying to +escape, and will come to the aid of their companions. Then we can run +back into the cave, crawl through as rapidly as possible and make a +run for it out the other end.”</p> + +<p>Hal was somewhat dubious of this plan, but after some further talk, in +which neither was able to hit upon a better one, the boys finally +decided to act upon Chester’s suggestion.</p> + +<p>Accordingly, with drawn revolvers, they slowly made their way to the +entrance of the cave, and Chester peered out cautiously.</p> + +<p>“No one in sight,” he whispered to his friend. “Perhaps they have +gone.”</p> + +<p>“Be very careful,” cautioned Hal. “They are likely to be lurking +around here some place.”</p> + +<p>Quietly the boys emerged from the cave, and began walking slowly. But +they had hardly gone five paces when there came a command:</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span></p><p>“Halt!”</p> + +<p>Swiftly the lads turned in the direction from which the hail had come, +and beheld a squad of Germans approaching them with leveled rifles.</p> + +<p>The automatics of both lads spoke simultaneously and continued to +spout fire for several seconds. Then they turned and ran hurriedly +back to the cave, into which they disappeared before their startled +foe could realize what had happened.</p> + +<p>Two German soldiers lay on the ground, while a third stood swaying +dizzily on his feet.</p> + +<p>With all possible haste the lads crawled through the passageway, and +soon emerged at the other end. But now caution was thrown to the wind, +for the lads figured that the Germans left to guard this end of the +retreat were by this time on the way to aid their companions.</p> + +<p>Their revolvers still gleamed in their hands, however, ready for +instant use in the event that their plan had miscarried.</p> + +<p>But it had not, for there was not a German in sight, and soon the boys +were running through the woods as fast as their legs could carry them. +At length Hal pulled up, panting.</p> + +<p>“I guess we have given them the slip this time,” he panted.</p> + +<p>“Let us hope so,” replied Chester fervently. “If we ever get back to +our own lines, I believe I shall be more careful in the future.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span></p><p>Hal glanced at his friend with a peculiar smile.</p> + +<p>“Anybody that didn’t know you would believe you meant that,” he said. +“But I know you better, so I don’t.”</p> + +<p>“Well, perhaps I did make it a little strong,” said Chester with a +smile, “but that’s the way I feel about it right now.”</p> + +<p>The boys had now regained their breath, and at a word from Hal resumed +their journey, walking at a brisk pace.</p> + +<p>Now they came to a clearing in the woods, stretching out for perhaps +200 yards, and the end of this another dense forest. They started +across the open ground at a run, for they had no mind to be overtaken +by the Germans where there was nothing to offer protection.</p> + +<p>They had almost reached the forest on the other side and each was +mentally congratulating himself upon giving the pursuers the slip when +a shot rang out from behind, and a bullet cut the ground beside Hal.</p> + +<p>“Quick!” said Hal, and increased his pace, swerving from side to side +as he ran, making it difficult for the Germans to aim accurately. +Chester did likewise, and soon they were safe once more beneath the +protection of the great trees.</p> + +<p>But now that they had been discovered, the lads knew that it was to be +a race for life. They knew that it was but a question of a few minutes +until <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span>the remaining Germans would again mount their motorcycles and +give chase. Also they realized that their chances of eluding their +pursuers were much more slight in broad daylight than they had been in +the darkness.</p> + +<p>Therefore they ran at top speed. While they were not afraid and had +not lost a whit of their nerve, they realized that discretion was the +better part of valor, and their feet continued to hit the ground at +breakneck speed, until again came to their ears the first faint sounds +of the pursuing motorcycles. Gradually the sounds became more +distinct, this telling the boys that their pursuers were gaining +rapidly, although the rough condition of the ground made it impossible +for the motorcycles to travel very fast.</p> + +<p>Finally, when he could run no more, Hal threw himself to the ground, +and Chester immediately followed his example. For a few moments they +lay there, panting, their tongues literally hanging out like worn out +dogs.</p> + +<p>Then they sprang to their feet again, and making an abrupt turn to the +right plunged into the underbrush right where it was the most dense. +Here Hal espied a large tree, with low hanging branches. With Chester +by his side he rushed for it.</p> + +<p>Hal stood aside while Chester grabbed the lowest branch and swung +himself up, and then he followed suit. High up in the tree the lads +climbed, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span>the close set branches affording an excellent screen.</p> + +<p>Half a minute later six motorcycle riders hove into sight, hardly a +hundred yards from where the boys were perched.</p> + +<p>Chester’s fingers twitched on his revolver, but Hal, who had noticed +the set expression on his friend’s face, uttered a low warning.</p> + +<p>And the sound of Hal’s voice was almost their undoing. For the Germans +had come to a pause and Hal’s words carried plainly in the silence to +their ears.</p> + +<p>For a moment the Germans glanced about hurriedly, seeking out their +prey. Then they sprang behind trees themselves, their rifles ready to +fire. They had not yet discovered the boys’ hiding place, and were +fearful of a shot from ambush.</p> + +<p>Then one, raising his eyes, saw Hal, and quickly raised his rifle. But +Hal’s eye was keen also, and before the German could press the trigger +Hal’s revolver spoke and the German tumbled to the ground.</p> + +<p>Chester fired at the same moment as did Hal, and a second German +clapped his hand to his head and reeled. But before the other pursuers +could raise their rifles, there came from ahead a sound that brought a +loud “Hurrah” from Hal and Chester, and a moment later, on the dead +run, came a small body of British infantry.</p> + +<p>Quickly the Germans leaped onto their motorcycles <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span>and turned to run. +But now the advancing British were in full view, and a voice of +command rang out:</p> + +<p>“Fire!”</p> + +<p>A volley rang out. Not in all the world were there better marksmen +than those British troopers. Four Germans reeled in their saddles and +tumbled to the ground.</p> + +<p>Hal and Chester descended from their place of refuge.</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII"></a>CHAPTER XVIII.</h2> + +<h3>ON A NEW MISSION.</h3> + +<p>The two lads hurried up to the officer in command of the English +troops.</p> + +<p>“You arrived just in time,” cried Hal, grasping the hand the officer +extended.</p> + +<p>“I should say you did,” declared Chester, also shaking the officer’s +hand. “A few moments later and we would have been goners, sure.”</p> + +<p>“Well, I am glad we arrived so opportunely,” said the officer, +laughing a little. “We heard shooting in this direction last night, +but we did not get an order to advance until this morning. As you may +perhaps have surmised, we are part of the advance guard of the army.”</p> + +<p>“Do you mean the French and English have both assumed the offensive in +force?” demanded Hal.</p> + +<p>“Exactly,” replied the British officer. “We are not far in front, and +are pushing slowly along, that we may take the Germans by surprise, if +possible. Perhaps you may have gathered some information as to the +German position and strength?”</p> + +<p>This last was in the form of a question, and the lads made haste to +answer in the affirmative.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span></p><p>“We have not learned a whole lot,” Chester continued, “but we have a +little information that may be of value.”</p> + +<p>“Then you had better hasten back to General French and report,” said +the officer. “I am sure he will be glad to have any information you +may be able to give him.”</p> + +<p>The lads thanked the officer, and soon the little troop was on the +advance again. Hal and Chester resumed their journey in the opposite +direction. For an hour they hurried along, occasionally meeting a +detachment of mounted troops going forward, but they had traversed at +least five miles before they made out in the distance the first long +line of the British advance.</p> + +<p>It was indeed an imposing sight, this long line of khaki-clad men, +marching rapidly toward them, and Hal and Chester were not unmindful +of it, and their hearts swelled with pride at the thought that they +themselves were a part of this great fighting machine.</p> + +<p>They hurried on toward the advancing army. Already the lads had been +challenged several times, but upon explaining their predicament had +been allowed to continue on their way. Now they reached the first line +of the advancing host, and an officer hastily rode toward them.</p> + +<p>Upon a glance at their uniforms, now unkempt and dirty, he saluted.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span></p><p>“What is your business here?” he demanded.</p> + +<p>Briefly Hal explained, and added:</p> + +<p>“We are seeking General French. Can you direct us to him?”</p> + +<p>The officer did as requested and the lads made off in the direction he +indicated. It was fully two hours later before they were admitted to +the presence of the commander-in-chief of the small though mighty host +of Britain.</p> + +<p>For once the English field marshal lost his habitual calm and greeted +them warmly.</p> + +<p>“I had made sure that you two lads were lost,” he said. “Come, give an +account of yourselves.”</p> + +<p>Chester did so as briefly as possible, and General French listened to +the lad’s recital in unfeigned amazement.</p> + +<p>“And so you are the two who created such havoc in the ranks of the +enemy,” he exclaimed when Chester had concluded his account of their +adventures. “I learned through some of my scouts that a wild engine +had dealt a heavy blow to the Germans, but I had never thought that +you two were aboard it.”</p> + +<p>Then it was that Hal told his commander of his encounter with young +Dersi, and of what the latter had told him concerning General Tromp, +of General Joffre’s staff.</p> + +<p>“What!” cried General French, springing to his feet. “Tromp a traitor! +Why, it is unbelievable. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span>General Joffre has entire confidence in his +ability and integrity.”</p> + +<p>“Nevertheless it is true, there can be no doubt of that,” said Hal +quietly. “Dersi told us with almost his dying breath, and he certainly +was repentant at the end.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, I do not doubt your word,” General French assured Hal, “but it +seems impossible. Something must be done at once.”</p> + +<p>“Will you allow me to make a suggestion, sir?” asked Hal respectfully.</p> + +<p>“By all means,” was the general’s reply.</p> + +<p>“Then I would suggest that you send word of General Tromp’s treachery +to General Joffre by special messenger, and not trust to the field +wireless, for in that way Tromp might learn that he was suspected and +make his escape.”</p> + +<p>“An excellent idea,” said General French. “It shall be acted upon at +once.” He turned away, signifying that the interview was at an end.</p> + +<p>But Hal had no intention of letting such a piece of work slip through +his fingers.</p> + +<p>“If you please, general,” he said. “Chester and I would like to carry +the message. You see, we are greatly interested in this matter.”</p> + +<p>The general glanced at the two lads, and a faint smile lighted up his +face.</p> + +<p>“And so you shall,” he said at length. “Refresh <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span>yourselves with food +and drink first, and then report to me.”</p> + +<p>Hal and Chester saluted and took their departure. Having done as the +general ordered, they lost no time in returning to him. General French +had already prepared his dispatch and this he placed in Hal’s hand.</p> + +<p>“General Joffre no doubt will be amazed at the contents of this +message,” the general told the lads, “and he probably will demand all +details from you. Tell them to him as you have to me and I am sure he +will be convinced. That is all, except that you return as soon as +possible, for I may have other work for you.”</p> + +<p>The two lads saluted and started forth on their journey. Both had been +furnished with good horses at the command of the general, for they had +asked for these in preference to being carried in an army automobile.</p> + +<p>“Those things are likely to break down any time,” Hal had confided to +Chester, “and you can always depend upon a good horse.”</p> + +<p>Chester had agreed with him, so now we find the two lads mounted and +riding rapidly toward the southwest, in which direction they knew they +should reach the French commander-in-chief.</p> + +<p>It was a long, tedious ride, for the French general, that he might +have perfect quiet in which to make his plans and direct the movement +of the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span>French forces, had made it his custom to remain well in the +rear of his army. And here, the following day, the lads found him, and +upon informing his orderly that they bore important communications +from General French, were admitted to his presence at once.</p> + +<p>The French commander-in-chief sat at a small desk, surrounded by +members of his staff. Hal and Chester drew themselves up and saluted; +then the former advanced and placed the document in Gen. Joffre’s +hand.</p> + +<p>Quickly the French commander ran his eyes over the paper; then leaned +back in his chair. For perhaps five minutes he retained this position, +uttering no word, apparently deep in thought.</p> + +<p>Then he arose, and with a wave of his hand dismissed all his staff, +motioning for Hal and Chester to remain. The tent cleared, the general +spoke:</p> + +<p>“Now tell me your story,” he said briefly.</p> + +<p>Hal did so, and the general listened attentively, without asking a +single question until Hal had concluded his story.</p> + +<p>“It must be true,” he said at length, half to himself. “I remember +well that there was something mysterious in the traitor Dersi’s +escape. It was never explained satisfactorily. Yes, it must be true.”</p> + +<p>He was silent again for some moments, then finally spoke again:</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span></p><p>“And I would have staked anything I possess on Tromp’s honor. He has +uncommon ability. Still, there has always been something queer about +him. Yes, it must be true.”</p> + +<p>Suddenly the general sprang to his feet with agility that Hal and +Chester had not believed him capable of, and struck a small bell upon +his desk a sharp tap. Immediately an orderly entered.</p> + +<p>“Have my car brought here instantly,” commanded the general briefly.</p> + +<p>The orderly saluted and withdrew.</p> + +<p>Chester and Hal stared at each other in some surprise. What could the +general be about to do? They were soon enlightened.</p> + +<p>“I must act at once,” said the general, again half to himself. “Never +would Tromp have a better chance to work treachery to our cause than +at this time. I must stop him, and I must do it personally and without +publicity, for should this become noised abroad throughout France, +nothing could prove more detrimental to our cause.”</p> + +<p>He turned suddenly to Hal and Chester.</p> + +<p>“And you two shall come with me,” he said. “You shall confront Tromp. +If he is guilty, we shall find it out some way.”</p> + +<p>At that instant the orderly entered again and saluted.</p> + +<p>“Your car is ready, sir,” he said.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span></p><p>The general moved toward the door, motioning for the lads to follow +him.</p> + +<p>“Come,” he said. “We shall go to the front, where even now Tromp is in +command and meditating mischief.”</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX"></a>CHAPTER XIX.</h2> + +<h3>A BIT OF UNWRITTEN HISTORY.</h3> + +<p>So this is how it transpired that Hal and Chester, two American boys, +happened to be present at an interview between the commander-in-chief +of the French army and General Emil Tromp, an incident that has never +been told, and never will find its way into history; an interview +between a gallant French officer and another who, were his actions +known, would be likened to the greatest of American traitors—Benedict +Arnold.</p> + +<p>Hal and Chester followed General Joffre from his tent without a word +and entered his car behind him.</p> + +<p>“To General Tromp’s command,” said General Joffre briefly. “Hurry!”</p> + +<p>The chauffeur needed no second urging, and a moment later the huge car +was literally flying over the ground, passing large bodies of troops +moving rapidly forward as though they were stationary.</p> + +<p>Hal and Chester found ample time to take an inventory of the general’s +car. It was a huge machine, and besides being fitted up luxuriously +was also furnished as an office, that the general might <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span>still be at +work while he hurried from one part of the field to another when +events demanded his immediate presence. Even now, with treachery +threatening, and whirling along at a terrific speed, General Joffre, +probably because of habit, fell to work sorting papers, studying maps +and other drawings.</p> + +<p>For almost two hours the car whirled along at top speed, and at length +pulled up in the rear of an immense body of troops, who, even to Hal +and Chester, could be seen preparing for an advance.</p> + +<p>General Joffre was out of the car before it came to a full stop, and +Hal and Chester were at his heels. An orderly approached.</p> + +<p>“My respects to General Tromp, and tell him I desire his presence +immediately,” ordered General Joffre.</p> + +<p>The orderly saluted and dashed away. General Joffre paced up and down +nervously. Finally, at the approach of rapid footsteps, he raised his +head. A group of officers were approaching. One of them advanced right +up to the general and saluted, and even as he did so the sound of a +bugle rang out, ordering a general advance.</p> + +<p>“Sir——” began the officer, whom the boys instantly knew to be +General Tromp.</p> + +<p>General Joffre interrupted him with a wave of his hand.</p> + +<p>“Why this sudden advance?” he demanded coldly.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span></p><p>General Tromp started back.</p> + +<p>“Why, sir,” he explained, “I have word that a large force of the enemy +is approaching to give battle. I am advancing to meet him.”</p> + +<p>“Order a halt,” said General Joffre abruptly.</p> + +<p>“But, but——” began General Tromp in some confusion.</p> + +<p>“Order a halt, sir!” commanded General Joffre sternly. “Or,” as he saw +that General Tromp still hesitated, “shall I do it myself?”</p> + +<p>General Tromp turned and gave the command to one of his staff, who +immediately dashed away. A moment and a bugle rang out, and the great +army came to a pause.</p> + +<p>“Now, sir,” said General Joffre to General Tromp, “you will please +dismiss your staff.”</p> + +<p>Without a word General Tromp turned and gave the necessary order. A +moment later and the four, General Joffre, General Tromp, Hal and +Chester, were alone together.</p> + +<p>“What is the meaning of this, sir?” demanded General Tromp, with some +dignity.</p> + +<p>“The meaning, General Tromp,” said General Joffre calmly, “is that you +are a traitor!”</p> + +<p>General Tromp started back, and his hand went up before his face as if +to ward off a blow.</p> + +<p>“What!” he cried in well simulated surprise. “Have a care, sir. I +shall allow no such insults, even though you are my superior officer.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span></p><p>“Tush, tush,” chided the commander-in-chief gently. “Why keep up the +pretense? You are discovered. Why not admit it and have done?”</p> + +<p>“Sir!” cried General Tromp, drawing himself up. “I demand an +explanation of your strange conduct.”</p> + +<p>“And you shall have it, sir!” thundered General Joffre, now very +angry, as he took a step forward.</p> + +<p>General Tromp quailed before him. His eyes fell to the ground and his +injured dignity dropped from him like a mask.</p> + +<p>“I accuse you,” continued General Joffre, “of being a traitor to +France. I accuse you of aiding and abetting the escape of another +traitor, one Dersi. And I also accuse you,” and here the general +pointed an accusing finger at General Tromp, “of even now playing into +the hands of the enemy by ordering an advance, when you knew very well +that such an advance could mean only the extermination of our troops.”</p> + +<p>By a great effort General Tromp forced his eyes to meet those of his +commander.</p> + +<p>“I deny it,” he said in a thick voice.</p> + +<p>“A denial is useless,” said General Joffre quietly.</p> + +<p>But General Tromp had now succeeded in regaining command of himself to +a certain extent, and once more he tried to bluff it out.</p> + +<p>“Who accuses me?” he demanded, with well assumed bravado.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span></p><p>“I do,” said Hal, stepping forward.</p> + +<p>“And I,” cried Chester, also advancing a step.</p> + +<p>General Tromp turned to General Joffre.</p> + +<p>“And you take the word of those two upstarts in preference to mine?” +he demanded.</p> + +<p>“I do,” said the general quietly, “upon the advice of General Sir John +French, who vouches for the truth of their story. Besides, your +actions just now have convicted you. Come, Tromp, further denial is +useless. Dersi has confessed.”</p> + +<p>“Dersi!” exclaimed Tromp, his fingers twitching. “If I could just get +my hands on him for one minute——”</p> + +<p>“But you can’t,” said General Joffre. “He is dead. And he died with a +clear conscience, as I hope you will do.”</p> + +<p>“What do you mean?” cried Tromp, starting back.</p> + +<p>“Exactly what I say,” was General Joffre’s chilling reply. “You have +your choice. Either the way I mean, or to be publicly hanged as a +traitor. If possible, I desire to avoid publicity. Which shall it be?”</p> + +<p>General Tromp shifted nervously from one foot to the other, his hands +twitching convulsively. Suddenly one hand leaped to his side.</p> + +<p>“I wouldn’t do that,” said Hal quietly, and turning General Tromp saw +the lad’s revolver pointed squarely at him, held in a steady hand.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span></p><p>His hand dropped to his side again, and for some moments the traitor +stood in silence. Then, suddenly, his shaking stopped. He raised his +eyes and looked his commander straight in the eyes.</p> + +<p>“It shall be as you say, sir,” he said calmly. “You are right. I am a +traitor. I would not have been, but—but—well that makes no +difference now. You shall see, sir, that I am no coward. I am not +afraid to die. Neither need you fear that I shall not do as you +command. Thus shall I atone for my sin.”</p> + +<p>“I do not fear you will disobey,” said the general softly.</p> + +<p>“I am sorry, sir,” continued General Tromp, “sorry because of you, +more so than because of France. I know that it is useless to ask your +forgiveness.”</p> + +<p>“For your treachery toward me,” said General Joffre softly, “I forgive +you freely; but for your treachery to France I cannot.”</p> + +<p>The traitor once more looked the general straight in the eyes, and +slowly his heels came together and his hand came to a salute.</p> + +<p>“Good-by, sir,” he said quietly; then turned on his heel and walked +away, his carriage erect, and without a tremor.</p> + +<p>For a moment General Joffre stared after him, and his eyes became dim. +Quickly he passed his hand over his eyes; then, motioning for Hal and +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span>Chester to follow him, turned slowly toward his car.</p> + +<p>“A good man—and an excellent officer,” he muttered to himself, “if he +had but gone straight.”</p> + +<p>The car sped away. That evening, while Hal and Chester stood beside +General Joffre, back again in his headquarters, an orderly rushed into +the tent, and forgetting the formality of a salute in his haste, went +up to the general and thrust a paper into his hand.</p> + +<p>Silently the general read it, passed it to Hal, and turned his head +away. Chester, leaning over his friend’s shoulder, read the words the +message contained:</p> + +<p>“The body of General Emil Tromp was found in his quarters at the front +this afternoon. He had shot himself through the head.”</p> + +<p>“Evidently came by field wireless,” said Chester.</p> + +<p>“Yes,” replied Hal.</p> + +<p>General Joffre turned again to his desk, picked up a pen and wrote. +Then he read aloud to Hal and Chester:</p> + +<p>“General Emil Tromp was struck down by a German shell at the front +this afternoon. He died almost instantly.”</p> + +<p>“I am sure I may depend upon you to say nothing of what you have heard +to-day,” he said quietly.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span></p><p>“You may, sir,” said Hal and Chester in one breath.</p> + +<p>General Joffre tapped the bell on his desk. An orderly entered and +came to a salute.</p> + +<p>“Orderly,” said General Joffre, handing him the message he had just +written, “have this sent to the war office immediately.”</p> + +<p>The gallant French commander turned again to his desk, and as the +orderly, Hal and Chester passed from his tent he once more brushed the +moisture from his eyes.</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX"></a>CHAPTER XX.</h2> + +<h3>OFF ON A RAID.</h3> + +<p>Hal and Chester accepted General Joffre’s offer of an automobile to +make their return trip, which consequently did not consume as much +time as their journey to the headquarters of the French +commander-in-chief.</p> + +<p>The first thing they did upon their arrival was to report to General +French. The latter listened gravely to their story, and then said:</p> + +<p>“I know that I need not caution you to obey General Joffre’s +injunction concerning the fate of General Tromp. Let the matter be +forgotten.”</p> + +<p>The lads saluted and left the tent to hunt up temporary quarters of +their own, for the great army had again come to a halt.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile, what of the great driving movement of the allied forces, +which after checking the vast German horde almost at the gates of +Paris, had forced the foe back mile after mile without cessation? A +word of the situation is here necessary.</p> + +<p>From the first moment when the allied armies had assumed the +offensive, after being driven back <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span>for days by the Germans, they had +continued their steady advance. Such fighting as the world had never +known was in progress continually, for the Germans contested every +inch of the ground.</p> + +<p>Time after time the Allies threatened the German lines of +communication, and the Germans were forced to fall back to protect +them, or to be cut off and eventually annihilated, or forced to +surrender. The strategy of General Joffre, condemned by many in the +earlier days of the war, now was beginning to bear fruit, and he was +praised on every hand.</p> + +<p>The English, under the command of Sir John French, the chief stumbling +block in the path of the Germans as they advanced on Paris, were +proving their mettle every day. Despite their numerical inferiority to +the enemy, they stood bravely to their herculean task, until now the +whole world realized that they were the real fighting strength of the +allied army.</p> + +<p>Each day found the Germans farther and farther from the walls of +Paris. Each day found the Allies pressing the foe more closely. The +great battle line, stretching out for more than 200 miles, was in +constant contact with the enemy. Almost hourly there was such severe +fighting as in former wars would have earned the designation of +battles. But along this great line they were but skirmishes.</p> + +<p>The losses on both sides had been tremendous, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span>although the Germans, +because of the fact that they had been previously on the offensive, +and also because of the massed formation they had used in their +advance, had suffered considerably more than the Allies.</p> + +<p>Louvain and other towns in Belgium had been sacked by the Germans, +pillaged with fire and sword, until hardly one stone was left upon +another. And now the fighting was again in Belgium, that little buffer +state which, ever since she became a nation, has always been the +battleground of European wars.</p> + +<p>The Belgian army, in spite of the terrible havoc wrought upon it by +the heavy German guns, was still fighting desperately and had no mind +to withdraw from the conflict. Possibly Belgium had more at stake than +any other country in the war. She was fighting for life and +freedom—from possible absorption into the German Empire.</p> + +<p>And now the German forces had been pushed clear across the River +Marne, where they were making a determined stand. The eastern shore of +the little river was held by the Kaiser’s troops, the western shore by +the Allies.</p> + +<p>So here the great armies now paused for a moment to take a much needed +breathing spell. For the moment the fierce advance of the Allies was +checked. Tired men sank to the ground in the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span>ranks, there to remain +until the battle should be resumed.</p> + +<p>But over all still was heard the roar of the great guns. The artillery +continued in action, as it had ever since the two great armies had +come into contact with each other. Shells dropped and burst among the +troops on both sides of the river, blowing men to atoms; but still the +main portions of the armies rested on their arms, awaiting the word to +move forward again.</p> + +<p>The fire of the German artillery was hourly creating great havoc in +the allied army; but in spite of their great guns, the greatest ever +known, their execution had been no more terrible than that done by the +smaller guns of the Allies; for the fire of the British gunners was +far superior to that of the Germans. Few shells were wasted, while, up +to this time, the comparatively poor marksmanship of the German +gunners was the cause of much comment and surprise.</p> + +<p>So now, when Hal and Chester once more returned to their own posts, +they found the two great armies lined up on either bank of the Marne; +or rather some distance from it, only the outposts of either army +occasionally riding right up to the river’s edge, while the great +shells continued to burst on both sides of the river.</p> + +<p>Hal and Chester sought out Lieutenant Anderson, whom they found after +a long search. Through <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span>an orderly they also reported to General +French, apprising him of where to find them should he desire their +presence. After a short talk with Lieutenant Anderson, who had +insisted that they make free use of his quarters, both lads turned in, +for they had been many hours without sleep, and were tired out.</p> + +<p>How long they slept it is impossible to say, but they were awakened by +Lieutenant Anderson shaking them by the arm.</p> + +<p>“Get up,” commanded the lieutenant. “You are ordered to report to +General French immediately.”</p> + +<p>Hal and Chester were on their feet in a moment. Bright sunlight +streamed through the entrance to the tent. It was early morning.</p> + +<p>Once more in the quarters of General French, both boys impatiently +waited for him to speak—to tell them the reason he had summoned them +so suddenly.</p> + +<p>At length the general rose and approached them. He placed a hand on +the shoulder of each, and spoke:</p> + +<p>“You two lads already have been of invaluable service. Perhaps I +should not again call upon you so soon, although I know your hearts +are in the success of the arms of France and England. But you have so +often proved your fitness for dangerous missions that you seem the +ones needed.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span></p><p>“We shall be glad to undertake the work, general, no matter what it +is,” said Hal.</p> + +<p>“Indeed we shall,” agreed Chester.</p> + +<p>“What I must know,” said General French, “is the approximate strength +of the enemy on the other side of the Marne, the positions of his +troops and so on. I could ascertain this possibly by means of the +flying corps; but in that event the enemy would know that I had +learned. It must be done some other way. Are you lads willing to +undertake this task?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir,” said Hal and Chester, almost in a single breath.</p> + +<p>“Good,” said General French. “I shall leave the means to you, for I +have already come to know your resourcefulness. I have only one +injunction: Be back at the earliest possible moment.”</p> + +<p>The two lads saluted and left the tent. They immediately returned to +Lieutenant Anderson, where they apprised him of the nature of the work +before them.</p> + +<p>“You two youngsters certainly do have all the luck,” said the +lieutenant, “while we old heads sit back here and do nothing.”</p> + +<p>“It seems to me that you have been doing your share,” said Hal.</p> + +<p>“And to me, too,” Chester agreed.</p> + +<p>“Oh, well,” laughed the lieutenant. “I have seen considerable action. +I don’t suppose I should complain. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span>But how do you propose to gather +this information? I suppose you realize that you have quite a sizable +job on your hands?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, we realize that,” Hal replied, “and we thought perhaps you could +help us with an idea or two.”</p> + +<p>The lieutenant was silent for some moments. Finally he said:</p> + +<p>“I believe that I should not go alone, were I in your place. The enemy +will be constantly on the lookout for spies. My plan would be to make +quite a detour along the river, crossing by a bold dash and riding +right into the heart of the enemy’s country, at whatever point it +might be practically unprotected.”</p> + +<p>“A good idea,” said Hal. “But, in that event, we should have to have a +larger party.”</p> + +<p>“Exactly,” said Lieutenant Anderson. “And I, for one, offer my +services. I suppose we should have at least twenty-five men.”</p> + +<p>A few moments later Hal was back in General French’s headquarters.</p> + +<p>“General,” he said, “I should like to have your permission to pick +twenty-five men, and permission to use one of the highest power +automobiles in the army.”</p> + +<p>The general looked at him in silence for a while before speaking, but +finally said:</p> + +<p>“You have my permission. Here,” turning to his <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span>desk and writing a few +words, “is a written order. I shall not ask the nature of your plan. +Good luck to you.”</p> + +<p>“I shall let you pick the men,” said Hal to Lieutenant Anderson, when +he was again back in the latter’s quarters, “and, so far as they know, +you are in command.”</p> + +<p>“Very well,” was the reply; “but remember that it is not so. On this +expedition I waive my rank, and will act under your orders.”</p> + +<p>Half an hour later Chester and Hal inspected the men selected by +Lieutenant Anderson, to whom the boys were introduced as scouts. A +likely body of men they were, strong and sturdy, and not a man of them +under six feet in height.</p> + +<p>“Look like they could give a good account of themselves,” muttered +Chester to himself.</p> + +<p>At length all were piled in a great motor truck, and a second later, +in response to Hal’s directions were speeding southward.</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI"></a>CHAPTER XXI.</h2> + +<h3>ACROSS THE MARNE.</h3> + +<p>For two hours the great motor truck continued its journey southward at +top speed. Then Hal called a halt.</p> + +<p>Quickly the men clambered out, and with Hal in the lead marched in the +direction of the river.</p> + +<p>The place where Hal had ordered the men from the car could not have +been better selected, for, on the opposite side of the river, though +Hal did not know it then, there was a considerable open space between +the German forces.</p> + +<p>The troopers followed the lad to the bank of the river, and then, as +there was not a shot from the opposite side, all walked boldly along +the shore. At length they came upon a number of small boats, evidently +having been placed in readiness by some of the British forces.</p> + +<p>“We’ll appropriate these,” said Hal. “Luckily they were here or we +should have been forced to swim across.”</p> + +<p>The men piled into the boats, and pushed off. They reached the +opposite side without discovery, and hastily clambering up the bank +were soon hidden <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span>from sight in a clump of trees. Here Hal called +another halt, until he was able to decide upon his next move.</p> + +<p>The boats had been pulled into the trees, to be used for their return +trip. The driver of the auto truck was ordered to remain where the +party had left him. All in readiness for a hasty retreat, Hal now +bethought himself of a way to successfully accomplish their mission.</p> + +<p>After a consultation the party moved forward, keeping as much as +possible in the shelter of the trees. As they approached the edge of +the little woods they came suddenly upon three German horsemen.</p> + +<p>The latter had not seen them, so quietly had they crept along. Hal, +Chester and Lieutenant Anderson were upon them before they knew it, +their men right behind them. Seeing that they were far outnumbered, +the Germans did not put up a fight.</p> + +<p>The hands of all three immediately went into the air, and one of them +called out in German:</p> + +<p>“We surrender.”</p> + +<p>“Dismount!” ordered Hal, and the Germans obeyed.</p> + +<p>“This is what I call luck,” said Hal to his friends.</p> + +<p>“What do you mean?” demanded Lieutenant Anderson.</p> + +<p>“Why,” said Hal, “here we have three horses <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span>and three German +uniforms. If that isn’t luck, I don’t know what is.”</p> + +<p>Quickly the three Germans were stripped of their uniforms, bound and +gagged.</p> + +<p>When Hal, Chester and Lieutenant Anderson had donned the German +uniforms, Hal called three of the British troopers to him.</p> + +<p>“You men,” he said, “will leave all your weapons here, except your +revolvers, which you will hide in your clothes. Then you will +accompany us, afoot, apparently as prisoners.”</p> + +<p>He called a fourth trooper to him.</p> + +<p>“Your name?” he demanded.</p> + +<p>“Bristow, sir.”</p> + +<p>“Then, Bristow, we appoint you to take command while we are gone. The +rest of you will remain here until we return, or until you find it +necessary to retreat across the river.”</p> + +<p>“Very good, sir,” said Bristow, and fell back and informed his +companions of the situation.</p> + +<p>“Do you realize,” asked Lieutenant Anderson of Hal, “that if we are +captured in these German uniforms it will mean a spy’s death for all +of us?”</p> + +<p>“Perfectly,” said Hal, “but we shall have to take that chance. I +believe that having three English soldiers with us, apparently +prisoners, will be a means of avoiding detection.”</p> + +<p>“All right,” said Chester, “only we shall have to be careful.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span></p><p>Quickly the three mounted, and marching the soldiers on ahead of them +started north, bearing off slightly to the east. For an hour they +continued their journey, passing now and then a body of German troops. +But they were not molested, not even challenged.</p> + +<p>At length they came upon a farmhouse, setting well back from the road.</p> + +<p>“Perhaps we can learn something here,” said Chester.</p> + +<p>Hal called a halt, and all approached the house. The door was opened +by a young woman, who started back in dismay at sight of them.</p> + +<p>“Have no fear,” said Hal, who acted as spokesman of the party. “We are +simply tired out and hungry. We thought perhaps you could furnish us +with a bite to eat, and also our prisoners here.”</p> + +<p>Without a word the woman opened wide the door, and motioned for them +to enter. The six followed her into the dining-room, where soon a +hearty repast was spread on the table.</p> + +<p>“We have been on a mission south,” Hal said to the woman. “Can you +tell me just how far the German staff is from here?”</p> + +<p>“It can’t be very far,” the woman replied, “for some of the officers +often come here to eat. They say that they like my cooking better than +the regular army fare. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if some of them +were to come along soon.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span></p><p>“Good,” said Hal, aloud, but nevertheless he was seriously alarmed. He +did not wish to come into such close proximity with the German staff +officers.</p> + +<p>Hastily the six bolted their food, and even as they were disappearing +around the outbuildings, Chester, glancing back, saw six men, in +gold-trimmed uniforms, entering the house they had just quitted.</p> + +<p>“Great Scott,” he said, “we got out of there just in time. Look.”</p> + +<p>The rest looked back and saw the cause of his excitement. In the +shelter of a clump of trees Hal called a halt.</p> + +<p>“There must be something up,” he declared, “or the German staff would +not be this far south. I don’t suppose General French has been +informed of this. In some way we must find out what is going on.”</p> + +<p>“And I wouldn’t be surprised,” said Chester, “if they were using that +farmhouse for a certain purpose.”</p> + +<p>“By Jove! I never thought of that,” said Hal. “I believe you have hit +it. That is where they are making their plans. I wonder”—and he grew +greatly excited. “I wonder if by any chance the Kaiser could be in +that party.”</p> + +<p>“He is probably pretty near the whole party,” said Lieutenant Anderson +dryly. “Kaiser Wilhelm is no coward, and if his staff is there, this +close <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span>to the British lines, the Kaiser is probably there also.”</p> + +<p>“Then it’s a wonder the woman didn’t say something about the Kaiser +being near.”</p> + +<p>“She probably didn’t know him,” said the lieutenant.</p> + +<p>Hal sat wrapped in thought for a long time.</p> + +<p>“Do you know what I am going to do?” he said at length, dismounting.</p> + +<p>“No. What?” demanded Chester and Lieutenant Anderson in a single +voice.</p> + +<p>“I’m going to sneak back to the farmhouse, and see if by some hook or +crook I can hear what is going on. We shall probably not have another +chance of overhearing the German plans.”</p> + +<p>“Great Scott!” said Lieutenant Anderson, “that certainly is a bold +plan. You don’t mean it?”</p> + +<p>“I certainly do,” was the reply.</p> + +<p>“Then I shall go, too,” said Chester.</p> + +<p>“And me,” declared Lieutenant Anderson.</p> + +<p>“No you won’t,” said Hal, positively. “The rest of you will stay here. +If I should get into any trouble, I shall fire my revolver, and then +the rest of you can come up. The six of us will be a match for them, +the Kaiser included.”</p> + +<p>Suddenly Chester was struck with a great inspiration.</p> + +<p>“Why can’t we get the rest of our men, and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span>capture the whole crowd?” +he demanded in great excitement.</p> + +<p>“I had thought of that,” replied Hal, “but something tells me it can’t +be done—a hunch, if you like. I have a feeling that if we attempt +such a thing our whole expedition will go wrong. I can’t explain just +what I mean, but I feel it.”</p> + +<p>“And I too,” declared Lieutenant Anderson. “I don’t know why, but I +know it’s true.”</p> + +<p>“Bosh!” said Chester, but the words of his two friends evidently had +created some impression, for his ejaculation was only half-hearted.</p> + +<p>“Well, if you must go by yourself, all right,” said Lieutenant +Anderson. “But my advice is that the sooner you get there the better.”</p> + +<p>Hal nodded, and, a moment later, going some distance to one side, +where he knew he could not be seen from the dining-room window, he +walked slowly toward the house.</p> + +<p>He made no attempt at concealment as he walked along, for he knew that +such an action, should he be seen, would be suspicious and would +probably mean an unsuccessful termination of his plan. He had little +fear of detection, clothed as he was in a German uniform.</p> + +<p>Now the lad reached the house, and sought a means of entrance. He did +not wish to go in the front door, for fear that someone might see him, +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span>so, keeping close to the wall, he walked around the house.</p> + +<p>His effort was rewarded. For at the extreme rear was a low window, +apparently halfway between the first and second floors.</p> + +<p>“Evidently, at a turn in the steps,” Hal told himself.</p> + +<p>Quickly he grasped the edge of the sill, and exerting great strength +slowly and cautiously drew himself up. The window was open, and the +lad put one leg over the sill. A second later he sat in the opening, +and then disappeared inside the house.</p> + +<p>Very cautiously he ascended the steps. Remembering the exact location +of the dining-room, the lad sought out the room above it. There, at +one end of the room, he found what appeared to be a little closet.</p> + +<p>Gently opening the door, he peered in. Nothing but darkness met his +eyes. Hal stepped inside, pulling the door to after him, leaving just +a little crack that he might not be suffocated.</p> + +<p>Then he laid his ear to the floor and listened intently. From below +came the faint sound of German voices.</p> + +<p>Hal ran an exploring finger over the floor of the closet. His finger +felt a little hole, and changing his position the boy saw a very small +opening in the floor. He put his eye to the hole and peered <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span>down, and +as he made out the figures in the room below he chuckled softly to +himself.</p> + +<p>The first man upon whom he laid his eyes was Count Von Moltke, +commander-in-chief of all the German armies, and who, upon one +occasion, had saved him from death before a firing squad.</p> + +<p>“Wonder what he would say if he could see me now?” Hal asked himself.</p> + +<p>His gaze roved over the room, and there at one end of the table sat an +imposing figure in gold-trimmed military uniform, sword between his +knees, a fierce military mustache curling upward.</p> + +<p>There was no mistaking this figure. It was Wilhelm II, Emperor of +Germany!</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII"></a>CHAPTER XXII.</h2> + +<h3>THE KAISER.</h3> + +<p>In spite of the fact that Hal had sure sense that Emperor Wilhelm +would be in the room below, he felt a peculiar thrill creep over him +as he made out the imposing figure of “The War Lord of Europe.” He +whistled softly to himself.</p> + +<p>“Great Scott!” he ejaculated, and then looked long and silently.</p> + +<p>“To think,” he said to himself after a long pause, “that he is +primarily responsible for this great war, with its toll of thousands +of lives and the destruction of property worth millions of dollars.”</p> + +<p>Unconsciously, almost, he drew his revolver, and pointed it straight +at the War Lord’s breast.</p> + +<p>“With one little movement of my finger,” said the lad softly to +himself, “I could snuff out the life of the man who has already sent +thousands to their death. One shot, and——”</p> + +<p>His fingers tightened on the trigger, but for a moment only. Then he +lowered his weapon, and a moment later dropped it back in his pocket, +while <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span>he wiped away little beads of perspiration that had gathered on +his brow.</p> + +<p>“It’s no use,” he told himself, “I couldn’t do it if I wanted to.”</p> + +<p>Wilhelm II, Emperor of the German Empire and War Lord of Europe, will +never know how close he was to death at that moment!</p> + +<p>Now the voices of the officers in the room below became louder, and by +straining his ears the lad could make out what they were saying.</p> + +<p>“If,” came a voice from below, and Hal recognized it as that of Count +Von Moltke, “if we can draw the British to this point, we can cut them +off from their French support and annihilate them. And——”</p> + +<p>“And,” came the voice of the Kaiser himself, “we can, then, by a quick +turning move, take the French by surprise and our victory will be +complete.”</p> + +<p>“Exactly, sire,” came Count Von Moltke’s voice again.</p> + +<p>“But, sire,” said a third voice, “what have we to warrant that the +English will accept our bait?”</p> + +<p>The Emperor did not reply immediately, and Count Von Moltke broke in +again.</p> + +<p>“We will make a strong showing on the eastern shore of the Marne,” he +said, “and will retire slowly before the British. As they come on, +flushed with apparent victory, Von Kluck will take them <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span>on the left +flank. We shall cut them to pieces.”</p> + +<p>“The plan sounds well to me,” came the voice of the Kaiser again. +“General Von Kluck, how soon can you be in readiness to execute this +coup?”</p> + +<p>“Not before day after to-morrow, sire,” was the reply. “It will take +me that long to bring my men to the designated point, at the same time +keeping the British unaware of their withdrawal.”</p> + +<p>“And how many men will you be able to bring?” asked the Kaiser.</p> + +<p>“Half a million, sire.”</p> + +<p>“Leaving how many in their present position, as a screen?”</p> + +<p>“Very few, sire. Hardly more than 50,000 men.”</p> + +<p>The Kaiser growled something, unintelligible to Hal, into his +mustache. Then he spoke aloud:</p> + +<p>“If the British were aware of that,” he said, “by a quick advance they +would place us at a tremendous disadvantage.”</p> + +<p>“So they would, sire,” agreed General Von Kluck. “But it must be seen +that they do not anticipate our plan.”</p> + +<p>“In that event,” came the Emperor’s reply, “it will be necessary for +that part of your force which is left to make a show of strength at +the same moment the mass of your command is withdrawn.”</p> + +<p>“Exactly what I had figured upon, sire.”</p> + +<p>“Good; but you say it is impossible for you to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span>be ready until the day +after to-morrow. In that event, we must hold the English in their +present positions at all costs. A premature advance on their part, +while we would undoubtedly repulse it, would mean the ruination of our +coup. See to it, gentlemen, that there is no leak.”</p> + +<p>“There shall be none, sire,” came a chorus of officers.</p> + +<p>“Very well. But I had had my mind set on being in Paris long ere this. +Had it not been for the interference of these English—and these +starving Belgians, I would be there now,” and the Kaiser’s voice grew +harsh. “They must be crushed,” and he struck the table a heavy blow +with his clenched fist.</p> + +<p>“And crushed they shall be, sire,” said Count Von Moltke soothingly. +“It is only a question of time.”</p> + +<p>“Well, you have been long enough doing it,” came the Emperor’s angry +voice. “See that you do not fail me again. If you do——”</p> + +<p>He broke off, but his silence was more menacing than any threat he +might have uttered.</p> + +<p>There was the sound of chairs scraping on the floor, and a moment +later of heavy footsteps. Hal, in his hiding place, knew that the +German officers were leaving the house.</p> + +<p>“By George!” the lad muttered to himself, “Wilhelm must be a holy +terror. I’ll bet Von Kluck, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span>Von Moltke and all the rest are due for a +terrible wigging, for I’m here to see that this plot fails.”</p> + +<p>Hal waited patiently for perhaps half an hour, and then, feeling +certain that the coast was clear, emerged from his hiding place. He +was just lowering himself from the window by which he had entered +when, from almost below him, there was a loud scream.</p> + +<p>Glancing down, Hal beheld the pale face of the woman who had given +them food only a short time before. Fearing that the Emperor and his +officers might be attracted by her screams, Hal dropped quickly to the +ground, and an instant later had his hand clapped over the woman’s +mouth.</p> + +<p>“Quiet!” he commanded in a harsh voice. “If you make no noise you +shall not be harmed. <span style="white-space: nowrap;">Otherwise——”</span> he paused significantly.</p> + +<p>The woman shuddered once or twice, but she uttered no further sound.</p> + +<p>“Go into the house,” Hal commanded, and followed her.</p> + +<p>“I guess I had better tie you up for safe keeping,” the lad muttered +to himself. “I can’t afford to be interfered with now.”</p> + +<p>He found a piece of rope, and, making a gag out of a napkin, gagged +and bound her securely. Then he placed her gently in a chair.</p> + +<p>“You will have to sit there until someone comes along to free you,” he +told her. “I hope it won’t <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span>be long, for your sake, but I can’t afford +to take any chances with you.”</p> + +<p>He left the house; and as he turned his eyes toward the spot where he +had so lately left his friends, his heart sank.</p> + +<p>Chester, Lieutenant Anderson and the three troopers were running +toward him as fast as their legs would carry them, closely pursued by +a band of mounted Germans. Even at this distance Hal could make out +the forms of Count Von Moltke, and, yes, Emperor Wilhelm himself!</p> + +<p>With the high German officers came a little troop of mounted soldiers, +evidently, Hal thought, an escort, that had been left some distance +behind while the Emperor and his officers discussed their plans in the +farmhouse. In all, there were twelve horsemen dashing after the +fugitives.</p> + +<p>Now his friends came up with him, and Hal, believing as did his +friends that discretion was the better part of valor, also turned and +ran. Several shots rang out, but none was touched and they did not +pause to reply.</p> + +<p>“Just wait till we get back to our own men,” thought Hal to himself as +he ran along, “that is, if we can make it.”</p> + +<p>But help came unexpectedly. Bristow, the man who had been left in +charge of the little band of English, hearing the sound of firing, had +crawled forward to investigate. He made out the figures <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span>flying toward +him and recognized them instantly; also, he saw the pursuing horsemen.</p> + +<p>Quickly he returned to his men, and at a word they all dashed forward. +This reinforcement arrived not a moment too soon, for the horsemen +were overhauling the fugitives rapidly.</p> + +<p>When the fugitives saw their own men approaching they stopped in their +mad flight, drew their revolvers and fired at the pursuers with almost +a single movement.</p> + +<p>The horses of the Germans came to a sudden halt, being pulled up on +their haunches, so forcibly did their riders bring them to a stop. A +moment later the pursuers themselves were in full flight.</p> + +<p>Hal laughed loudly to himself, and so great became his mirth that he +was forced to hold his sides.</p> + +<p>“What on earth is the matter with you?” demanded Chester in great +surprise. “What are you laughing at?”</p> + +<p>“Why,” explained Hal, between bursts of laughter, “I am laughing at +the sight of Emperor Wilhelm II, War Lord of Europe, flying as if the +evil one himself were after him!”</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXIII"></a>CHAPTER XXIII.</h2> + +<h3>WITHIN THE ENEMY’S LINES.</h3> + +<p>Briefly now Hal recounted to his two friends what he had overheard in +the farmhouse, pointing out the danger that threatened the allied +armies. When he had concluded he said:</p> + +<p>“Now I have another plan, and I want to know if you, Chester, and you, +Lieutenant Anderson, will follow my instructions?”</p> + +<p>“Certainly,” said the lieutenant.</p> + +<p>“You know I will, Hal,” said Chester.</p> + +<p>“All right, then. What I want you to do is this: Return and report to +General French what I have just told you. Take the men with you. +That’s all.”</p> + +<p>“But you?” demanded Chester; “aren’t you coming, too? Surely you have +accomplished the mission successfully.”</p> + +<p>“No,” replied Hal. “In this German uniform I believe I shall be +perfectly safe on this side, and I am going to try and gain further +information. It may be that I can learn something that will be +important.”</p> + +<p>“Then I shall go with you,” declared Chester.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span></p><p>“And I, too,” said Lieutenant Anderson.</p> + +<p>“Oh, no you won’t,” said Hal grimly. “Didn’t you just promise to obey +my commands, both of you?”</p> + +<p>“But we didn’t know what you planned to do,” said Chester.</p> + +<p>“I know you didn’t,” said Hal. “That is why I asked your promises +before I told you.”</p> + +<p>“But I don’t think it is fair,” protested Chester.</p> + +<p>“I don’t care what you think,” replied Hal. “You have both promised, +so that’s all there is about it.”</p> + +<p>In vain did Chester and Lieutenant Anderson protest. Hal was firm.</p> + +<p>“Come, now,” he said at last. “You are making it more dangerous for me +every moment you stand here arguing about it. Get in the boats and +return at once.”</p> + +<p>Slowly Chester and Lieutenant Anderson complied with his request. The +men already were in the boats, and Hal stood and watched them row +away.</p> + +<p>“I shall be back some time to-night or in the morning,” he called to +Chester; “but,” and he smiled grimly to himself, “if I were you, I +wouldn’t wait up for me.”</p> + +<p>Chester and Lieutenant Anderson waved their hands in reply, and with +one last look Hal turned and made his way back in the direction of the +farmhouse.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span></p><p>He walked by the house without stopping, for he had no mind to linger +long in that vicinity.</p> + +<p>“The quicker I find the main army and lose myself among the rest of +the officers the better off I shall be,” he told himself.</p> + +<p>He espied a small squadron of Germans approaching him at a quick trot. +Making sure that his revolvers were ready for instant action, the lad +trudged bravely on. The mounted troops passed him at a distance of +perhaps a hundred yards, and the officer in command waved his sword in +greeting as they went by.</p> + +<p>“So far, so good,” muttered the lad to himself.</p> + +<p>Small bodies of troops passed him at more frequent intervals now. But +feeling perfectly safe in his German uniform, with shoulder straps of +captain, the lad continued boldly on.</p> + +<p>At last, some distance ahead, he made out a large encampment.</p> + +<p>“Guess this is the place I am headed for,” he told himself.</p> + +<p>He approached boldly and soon mingled with the German officers, who +were taking life easy, war, seemingly, being far from their thoughts. +The place, to Hal, looked as if it might be a drill ground, with a +large body of troops on parade.</p> + +<p>He walked about for an hour or more and was not challenged once, +although once or twice passing officers nodded pleasantly to him.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span></p><p>“Either they mistake me for someone else, or they are a very pleasant +and courteous set,” the lad told himself. “However, I didn’t come here +to learn how they behave themselves. I won’t get any information this +way. I wonder who is in command here, but I can’t afford to ask.”</p> + +<p>Continuing his stroll, he at last mingled with a crowd of officers who +were idling about talking.</p> + +<p>“I heard General Beulow say that we were likely to be ordered forward +within a few hours,” said one of the group of officers.</p> + +<p>“So?” questioned another. “I had forgotten that you are now a member +of his staff.”</p> + +<p>“What’s up, do you know?”</p> + +<p>“Nothing that I can talk about,” replied the other with a pleasant +smile.</p> + +<p>“All right,” said another. “The sooner the better.”</p> + +<p>The little group broke up and Hal continued his stroll.</p> + +<p>“Good,” he said to himself. “At least I have learned that General +Beulow is in command here.”</p> + +<p>And he had learned not a moment too soon, as it turned out.</p> + +<p>At that moment an officer approached him.</p> + +<p>“I can’t seem to place you,” he said. “Is your regiment here?”</p> + +<p>“No,” returned Hal, in excellent German, without the slightest accent. +“I am attached to General <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span>Von Kluck’s command. I came here with him +to-day.”</p> + +<p>“Oh,” said the German officer, “then you are on his staff?”</p> + +<p>“Yes.”</p> + +<p>“In that event I am in luck. Evidently you are the very man I have +been sent to seek. You are Captain Dersam?”</p> + +<p>Hal took a long chance.</p> + +<p>“Yes,” he replied.</p> + +<p>“Good,” said the German officer. “Come to my quarters. I have +documents to deliver to you.”</p> + +<p>Hal followed the German officer to the latter’s tent. There the German +took from a small express box a small package of papers, which he +placed in the lad’s hands.</p> + +<p>“These,” he said, “you are to deliver to General Von Kluck. I suppose +you knew that he had already returned to his command?”</p> + +<p>“Yes,” replied Hal firmly. “I was simply waiting for these. My horse +is yonder,” and he waved his hand.</p> + +<p>“Oh,” continued the German. “Then perhaps you know that Von Kluck, Von +Moltke and the Emperor himself had a brush with a bunch of British or +French spies a while back. The Emperor was much put out. He believed +that information of an expected coup had leaked out, so all generals +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span>were hurried back to their posts to see that everything was +shipshape.”</p> + +<p>“Yes,” said Hal briefly; “I know.”</p> + +<p>He placed the papers in his pocket.</p> + +<p>“Auf Wiedersehen,” said the German officer, bowing Hal from his tent. +“Your orders are to put those papers into General Von Kluck’s hands at +the earliest possible moment.”</p> + +<p>“It shall be done,” said Hal as he walked rapidly away.</p> + +<p>“Great Scott!” he said to himself. “I am in luck. I wouldn’t be +surprised if these papers were orders concerning the movement which I +overheard in the farmhouse.”</p> + +<p>Quickly he sought out a quiet spot, and broke the Imperial seal. It +was even as he had expected—only more. For the papers contained the +present troop positions, their expected movements and the number of +men and how stationed.</p> + +<p>Hal whistled softly to himself.</p> + +<p>“Won’t General French be surprised when he sees these?” he said +softly. “Now to get back.”</p> + +<p>It was growing dusk, and as Hal walked along toward the outposts in +the direction from which he had so recently come, he whistled blithely +to himself. It was a mission well done, and the lad, although by no +means egotistical, was well aware of it.</p> + +<p>He passed the farthest outpost of the camp unchallenged, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span>and made off +in the darkness. Then, still feeling safe in his German uniform, and +more confident at having not been recognized during his stay in the +German camp, he paid no heed to footsteps that were now approaching.</p> + +<p>A lantern swung suddenly into his face by a newcomer caused him to +start back in surprise. And even as he did so he made out that the +pair who had accosted him were a man and woman.</p> + +<p>And what is more he also recognized the woman. It was she whom he had +so recently bound in the farmhouse. And her cry made it apparent that +she had recognized him as well.</p> + +<p>“It is he!” she exclaimed in a loud voice.</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXIV"></a>CHAPTER XXIV.</h2> + +<h3>A COLD SWIM.</h3> + +<p>Before Hal could recover his composure, which had left him at being so +suddenly accosted, the woman had thrown her arms around his neck, +pinioning his hands to his side. He tried to shake himself loose +without hurting the woman, but so tight was her grasp that he was +unable to do so.</p> + +<p>The man who was with her came to her assistance, dodging around the +struggling pair with his revolver reversed, held ready to strike. But +the woman herself prevented this, for he was unable to bring the butt +of the weapon down on the lad’s head without the imminent risk of +injuring the woman.</p> + +<p>Hal contrived to keep the woman between the man and himself, until he +had decided just what course to pursue. He had now freed his hands, +and awaited an auspicious moment to spring upon his enemy.</p> + +<p>It came at last. Suddenly hurling the woman violently from him, Hal +leaped forward and, catching his opponent off his balance, struck out +swiftly <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span>with his bare fist. There was a sharp “spat” and the man fell +to the ground.</p> + +<p>Hal turned to run, but found himself opposed by the woman, who pointed +the revolver at his head. She held the weapon in a steady hand, and +the lad realized that a miss at that close range was utterly +impossible.</p> + +<p>“Hands up!” commanded the woman.</p> + +<p>Hal temporized.</p> + +<p>“Now see here——” he began.</p> + +<p>The woman interrupted.</p> + +<p>“Hands up!” she commanded again.</p> + +<p>This time Hal obeyed, for he knew by the hard ring in the woman’s +voice that she was not to be trifled with.</p> + +<p>“About face,” commanded his captor.</p> + +<p>Hal did as ordered.</p> + +<p>“Now,” continued the woman, “you will march on ahead of me, and, +remember, at the first false move I shall fire.”</p> + +<p>Without a word Hal turned and started away, the woman but a few paces +behind him. But Hal was of no mind to be taken back to the German +camp. He realized clearly what fate awaited him there.</p> + +<p>His nimble wit was at work as he walked along, and he finally hit upon +a plan. It was not without danger, but the lad figured he might just +as <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span>well be shot then and there as to be put to death as a spy.</p> + +<p>As he walked along he seemingly tripped over some unseen obstacle. In +attempting to regain his balance he reeled backward. The woman by this +time was right upon him.</p> + +<p>Unable to tell whether he had really tripped or whether it was a ruse, +she stood undecided a moment. That moment proved her undoing. For Hal, +spinning on his heel, swept the revolver from her outstretched hand, +and with a quick leap seized it himself.</p> + +<p>“Now, madam,” he said calmly. “I shall give you just thirty seconds to +get away from here. If you have not put a considerable distance +between us by the time the thirty seconds have expired, I shall be +forced to use this weapon, much as I should dislike to shoot a lady. I +am on important business and it brooks of no delay. Neither shall one +life stand in the way.”</p> + +<p>The woman took one quick look at him, then turned and ran.</p> + +<p>“I am glad she believed me,” said Hal to himself. “I don’t believe I +could have brought myself to shoot.”</p> + +<p>He turned and walked back to the spot where he had placed one of his +opponents hors de combat.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span></p><p>The latter was just struggling to his feet, and as Hal approached he +sprang forward.</p> + +<p>“What! haven’t you had enough yet?” asked the lad in well simulated +surprise. “Well, here’s some more then.”</p> + +<p>He stepped quickly forward, and feinting with his left, drove his +right fist squarely into the German’s mouth. It was more than flesh +and blood could stand, and once more the German toppled to the ground, +where he remained, unconscious.</p> + +<p>“Now to get back across the river,” said Hal to himself. “Wonder if I +can find a boat of some kind.”</p> + +<p>He walked slowly along the bank, keeping a keen eye out for any kind +of a craft in which to make the trip. He could find none; but, from +the direction of the great German camp, came the sound of excited +voices and the trampling of many feet.</p> + +<p>“Great Scott! Here they come,” exclaimed Hal aloud. “I guess it’s up +to me to get away from here pretty quick.”</p> + +<p>Without a moment’s hesitation he advanced to the water’s edge and +plunged into the stream. The water was icy cold, and Hal’s breath was +taken away by the suddenness of the shock.</p> + +<p>He recovered himself in a moment, however, and struck out for the +opposite shore. About half way across he became aware of voices on the +shore immediately behind him.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span></p><p>“I don’t believe there is anyone there,” said a voice.</p> + +<p>“The woman is a spy herself, that’s my belief,” said a second. “She +has concocted this story as an excuse for her being abroad at this +hour. I certainly don’t believe there is a spy on this side of the +river.”</p> + +<p>“Nor I; however, if he is in that water we can spot him with a +searchlight. Turn yours on.”</p> + +<p>Hearing the words, Hal took a long breath and sank from sight. It was +well that he did so promptly, for a brilliant shaft of light flashed +across the water, making it as bright as day. The German swept it back +and forth across the water. He could see no one.</p> + +<p>“I told you so,” he said. “There is no one out there. Come, let’s get +away from here.”</p> + +<p>“Good,” returned the other. “Come on.”</p> + +<p>Hal remained under the water just as long as he could and came to the +surface as the Germans turned to walk off, ready to take another quick +breath and dive again. But seeing no sign of the searchlight, he +rightly concluded that the Germans, who had been but half-hearted in +their search anyhow, had gone.</p> + +<p>Treading water he listened intently for a few moments, and then made +out the sound of retreating footsteps.</p> + +<p>“Well,” he said to himself at last, “I guess they <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span>have gone. Now to +get out of here as soon as I can. I’ll be frozen if I don’t hurry.”</p> + +<p>With quick strokes he continued his cold swim, and soon emerged upon +the farther shore. He made out the form of a dark figure some distance +away, and hurried toward it, remarking to himself:</p> + +<p>“Looks like a sentinel. I’ll get a match from him and build a fire and +get thawed out before I continue my journey.”</p> + +<p>He approached to within a few yards of the figure before his presence +was noted. Then the sentinel, for such he proved to be, hearing +footsteps behind him, turned suddenly and leveled his rifle at Hal.</p> + +<p>“Halt!” he commanded.</p> + +<p>“It’s all right,” said Hal. “I’m English.”</p> + +<p>“Come a little closer and let me look at you,” said the sentinel, not +lowering his weapon.</p> + +<p>Hal did as commanded. Suddenly the sentinel made out the German +uniform and his rifle leaped up again.</p> + +<p>“So,” he exclaimed. “You Dutchman! You thought you’d fool me, did you? +You are my prisoner. One false move and you are a dead man.”</p> + +<p>“Don’t be a chump,” said Hal, his teeth chattering from cold. “I tell +you I’m English. Can’t you <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span>tell that by my talk? What do you think I +am? A German?”</p> + +<p>“Well,” said the sentinel, “what do you think I would take you for in +that German uniform?”</p> + +<p>Now Hal understood, and in spite of the cold he laughed.</p> + +<p>“I don’t blame you,” he said. “I forgot all about this uniform. But I +can assure you I’m English. I’ve been over the river getting a little +information.”</p> + +<p>“Well,” said the sentinel, by no means assured that Hal was what he +represented himself. “I’ll let the colonel decide that point. March +ahead of me now, and mind, no tricks, unless you want a bullet in your +back.”</p> + +<p>“All right,” said Hal shortly, “as long as you can’t take my word for +it, I suppose I shall have to go with you.”</p> + +<p>He walked along some little distance, the sentinel behind him with +leveled rifle, before he came to the tent of the officer in charge of +what he now saw was a reconnoitering force.</p> + +<p>“My name is Paine,” he informed the colonel. “I have been across the +river within the German lines on a mission for General French. I have +accomplished it and was returning when this sentinel accosted me. I +can show credentials,” and he showed the officer a pass signed by the +commander-in-chief.</p> + +<p>The officer shook hands with him.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span></p><p>“What can I do for you?” he asked.</p> + +<p>“I must be back at the earliest possible moment,” said Hal. “Have you +a fast auto?”</p> + +<p>“Yes.”</p> + +<p>“Then I should be grateful if you would allow me to make use of it.”</p> + +<p>“It shall be done,” said the officer. “Now you sit here by the fire +while I have it put in readiness. You are half frozen.”</p> + +<p>“Thanks,” replied Hal. “I am. But I haven’t very long to stay. Please +have the car ready as soon as possible. And if you can spare a driver +I shall be glad of his services. I don’t believe I could drive the car +any great distance.”</p> + +<p>“You shall have him,” agreed the officer, and left the tent. Hal +huddled up close to the little fire.</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXV" id="CHAPTER_XXV"></a>CHAPTER XXV.</h2> + +<h3>THE GERMAN COUP FAILS.</h3> + +<p>Wrapped tightly in a great fur overcoat that the officer had insisted +on lending him, Hal snuggled back comfortably in the large automobile +as it sped over the ground toward General French’s headquarters.</p> + +<p>The chauffeur was a speed demon and the huge machine covered the +ground much more quickly than the one in which the little party of +British had started on their mission. It was not long, therefore, +before the lad found himself descending from the car. Another moment +and he once more stood before his commander.</p> + +<p>“So, you got back safely, eh,” exclaimed General French. “Young +Crawford gave me your report, and I was afraid that you would be +captured. Did you learn anything further?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir,” Hal made reply. “I have learned the number of men in each +command, their positions and all details.”</p> + +<p>“What!” exclaimed General French in great surprise.</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir,” continued Hal, and reaching in his <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span>pocket he drew out the +documents given him by the German officer. “Here they are, sir.”</p> + +<p>General French took the papers from the lad’s hand, and glanced at +them quickly. After a brief perusal, he laid his hand on Hal’s +shoulder.</p> + +<p>“You have done well,” he said quietly. “I shall not forget it. You may +go now, for I doubt not that your friend is greatly worried over you. +I will say this: You have rendered an invaluable service to +England—one that the King shall hear of. I have already taken steps +to thwart this German coup, and if we are successful the credit will +be mainly due you.”</p> + +<p>Hal saluted and with glowing heart left the general’s tent.</p> + +<p>“Now to find Chester,” he said.</p> + +<p>He had little difficulty in doing this, for Chester was still making +his quarters with Lieutenant Anderson. Approaching the lieutenant’s +tent, Hal walked up cautiously.</p> + +<p>“I want to surprise them,” he told himself.</p> + +<p>Inside he heard the sound of voices, and he paused to listen.</p> + +<p>“I’m afraid he won’t ever get back,” came Chester’s voice. “I should +have insisted on accompanying him. I shouldn’t have let him go alone.”</p> + +<p>“Still,” said Lieutenant Anderson, “he was in command. We had to obey +him.”</p> + +<p>“That is true,” replied Chester, “but just the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span>same if ill befalls +him I shall feel that I am partly to blame. Besides, we had the +information we went after. What had he to gain by staying and putting +himself in the enemy’s power?”</p> + +<p>Stepping quietly into the tent, Hal advanced to the center before he +was observed.</p> + +<p>“A whole lot, Chester,” he said quietly.</p> + +<p>Chester and Lieutenant Anderson were upon their feet in an instant, +and one had him by either hand, wringing it enthusiastically.</p> + +<p>“Stop it, stop it,” laughed Hal. “You’ll wring my arms off.”</p> + +<p>“And so you are back safely,” said Chester, looking long at his +friend.</p> + +<p>“Yes, I’m back,” said Hal.</p> + +<p>“And what did you learn? Anything else?”</p> + +<p>“Lots,” replied Hal, “but let me get out of this wet German uniform;” +having done which he plunged into a story of his experiences after +they had left until his return to General French’s tent.</p> + +<p>“And General French says,” he concluded, “that steps have been taken +to spoil the Kaiser’s plan.”</p> + +<p>“Good,” said Chester and Lieutenant Anderson in one voice.</p> + +<p>“Well,” said Chester, after some further talk, “I guess we might as +well turn in. Anderson and I were unable to sleep because you had not +returned. We can rest easier now.”</p> + +<p>Almost completely exhausted, the three were soon <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span>slumbering deeply. +The day’s work had been strenuous indeed, and there is no telling how +long they would have slept on had not the sound of a bugle, calling +“To arms!” roused them.</p> + +<p>Quickly they leaped up, and throwing on what few clothes they had +removed, were soon at their posts. The whole army was ready to move at +a moment’s notice.</p> + +<p>The first glimmer of the morning sun appeared over the horizon as the +command for a general advance rang out. Slowly at first, then faster, +the great British fighting machine moved on, squadron upon squadron of +cavalry leading the way.</p> + +<p>There were no bridges across the little river, nor were there boats +enough to carry the army across. But under the direction of skillful +engineers, the best in the world, pontoon bridges sprang up as if by +magic. Before the Germans were fully aware of what was going on, +several thousand men had been hurled across the little stream.</p> + +<p>These—advancing in the face of the overwhelming force of Germans, +rushed forward to check them—fought off the enemy while other British +troops were poured over the Marne. Desperately did the Germans try to +drive them back. Time after time they charged, only to be hurled back +again by the British horsemen, and the infantry that now had had time +to form after crossing the river.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span></p><p>Artillery was brought into action to force the British back across the +little stream. But it was no use. The Germans had been caught +unprepared. Already Gen. Von Kluck had weakened his defense by sending +some of his men south to take their places in the force with which the +Kaiser and his generals expected to execute their great coup.</p> + +<p>Evidently the danger of a sudden attack had not been anticipated by +the German general staff. That the British, without the support of +their French allies, farther to the south, would take the offensive, +was a factor that had apparently been overlooked.</p> + +<p>The surprise was practically complete. The British army on the +continent at this time numbered slightly more than 100,000 men. +Probably two-thirds of this whole force was hurled across the Marne in +this battle, which, starting as a skirmish, soon grew into one of the +fiercest and bloodiest struggles of history.</p> + +<p>Scotch Highlanders, Irish troops, Sikh legions, recently arrived from +India, British troops from other of her foreign possessions and the +English themselves stood shoulder to shoulder, fighting nobly and +driving back the foe.</p> + +<p>But the Germans contested every inch of the ground. Outnumbering the +British as they did, however, they were slowly compelled to retreat, +the British pursuing them relentlessly.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span></p><p>Apparently it was not General French’s plan to push the battle too +strongly now. It was merely his intention to deliver such a blow as +would make the coup planned by the Germans impracticable.</p> + +<p>For seven solid hours the battle for the opposite shore of the Marne +continued, both sides fighting desperately and heroically. Then, as +the Germans continued to retreat, General French called a halt. The +British fell to work digging trenches in the recently won ground, and +preparing to resist an attack should one be delivered.</p> + +<p>This first skirmish on the eastern banks of the Marne, while possibly +unimportant, when viewed in the light of later events, became one of +the greatest factors in the offensive movements of the Allies.</p> + +<p>Now that the English had obtained a foothold upon the opposite side +they did not relinquish it, in spite of heavy assaults made by the +Kaiser’s troops in the days that were to follow. Passage across the +stream for the rest of the allied army was now comparatively easy, for +the English, already having a foothold, stood ready to drive off the +Germans as reinforcements crossed.</p> + +<p>And if the action at the Marne was one of the deciding factors in the +offensive movement of the Allies, the credit of it is undoubtedly due +largely to Chester and Hal, who, at the risk of their own lives, +enabled the British troops to catch the Germans in their own trap.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span></p><p>That the boys’ value in this important battle was recognized, is +evidenced by the fact, that, when the army once more had come to a +halt, General French summoned the two lads to him, and with a hand on +the shoulder of each, and his whole staff grouped about him, said:</p> + +<p>“You have done well! England is proud of her kinsmen!”</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVI" id="CHAPTER_XXVI"></a>CHAPTER XXVI.</h2> + +<h3>TRAPPED.</h3> + +<p>It was two days later. The battle was raging fiercely. On all sides +men were dropping singly, in pairs, in tens and in hundreds. Since +early morning, when an advance guard of Germans had approached the +British line, the struggle had continued without a minute’s breathing +space.</p> + +<p>Gradually giving way before the English attacks, the German troops +fell back mile after mile, the English, in the section of the field +where the fighting had been going on, pursuing them closely. Unmindful +of their support on either side, the British still pressed forward, +until now they were far beyond either flank.</p> + +<p>Suddenly from either side of the English troops came a thundering +volley. Taken by surprise, the British halted suddenly, while men +tumbled to the earth on every hand.</p> + +<p>Before the officer in command could give the order to fall back, a +force of Germans was hurled into their rear, completely cutting them +off from any possible hope of aid from that direction. A thousand <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span>men +were in this little force now completely surrounded.</p> + +<p>But the officer in command of the British was not of the caliber to +surrender. He was a typical son of Albion, a fighting man, none other +than Captain Harry Anderson, whose part in the expedition across the +Marne had raised him to that rank.</p> + +<p>Advancing with his command, he soon found himself the ranking officer +still on his feet. Hal and Chester, who the night before had shared +his quarters, at the call to arms had plunged into the thick of the +conflict alongside the gallant captain. In spite of the terrific +carnage, in spite of the shot and shell that fell about them, they had +so far escaped injury.</p> + +<p>Perceiving that retreat was cut off, Captain Anderson conceived a +possible escape. With a loud cry of “Forward!” to his men, he dashed +right into the face of a terrible rifle and artillery fire.</p> + +<p>Men dropped as though mowed down by the wind, but the little column +halted not. They had spread out, fan-wise, at the command of Captain +Anderson, to avoid as much as possible the sweeping fire of the +Germans, and they now pressed forward at a run.</p> + +<p>Completely surprised at this sudden charge by the little body of men, +that the German officers evidently believed entirely in their power, +and still more surprised by their desperate offense in the face of +overwhelming <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span>odds, the Germans, for a moment, gave way.</p> + +<p>That moment was enough for the success of Captain Anderson’s strategy. +At the point of the bayonet the British burst through the German line, +dealing out death on every hand as they did so. A moment and the +Germans rallied, but it was too late.</p> + +<p>The British were now through the barrier of steel, and had taken +refuge behind a little ridge. And now the reason for the captain’s +sudden charge became apparent.</p> + +<p>Directly ahead was a large house, and for this refuge the British +dashed madly. The first man to reach the door tried the knob. The door +was locked. From behind came the plod of the heavy German feet and the +sharp crack of rifles.</p> + +<p>There was not a moment to lose. With a swift blow of his rifle butt, +the British soldier smashed in the door, and into this opening the +troops poured. A second squad had dashed around to the rear of the +house and performed a similar operation. In less time than it takes to +tell it injured and uninjured alike were in the house. The ground +outside, however, was strewn with their companions.</p> + +<p>Quickly every window in the house was manned, the doors barred. And +the British stood silently awaiting the approach of the enemy, which +they knew would come in a very few minutes.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span></p><p>“If it were not for the artillery we could hold this place +indefinitely,” said Captain Anderson.</p> + +<p>“Yes,” agreed Chester; “or, if we can manage to hold out till night, +we may be able to get away.”</p> + +<p>“It is possible, too,” said Hal, “that our absence will be noticed and +aid sent to us.”</p> + +<p>“I’m not banking much on that,” replied Captain Anderson, “for, if we +are missed, our loss probably will be put down to the fortunes of war. +It is hardly possible General French would know we are cooped up in +this house.”</p> + +<p>“That’s so,” said Chester. “Well, we will have to hold on as long as +we can. That’s the best we can do.”</p> + +<p>“Exactly,” agreed Hal quietly.</p> + +<p>The three approached the window in front of the house on the second +floor. But, even as they neared it, the rifle of the soldier guarding +it spoke.</p> + +<p>“Evidently the siege has begun,” said Hal grimly. “Poor fellow!” he +added, as one of the men at the window toppled to the floor, a bullet +in his head.</p> + +<p>His place was quickly taken by another, and the battle went on. The +firing became fiercer with each passing moment. The British barred the +windows with chairs, tables, and whatever other articles of furniture +they could find, leaving an opening just large enough to poke their +rifles through.</p> + +<p>But even this was not enough to keep out all the German bullets. Still +men fell, though not as fast <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span>as before. Captain Anderson assigned Hal +to direct the fire of the British in the front of the first floor and +Chester in the rear. The captain took command of the second floor +himself.</p> + +<p>The three were everywhere encouraging the men, seemingly being all +over their respective stations at once. Occasionally, as a man fell, +Hal or Chester would step into the breach and hold the place until +relieved by another soldier.</p> + +<p>Noon came and went, and still the fighting continued. Apparently, thus +far, the Germans had not conceived the idea of battering the house to +pieces with their big field guns. Evidently they thought they could +take it without this trouble.</p> + +<p>And now darkness drew on. The German fire had played havoc with the +defenders, but, if they had suffered severely, the enemy’s loss, +exposed as they were to the grilling fire from the house, had been +enormous.</p> + +<p>Night fell, and with it came a lull in the firing. Hal took advantage +of this respite to hurry upstairs for a word with Captain Anderson. As +they conversed in low tones, they were startled by an outcry from the +floor below.</p> + +<p>Hurriedly descending the stairs, they beheld the cause of the +commotion. Struggling in Chester’s arms was a man in civilian garb.</p> + +<p>“I caught him just as he was about to open the front door,” Chester +explained.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span></p><p>The man’s struggles were soon quieted, and he stood before Captain +Anderson, pale and trembling.</p> + +<p>“What are you doing here?” demanded the latter.</p> + +<p>“I was hiding in the cellar,” said the man in a shaking voice. “When +you English burst in I didn’t know what to do. I remained in my +hiding-place until there was a lull in the fighting. I was afraid I +would be killed if I was found, so I tried to get out the first time I +thought I had a chance.”</p> + +<p>Captain Anderson looked at him queerly.</p> + +<p>“Surely you are not a German?” he asked.</p> + +<p>“No, sir,” was the reply, “I am French.”</p> + +<p>“Then what need had you to be afraid of us?”</p> + +<p>“Well, you see, sir,” was the nervous reply, “I am a peace-loving man. +I don’t want to fight, and I won’t fight if I can help it.”</p> + +<p>“A nice specimen of a Frenchman, to be sure,” said the captain, with a +sneer. “If you are such a peace-loving man, how does it happen we find +you here? Why haven’t you fled with the rest of the old women and +children?”</p> + +<p>“Well, you see, sir,” quavered the man, “I have been hiding here. I +was afraid that if I went to Paris I would be forced to fight.”</p> + +<p>“And you have been hiding here ever since war broke out?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir. I have a nice hiding-place downstairs,” and he rubbed his +hands in satisfaction.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span></p><p>“And you were not discovered by the Germans?”</p> + +<p>“No, sir; and a party of officers were here only yesterday.”</p> + +<p>“Then, no doubt, you heard their plans. Perhaps you can give us +important information?”</p> + +<p>“I could, yes, sir,” was the reply. “But, if I do, will there be any +pay for me?”</p> + +<p>The captain was taken by surprise.</p> + +<p>“And you call yourself a Frenchman,” he said in contempt. He took a +threatening step forward. “No,” he said angrily, “there will be no +pay, but I can promise you that if you don’t tell what you know you +will be shot right here and now.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, sir, you wouldn’t do that,” said the man in a wheedling voice.</p> + +<p>“Wouldn’t I?” exclaimed the captain. “You shall see.”</p> + +<p>He turned to his men, and, in response to a signal, two of them +approached the Frenchman. But the stern tone had convinced the man +that the officer meant what he said.</p> + +<p>“I’ll tell, sir,” he cried, falling on his knees.</p> + +<p>Captain Anderson waved his men away.</p> + +<p>“Very well,” he said coldly, “and see that you make no mistake. If +your information is of no value you shall be shot anyhow.”</p> + +<p>“But it is, sir,” protested the Frenchman.</p> + +<p>“All right. Then let’s have it.”</p> + +<p>“The Germans are planning an aëroplane raid <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span>on the English,” said the +man, in a low voice. “There is a park of aëroplanes hardly two miles +from here, on the road leading to Viviers. They are ready for instant +flight.”</p> + +<p>“What!” exclaimed Captain Anderson. “Are you sure?”</p> + +<p>“Perfectly,” was the reply. “I heard the German officers talking of it +only yesterday. They said it would deal a death-blow to the English.”</p> + +<p>“And so it would,” said the captain, “unless it can be stopped.”</p> + +<p>Hal broke suddenly into the conversation.</p> + +<p>“Can you point the approximate whereabouts of this park of machines +out to us?” he asked.</p> + +<p>“Easily, sir.”</p> + +<p>“What’s your idea?” asked Captain Anderson.</p> + +<p>“Simply this,” said Hal. “I believe that by a dash we can get through +the Germans. They will not expect it, and, if they did, would not +expect us to go forward. Consequently, the guard in front is not +likely to be vigilant. We have enough men here to make a successful +raid on these machines and destroy them.”</p> + +<p>“A first-class idea,” said the captain. “We’ll do it.”</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVII" id="CHAPTER_XXVII"></a>CHAPTER XXVII.</h2> + +<h3>A DEED OF DARING.</h3> + +<p>Quickly the captain formed and outlined a plan. Then, gathering his +men behind him at the door, he prepared for a sortie. Among the troops +were a few engineers, the captain ascertained upon inquiry, and these +he placed at the extreme rear of the little body.</p> + +<p>When all was ready, the captain opened the doors and stepped out. Hal +and Chester were right behind him. It was very dark, and, as there was +no light in the house, Germans who were on guard, being a considerable +distance back to avoid the fire of the British defenders, did not at +first make out the forms flitting silently from the house.</p> + +<p>Half the little troop had emerged before a single rifle shot, followed +by a volley, gave notice that they had been discovered. Then, at a +word from Captain Anderson, the British charged right at their enemy.</p> + +<p>Not a shot was fired until they were at close quarters, in spite of +the fact that the German fire was not ineffective. Then, as the men +spread <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span>out in a long line, they blazed forth their answer, and, hard +upon this, charged with the bayonet.</p> + +<p>Apparently the Germans had not prepared for such a move on the part of +the enemy, for they gave ground rapidly. The skirmish was brief, with +success to the British.</p> + +<p>The Germans in flight, Captain Anderson, Hal and Chester soon found +the Viviers road, and led their men along at double time. The two +miles were covered quickly, and finally the three could make out in +the darkness what appeared to be a factory. Closer approach showed +that this what it was.</p> + +<p>“Must be a temporary affair,” said Captain Anderson, in a low voice. +“And what are those objects nearby?”</p> + +<p>Hal peered through the darkness.</p> + +<p>“Look like armored automobiles to me,” he said.</p> + +<p>“And so they are,” declared Chester. “And there must be twenty of +them. Seems to me an act of providence must have put them there. We +couldn’t want anything better to escape in.”</p> + +<p>“You are right,” declared the captain.</p> + +<p>The captain now divided his men into three forces, one of which he +commanded, the other two being led by Hal and Chester.</p> + +<p>The first column approached to within fifty yards of the automobiles +before being discovered. Then the cry of a German sentry rang out.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span></p><p>At the word of command, the British opened fire, and again charged +with fixed bayonets. But the German guard was strong, and evidently +had been on the alert against a possible surprise.</p> + +<p>A rapid-fire gun stationed near the automobiles opened fire. The first +column of men was literally annihilated, Captain Anderson himself +going to the ground with a severe wound in his chest. Not one of the +troopers reached the automobile.</p> + +<p>Seeing what had happened to the first column, Hal and Chester were +more wary. They approached from two directions, and, before the +machine-gun could be turned upon them, were at hand grips with the +enemy.</p> + +<p>A squad of men hurled themselves upon the German gunners, and this +weapon spoke no more. Then the British advanced upon the aviators, who +stood near to guard their machines.</p> + +<p>Both sides were fighting in small groups, and at once began a fierce +interchange of shots at a distance of fifteen yards. The airmen, who +were crouching along the edge of the road, answered the British fire +with great bravery and vigor.</p> + +<p>While this fighting was in progress, the detachments of engineers, +which had been in the extreme rear of the British columns, armed with +improvised tools, hurled themselves upon the aëroplanes. With sure +blows from their rifle butts, and whatever other implements they could +lay hands on nearby, they <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span>destroyed the motors, the gasoline +reservoirs and the running gear of the German machines.</p> + +<p>At this moment one of the armored automobiles burst into flames. A +fierce red glare shot high into the air, lighting up the scene of +carnage with great brilliancy.</p> + +<p>While the little column commanded by Chester now withdrew a short +distance, the lad having ordered this in the hope that he might find +Captain Anderson still alive, Hal, with the comparatively few +remaining men, advanced to one of the armored automobiles, in which +stood a German officer, directing his men.</p> + +<p>The officer opened fire on these few British with an automatic +revolver. Two men fell. Hal felt a bullet graze his arm, but not +before he had discharged his own weapon against the chest of his +opponent, who fell to the ground, fatally wounded.</p> + +<p>A second German, whom Hal had not noticed in the machine before, +brought his rifle butt down over Hal’s head. But the lad’s quick eye +had seen the descending weapon, and his upraised arm warded off the +blow. His left arm, however, fell to his side numb, and he stumbled +and fell to the ground.</p> + +<p>He was up in a moment, and sprang upon the German, one arm still +hanging by his side, and his revolver gone. The German brought his +rifle to bear, but, stepping quickly forward, the lad struck <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span>up the +weapon, even as the German pressed the trigger.</p> + +<p>With a quick leap Hal was in the automobile, and was grappling with +the German trooper. The German, unable to use his rifle at such close +quarters, struck out with his fist. Hal dodged and his opponent drew +back with a cry of pain. His fist had struck the steel side of the +car, and his arm was now useless.</p> + +<p>The two were now on even terms. The German reached out and attempted +to entwine his fingers in Hal’s throat, but the lad was too quick for +him. Dodging suddenly, he came up under the other’s chin, and sent him +spinning head over heels from the car, so fierce was the contact.</p> + +<p>Then the lad turned his eyes to other sections of the field. He could +see no signs of an enemy. Evidently the Germans had had enough, or +were awaiting the arrival of reinforcements before renewing the fight, +for they had no way of determining the strength of the British +attacking party.</p> + +<p>In any event, Hal realized that there was no time to lose. Leaping +from the car, he ordered the few men who were left to man the waiting +automobiles, quickly ascertaining that there were enough men capable +of driving them. Then he set out to hunt Chester and Captain Anderson.</p> + +<p>He found Chester on his knee, supporting the unconscious form of their +friend.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span></p><p>“Hurry, Chester, get him into this car,” he ordered. “We’ll have to +get out of here at once.”</p> + +<p>He helped the men lift the unconscious British officer into one of the +automobiles, leaped in himself, and took the wheel.</p> + +<p>Five of the other cars also were ready to go, each containing twenty +men, all that was left of the thousand who had made a dash for the +farmhouse in the morning.</p> + +<p>Hal gave his orders slowly and tersely.</p> + +<p>“Follow me, single file,” he called to his men, “until I give the word +to close up. Then range right alongside of me. We will go as swiftly +as possible, and try to get through the German lines without a fight, +if by any chance it is possible. However, if we have to make a quick +dash and fight, it would be better to do it side by side, and plow +right into the enemy. Do you understand?”</p> + +<p>The driver of each car signified that he understood perfectly, and Hal +started his car off slowly. The others fell in line, and soon all were +moving along at a brisk pace.</p> + +<p>Hal found time to call back over his shoulder to Chester:</p> + +<p>“How is the captain?”</p> + +<p>“I fear he is in pretty bad shape,” was the reply; but, even at that +moment, the captain showed signs of returning consciousness.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span></p><p>He stirred a little and moaned feebly. Then he raised his head.</p> + +<p>“Where am I?” he demanded.</p> + +<p>Slowly and carefully Chester explained the situation to him.</p> + +<p>“And was the raid a success?” he asked. “Were the German aëroplanes +destroyed?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, every one of them,” replied Chester.</p> + +<p>“Good! Now, give me a rifle, or a revolver, or something. I know we +can’t get through the Germans without a fight, and I want to do my +part.”</p> + +<p>In vain did Chester protest. Captain Anderson insisted, and at length +Chester was forced to comply.</p> + +<p>As the five automobiles, containing not more than a hundred British +all told, approached the center of the German force, each man +determined to get through to the allied lines or to die in the +attempt.</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVIII" id="CHAPTER_XXVIII"></a>CHAPTER XXVIII.</h2> + +<h3>A DASH FOR LIBERTY.</h3> + +<p>Swiftly the high-powered armored motor-cars rushed on, drawing closer +and closer to the solid ranks of the enemy. Not expecting trouble from +within their own lines, the Germans were not on the lookout for this +spectacular dash, and so were caught unprepared.</p> + +<p>Hal gave the prearranged signal. The other cars increased their speed +and drew up to him, two on either side. At a second signal they +increased their speed to the utmost, and dashed forward.</p> + +<p>The Germans lay sprawled about, the close formation having been more +or less broken following the morning fight. The five speeding monsters +were upon them almost before they realized it. As the cars approached +the first irregular line of troopers, the British in the machines +opened fire. In spite of their terrific speed, their aim was good. +Germans tumbled right and left, or fell back as they attempted to +rise.</p> + +<p>Then the machines plowed in among them, hurling them helter-skelter on +all sides, the occupants continuing their destructive fire.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span></p><p>But now the Germans opened fire, and, in spite of the fact that the +speed of the flying automobiles made accurate shooting impossible, the +British did not escape scot-free. Three men in one of the machines to +the left of the one driven by Hal dropped their rifles and sank to the +bottom of the car. In one on the opposite side a soldier threw up his +hands and tumbled from the car.</p> + +<p>Hal, protected as he was on either side, had not been touched, nor had +Chester, who stood erect the while, firing rapidly with his automatic.</p> + +<p>Suddenly the car nearest the lads on the left swerved, and almost +bumped into them; in fact, would have done so, but for Hal’s +promptness in turning slightly to the right. The driver of the car had +been struck by a German bullet and killed.</p> + +<p>The driverless machine, swerving suddenly to the left, leaped forward +ahead of the others, turned suddenly to the right again, and plunged +straight toward the dense masses of Germans, the British inside still +shooting as calmly as though they stood on firm ground, although it +was plainly evident to them that the wild car was carrying them to +certain death.</p> + +<p>All this the boys could see at a glance, but they quickly passed +beyond, and so did not see the gallant fate of their comrades.</p> + +<p>Plunging straight into the dense masses of Germans, the gallant +machine leaped upon them like a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span>thing of life, hurling them off on +all sides, and running amuck over their prostrate forms. Then, with +another sudden turn to the left, it sped directly toward a group of +officers, who stood nearby directing the firing. So sudden was this +unexpected turn that the officers were run down before they could move +from their tracks.</p> + +<p>Then the machine darted straight at a German field battery.</p> + +<p>It was a fatal move, for a German gunner sprang forward—there was a +fearful roar—a loud explosion, a cloud of smoke, and, when the smoke +had cleared away, there was no automobile to be seen—nothing but +wreckage and a few maimed bodies scattered about.</p> + +<p>But Hal and his companions were having troubles of their own. Even at +the moment that the first car disappeared in smoke, the driver of a +second sprang to his feet, waved his arms about, as he wildly gasped +for air, and tumbled overboard. The machine, now wild, turned and +crashed into its nearest neighbor.</p> + +<p>There was a terrific crash, and both cars turned turtle. Came a cry of +triumph from the Germans, but Hal and the driver of the other +remaining car paid no heed; rather, if possible, their cars leaped +ahead faster than before.</p> + +<p>But the herculean task the lads had set out to accomplish was too +much. In spite of the fact that <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span>the Germans had been taken by +surprise, their numbers were so great that the success of such a dash +was impossible.</p> + +<p>Straight ahead the boys made out a regiment, drawn up with leveled +rifles. In one last desperate attempt to break through, Hal and the +driver of the other car dashed into them.</p> + +<p>A blow from the butt of a German rifle knocked the driver of the +second car from his seat as he swept past, and the machine, turning +round and round, like a huge top, suddenly turned over, pinioning its +occupants beneath it.</p> + +<p>A second later and Hal felt a sharp sting in his left hand. In spite +of the desperate attempt he made to keep the machine steady, it rocked +from side to side at the sudden loosening of his hand.</p> + +<p>Fearing that all would be killed if he did not stop the machine, the +lad threw off the clutch and applied the brakes. Then, in the center +of a large force of Germans, who came rushing in upon them, the lad +stood up in the machine, and, raising his uninjured hand, shouted:</p> + +<p>“We surrender!”</p> + +<p>A German officer called a hoarse command, and the long line of +threatening rifles was lowered.</p> + +<p>“Come out of there,” called the officer, “and be quick about it.”</p> + +<p>Hal did as commanded, and a moment later Chester also was on the +ground. Turning back to the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span>machine, they tenderly lifted Captain +Anderson out and laid him on the ground. He had fainted during the +wild ride.</p> + +<p>Hal turned to the German officer.</p> + +<p>“Will you please see that my friend,” indicating the captain, +“receives medical attention at once?”</p> + +<p>“It shall be done immediately,” returned the German officer gravely, +and motioned to two of his men to carry the unconscious captain to a +nearby hospital tent. Then he turned to Hal and Chester.</p> + +<p>“Do you know that you have created terrible havoc in our ranks?” he +demanded.</p> + +<p>Hal smiled grimly.</p> + +<p>“That is what we intended to do,” he made reply. “However, we wouldn’t +have done so had you permitted us to return to our lines in peace.”</p> + +<p>The German officer also smiled faintly.</p> + +<p>“You are bold lads,” he said quietly. “Come, I will take you to +General Von Kluck.”</p> + +<p>The lads followed the officer, and presently came before the German +commander, the man whose great military genius some days later saved +his wing of the army from probable annihilation.</p> + +<p>Standing beside the German commander was another officer, somewhat +younger, recognizing whom, Hal’s heart leaped into his throat. This +second officer was none other than the man who, some days before, had +placed in Hal’s hands dispatches for General Von Kluck—papers that, +through Hal’s <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span>bravery, had been turned over to General French, and +had thus foiled the coup planned by the Kaiser himself.</p> + +<p>The German recognized Hal almost immediately, in spite of his British +uniform. He stepped forward, and, with a sneering smile, said:</p> + +<p>“How do you do, Captain Dersam?”</p> + +<p>General Von Kluck, who had been looking silently at the two lads, +turned to the officer.</p> + +<p>“You know these prisoners?” he questioned.</p> + +<p>“Well, I know one of them,” was the reply. “That is, I thought I did +once. It seems that I was mistaken.”</p> + +<p>“Explain yourself.”</p> + +<p>“This,” said the German, pointing to Hal, “is the young man to whom I +told you I delivered the dispatches intended for you. He represented +himself to me as Captain Dersam, of your staff. Later we found Captain +Dersam gagged and bound on the banks of the Marne. Therefore, this +officer must be a traitor.”</p> + +<p>General Von Kluck rose to his feet excitedly.</p> + +<p>“So,” he exclaimed, “you are the man whom we have to thank for the +defeat of our plan, eh?” He turned to the officer. “And you say he was +in German uniform?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir.”</p> + +<p>The general turned to Hal.</p> + +<p>“Do you know what that means?” he asked.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span></p><p>Hal nodded his head.</p> + +<p>“It means,” continued the general, “that you are a spy. You shall pay +the penalty.”</p> + +<p>“But,” Hal protested, “I was not captured within your lines in German +uniform nor in disguise. You cannot treat me as a spy.”</p> + +<p>“I can’t, eh?” cried General Von Kluck angrily. “Well, you shall see.”</p> + +<p>“The boy is right,” came a stern voice from behind him, and, turning, +Hal started back in amazement.</p> + +<p>“The Emperor!” he cried.</p> + +<p>And from other throats in the group came the time-worn salutation:</p> + +<p>“<i>Hoch der Kaiser!</i>”</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIX" id="CHAPTER_XXIX"></a>CHAPTER XXIX.</h2> + +<h3>GERMAN HOSPITALITY.</h3> + +<p>“Yes,” continued the Emperor of Germany, “the boy is right. He has +spoiled our plans, I will admit; but it takes a brave man to wander +into our lines as he did. It takes a brave one to have made a dash in +the armored cars I have just witnessed; and it takes a brave man to +raid right into the heart of our arms and destroy twenty-five +aëroplanes, as I have no doubt he did.”</p> + +<p>“What,” exclaimed all the German officers in the tent, “the aëroplanes +destroyed?”</p> + +<p>“Yes,” continued the emperor, “and with them another opportunity to +deal a death-blow to the English.” Then, turning to Hal: “I have no +doubt that you were concerned in that—am I right?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, your majesty,” said the lad.</p> + +<p>“I thought so,” said the emperor, and he turned again to General Von +Kluck.</p> + +<p>“The lad is perfectly right when he says that he was not captured in +disguise. No doubt he was within our lines in German uniform, but, as +he was not captured, he cannot be executed as a spy. Do you +understand?”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span></p><p>“Yes, sire,” said General Von Kluck, bowing low.</p> + +<p>“It seems to me,” went on the Kaiser, “that rather than spend so much +time looking for spies to put to death, it would be advantageous if +some of my officers would expend their energies in looking more +carefully after my interests.”</p> + +<p>Once more the emperor turned to Hal.</p> + +<p>“If I mistake not,” he said, “you are an American. Am I right?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, sire,” said Hal.</p> + +<p>“Then how comes it that you are fighting for Great Britain?”</p> + +<p>Hal explained the misfortunes by which they had been left in Germany, +and of how, eventually, they had taken service with the Allies.</p> + +<p>“And who is your friend?” asked the Kaiser, pointing to Chester.</p> + +<p>“Chester Crawford, sire,” replied Hal, “my boyhood chum.”</p> + +<p>“And the wounded man?”</p> + +<p>“An English officer, your majesty,” said Hal, “and a brave one.”</p> + +<p>“I have found that all the British are brave,” said the Kaiser grimly. +“I was misinformed as to their attitude in this crisis,” and the +Kaiser’s voice grew harsh; “it was not the only subject on which I was +misinformed.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span></p><p>His words were clearly intended for the officers, more than for Hal.</p> + +<p>He was silent for some moments, and then to General Von Kluck:</p> + +<p>“General, I will take these lads to my own quarters. I desire to +question them on matters pertaining to their own country. You will +send a guard for them in two hours.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, sire,” said General Von Kluck.</p> + +<p>The Kaiser motioned to Hal and Chester.</p> + +<p>“Follow me,” he commanded.</p> + +<p>Surrounded by his personal bodyguard, and with Hal and Chester close +behind him, the emperor made his way to his own handsome and luxurious +field quarters.</p> + +<p>Inside the tent he motioned the two lads to seats.</p> + +<p>“Now, tell me,” he said, “what is the general sentiment in America +toward Germany? Where is the general sympathy in this war?”</p> + +<p>He had addressed Hal, so the latter replied, Chester maintaining a +discreet silence.</p> + +<p>“We were not in America when the war broke out, your majesty,” he +said, “but I believe that I am right when I say that the sympathies of +the United States, generally speaking, are with the Allies.”</p> + +<p>The Kaiser nodded his head.</p> + +<p>“I was afraid so,” he said. “But why?”</p> + +<p>“As to why, I can’t say,” replied Hal. “Chiefly, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span>I suppose, because +it is an English-speaking country.”</p> + +<p>“I suppose that is true,” said the emperor, “and still there are many +more persons of German descent in the United States than of any other +nationality. Do the people of the United States believe that Germany +brought about this war?”</p> + +<p>“From what I have heard from Canadian officers and some others, I am +afraid they do, your majesty,” said Hal.</p> + +<p>“It is not true,” thundered the Kaiser, bringing his clenched fist +down heavily on the table. “I tell you it is not true. Do you +understand? It is not true. I did all in my power to prevent this war. +It is Czar Nicholas of Russia who is to blame. He and his Slavs would +overrun Germany. But, with the help of God, I shall prevent it. I will +not be called the War Lord of Europe for nothing!”</p> + +<p>Hal and Chester were startled at this sudden outburst. Neither +realized that Hal was, perhaps, the only person who had dared to stand +before the German monarch and tell him to his face that he had not the +sympathy of the whole world, and that he was held responsible for the +greatest war of all history.</p> + +<p>Now the Kaiser was talking to himself, his fists still clenched, and +he tapped nervously on the table, as he muttered:</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span></p><p>“They have lied to me. Yes, they have lied to me. They told me that +few held me to blame, that the sympathy of the world was with me. I +thought they lied then. I am sure of it now.”</p> + +<p>Suddenly he ceased talking, and turned to the table, where he was soon +engrossed in looking over some papers and maps. So he sat, utterly +disregarding the presence of the two American boys; nor did they +venture to interrupt his profound study, until two hours later General +Von Kluck sent the guard ordered by the Kaiser to take them away. When +the officer in charge of the squad made known his commission, the +emperor signified his consent with a nod of his head. He addressed no +further words to Hal or Chester.</p> + +<p>“I am commanded,” said the German officer, “to take you to my tent and +see that you are well guarded, until it is decided what disposition is +to be made of you.”</p> + +<p>In a large and commodious tent the boys were made comfortable, and a +guard stationed around the outside. Then the officer took himself away +to make his report to the general.</p> + +<p>“Well,” said Chester, “they have got us this time, and I don’t see any +way of escape. Here we are, right in the heart of the German army, and +we might just as well be in the Sahara desert, as far as our chances +go of getting back to our own lines.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span></p><p>“Don’t be so downhearted,” said Hal. “More peculiar things have +happened. We are at least in no danger of being shot. I suppose we +should be thankful for that.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, I suppose we should,” Chester agreed. “But just the same I would +like to be back where we belong.”</p> + +<p>“Well, you can’t tell,” said Hal. “We may be able to give them the +slip. However, I would be opposed to any plan that did not have a good +chance of success. For, if we failed, I am sure they would shoot us +without compunction.”</p> + +<p>“There is no doubt of that,” said Chester. “Von Kluck would do it +anyhow, if he didn’t fear the heavy hand of the Kaiser. By the way, +what do you think of the Kaiser, anyhow?”</p> + +<p>“Well,” said Hal slowly, “I believe, in the first place, that he takes +himself too seriously. I believe that he considers himself the chosen +instrument of Heaven to put down the Slavs, to say nothing of the +French and English. He has the mistaken idea that he is a man of +destiny.”</p> + +<p>“Yes,” agreed Chester, “there is no doubt that he thinks he is right +and the whole world wrong.”</p> + +<p>Further talk was interrupted by the return of the German officer.</p> + +<p>“You are to remain here for the next few days,” he informed them. “As +the emperor has interested himself in your behalf, General Von Kluck +is awaiting <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span>further word from him as to what to do with you. Right +now the emperor will not talk. He is busy with his maps and papers, +and, when he is busy, no one dare disturb him.”</p> + +<p>“And what do you suppose will be done with us eventually?” asked +Chester.</p> + +<p>“Why,” was the reply, “I suppose you will be treated as all other +prisoners of war. You probably will be sent to Berlin.”</p> + +<p>“Back to Berlin!” exclaimed Chester in deep disgust.</p> + +<p>“Back to Berlin!” repeated Hal, and he punctured his exclamation with +a long whistle. “Great Scott!”</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXX" id="CHAPTER_XXX"></a>CHAPTER XXX.</h2> + +<h3>A NEW FRIEND.</h3> + +<p>It was indeed a sad word to the ears of the two young American lads. +As Hal said, they had had trouble enough getting out of Berlin at the +outbreak of the war, and had almost been forced back to the German +capital once before. To be prisoners of war in Berlin certainly would +be an inglorious finish to their military careers.</p> + +<p>“I would rather go to any one other spot on the map,” Chester told his +chum. “Berlin! Can you imagine being cooped up there and never even +knowing what is going on?”</p> + +<p>“It would be tough,” Hal agreed. “And, once there, I am afraid we +would have to stay until after the war. I don’t imagine there is much +danger of anyone escaping from that place now.”</p> + +<p>“Nor I,” said Chester. “If we hope to get away, we shall have to do it +before we get to Berlin.”</p> + +<p>But it seemed that the lads, if they had any hopes of escape, were +doomed to disappointment. They were carefully guarded, and, while they +were made comfortable, there was never a moment that they were not +beneath some watchful eye.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span></p><p>Several times they were allowed to leave their canvas prison and +stroll about outside, but on each of these excursions the German +officer in whose custody they had been placed accompanied them; and +finally from General Von Kluck came the order for them to be sent to +Berlin.</p> + +<p>“I sort of hate to see you go,” the German officer told them, upon +informing them of their fate. “We have gotten along famously together. +However, I am sure you will be well treated in Berlin, and that when +you are released at the end of the war you will be able to deny some +of the tales of German cruelty to their prisoners.”</p> + +<p>“From the treatment we already have received we can deny them now,” +said Hal.</p> + +<p>“Indeed we can,” Chester agreed.</p> + +<p>“Come,” continued the officer, “what do you say to a little walk +around? You will not start on your journey until to-night.”</p> + +<p>Accompanied by their guard the boys once more started on an excursion +through the huge German camp. For an hour or more they walked about, +discussing the war in its various phases, but finally the officer told +them that it was time for him to report for duty, and they started +back toward their temporary prison.</p> + +<p>As they were walking slowly along a large gray shape came bounding +toward them. Almost in front of them it came to a stop. It was a dog.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span></p><p>Hal reached forth a hand and patted the animal on the head, and the +dog’s tail wagged in friendship. But when the German officer also +stretched forth a hand, he uttered a menacing growl.</p> + +<p>“He must be one of your French war dogs,” said the German with a +laugh, quickly withdrawing his hand. “We have captured a large number +of them, and, in spite of the fact that we treat them as well as we +know how, they will have nothing to do with us.”</p> + +<p>At that moment another German officer approached the trio, and, as he +came closer, the dog snarled and showed his teeth. The German drew +back his foot, and, before anyone could interfere, kicked the animal +sharply in the ribs.</p> + +<p>But the German paid dearly for this act, for, with one quick bound, +the dog leaped upon his assailant, and, snarling fiercely, bore him to +the ground. Hal, Chester and their officer friend jumped quickly +forward, and, after a sharp tussle, succeeded in dragging the dog off, +though not until he had considerably shaken up his victim, even +drawing blood from a wound in his throat.</p> + +<p>With a fierce imprecation, the German reached for his revolver, drew +it quickly, and aimed it at the dog. But, before he could pull the +trigger, Chester leaped forward, and, with a quick movement of his +arm, knocked the weapon from the German’s hand.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span></p><p>The German turned angrily on the lad.</p> + +<p>“What do you mean by that?” he demanded, in a rage.</p> + +<p>“You won’t shoot him while I am here,” cried Chester, also aroused.</p> + +<p>“What business is it of yours whether I shoot him or not?”</p> + +<p>“You try it again and I’ll show you what business it is of mine, if +the whole German army is standing round,” shouted Chester furiously.</p> + +<p>Hal grabbed his friend by the coat and attempted to pull him back, but +Chester was too angry now to pay any heed, and he stood facing the +German threateningly.</p> + +<p>At this point the other officer evidently decided it was time to +interfere.</p> + +<p>“Come, come,” he said to Chester. “That’s enough of this. I am sure +Lieutenant Dennig meant no harm. I’m sure he’ll apologize if he has +said or done anything to displease you.”</p> + +<p>“What! Me apologize?” demanded the German. “And what for, pray?”</p> + +<p>“I don’t want any apology,” declared Chester. “All I want is for him +to understand he can’t shoot a dumb animal while I’m around.”</p> + +<p>“Is that so?” sneered the German, but the boys’ guard cut him short.</p> + +<p>“Lieutenant Dennig,” he said sharply, “you forget <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span>yourself. These +prisoners are under my protection and shall not be insulted.”</p> + +<p>The lieutenant drew himself up sharply, saluted his superior officer, +and walked rapidly away.</p> + +<p>“One more enemy,” said Chester to Hal, as the man made off.</p> + +<p>“Oh, he’ll get over it,” laughed the boys’ guard. “He knows he is in +the wrong—that’s what makes him so angry.”</p> + +<p>The object of this little unpleasantness still stood near, wagging his +tail and looking at the two lads. When they continued their walk +toward their tent, he calmly followed them.</p> + +<p>The lads did not notice this, however, until they had entered the +tent, and then Hal espied the nose of their newly-found friend poking +its way in after them. A moment later and the dog was curled up at one +side of the tent, sleeping.</p> + +<p>“Looks like there are three of you to guard now, instead of two,” +said the officer. “However, I guess it is all right.”</p> + +<p>“I wonder if it would be possible,” said Chester, struck with a sudden +thought, “for us to take him to Berlin with us?”</p> + +<p>“I’ll see what can be done about it,” replied the officer. “I believe +that I can arrange it all right.”</p> + +<p>“We certainly would appreciate it,” continued Chester, “and, if the +time ever comes when we <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span>may be of service to you, you may command +us.” The officer smiled.</p> + +<p>“I doubt if you will ever have the opportunity,” he said. “Present +circumstances would indicate that there is little likelihood of it.”</p> + +<p>“Well, you never can tell,” said Hal, “the fortunes of war, you know.”</p> + +<p>“True,” said the German, “and, if ever occasion arises, I shall take +you at your word.”</p> + +<p>He bowed and left the tent. Hal and Chester now turned their attention +to the dog, which still lay sleeping. Chester whistled sharply. The +dog was on his feet in a second, ears cocked and sniffing the air +eagerly.</p> + +<p>“A real war dog, all right,” said Chester. “What shall we call him, +Hal?”</p> + +<p>“Perhaps he has a name already,” said Hal. “Try him.”</p> + +<p>Chester called off the many dog names familiar to him, and Hal added a +few. But, although the animal wagged his tail with evident pleasure at +thus being talked to, he gave no evidence of owning any of the names +in the boys’ vocabulary.</p> + +<p>Hal approached and laid his hand on the dog’s head. Then, for the +first time, he noticed the collar he wore.</p> + +<p>“Hello!” he said, in some surprise.</p> + +<p>“What is it?” said Chester, also approaching.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span></p><p>“Collar,” said Hal briefly. “Perhaps his name is on it.”</p> + +<p>Both boys bent over the dog.</p> + +<p>“Here it is, sure enough,” cried Chester.</p> + +<p>“Can you make it out?” asked Hal.</p> + +<p>“It’s a little dark,” replied the lad. “Bring him over here nearer the +light.”</p> + +<p>This was done, and once more Chester bent over the collar.</p> + +<p>“Well?” demanded Hal.</p> + +<p>“Yes, I can read it,” replied Chester.</p> + +<p>“What is it?” demanded Hal.</p> + +<p>Chester read aloud:</p> + +<p>“Marquis—Twenty-third French Infantry.”</p> + +<p>“A dispatch dog, eh?” said Hal.</p> + +<p>“Yes,” said Chester; “and, if I mistake not, a very valuable addition +to our party.”</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXI" id="CHAPTER_XXXI"></a>CHAPTER XXXI.</h2> + +<h3>BERLIN ONCE MORE.</h3> + +<p>By dint of persuasion the German officer succeeded in gaining the +consent of General Von Kluck to allow the boys to take the dog with +them. That Marquis was just as pleased to go as the boys were to have +him, was plainly evident. When they left their tent for the last time, +and whistled to him to follow, he bounded after them with enthusiasm.</p> + +<p>The train on which the boys were to be taken back to Berlin did not +leave until well along toward midnight, but, with some 5,000 other +prisoners, British, French and Belgians alike, they were bundled +aboard early. Heavily guarded, and without a weapon of any kind or +description, there was no fear of a break for liberty, in spite of the +large number of prisoners.</p> + +<p>The lads were shoved into a car already loaded down with prisoners and +took their positions at the far end, the dog between them. In spite of +misfortune, the prisoners all were far from unhappy. They joked and +chatted as though they were on a pleasure trip.</p> + +<p>Finally, after much delay, the train started with <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span>a jolt, tumbling +men all over each other as it gradually gathered momentum. They were +hurled hither and yon, but they only laughed.</p> + +<p>The trip was necessarily slow, for the train, time after time, was +switched on to a siding to permit of the movement of German troop +trains carrying soldiers from the western theater of war to the east, +or from the east to the west.</p> + +<p>Consequently, it was late the following night when the train finally +pulled in, and the prisoners were ordered to get out. Under the +leveled rifles of a strong German guard, they stepped to the ground, +and, after being divided into squads at the direction of the German +officer in command, were marched away.</p> + +<p>Hal, Chester and Marquis were among the last to leave the train. As +the dog tumbled out after them, there was an exclamation from a German +officer.</p> + +<p>“What have we here?” he demanded, approaching the boys. “A dog, eh? +Well, we haven’t time to fool with dogs,” and he leveled his pistol at +Marquis.</p> + +<p>Marquis drew back his lips in a snarl, even as Hal stepped forward to +stay the German’s hand.</p> + +<p>“This dog was allowed to come with us by special command of General +Von Kluck,” he said quietly.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span></p><p>“So you say,” was the reply. “But how am I to know that you speak the +truth?”</p> + +<p>“The very fact that he was allowed in the car should be sufficient +proof of that,” said Hal quietly.</p> + +<p>The German officer lowered his weapon.</p> + +<p>“I guess you are right,” he said. “I beg your pardon.”</p> + +<p>He appraised the boys with a critical eye, and then became more +friendly.</p> + +<p>“You are British officers?” he asked.</p> + +<p>“We are attached to the staff of General French,” Chester replied.</p> + +<p>“So? and at your age? I presume you have seen considerable action?”</p> + +<p>“Considerable,” replied Hal, with a smile; “at Liège, Louvain, the +battle of the Marne, and some other skirmishes.”</p> + +<p>“You have been in luck,” said the officer. “And here I have been, ever +since the war broke out, receiving prisoners as they are sent on. +Worse luck!”</p> + +<p>“Cheer up,” said Chester, smilingly, “you probably will get your +chance before the war is over.”</p> + +<p>“I hope so,” replied the German, and continued: “I am going to arrange +for you to come with me—yes, and the dog, too,” as he saw Hal glance +at his canine friend. “You can tell me stories of the war. Besides, I +am interested to know how it is that two so young should have seen so +much fighting.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span></p><p>“If I may make so bold,” said Hal, “you are not so old yourself.”</p> + +<p>“True,” said the German, with a pleasant smile. “But I am twenty,” he +added proudly.</p> + +<p>“Then we are not much younger than you,” said Chester.</p> + +<p>“Well, maybe not; but you seem to have had a whole lot more fun.”</p> + +<p>His other work disposed of, the German turned to the two lads.</p> + +<p>“Come with me,” he said, and the boys followed him.</p> + +<p>“I am at liberty to accept your parole,” said the young German, “if +you are prepared to give it.”</p> + +<p>Chester glanced quickly at Hal, and the latter replied.</p> + +<p>“We appreciate your offer very much, but we decided long ago that we +would give our parole to no one.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, well,” said the German, with a laugh, “it doesn’t matter. There +is no chance of your getting out of Berlin, anyhow. However, since you +refuse, it will be necessary to keep more careful watch over you.”</p> + +<p>The officer bundled the two boys and the dog into a taxi, and they +were soon riding along the streets.</p> + +<p>“I am taking you to my home,” said the young officer. “While there, +you will be treated as my guests, except that you will always be +guarded.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span></p><p>“We understand,” said Chester quietly.</p> + +<p>“Looks natural along here,” said Hal suddenly, nudging Chester.</p> + +<p>“It certainly does,” said Chester, with a smile, for he had at that +moment recognized the spot where he, Hal, Lieutenant Anderson and +Captain Derevaux had met for the first time—the spot where the French +and British officer had been set upon by a gang of young thugs.</p> + +<p>“What, you have been in Berlin before?” questioned the German officer +in some surprise.</p> + +<p>“Oh, yes,” said Hal. “We spent one vacation here with my mother.”</p> + +<p>He thought it best not to let the German know how they had escaped +from the German capital following the outbreak of the war. Chester +also made no reference to this.</p> + +<p>All the streets which the taxi traversed were familiar to the boys +now, and they pointed out different places of interest to each other +as they sped along. Finally the taxi drew up and stopped.</p> + +<p>The young German leaped lightly to the ground, and stood there as the +boys emerged from the taxi. Looking up, the lads beheld a handsome and +commodious house.</p> + +<p>“My home,” said the lieutenant simply, “and yours, so long as you are +forced to remain in Berlin.”</p> + +<p>The lads followed their captor up the steps, and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span>into a prettily +furnished hall, where a servant, summoned by the officer, hurried away +with word for Mrs. Strauss, for, as Lieutenant Heinrich Strauss, the +officer now introduced himself to the boys.</p> + +<p>A few moments later a pleasant-faced woman appeared in the hall. The +boys were quickly introduced to her, and she made them welcome, +adding:</p> + +<p>“I am sure the general also will be pleased to have you with us.”</p> + +<p>Both lads looked questioningly at the young officer, who hastened to +explain.</p> + +<p>“General Strauss is my father, in command in Berlin. Perhaps were it +not for that, I would not have ventured to bring you to my home. You +would have to have gone with the other prisoners.”</p> + +<p>“Thanks,” said Chester. “I am sure we both appreciate it.”</p> + +<p>“Indeed we do,” agreed Hal.</p> + +<p>Before either the young lieutenant or his mother could reply, there +came a heavy footstep without; a moment later the door was thrown +quickly open, and a German officer, huge in stature, and imposing in +his uniform, draped with gold and lace, strode in. At sight of the two +boys he came to a sudden pause.</p> + +<p>“What have we here?” he demanded, in a great, booming voice.</p> + +<p>“Two of my prisoners, sir,” said the lieutenant, stepping forward and +saluting.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span></p><p>“Your prisoners, sir? Do you mean that they are spies whom you have +captured in Berlin?”</p> + +<p>“No, sir. They came with the last trainload of prisoners.”</p> + +<p>“Then, why are they not with the others?” demanded General Strauss +sternly.</p> + +<p>“Why, sir,” stammered the lieutenant, “I—I——”</p> + +<p>“Enough,” said the general in a softer voice, his eyes twinkling +although this he endeavored in vain to hide. “You mean that you are up +to some of your old tricks—that your sympathies have gotten the upper +hand of your better judgment. Do you know what I should do with you, +sir?”</p> + +<p>The lieutenant made no reply, and the father continued:</p> + +<p>“I should have you court-martialed for disobeying the command of your +superior officer. But I won’t do it this time. However, it is a very +good thing that our emperor—God bless him—is a very good friend of +your father. <span style="white-space: nowrap;">Otherwise——”</span></p> + +<p>He broke off and shrugged his shoulders significantly, then continued:</p> + +<p>“Then no doubt that big gray dog I stumbled over outside—and which +almost bit me—is the property of your prisoners.”</p> + +<p>Hal stepped forward and saluted.</p> + +<p>“He is, sir,” he said.</p> + +<p>The old general eyed the lad for some minutes <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span>in silence. Hal bore +the scrutiny without flinching. Then the general turned to Chester and +repeated the process. Chester also met his gaze squarely.</p> + +<p>“Humph!” ejaculated the German commander; then turned suddenly to his +son.</p> + +<p>“When you have introduced us,” he said, “we shall all go in and have +something to eat!”</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXII" id="CHAPTER_XXXII"></a>CHAPTER XXXII.</h2> + +<h3>A PIECE OF PAPER.</h3> + +<p>Upon the two following days Hal and Chester, in company with the young +German lieutenant, viewed the sights in the German capital. Instead of +the peaceful, pleasure-loving city of their vacation, it now bore +naught but signs of war.</p> + +<p>Officers in automobiles, afoot and on horseback, were rushing hither +and thither continually. Troops were moving through the streets of the +city upon every hand—some preparing to entrain for the west, and some +for the east, where even now it was known that the great hordes of the +Czar of all the Russias were approaching as fast as their vast numbers +would permit.</p> + +<p>It was indeed a scene to delight a war-like eye, and it was not lost +upon the two lads.</p> + +<p>“It’s going to be an awful job to lick these fellows,” Chester +confided to Hal, as they strolled about one afternoon.</p> + +<p>“There is no question about that,” was Hal’s reply. “Still, it has to +be done.”</p> + +<p>“And will be done eventually,” declared Chester grimly. “The trouble +is that we are not likely to see it done.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span></p><p>“Don’t lose heart,” said Hal. “Something may turn up. You never can +tell.”</p> + +<p>And something did turn up, though it was nothing the lads could +possibly have anticipated. As they walked down the street a squad of +German soldiers approached, in their center a man in civilian clothes. +Lieutenant Strauss and the boys approached them.</p> + +<p>As the three neared, the officer in command of the squad called a +halt.</p> + +<p>“What have we here?” asked Lieutenant Strauss.</p> + +<p>“A spy, sir,” was the reply.</p> + +<p>“Where was he found?”</p> + +<p>“About thirty miles west of the city.”</p> + +<p>“How does he account for his presence there?”</p> + +<p>“He has not had much to say,” replied the officer, “but he did tell me +that he fell from an aëroplane.”</p> + +<p>“Does he deny being a spy?”</p> + +<p>“He does, sir.”</p> + +<p>“Then how does he account for the fact that he wears no uniform?”</p> + +<p>“He doesn’t account for it at all, sir. He refuses to say anything on +that score.”</p> + +<p>Hal and Chester, during this conversation, had drawn as close to the +prisoner as the armed guard would permit.</p> + +<p>“Looks like an Englishman,” said Hal.</p> + +<p>“That’s what he is, all right,” declared Chester.</p> + +<p>The prisoner looked up suddenly at hearing these <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</a></span>words, spoken in +English. Then, with a sudden movement, he shook off his guards, and, +apparently in a dash for freedom, sprang toward Hal and Chester.</p> + +<p>Taken by surprise, the boys leaped back, but not before Chester, +throwing up one hand to ward off what he believed was an attack, felt +a little piece of paper slipped into his hand.</p> + +<p>In spite of his surprise, his fingers closed over it involuntarily; +and, at the same instant, the man grappled with him. As they +struggled, the lad was surprised to hear his opponent whisper:</p> + +<p>“Don’t lose it. It must reach Grand Duke Nicholas at all costs, and at +once. Much depends upon it.”</p> + +<p>Then the prisoner grew weak in the lad’s grasp, and Chester realized +what was expected of him.</p> + +<p>“I’ve got him,” he cried, and, throwing the man to the ground, fell on +top of him.</p> + +<p>The guards lifted the two to their feet, and once more the prisoner +was closely surrounded. Lieutenant Strauss now signified that he +desired no further information and the squad of soldiers marched away, +the prisoner meantime hurling epithets at the two lads.</p> + +<p>“A nice pair of Englishmen you are,” he cried. “Traitors, that’s what +you are. If you hadn’t stopped me I would have got away.”</p> + +<p>“Never mind him,” said Lieutenant Strauss. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span>“He’s naturally angry at +being foiled in his attempt to escape.”</p> + +<p>Chester, the little piece of paper still clutched in his right hand, +was now impatient to be where he could read it, and for that reason +pleaded fatigue. Stealing a moment when the lieutenant’s attention was +directed elsewhere, he slipped the paper into his pocket, as he feared +that, upon close scrutiny, the lieutenant might see that he was +concealing something in his hand.</p> + +<p>Alone in their own room, before Chester could speak, Hal said:</p> + +<p>“What on earth did you want to interfere with the prisoner for? He +might have got away if it hadn’t been for you. No wonder he called us +traitors.”</p> + +<p>Chester only smiled for answer, put his hand in his pocket, and pulled +forth the little piece of paper. Holding it up where Hal could see it, +he said:</p> + +<p>“I didn’t know you were fooled, too. I thought you would surely know +that there was something up.”</p> + +<p>“Something up!” exclaimed Hal. “What do you mean?”</p> + +<p>“Why, simply that the prisoner’s attempt to escape was a ruse.”</p> + +<p>“A ruse?”</p> + +<p>“Exactly. That’s why he jumped toward us. Do you see now?”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span></p><p>“No,” replied Hal, losing his temper, “I don’t. Quit beating around +the bush. If you have anything to tell me, do it.”</p> + +<p>“Well, then,” said Chester, “you see this piece of paper?”</p> + +<p>“Yes.”</p> + +<p>“Well, the prisoner made his attempt to escape for the sole purpose of +handing this to one of us. I happened to be closer to him than you +were. That’s why I got it.”</p> + +<p>“You mean——” began Hal.</p> + +<p>“Exactly,” Chester interrupted. “Now, let’s see what it says.”</p> + +<p>Both lads bent over the paper.</p> + +<p>“It’s written so finely I can hardly make it out,” said Chester, after +looking over the paper.</p> + +<p>“Bring it over to the window,” replied Hal. “Under a strong light we +may be able to read it.”</p> + +<p>Again both lads bent over the little piece of paper. This is what they +read:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>“For the success of military operations in the western +theater of war, it is essential that the Russian campaign be +pushed with immediate vigor, particularly in the north. +Knowing that we are all working in sympathy and accord, +without awaiting an answer, I take it for granted that this +suggestion will be acted upon.”</p></div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</a></span></p><p>“No address and no signature,” said Hal. “What’s it all about?”</p> + +<p>Chester bent closer over the paper.</p> + +<p>“What’s this at the bottom?” he said.</p> + +<p>Hal looked again.</p> + +<p>“Some kind of a seal, it looks like to me,” he said, after a careful +scrutiny. “By Jove, I have it! It’s a secret sign, that’s what it is. +The man for whom this is meant will undoubtedly recognize it.”</p> + +<p>“I believe you have hit it,” exclaimed Chester.</p> + +<p>“But how are we to know for whom it is intended?” said Hal. “It +carries no address.”</p> + +<p>“It is intended for Grand Duke Nicholas, commander-in-chief of the +Russian armies,” replied Chester.</p> + +<p>“How do you know that?”</p> + +<p>“When I was wrestling with the prisoner he told me so,” was Chester’s +reply.</p> + +<p>“Well, then,” said Hal, “we know for whom it is intended, but what did +the man give it to you for?”</p> + +<p>“Well, he said that it must be delivered at all costs.”</p> + +<p>“I hope he didn’t expect us to deliver it.”</p> + +<p>“I guess he did though, or to see that it went on its way.”</p> + +<p>“Yes; and how are we going to do it? Can you figure that out?”</p> + +<p>“No,” said Chester, “I can’t. But something has got to be done. I +imagine that General French and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</a></span>General Joffre figured that it would +be delivered without fail. Either the messenger did not take the route +as commanded, or it was believed safe for him to go by air in a sudden +dash.”</p> + +<p>“Well, I can’t see that that part makes any difference. The question +now is, what are we going to do with it?”</p> + +<p>“Yes,” replied Chester; “that’s the question.”</p> + +<p>For a long while the boys sat and talked over this strange episode, +each suggesting plans and then discarding them as unwise.</p> + +<p>Suddenly Chester sprang to his feet with an exclamation.</p> + +<p>“What is it?” asked Hal eagerly.</p> + +<p>“We’ll take it ourselves!” he exclaimed.</p> + +<p>“We will, eh?” said Hal incredulously. “Would you mind telling me +how?”</p> + +<p>“I won’t tell you anything,” was Chester’s reply. “But are you willing +to do as I say?”</p> + +<p>“Yes,” replied Hal, after some consideration.</p> + +<p>“Good! Then, with luck we shall put this paper in the hands of Grand +Duke Nicholas!”</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXXIII"></a>CHAPTER XXXIII.</h2> + +<h3>TAKING A CHANCE.</h3> + +<p>“The first thing to do,” said Chester, “is to appropriate two of +Lieutenant Strauss’s uniforms. That’s your job.”</p> + +<p>“That’s right—pick out the easy work for me,” replied Hal +sarcastically. “How do you figure I’m going to get ’em?”</p> + +<p>“I don’t know,” said Chester. “That’s up to you. My job, and a much +harder one, it seems to me, is to appropriate one of the general’s big +maps, so that if we do succeed in getting out of Berlin, we shall know +where we are going.”</p> + +<p>“I take back what I said,” exclaimed Hal. “I’ll try to get those +uniforms.”</p> + +<p>“Trying is not enough,” said Chester. “You’ve got to get ’em!”</p> + +<p>“All right, then,” replied Hal, “I’ll get ’em!”</p> + +<p>Since the two lads had been guests, or prisoners, in the Strauss home, +a detail of soldiers had been stationed around the house, with orders +not to let either of the lads pass unless accompanied by either the +lieutenant or the general. The boys had been given the freedom of the +house. The lieutenant had <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</a></span>demurred at the placing of a guard around +the house, saying that there was not the slightest chance of the boys +escaping, anyhow, but the general had held out on that point, +remarking:</p> + +<p>“I know these Americans better than you do. They’re slippery. You have +to watch them closely, or they will slip between your very fingers.”</p> + +<p>Choosing a moment when the lieutenant had left the house, Hal slipped +unobserved into his room. He knew the uniforms hung in a closet.</p> + +<p>He approached and tried the knob. The door was locked.</p> + +<p>“It’s up to me to see if I can’t pick that lock,” he told himself, and +set to work with what improvised little tools he could bring from his +pocket.</p> + +<p>In vain he worked. He could not pick the lock. He stepped back and +viewed the door, meantime keeping his ear cocked for sound of +footsteps from without. Then an idea struck him.</p> + +<p>Using his knife as a screwdriver, he removed the hinges from the door. +A moment later he was inside the closet. Quickly selecting two of the +lieutenant’s uniforms, he laid them on a chair, and hurriedly put back +the door and tightened the bolts.</p> + +<p>Then, holding the uniforms behind him, he made his way back to his own +room, where he threw the uniforms under the bed. Chester was not +there.</p> + +<p>“Hope he has things as easy as I did,” said Hal <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</a></span>to himself, and sat +down to await his friend’s return.</p> + +<p>When Chester entered the general’s private room, which he found +unlocked, he went straight to the general’s desk. He knew that maps +and valuable papers were kept there, because the general had once +referred to them as being there while at supper.</p> + +<p>The desk was locked, but this did not disconcert the lad, for he had +expected it would be. Drawing a small buttonhook that he always +carried from his pocket, he inserted it in the keyhole. After several +unsuccessful attempts the lock finally turned, and Chester quietly +threw up the top.</p> + +<p>Walking to the door and making sure that no one was near, the lad +returned to the desk. Quickly he looked over the assortment of papers, +and at length a smile lighted up his face. Evidently he had found what +he was in search of, for he quickly thrust a paper in his pocket.</p> + +<p>He did not leave at once, but continued to rifle the contents of the +general’s desk. Finally he appropriated several more documents, which +he also thrust into his pocket.</p> + +<p>There was the sound of a door slammed on the floor below. Quickly the +lad closed the desk, and, walking softly to the door, peered out. +There was no one in sight. Closing the door quietly behind him, +Chester walked rapidly down the hall to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</a></span>his own room, where Hal was +waiting for his return.</p> + +<p>“Did you get it?” asked Hal, as Chester entered the room and closed +the door behind him.</p> + +<p>“Yes,” replied Chester; “and you?”</p> + +<p>“They are under the bed,” said Hal, with a grin. “I believe I would +make a first-class burglar.”</p> + +<p>“And I,” agreed Chester. “However, ‘All’s fair in love and war,’ you +know.”</p> + +<p>“I am glad I do know it,” said Hal. “Otherwise I wouldn’t think much +of myself now.”</p> + +<p>“We had better hide these things,” said Chester. “Their loss might be +discovered and a search made.”</p> + +<p>“Where shall we put them?”</p> + +<p>Chester glanced around the room. He walked to the closet and opened +the door. Peering in, he found, just above the top shelf, a small +opening, apparently not meant for use, as it was too close to the +ceiling.</p> + +<p>“Put ’em in here,” he said, and, withdrawing the papers from his +pocket, he suited the action to the word.</p> + +<p>Hal now brought the uniforms out from under the bed, and, by dint of +hard squeezing, also finally succeeded in secreting them. The dark +cloth made the hiding-place look like nothing more than a hole.</p> + +<p>“All we need now are swords and pistols,” said Chester.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</a></span></p><p>“Pistols,” agreed Hal. “I don’t know that we need swords.”</p> + +<p>“You don’t,” said Chester, in contempt. “We would make a couple of +fine-looking officers, strutting around without swords, wouldn’t we?”</p> + +<p>“You’re right,” Hal agreed, somewhat sheepishly. “Where are we going +to get them?”</p> + +<p>“The general always leaves his sword and revolvers on the table in the +hall before retiring,” said Chester. “Then I noticed another pair of +swords hanging on the wall there. Also the lieutenant invariably +leaves his weapons on the parlor table. Careless, I say, but lucky for +us.”</p> + +<p>Chester’s thoughtfulness in hiding the articles they had appropriated +stood them in good stead, as it turned out that evening. General +Strauss, upon his arrival home, went straight to his private office, +saying that he would be in to dinner in a few moments.</p> + +<p>Accordingly the others went in and sat down at the table without +waiting for him. A moment later the old general came storming into the +room.</p> + +<p>“My maps!” he cried. “My maps! Has anyone seen my maps?”</p> + +<p>The lieutenant jumped to his feet.</p> + +<p>“Have you lost them, sir?” he asked.</p> + +<p>“Lost ’em? Lost ’em? Do you think I would ask for them if I knew where +they were?”</p> + +<p>“Perhaps you left them at headquarters, sir.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</a></span></p><p>“No, I didn’t leave ’em at headquarters,” raged the general. “Someone +has stolen them!”</p> + +<p>“Stolen, sir? Why, there has been no one in the house, and you know +that none could have entered without the guard on the outside seeing +them.”</p> + +<p>“I tell you they have been stolen!” cried the general. “I want the +house searched at once—every room in it, sir, yes, and the room of +these two Americans also.”</p> + +<p>“Father!” admonished the lieutenant. “Surely you are not accusing +them?”</p> + +<p>“I am not accusing anybody, sir, but I want this house searched. Must +I call for outside help, or will you help me, sir?”</p> + +<p>“I’ll help, sir,” replied the lieutenant quietly. To the lads he said +softly: “Never mind him. He is always irritable when he misplaces +something.”</p> + +<p>The old general’s sharp ears caught this remark.</p> + +<p>“Irritable, am I?” he cried. “Well, maybe I am, but I don’t need to +have my own son apologize for my actions. If I have done anything that +demands an apology I’ll apologize myself.”</p> + +<p>Lieutenant Strauss shrugged his shoulders, as he said:</p> + +<p>“I’ll search the second floor, sir. Will you take the first?”</p> + +<p>“Yes,” snapped the general, “and see that you make a thorough job of +it.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</a></span></p><p>At this juncture Chester rose to his feet.</p> + +<p>“If you think we have your papers, sir,” he said quietly, “we are +willing to submit to a search.”</p> + +<p>“And searched you shall be,” said the general. He turned to his son. +“Search them!”</p> + +<p>The lieutenant protested, but to no avail. The lads submitted to the +search in silence.</p> + +<p>“They have nothing, sir,” said the lieutenant.</p> + +<p>“Then search the second floor,” commanded the general.</p> + +<p>An hour later the lieutenant came downstairs, and a few moments later +the old gentleman, now considerably cooled off, also returned.</p> + +<p>“I found nothing, sir,” reported the lieutenant.</p> + +<p>“Nor I,” said the general slowly. “Can it be I was mistaken? Perhaps, +after all, I did leave the maps at headquarters.” He turned to Hal and +Chester. “I hope you will pardon me for my outburst,” he said gravely, +“but I am easily excited.”</p> + +<p>“Say no more about it, sir,” replied both lads together, but to each +came the same thought:</p> + +<p>“We are in luck.”</p> + +<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXXIV"></a>CHAPTER XXXIV.</h2> + +<h3>SAFE AGAIN.</h3> + +<p>Dinner over and the old general having left the house, Lieutenant +Strauss said to the boys:</p> + +<p>“There is still some amusement in Berlin, in spite of the war. Would +you care to accompany me to the play to-night?”</p> + +<p>Both lads, knowing that this would be as good an opportunity as they +could expect for making their escape, pleaded that they were too +tired.</p> + +<p>“Some other evening, if that will do as well,” said Chester.</p> + +<p>“Oh, all right, whatever you say,” replied the lieutenant. “I hope +there are no hard feelings—that you will overlook my father’s show of +temper?”</p> + +<p>“Of course,” said Hal. “Anyone would have done the same under the +circumstances.”</p> + +<p>After a few further words the lieutenant departed, and the lads, +bidding his mother good night, and announcing their intention of +retiring early, made their way to their room.</p> + +<p>There their air of leisure gave way to haste.</p> + +<p>“We’ll have to hurry,” said Hal. “The general will fail to find his +maps at headquarters, and will be back here in two shakes of a lamb’s +tail.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</a></span></p><p>Quickly the lads threw on the young lieutenant’s uniforms, and Chester +placed the maps in his pocket.</p> + +<p>“We will have to go without revolvers,” said Chester, “for we +certainly can’t afford to wait until the general and lieutenant come +home.”</p> + +<p>“I should say not,” Hal agreed. “The sooner we get out of here now the +better, providing we can get out.”</p> + +<p>Quickly, but silently, the boys made their way from the room and +descended the stairs. Stepping lightly upon a chair, Hal secured the +two swords, suspended in their scabbards with a pair of army belts, +and, leaping lightly down, passed one to Chester.</p> + +<p>Quickly the lads strapped the swords around them and quietly they +opened the front door and closed it softly behind them. Then, with a +swaggering air, they descended the front steps, to bump squarely into +one of the guards.</p> + +<p>The guard drew back respectfully and saluted.</p> + +<p>“I beg your pardon, sir,” he said, addressing Chester. “I saw you go +out once before, but I didn’t see you return.”</p> + +<p>“You must be more careful,” said Chester, imitating the lieutenant’s +voice. “My friend and I came in a few moments ago and I didn’t see you +anywhere.”</p> + +<p>“But I was right here, sir, or at least, only a few steps away,” +protested the soldier.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</a></span></p><p>“Well, I’ll pass over it this time,” said Chester, “but don’t let it +happen again. The prisoners might escape.”</p> + +<p>“Thank you, sir,” replied the soldier, saluting again. “But the +prisoners will not escape while I am on guard. Never fear, sir.”</p> + +<p>The lads bade the soldier good night and walked slowly away. Once +around the first corner, however, they increased their pace, and soon +had put considerable distance between them and the Strauss home, +where, even now, the old general, having failed to find his maps at +headquarters, was again raging about, swearing that his documents had +been stolen.</p> + +<p>Walking into a quiet little shop, Chester purchased two revolvers. +Also, while there, he withdrew the map from his pocket and studied it +carefully.</p> + +<p>“I want to impress this firmly on my mind,” he said to Hal, “for we +may not have a chance to look at it again for some time.”</p> + +<p>Hal also bent over and studied the map carefully. A few moments later +they left the store, each feeling more secure because of the +ugly-looking Colt each carried in his pocket.</p> + +<p>As the boys walked along one of the dark streets, they became aware of +the soft pat-pat of steps behind them, coming swiftly. They turned to +face <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</a></span>whatever danger threatened, and then Hal suddenly broke into a +laugh.</p> + +<p>“Marquis!” he cried aloud.</p> + +<p>Sure enough, it was their four-footed friend. He came running up to +the boys, wagging his tail happily at being with them once again, but +with reproach in his eyes at having been left behind.</p> + +<p>“Good old Marquis,” said Chester, patting his head. “You didn’t want +to be left behind among all these Germans, did you?”</p> + +<p>Marquis wagged his tail fiercely.</p> + +<p>“What are we going to do with him?” asked Hal. “Won’t he be in the +way?”</p> + +<p>“No, I don’t think so,” replied Chester. “Not if the plan I have in +mind works.”</p> + +<p>“What is your plan?”</p> + +<p>“You’ll know soon enough,” said Chester calmly. “Come on.”</p> + +<p>For two hours the lads walked along, gradually drawing out of the city +at the eastern extremity. They passed many German officers as they +walked along, but were not molested nor even challenged.</p> + +<p>Finally, beyond the city, Chester increased his pace and the two boys +and the dog hurried on. At length they came to a large building.</p> + +<p>“I thought I was right,” said Chester to himself. “But I was beginning +to doubt it.”</p> + +<p>“What is it?” demanded Hal. “What is that building?”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</a></span></p><p>“That,” said Chester calmly, “is an aëroplane station. We shall now go +in and get one.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, we will, eh? And I suppose they give one to every strange officer +who happens along?”</p> + +<p>“No, they don’t,” said Chester. “But, among other things in General +Strauss’s desk, I found several orders upon this place, each one +calling upon the commandant to furnish bearer with one plane.”</p> + +<p>“Why didn’t you tell me before?” demanded Hal.</p> + +<p>“I wanted to save it as a surprise,” said Chester.</p> + +<p>As they approached nearer, it became apparent that the structure was a +long, low shed. A hundred yards away, they were challenged by a +sentry.</p> + +<p>“I have an order for the commandant,” called Chester.</p> + +<p>“Approach,” said the sentry.</p> + +<p>A moment later, the commandant, being summoned by the sentry, arrived.</p> + +<p>“What can I do for you, gentlemen?” he asked.</p> + +<p>Without a word, Chester pulled one of the orders he had appropriated +from General Strauss’s desk from his pocket and passed it to the +commandant. The latter glanced at it quickly, and then bowed.</p> + +<p>“You shall have the machine in five minutes,” he said, and left them.</p> + +<p>True to his word, five minutes later a large-winged biplane stood +before them.</p> + +<p>“You will have to run this thing,” Chester whispered to Hal.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[Pg 249]</a></span></p><p>“Well, it won’t be the first time,” Hal whispered back.</p> + +<p>Hal took the aviator’s seat and Chester also took his place. Then the +latter whistled to Marquis, who came bounding up and sprang in and sat +down calmly between Chester’s feet.</p> + +<p>“Surely you are not going to take that dog,” protested the commandant.</p> + +<p>“Yes,” said Chester. “He is one of the dispatch dogs taken from the +French. We are going to make use of him with a false dispatch.”</p> + +<p>“I see,” exclaimed the commandant. “A good idea.”</p> + +<p>“Isn’t it?” said Chester.</p> + +<p>“All ready?” demanded the commandant of Hal.</p> + +<p>“All ready,” was the lad’s reply.</p> + +<p>“Let her go, then,” the commandant ordered the two men who had +appeared to give the aëroplane a start.</p> + +<p>A moment later and the machine was speeding along the ground.</p> + +<p>“Good luck,” called the commandant.</p> + +<p>Chester waved his hand in reply.</p> + +<p>Now Hal touched the elevating lever, and the aëroplane left the +ground, and, soaring high in the air, sped on its way.</p> + +<p>“Which way, Chester?” Hal called back over his shoulder.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[Pg 250]</a></span></p><p>“Due east,” replied Chester, “but first rise as high as you can.”</p> + +<p>Hal obeyed this command, and soon the two boys and a dog were +thousands of feet above the earth.</p> + +<p>“What’s your altitude?” called Chester.</p> + +<p>Hal told him.</p> + +<p>“Good!” said Chester. “Keep her there, and now head due east.”</p> + +<p>Quickly Hal brought the big aircraft about, and pointed her nose in a +direction that eventually, barring accidents and the misfortunes of +war, would land them in the heart of Poland, where the mighty armies +of Russia were rushing upon the German legions.</p> + +<p>“I know we shall get through safely,” called Chester, as they sped +along. “Some way I feel it.”</p> + +<p>“And so do I,” Hal called back.</p> + +<p>They were right, and before another night had fallen these two young +American boys placed in the hands of the Grand Duke Nicholas, +commander-in-chief of the mighty hordes of the Czar, the paper which +had so strangely fallen into their hands—the paper which, later on, +brought about more than one serious check to German arms.</p> + +<p>But here ends the story of the Boy Allies along the Marne. Their +further adventures will be told in a succeeding volume, entitled, <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/etext/30951">“The +Boy Allies With the Cossacks; or a Wild Dash Over the Carpathian +Mountains.”</a></p> + +<hr class="large" /> + +<h3><span class="smcap">Transcriber’s Notes:</span></h3> + +<p>1. Minor changes have been made to correct typesetters’ errors; otherwise +every effort has been made to remain true to the author’s words and +intent.</p> + +<p>2. The original of this book did not have a Table of Contents; one has been +added for the reader’s convenience.</p> + +<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 12870 ***</div> +</body> +</html> diff --git a/12870-h/images/ititle.jpg b/12870-h/images/ititle.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..7595e12 --- /dev/null +++ b/12870-h/images/ititle.jpg |
